What is the reddest state in the US today?

[Jamison]

I've been trying to find info such as:

- # of (R) US and State congressmen and reps.
- Whether the current Governor is red or blue.
- % of 2004 Election vote that went to *

If anyone has access to this info, I'd like to know what the reddest state is.

[chicagojoe]

1. I don't know for sure, But I'll bet

it's some former Confederate-terrorist state.

[Liberty Belle]

4. Just a guess, but I'd think Texas...

with a little help from all that gerrymandering.

[Justitia]

16. Nope! Houston, Austin & Dallas all went solid for Kerry here!

It's the "outliers" that are the bane of our existence, but we have solidly blue populations.

[Horse with no Name]

21. El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley as well. eom

[dogday]

41. Funny all I saw in Houston was Bush bumper stickers

and everyone we talked to was voting for Bush. I beg to differ, they went for Bush in Houston, no doubt. This is a red state big time....

[Justitia]

50. Well, I live here in Houston, and I assure you it went to Kerry.

Now, if you are comparing Houston to NYC (in terms of total dems), of course we lag waaayyy behind. I am also speaking in terms of the city of Houston - if you were in the suburban cities of Sugarland, Katy, The Woodlands, etc - they are definitely more red as you move away from the city of Houston.

Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, and very diverse. Over 92 languages are spoken in Houston. Those figures bode well for a democratic trend (as in all major cities). I continue to see lots of anti-repub / pro-Kerry bumperstickers. Don't forget, this is the town royally screwed by Enron and dominated by Halliburton - makes for a simmering convergence of influence.

No, Houston is not a democratic nirvana, but it definitely votes for Dems in nat'l office.

I moved here from North Texas (Dallas suburbs) and the perceptible shift in political climate was like fresh air to someone who was suffocating. The repubs have that area lock, stock and barrel (once again, except for Dallas city proper).

[dogday]

69. Can you point me to the stats?

I would love to see how many people voted more for Kerry than Bush.

[dogday]

77. I beg to differ with you on Houston, I knew this was a Bush city

[rpannier]

2. I have heard several times

Idaho

[coloradodem2005]

3. Idaho? Youdaho.

:P

[AntiCoup2K4]

17. Idaho is the likely suspect

Top half is neo-nazis, bottom half is Mormons. Boise (college town) is probably the closest thing to a pocket of liberalism.

[aePrime]

48. As somebody who has lived in Idaho his entire life

And is currently living in northern Idaho, I'd like to dispel the rumor that we're all neo-nazis. There is one compound up here, and it has about 30 members. They give the rest of Idaho a bad name.

Idaho is about 90% white, according to the last numbers I saw (many years ago), and I get embarrassed telling non-white people that I'm from Idaho when I meet them out of the state, but you're just spreading the stereotype here.

Boise is not a college town. They have BSU, but BSU is a commuter college (yes, I know they have a good football team, but they're still a commuter college). Boise does not exist because BSU is there.

Pocatello may be considered a college town, but the Mormon population makes it conservative.

Moscow, where I live, is the only real college town in the state. We're fairly liberal (as far as Idaho goes), and we're tucked way up here in the north.

[rpannier]

72. Hey!

Quick shout out (off the topic I know) to you. I went to Wazzu in the early 80's. I agree with you on that. Always found it funny that Pullman had a more conservative student body than Idaho did.

[aePrime]

76. Hi!

My wife is attending WSU right now. She got her undergrad at the U of I though -- and I'm still there.

I don't spend a lot of time on the Wazzu campus -- I'm not too familiar with the student body makeup.

It is, however, nice having the two campuses so close to one anther. I am taking a course over there next semester; that might give me some first hand experience.

[Goldmund]

5. I believe Utah.

[Knight of Ni]

10. I think it's Louisiana...

They also happen to be the state with worst education.

Coincidence?

[true_notes]

6. Knee Jerk Reflexes make me say

Oklahoma, but I have a newfound hatred of the states after reflecting on my experiences there. That's my outwardly biased opinion.

[Torgo Johnson]

7. Idaho

No competitive races in the Senate or House,( the Democrats did not even run anyone in the senate last year). The governor is republican. The state house has 57-13 and the state senate has 28-7 in favor of the republicans.

[rpannier]

12. I had heard and posted that I thought it was Idaho

Thanks for the verification.

[funflower]

8. South Carolina or Alabama?

Just guessing.

[southlandshari]

18. Not Alabama

Democrats control both the state senate and house of representatives here.

[funflower]

19. Sorry, southlandshari -

I looked it up and realized immediately that I was wrong and making a lot of unfair assumptions about Alabamans.

[misanthrope]

29. Unless of course...

...you look at the way those "Democrats" vote on issues.

[QC]

40. 'Cause they're not *real* Democrats unless they agree w/ certain posters.

Nice to see that the Purity Patrol is on the job. :eyes:

[southlandshari]

35. No sweat!

Negative assumptions are easy to make about Alabama - unfortunately many are true. =(

Most people aren't as graceful as you when corrected about Alabama, though. It's just the state many love to hate.

:pals:

[Bluebear]

9. Oklahoma & Nebraska had NO blue counties in 2004

[NuttyFluffers]

20. nor utah on that map

unless my eyes are bad.

also on the 'purple' map utah is glaringly red compared to the sea of mauve.

[RagingInMiami]

28. It's good to live in the blue part of Florida

[Ravenseye]

38. Lets look at a better map

I dont know about states but this makes it look like the redest areas are somewhere in the Utah/Idaho/Nevada areas...

[ultraist]

59. That map only shows how the presidential vote went down

In my state of NC, we have a Democratic Gov and Dem controlled state legislature as well as many other local Dem elected officials such as Mayors.

NC has more registered Democrats than registered Republicans.

[ComerPerro]

65. I can tell you with absolute certainty that it is Kansas

Look at your map. See the blue county in Kansas? That's me. Me and my friends. That's it.

We have a Democratic Governor who was elected in 2002, but only becuase the fundies and moderate Republicans were split. They won't make that mistake again.

According to http://www.ncsl.org/ncsldb/elect98/partcomp.cfm?yearsel=2005">this site our House has Rep/Dem 83/42 and our Senate 30/10.

We have one person representing us in Congress. One. Representative Dennis Moore. He is a good guy who I have met and volunteered for, but he tends to be moderate on some issues.

Our state voted overwhelmingly to ban any and all recognition of civil unions, stating that only a man and a woman who are married may enjoy the benifits of a married couple.

We have people right now who are actively trying to quash out evolution, and who are campaigning to have Intelligent Design and creationism taught in public schools.

Perhaps you have heard of http://www.godhatesfags.com">Fred Phelps and his organizaton, which is based out of Topeka, KS?

Or maybe Phil Kline, our Attorney General who recently used headed an investigation that attacked abortion clinics and tried to force them to reveal the names and information of their clients?


If there is anyone reading this who believes that Kansas is not as red as it gets, please enlighten me.

[RedEarth]

70. Oklahoma has a DEM Governor and DEMS control the state Senate

[KingOfLostSouls]

11. Kansas, Alabama

I wouldn't put idaho or most western states even close to that. as someone from the northwest, our conservatives tend to be more libertarian/Goldwater than fundamentalist/neocon. Montana has a democrat governor, and tons in idaho and montana are passing bill after bill against the patriot act.

I know a lot of republicans who are very pro bush who do NOT agree with forced school prayer and the whole religious right, they're usually sportsmen and farmer types.

no, I'd say the deep south and kansas, anyplace where they want to force creationism.

[Retired AF Dem]

27. refer to post 18

[misanthrope]

30. Where it's revealed...

...that Alabama is really a blue state...unless you look at how people feel...and how they act...and how they vote about issues and candidates. But all that pertinent stuff aside, the Heart of Dixie has got a lot of jackasses in office.

