BOSTON (October 7, 2008) – With just four weeks left before the 2008 presidential election, every type of poll and prediction meter is being employed to guess how the country’s so-called “swing states” will vote. The travel experts at Cheapflights.com have an offbeat barometer for setting the odds on next month’s outcome: the airports in these key 11 states… which point to Barack Obama as the next U.S. president.
“Operating under the assumption that a state’s major airport is a microcosm or reflection of its voting population, there are tons of clues in airports such as entertainment choices, children’s activities, cultural exhibits or historical significance, that lead us to a strong prediction on which way that state will vote,” said Carl Schwartz, chief travel officer for Cheapflights.com. “Our travel and airport experts have culled the best information from the major airports in the swing states and predict that Barack Obama will stand in the winner’s circle in four weeks.”
According to Cheapflights.com’s methodology, here are the 11 states whose top airports indicate a preference for one candidate or the other:
STATES LEANING REPUBLICAN
• Florida
Orlando International Airport and the city of Orlando is a beacon to the young and the old with theme parks galore and warm weather for the elderly “snowbirds.” Both groups find something appealing at Orlando International – be it the 3,000-gallon salt water fish tank in the food court or the abundance of disabled parking spots and bathrooms. Expect the Republican ticket to sway Florida’s electoral votes red on Election Day.
• Indiana
Best known for the famous Indy 500, the car racing spirit takes center stage at Indianapolis International Airport with the Indianapolis 500 Grill as well as an Indy 500 museum and apparel store. The McCains are proclaimed fans of “the greatest spectacle in racing,” and Indiana will raise the checkered flag for McCain this November.
• Missouri
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is deeply rooted in Republican values. President Theodore Roosevelt, a lifelong Republican and the first president to ride in an airplane, began his journey at STL. In addition, Col. Charles Lindbergh, often referred to as the original conservative, departed St. Louis for New York to begin his historic non-stop solo flight to Paris in May 1927. These are but a few reasons why the McCain camp has nothing to worry about in Missouri.
• Nevada
Whether it’s your final destination or a stopover on your way, the gambling begins when you hit the ground at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. A two-time chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, McCain has done more than any other member of Congress to shape the laws which govern the country’s casino operations. The Democratic Party will fold in the Silver State because McCain’s full house will prevail here on November 4.
• Virginia
Norfolk International’s longtime military support includes a USO/ASYMCA lounge for active-duty personnel and a military visitor information center. In addition, special discounts at shops and restaurants are available for service members. And because of his own personal military background, McCain is expected to woo enough Virginia voters to truly put the red in the red, white and blue.
STATES LEANING DEMOCRATIC
• Colorado
Because of Colorado’s “green” leanings, Cheapflights’ political pundits anticipate the state to go “blue” for the first time since Lyndon B. Johnson carried the state in 1964. Among the reasons why: a two megawatt solar photovoltaic energy system spans seven and a half acres at the Denver International Airport (DIA), generating more than three million kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually. Obama has outlined some clear positions on the future of environmental policy under his leadership that the Colorado electorate is bound to prefer.
• Michigan
For such a physically active candidate as Obama—his routine sometimes involves two workouts each day—it’s no wonder the state of Michigan will favor Democrats. Have a long layover and need to burn off some calories? The Westin Hotel, located inside the new McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) features traveler-designed Westin WORKOUT routines which provide the perfect way to keep in shape while on the road.
• New Hampshire
Although Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) says ‘tradition’ with its history as a military base and its Museum of Aviation, the city has changed over the last few years, heating up as an alternative airport for travelers from Boston—arguably one of the bluest cities in the nation. Recently, MHT has added free airport-wide Wi-Fi and a new cell phone waiting lot for picking up arriving passengers. For its technical upgrades, we’re calling this airport and state for Obama—the more computer-savvy candidate.
• New Mexico
In addition to its 113-piece permanent art collection, Albuquerque International Sunport also sports an exhibits program and performance series. In addition, Obama and his local supporters never have to worry about where to receive their daily dose of spirituality: the airport’s unique inter-religious chaplaincy program provides pastoral care for people on the move. Sunport chaplains are available either on the premises or through a 24/7 pager system. These factors plus the popularity of the state’s Democratic governor have Republicans singing the “blues” in the land of enchantment.
• Ohio
Ohio has voted with the winner in every election since John F. Kennedy took office in 1960. With gourmet food shops (Ciao Gourmet Market), fine dining (Wolfgang Puck) and microbrews available (Columbus Brewing Company), Port Columbus International Airport serves travelers with discerning palettes and should be a shoe-in for Obama, who has shown strength among these voters.
• Pennsylvania
Obama will add Pennsylvania’s electoral votes to his column. Similar to Albuquerque’s Sunport, Philadelphia International Airport is a true supporter of the arts with its 15 different art exhibits that are spread across six terminals. Also, travelers here have long embraced important social issues such as the fully ADA-compliant www.phl.org Web site.
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