McCain strategist: Virginia no longer GOP stronghold

By GottaLaff

GObama!

A top strategist for Sen. John McCain's campaign said Thursday that the presidential contest in Virginia will "undoubtedly be close" this fall and acknowledged that the state should no longer be considered a Republican stronghold.

The comments by Mike DuHaime, McCain's political director, represent a significant shift in the GOP's thinking and are the latest signal that Virginia is emerging as a state that could make or break McCain's chances to defeat Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Make 'em work, Obama. Then beat 'em.