Now about that state consitution...

[southlandshari]

37. I in no way suggested Alabama is a blue state

I merely replied, in the context of the OP, which asked for (among other things) stats on state governments.

Alabama has a lot of problems. It also has a lot of outstanding residents who want to be part of the solution. They are worth a mention every now and then, too.

About that constitution - abysmal, yes. But what about that growing movement to reform that constitution? Pretty terrific, IMO. And one day we will prevail. Because we keep a positive - and realistic - outlook.

I may not see the change I am working for in Alabama in my lifetime. But I intend to do everything I can to insure some of it will be realized in my daughter's lifetime. There are plenty of people willing to talk about the bad side of Alabama, past and present. I won't deny any of the picture they paint - I'm just not going to pick up a brush and start painting with them. The potential for a better future here is a much better place to invest my time and energy, IMHO.



:D

[quaoar]

61. That's a sweeping generalization

Yes, we have jackasses in office. Other states don't? Name one and I'll move there.

How "they" act? How "they" vote? What's this "they" crap?

Yes, our constitution sucks. Last I checked it was the longest in the world. But I guess Alabama must be the only state that has ever needed to rewrite its constitution.

[Syrinx]

64. that's really not fair to southlandshari

Nowhere did she claim that Alabama is a "blue" state. She was only, I believe, pointing out that things aren't as simple, nor as abysmally bad, as some eternal pessimists insist. Maybe the glass isn't even half-full, maybe it's only one-third, or even one-quarter full, but it isn't bone-dry either, as some haughty types around here so ever-righteously claim.

Alabamians have a choice to make. We can ignore the progress we have made in the last fifty years, lower our heads in self-hating shame, and call our fellow citizens jackasses and Neanderthals -- a self-defeating plan of behavior, if I've ever heard of one. Or, we can raise our chins in pride, acknowledging the great strides we have made, but refusing to settle for the status-quo. It may take a while for our glass to be brimming over, but with perseverance and purpose strong, we will drink from that glass the nectar of the South -- sweet, sweet tea -- and justice. :)

[Jamison]

13. Good guesses I suppose, but...

I can't imagine any state being more red than Missouri, excluding the KC area and St. Louis city.

[Brucey]

15. Have to agree with...

Nebraska and Oklahoma in a tie.

[Torgo Johnson]

14. Here is list of partisan composition of state legislatures.

http://www.ncsl.org/ncsldb/elect98/partcomp.cfm?yearsel=2005


Looking at Ohio makes me weep.

[sandnsea]

22. But not as bad as Idaho

Looks like Idaho, hands down.

[ultraist]

58. Great source Blackwell Sucks!

http://www.DLCC.org/

Top 10 State Legislative Election Sites Named
NCSL identifies key states in 2004 political landscape

Here is NCSL's list of the top ten legislative election battlegrounds, in alphabetical order.

Colorado Senate. Democrats need just one seat to take power of the chamber from the Republican Party.

Georgia House of Representatives. A new redistricting plan gives Republicans the best chance they've had in decades to make gains.

Indiana House of Representatives. Democrats hold a one seat advantage in a chamber that has gone back and forth in recent years.

Maine Senate. Only one seat separates the parties in this chamber in a state which is expected to be a presidential battleground.

Montana House of Representatives. A new redistricting plan gives Democrats their best hope in years to seize control of the House.

North Carolina House of Representatives. Following the 2002 election, a party switch left the chamber tied and legislative power shared by both parties.

Oklahoma House of Representatives. Republicans, who have had steady gains in recent elections, only need three seats to take control of this chamber.

Oregon Senate. Tied 15 to 15, both parties are determined to seize control.

Vermont House of Representatives. With more third party members than any other state, a coalition leadership might not be out of the question.

