When we talk about forcing the Republicans to expend resources in areas they normally take for granted, most people are thinking about money. But we mustn't forget the other resource a campaign needs: operatives and organizers.

When the field is spread the GOP has to spread out their operatives in more states. That means less of a chance for them to pull some hanky-panky in certain states.

In 2000 and 2004 the GOP only had to concentrate there efforts on 3-4 states. So they dumped a ton of operatives into Florida, Ohio and the others. The result were elections that were obviously flawed in ways that were favorable to Republicans.

When those operatives have to spread out to 14 states they can't coordinate as well and thus it becomes harder for them to "rig" things in their favor.

In battlefield terms, when you fight on multiple fronts it becomes that much harder to allocate your limited number of spies and provocateurs in an effective way.