**Liz Sidoti (AP Writer), learn to do your homework.**

[Infinite Hope]

WASHINGTON - Both parties count on victory in dozens of states that long have voted their way. The competition to reach the 270 electoral votes needed to win is expected to play out primarily in 14 states. All but one saw the greatest action in 2004. The exception is Virginia, a longtime Republican stronghold where Democrats have made inroads.

In 2004, Bush won 286 electoral votes to 251 for Kerry. This year's Democratic nominee must triumph in all the states Kerry won, and pick up 19 more votes to prevail — or come up with another game plan to reach the magic number. McCain, for his part, must fend off Democratic challenges to hang on to the GOP advantage.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080426/ap_on_el_pr/road_to270_3

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Think about it, Liz. Forget research, just use your common sense. Why does a candidate need 270 votes? Because 269 would be a tie. Add 269 and 269 and you get 538 total electoral votes. You said Bush had 286 and Kerry had 251. That's 537, not 538, so clearly your numbers are wrong. Where? Kerry had 252.

You clearly rushed through your article in the fashion of a hack, Liz. You were close, but as I always say close only counts in horse shoes, hand grenades, and presidential elections. Wait, Presidential elections? Maybe you close enough to count after all.

[Zynx]

1. Technically, she was right due to a faithless elector in Minnesota.

However, Kerry won states with 252 EVs.

[Infinite Hope]

2. What was the issue with the MN elector? (Official totals are still 252). n/t

[Zynx]

3. Actually, the way they were cast in the final count they voted for Edwards.

Apparently they were a moron. The official count in the Electoral College was 251 for Kerry even though he was legally entitled to the 252 since he should have gotten 10 in MN instead of 9.

[Infinite Hope]

4. Wow, just...wow. What was their explanation for voting for Edwards? n/t

[Zynx]

5. There was really no reason given. It appeared to be an accident, but it could

not be overturned.

[Alexander]

6. We can win with 269 EVs, because Democrats control Congress.

I hope Obama wins in a landslide, but if he gets 269 electoral votes and Congress votes him in, I won't be complaining.