AHC: An election map from a dream I had last night

[TheSevenLeggedFallyDowner]

So I had an odd dream where I was time travelling with my family. At one point, we were sitting in a hotel room channel surfing when we came across a cable channel that was broadcasting the Presidential election results. I didn't know the year. The Republican candidate was Ronald Reagan, but I didn't catch the names of the Democrat or Independent candidates so they can be whoever you want for the challenge. All of the talking heads were talking about how since no one had an electoral college majority, the Republicans controlled House would select Reagan as the next President. Oh and one more thing: I got the sense from the way they were talking that none of the candidates were the incumbent. So I'm going to assume that the incumbent either can't run due to term limits or was defeated in the primaries. For the map I used the 1972-1980 electoral vote counts, since I figured that was the most likely time period for Reagan to be running, but if you think you can do it in a different time period feel free. Keep in mind that the Republicans must control the House!

Democrat - 263
Republican - 214
Independent - 61

 

[West Ham]

My guess from looking at map would probably be 1980. Have Ted Kennedy run a more competent campaign where he barely beats Jimmy Carter but the primary process opens up some wounds within the Democratic Party.

Then Have Kennedy have a strong general election run with picking a midwest Vice President such as John Glenn who would be well known and be a good mate to Kennedy. Have a strong campaign but allow for some form of vote splitting.

Then have Scoop Jackson run as a more right-wing democrat who supports socially conservative policies. He picks someone from the plains who could either be a Liberal Republican or a Conservative Democrat. Jame McClure would fit the map but he would be too far to the right, Malcolm Wallop would be too unknown. Have the campaign be strong but not damage Reagan too much