Obama Wins New Mexico

By DEBORAH BAKER, Associated Press Writer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Democrat Barack Obama has won New Mexico, defeating John McCain in this swing state and picking up its five electoral votes.

Obama had a formidably financed and organized effort, with campaign offices and volunteers blanketing this battleground state – including in small and rural communities and in towns that were solidly GOP in 2004.

In 2004, New Mexico went for President Bush in 2004 by fewer than 6,000 votes, making it one of only two states that shifted from blue to red that year.

In 2000, Democrat Al Gore won the state – squeaking by with just 366 votes.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)