Republicans’ strategy to defeat Obama looks a lot like an arms race designed to exhaust the opponent, raising cash at record rates, pouring it into traditionally blue states — and forcing Chicago to burn through resources to defend its own territory.

“It’s just like the Cold War. They’re going to force Obama to spend himself into oblivion — while trying to peel off constituencies like the Eastern Bloc,” said a Democratic strategist, citing lingering vulnerability with blue collar workers and potential Republican gains with hispanics. “The only question is which [constituency] will be the first domino.”…

“There’s no way they’ll be able to keep up. Our SuperPACs are our Star Wars, if you will,” said the Republican.