The most important state on Super Tuesday is Ohio, and The Hill’s campaign blog points out that it’s pretty similar to Michigan in terms of its demographic makeup and economic struggles.
That’s not to say it doesn’t have its own wrinkles, of course:
Romney should do well in greater Cleveland and Columbus, while Santorum should win heavily Catholic and conservative western Ohio along with the “Bible Belt” portion of the state in the Appalachian southeast. The real battle will play out in the exurban “collar counties” in the more rural and small-town center of the state.
“The swing area will be central Ohio,” said former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett.
An added wrinkle: Santorum failed to qualify for delegates for three congressional districts, including one in the Appalachian southeast. Ohio awards delegates on a district level and gives some to the candidate who won the state. Santorum is still on the statewide ballot, but this problem could cost him a few delegates.
The post has a pretty good rundown of all the other Super Tuesday festivities as well.
