W.Va. to figure in the 2008 mix?

West Virginia earns equal billing with Arkansas in a lengthy article on The Politico on their roles as traditionally blue states that went red in the last two presidential elections, and what that may mean in 2008.

Gov. Joe Manchin was among those interviewed for the story. Reflecting some of the recent speculation on his plans for, '08, the article includes this tidbit:

"Manchin said he has already heard from numerous Democratic presidential candidates, including Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois (Obama spoke at the state party's 2006 Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner). Manchin said he is already on friendly terms with fellow New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson."

The Politico was launched last month "with the mission of covering the politics of Capitol Hill and of the presidential campaign, and the business of Washington lobbying and advocacy with enterprise, style, and impact."