Washington Senate and House of Representatives. This has been the most competitive legislature in the past decade. Both chambers are toss-ups.

edit to add: this is a bit dated. It was put out prior to the last election.

[leftofthedial]

23. Oklahoma

Texas

Kansas

Nebraska

Most of the South is heavily red, but with pockets of people who aren't insane yet.

[ultraist]

62. Did you check the state legislature composition table?

NC has a Dem controlled state senate and house. We also have a Dem gov.

We do have a few Dem US Congressmen too. ;)

[ISUGRADIA]

24. UTAH, Idaho close second

* Bush's Best state in 2004 (71.54%) and #2 in 2000 (66.83%)
* I think best Repub state for President in 1980, 84, 88
* No Dem US Senator since 1977
* No Dem Governor since 1985
* State House (56R 19D) State Senate (21R 8D)
* Only Dem bright point, one congressman

[fujiyama]

25. My guess is Utah

nt

[Vektor]

26. It's Utah...

72% voted for Shrub-hole in the 2004 election. That is some scary, scary shit.

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[CBGLuthier]

68. Wow

Thanks for the intelligent point you have brought to this discussion.

It's enough to make me bang my bulging forehead against the fucking desk but I don't want to break out my few remaining teeth.

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[retread]

32. Florida. Even though there is blue here, our govenor is Jeb! n/t

[LostinVA]

33. I'd say Nebraska for sure n/t

[DeaconBlues]

66. I say Nebraska too

Its governor is republican, all three congressmen are republican, and the only democrat we have in Washington is Ben Nelson, and we all know his record (DINO). Bush won the state by something like 65%.

What really sealed it for me was a little incident that occurred in Omaha last week. A republican candidate for city council was outraged that somebody was putting out leaflets saying that he was endorsed by a group that worked for gay rights, and he blamed his opponent for dirty tricks. His democratic competition, instead of saying whats wrong with being endorsed by a gay advocacy group, accused the republican of doing it to himself. It was like one of the candidates had been endorsed by the Klan! That's the state of affairs here in Nebraska.

[baldguy]

34. One of the least densely populated, big square states.

People who can only win political arguments with the cattle that surrounds them.

[northzax]

36. Alaska?

The realm of Ted Stevens and the Murkowskia Crime Family?

[jor_mama]

39. Mississippi

Kind of surprised not to have seen that one just yet. Even though 3 of 5 congress reps are (D), both senators are (R), governor is (R) and the final straw IMO was the vote on gay marriage there last year. Wasn't it like 89/11?

Plus look at that flag ... all that 'red'. :)

[rockedthevoteinMA]

42. I think it's Utah. I think they voted something like 74% for bush n/t

[QC]

43. Utah, if you're going purely by the 2004 popular vote--71.5%.

Of course, there are plenty of good Democrats in Utah.

If the question is which state gave Bush more votes than any other in raw numbers, that would be California, 5,509,826.

Of course, the truth of the matter is that the whole red state/blue state thing is simpleminded and reductive and serves only the interests of the Republicans by exaggerating their power and our weakness. I can't for the life of me understand why so many Democrats have so eagerly embraced one of the GOP's most effective propaganda points, but there you have it.

[HEIL PRESIDENT GOD]

45. You sir, get the prize

All through the South are rural counties that are black and blue (demographically and politically, as well as having been abused badly.)

Just east of me in California is the only chain of contiguous, populous Bush-voting counties in the country. Bush wins on lots and lots and lots of low-population counties. The cities, even in red states, are towers of blue in a sea of red if you explode the map by population.

Also, it's not nice to attribute geographic characteristics of a region to individual residents. Are all Moroccans "dry"? Come on, people. There are H2s with W stickers in every town in this country.

[QC]

46. Thanks! n/t

[southlandshari]

47. You share the prize, IMO!

Excellent response to an excellent post.

:applause:

[ultraist]

60. I agree that the red state blue state map is an oversimplification

Yet, it is important to look at what's going on locally in each state by looking at state legislature composition, governor, number of registered Democrats, etc.

