The vast majority of Oregon's congressional delegation - 3 of 4 representatives and both senators - are Democrats. In 2008 President Barack Obama overwhelming won the state with 57% of the vote. Yet according to Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), when it comes to whether or not Mr. Obama will be re-elected, formerly true-blue Oregon is "very much in play".

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In an interview with Portland's KGW, Representative DeFazio lamented, "I've just done six town hall meetings, have seven to go but people are shaking their heads and saying 'I don't know if I'd vote for him again.'" Even worse for Candidate Obama, the congressman told of how one of his constituents asked for a 25 word or less summary of what President Obama is all about and what he's done for that particular constituent. Mr. DeFazio's woefully inadequate reply: "It could have been worse."

Oregon isn't the only once safe state for the Democrats that may become a swing state in 2012. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows that 52% of New Jersey voters disapprove of the job President Obama is doing (just 44% approve). That's the president's lowest score ever in the Garden State.

Also in that poll, 49% of respondents say Mr. Obama does not deserve to be re-elected (45% say he does). Not a huge margin but remarkable considering that less than three years ago, Candidate Obama won New Jersey by over 15 points.

The race for the GOP nomination remains fluid and none of the candidates (or might-be candidates) has taken a commanding lead in general election polls. But it's starting to look like after a first term of failed policies and broken promises, President Obama will have to fight hard for a second term even in some states he won handily in 2008.