What are the best run, Democratically controlled states?

[Stoic]

I vote for Maryland. I had to move from there this year for a variety of reasons (to Florida <facepalm>) but Martin O'Malley is one of the best Democratic governors and Ken Ulman one of the best County Executives (Howard County, Triple-A bond rating, whoo-hoo) around. We're talking honest, sober, rational governing. I'm going to miss it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Hopefully California will soon join that list.

I'm hoping...

[silverweb]

6. I'm with you on that!

And I don't think it's just California dreaming. :)

[Raine]

11. Me too

now that we have Brown back in charge. :-)

[RandomThoughts]

2. Yea that 'sober' thing is for working hours, that makes sense.

And also why I am not into concepts of being involved in governance, by how many perceive so many things.

And I am due the beer and travel money that is due, and many experiences.

Although I respect people in social governance roles that make a difference in many ways, don't think that is my skill set. So I post here on thoughts about concepts.

[krispos42]

3. Doesn't Massachusettes do reasonably well?

High education, low crime, and so forth?


Okay, the Boston street map looks like a bomb went off in a bowl of spaghetti, but that's due to the age of the city.

[MannyGoldstein]

4. I vote for Massachusetts

Best-performing public schools in the country, fairly low crime, almost-universal health care, low poverty rate - and a lower-than-average total state tax rate (as a function of income).

Weather sucks, though.

[Name removed]

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[Oak2004]

5. Might I nominate Vermont?

Granted, we're also socialist-run, what with our largest city having elected socialist (Progressive Party) mayors since before the age of the trilobites or something. Which may be why we're always in the running for "most livable city".

[pa28]

7. I'll have to give credit to Oregon.

I moved from Washington a few years ago and I've noticed some refreshing differences. Instead of a regressive sales tax we've got an fair income tax and all of our public services seem relatively well funded.

In all states you get an eruption of 'teh crazy' from time to time but in Oregon they never seem to be embraced as credible and the public seems to be informed and engaged. The insane tax and property measures are beaten down before they really get a foothold.

As much as I liked Washington, Oregon seems much more "blue" and I'll hoist the state flag for a minute. This state is run by Democrats and it's a great place to live.

[TheWraith]

8. VERMONT.

New York and California are fucked, unfortunately. Vermont is the best.

[JaneQPublic]

9. Maryland. O'Malley was voted to lead the Dem Govs Assoc for a reason

Besides, Maryland was voted the best state for education, has a relatively low unemployment rate, is making strides in improving the environment (here, it's all about the Bay), and roads that are almost always in great shape.

[Rageneau]

10. For all its faults, Arkansas is one of two states in the black.

48 others owe more than they can pay.

[Name removed]

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[cali]

12. Vermont's solidly dem and it's pretty well run

with lots of progressives in the legislature, and now a progressive guv.

[FLyellowdog]

14. I first thought you said "Demonically" controlled states...

and of course, Florida immediately came to mind. Sorry for the mix up.:rofl: