Contrary to most predictions at the beginning of this year's presidential primaries, Pennsylvania now matters - in fact, it could effectively determine the outcome of the Democratic race for President.
Political analysts initially predicted that the Democratic primaries would be decided on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5. When that didn't happen, pundits looked to Tuesday's primaries in Ohio and Texas to finally put an end to the ups and downs of this year's contest, as well as possibly to New York Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign.
But after decisive victories in Ohio and Rhode Island, as well as a narrow win in Texas, Clinton is back in the game and gearing up for a long battle for the primary season's biggest remaining prize - Pennsylvania.
Since the days immediately following Super Tuesday, pundits have referred to the "Pennsylvania Scenario," a situation once thought to be highly improbable, in which the Democratic nominee would still be unclear by Pennsylvania's April 22 primary.
In this situation, candidates would spend the weeks between the March 11 Mississippi primary and Pennsylvania's contest turning the state's primary into what pundits have described as "Iowa on steroids."
As recently as a few days ago, analysts believed that Clinton would be unable to pull convincing victories in Ohio and Texas, effectively ending her campaign and the possibility of the "Pennsylvania Scenario."
But after the election results came in on Tuesday night, it became clear that not only is Clinton's campaign still alive, but she is also still a major contender for the nomination.
While her opponent, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, still has a significant lead in pledged delegates, Clinton argues that she can carry the big states, like Ohio, that will be crucial in ensuring a Democratic win in the general election this fall.
Political analyst and St. Joseph's University history professor Randall Miller acknowledged the pivotal role Pennsylvania will play in determining the nominee, but pointed out that at this point, even a Pennsylvania win wouldn't necessarily decide the nomination.
"It won't decide who has a majority, because no candidate is going to come out of Pennsylvania with the majority needed to have the nomination," Miller said. "But it will decide the rest of the script going all the way to Denver," he added, referring to the Democratic National Convention that will be held there in August.
Miller added that if Clinton wins in Pennsylvania, she will have further "bragging rights" in terms of carrying important states. However, if Obama wins the Pennsylvania primary, he could emerge as the presumptive nominee.
Tuesday's primaries also saw the continuation of high turnout among young voters, a trend that has grown throughout this year's contests.
According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, youth turnout in Ohio was at 25 percent, up from 15 percent in 2000. In Texas, youth turnout nearly tripled, with 17 percent, up from 6 percent in 2000.
Penn students are preparing for seven weeks of campaigning that will come close to campus.
"Now that Pennsylvania is going to matter, we want to help to facilitate as much political involvement on campus as possible," said Penn Democrats spokeswoman Amelia Bailey.
