What Does it Take to Win Statewide in the Previous Poster's State?

[Free Bird]

Every state has different dynamics, and a successful, popular candidate in one State may be crushed in the neighboring one. I was curious what Atlas thinks it takes to win in the different States with their varying political settings. For example, in Maine, a good candidate will typically not be too far out on the spectrum, urge bipartisanship, and has enough positions that cater to both sides to attract voters from both parties AND the ever-important independent vote.

[hurricanehink]

Alternatively, if it was a bleeding heart liberal vs a pro-choice moderate GOP type, the Democrats could win by running the tables in Portland and the 1st congressional district. Oddly, this could result in a loss in the 2nd congressional district (which could happen this year).

[Tartarus Sauce]

Either go liberal or be a gruff asshole, or both. Either way, pretend Camden doesn't exist.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

As a Republican: Be named Mike Castle.
As a Democrat: Acknowledge that the state exists.

[LLR]

As a Democrat: drive up turnout in the DC area

As a Republican: capitalize on the rural/Appalachian base

NOTE: I am from NY, not Alaska

[Zioneer]

As a Democrat: drive up turnout in the DC area

As a Republican: capitalize on the rural/Appalachian base

NOTE: I am from NY, not Alaska

For NY...

Democrat: Be a Democrat without a sex scandal or ridiculously obvious corruption scandal.

Republican: Be a Republican in an era where Republicans can actually win, or in modern times be the best candidate ever while your Democratic opponent has a bunch of scandals.

[Wells]

Be a Mormon. If not, at least be a Christian. Also, don't be Clinton or Trump.

[publicunofficial]

Be a semi-competent Democrat who has either no corruption scandals or has successfully buried them.

[Doimper]

Be a semi-competent Democrat who has either no corruption scandals or has successfully buried them.

[Since I'm the mad scientist proclaimed by myself]

Be a semi-competent Democrat who has either no corruption scandals or has successfully buried them.

Democrat: Ditto

Republican: Run in wave year against heavily damaged opponent.

[Mr. Smith]

Democratic: Make crazy alliance with the Reservation population, Latinos, and College kids from Tucson...and take a centrist stance

GOP: Either go full-on Apraio or full-on Goldwater, and drive turnout in Maricopa County.

[This account no longer in use.]

Be a Democrat.

[heatcharger]

For a Republican: Apparently just don't be grossly incompetent, talk about countering the Democratic legislature, and be a bit liberal on education, health care, and public transportation.

For a Democrat: Don't be Martha Coakley, who must be the only Dem to lose a statewide election since 2002.

[The Arizonan]

Republican: Don't use the word "macaca" when running and you better hope that your opponent is a poor candidate.

Democrat: Drive up turnout in northern Virginia, the Richmond area, and the Democratic parts of Hampton Roads (Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Newport News). Also, get the ex-felons registered to vote since Governor Terry McAuliffe rightfully restored their voting rights (I'm not being sarcastic).

[Bojack Horseman]

Republican: Have an R next to your name
Democratic: Run in a wave year