Is it possible Republicans may pitch an electoral shutout in 2012?

It's doubtful. Without the Electoral college, there is absolutely no reason to ever campaign in SD, Iowa, Arkansas, ND, Montana, etc. It will be only the big population states that votes will count. In fact, some politicians may say they will have no income taxes in California, Florida, Ohio, New York, etc. if they vote for him or her.....and make it up in the smaller states. That is the reason for the electoral college....even the small states votes count.