The "Palin Factor" in California

Unfortunately, even Sarah Palin probably can't put California into the GOP column on Nov. 4th, but it's fun to think about it anyway, and if it causes the Dems some heartburn, all the better:

Post-convention swing state polls are tipping toward Sen. John McCain, the TV pundits are waxing about "The Palin Factor," and Sen. Barack Obama's California supporters are freaking out about a race Democrats were uncommonly confident about only a month ago.

Conversely, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's addition to the GOP ticket jolted Northern California Republicans out of what one described as their "Underground Railroad" existence in one of the nation's most liberal regions. Ever since her speech to the Republican National Convention on Sept. 3, party officials say volunteers have been contacting California GOP offices in numbers unseen since Ronald Reagan was on the ballot for the White House.

Despite generating all this fear and enthusiasm, the Palin Factor hasn't changed the race in California. Obama beats McCain 52 percent to 36 percent in a Field Poll released last week, and neither campaign is broadcasting ads in the state's expensive television markets. On Thursday, Palin canceled her rally and fundraising visit to the state planned for this week.

I do think that more Republicans in California will be more willing to trek to the polls than they would have been otherwise, and that will help with some of the local races and ballot initiatives. That's probably what has the Dems the most worried.

I have to be honest, before Palin came along I was going to protest the McCain nomination by writing my own name in for president. Now, I'm voting for Palin. The fact that McCain's name is on there too is irrelevant.