Senator Edwards is campaigning for numerous local Democrats in effort to build up the party in critical states. Dean has also stated that we need to build up the party in every state.

http://www.oneamericacommittee.com/raisingthestates/

Senator Edwards announced that One America Committee is launching a major project to help Democrats build and maintain majorities in state legislatures all across the country.

State legislatures often decide whether issues like fighting poverty and working to move more Americans into the middle class are top priorities, and Edwards wants to help Democrats work from the ground up to address these important issues.

Senator Edwards is attending fundraising events for Democratic state legislative caucuses in New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Maine, Wisconsin, Missouri, and South Carolina.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
State Legislators Of The Month

Every month, One America will highlight some of the Democratic Party's brightest stars from state legislatures across the country.
Click here to read about House Democratic Leader Chris Redfern and Assistant Minority Leader Joyce Beatty.

[tabasco]

44. If we figure it out, we need to send the Army recruiters there.

Surely there must be a pocket of brave Bush voters somewhere just chomping at the bit to join the Army. I mean, they probably just haven't heard that the Army missed its already-lowered quota by 42% last month. They say that Bush is saving us from the ay-rabs so surely they will be joining up any minute now,

[kerry-is-my-prez]

49. Wyoming

n/t

[WI_DEM]

52. but Wyoming does have a very popular democratic governor.

[Bouncy Ball]

51. My very strongly held vote is Utah.

It's not Texas, I can tell you that. We have too many big pockets of blue in the urban areas and along the border and coastline to be the reddest, by far.

[jeffrey_X]

53. On the surface you would have to say one of the souther states...

but what about Indiana?

This state is usually the first to go red. There is a lot of deep rooted racism and ignorance in this state.

Back in the 30's and 40's, 1/3 of all white men were members of the KKK.

[im10ashus]

54. Indiana

Formerly from there. Got the hell out as fast as my gas ass could run. KKK ALL over the damn place. The government spends about $600,000 a year on police protection for KKK rally's. They ALWAYS go red, practically before the polls are even closed. Lots of hate crimes. Lots of racial tension. They LOVE Bush there. Race cars and basketball is all they care about.

[jeffrey_X]

55. And they send death threats to black coaches...

Just ask Mike Davis (IU basketball) and Ty Willingham (ND Football).

Pathetic.

[im10ashus]

56. Yes!

That's another good point.

[Nevernose]

57. Utah: 80%(or more?) voted for Shrub

Though they tell me Salt Lake has a significant Dem minority, and I believe the whole state was solid Dem until the 70s.

[proud patriot]

63. I'd like to add Idaho for conderation

seems real red on my printout

[Danmel]

67. Even New York had a Republican Governor and NYC a Repub Mayor

I don't know for the life of me why, but it's true. And look at Romney in Massachusetts. Looking at all that red though, makes me want to hurl. What is wrong with this country?

[Celeborn Skywalker]

73. I think the highest percentages were in some of the Mountain West states.

However, having lived there, it's not a religious, authoritarian style of conservatism, generally. They are very pro private property, pro-gun, and anti-tax. It's more like Libertarianism. For instance, many in the West despise the Patriot Act, Real ID, etc. It's generally a live and let live type of thing.

[Blue-Jay]

74. I dunno. Which state has the lowest average IQ?

You'll find a direct correlation. Why do you think that they hate people with higher education?

[carpetbagger]

75. Idaho has the clean sweep.

Governor, entire congressional delegation, state houses.

bush carried Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nebraska by 2-1 margins or more. Utah was a bit higher (71% vs. 69%) but they do have one democratic congressman out of three (which reflects the fact that Utah is not homogenously blue like Idaho, but has a purple pocket in SLC). Wyoming has a dem governor. Nebraska has a dem senator, Oklahoma (66%) has a dem congressman (although by the time you get several seats, you won't often have unanimity) and governor.