My understanding is that Obama is trying to leverage the “enthusiasm gap” and his ability to outspend McCain to benefit Democrats in down-ballot races, even in states he is unlikely to win himself. Alaska has voted Republican in 11 of 12 presidential elections since statehood; polls show it is likely to do so again. But there is a competitive Senate race with incumbent Republican Ted Stevens below 50 percent and in some cases trailing his Democratic opponent. Congressman Don Young is trailing his likely Democratic opponent. Even if Sean Parnell beats Young in the Republican primary, polls suggest the race may still be competitive. Obama is hoping to boost Democratic turnout enough to push these challengers over the top, even if he falls short against McCain. I don’t know if it will work, but that seems to be the theory anyway.