Much like in previous elections, the state of Pennsylvania's 21 electoral votes were projected by many to be leaning toward the Democratic Party. Barack Obama held a significant lead in pre-election polls, four to 14 percentage points, over Republican nominee John McCain.RealClearPolitics: Pennsylvania: McCain vs. Obama

Although Barack Obama consistently held a lead over John McCain in Pennsylvania since May of 2008, both campaigns were still heavily campaigning in the state in the last days of the election. McCain's running mate Sarah Palin and Obama's running mate Joe Biden each spoke in Pennsylvania on October 30, 2008. McCain and Palin hoped to gain ground in the state, despite the fact that Democrats have won Pennsylvania each election since 1988.CBS News: McCain Forced To Gamble On Pennsylvania

• Attorney General:
  • Incumbent: Tom Corbett (R) - winner
  • Challenger: John Morganelli (D)
  • Challenger: Marakay Rogers (L)
• Auditor General:
  • Incumbent: Jack Wagner (D) - winner
  • Challenger: Chet Beiler (R)
  • Challenger: Betsy Summers (L)
• State Treasurer:
  • Candidate: Robert McCord (D) - winner
  • Candidate: Tom Ellis (R)
  • Candidate: Berlie Etzel (L)
• Numerous Congressional, state senate and local official races
• Ballot initiative to provide $400 million to municipalities and public utilities for sewer and water improvements - passed

1. 2004: John Kerry
2. 2000: Al Gore
3. 1996: Bill Clinton
4. 1992: Bill Clinton

• Wall Street Journal: Exit Polls: Voters Not Better Off Than They Were Four Years Ago (November 4, 2008)

• CNN: Economy most important issue, polls show (November 4, 2008)

• MSNBC: Pennsylvania Exit Polls

• RealClearPolitics: Pennsylvania: McCain vs. Obama

• Pollster.com: 2008 Pennsylvania Presidential General Election

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• {{:Pennsylvania Election Results}}