MADISON, Wis. -- To win Wisconsin, John McCain and Barack Obama know they have to do well with independent-minded voters in eight counties that border Minnesota along the Mississippi River.

Voters in the area have supported Democrats at the top of the ticket, including John Kerry and Al Gore in the past two presidential races. But they also frequently elect Republicans to serve in the state Legislature and in local offices.

They are the coveted independents. Obama will make his pitch to them at a stop Wednesday in downtown La Crosse.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse political science professor Joe Heim said western Wisconsin is a toss-up area within a toss-up state.

Both Obama and McCain's campaigns said they need to do well there to win Wisconsin.