[BillyIdaho]

Not sure whether the local troops here that are activated are changing their tune (never met a Democrat/Green in Idaho military 'sept me), but it would be interesting to see a study done on the deployed NG and Res. soldiers. In case you didn't know, Idaho is the most politically lopsided state in the Union, dominated by Repubs. Will some change their tune now that some ( or their families, employers, etc.) might see their self interest in voting for the candidate that (perceptually) would bring them home the soonest?

One question I had about NG and Res. deployment was this: Are the troops being deployed from staunchly Republican/Democrat bastions where they may be less likely to become "swing" voters? For instance, are a higher percentage of units being deployed from places like Idaho vs. a "battleground" state like Florida or PA?
That seems like it would be solid political strategy.
No idea if it is the case. I can say the Idaho NG just sent it's largest Brigade in it's inventory just recently to Iraq (they enter the country in Nov after training at Ft. Bliss, where they ar now.). Be interesting to see Pelican's from the "battleground" states chime in, or someone do research as to whether these states are sending units.