Paul Zannucci | The Importance of Clinton to Republican Hopes

At one time, Hillary Clinton had an enormous, double digit lead in Pennsylvania. This was prior to Obama paying much attention to the state. In fact, "paying" is the optimal word. In the month of March, Obama spent over $30 million on his campaign (not all in PA). Now the Real Clear Politics average shows Clinton up by only 6%. A win by anything less would be a national disaster.

Popular talking head opinion has been that if Hillary wins by less than 6% or so that she will be pressured to drop out of the race. Whether she actually would drop out or not is debatable and might depend on exactly how close the election ends up, but it is essential that she stay in the race and keep Obama spending that money.

After spending $30 million in March, you would think he would be about broke, but he actually raised $41 million in March (McCain raised about $15 million). One can only imagine how much money he would have to fire commercials at a gullible American audience if he didn't have to contend with Hillary.

There is almost no chance of a Clinton overall primary win (minus shady backroom deals). The way the delegates are divided simply hurts her too much. Even winning 10% more PA delegates than Obama puts her in a near hopeless situation. The race has gone too far and the next two states don't look very good for her. She is being hammered in North Carolina and is barely ahead in Indiana.

Which makes you wonder what she is thinking. Do the Clintons have something up their sleeves? I hope so.