Talking Points: Author Says Only 10 States Matter In A Presidential Race
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It may seem a little early, but this past week has seen an awful lot of activity in presidential politics.
Yet, a book to be published later this year says that Minnesotans once again shouldn't expect much attention from those seeking the presidency.
Thirteen Republicans hopefuls -- including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Donald Trump -- visited New Hampshire this weekend.
Meanwhile, the sole declared Democrat, Hilary Rodham Clinton, met with small groups of Iowa voters.
New Hampshire and Iowa always get lots of visits from the contenders. They have early contests, and just as importantly, they are considered swing states.
A book in the works argues when it comes to presidential politics for the past three decades, every contest has come down to only 10 states.
They are Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin and North Carolina.
Those states are all considered swing states, because they have swung between Republican and Democratic presidential contenders.
All the other states predictably go for just one party.
"It's a consequence of the Electoral College, winner takes all," said professor David Schultz, the book's author. "We have 10 states...places that perennially seem to be the focus of all the activity."
Schultz, of Hamline University, says Minnesota is definitely not a swing state.
It's voted for every Democratic presidential candidate since 1972.
Schultz's book will out by early next year.
To see the full interview with professor David Schultz, watch the video above.