The fastest growng states - Utah (2.5 percent from July 2007 to July 2008.) Followed by Arizona, Texas, North Carolina and Colorado.

Michigan and Rhode Island actually lost residents.

As the two major political parties continue to duke it out, I wonder whether their respective strategies must necessarily change due to a migrating population. I guess, more specifically, in what ways will the parties change their approach?

Obama won by a very comfortable margin. But back in the two Dubya victories, I wonder what the electoral vote count would have been under this upcoming reapportionment.

What would really have been of interest would be if Dubya had actually lost by a handful of electoral votes... how would that have changed with states like Texas, NC, etc, gaining votes?

"I guess, more specifically, in what ways will the parties change their approach?"

It is the changing face of the electorate, not intra-country migration, which is the future of elections in this country.

Hans

HANS, I think there's a bit more to it than that. Sure, a lib or a con will stay one regardless of where they migrate... but as more lib northerners come to states like, say, my North Carolina... then does that necessarily put the state in play? (I realize Obama took NC, but historically NC has been in the Rep column)

OR, does it just mean the state stays red... and that Reps pick up one additional electoral vote while a historically northern blue state loses a vote?

On the one hand this becomes a good deal for Reps, since the south is largely a red area. On the other hand, it can bring more states into play as blue-staters migrate south. I don't think we're witnessing a con migration northward... so blue northern states aren't likely to become in play to the extent southern red states might. Thoughts?

Sounds like a good analysis, Oorah.
If true, that Both parties lose "Safe" States, and they all go into "in play" categories-that would certainly make for more lively Elections......

since the south is largely a red area. Thoughts?

#3 | Posted by OohRah

In this past election, every single southern so-called red state had almost the exact same percentage of votes going to Obammy.

It was about 40%. The 60% that voted for McPalin was basically old people and stupid people. The old people will be dying off soon. The stupid will always be stupid.

If you take the influx of blue-staters, which has been going on for over 20 years and add that with the new-southers (educated, discerning, free-spirited urbanites), and throw in some better educational opportunities, which has also been going on for awhile, the southern states will not be a lock for republicans anymore.

The West is the Best

Jim Morrison

He jacked off on a 2 foot stage in a $3 show at an amusement park in SLC. What a country.

When we secede from the Union again this time we will have enough troops to whip some Yankee ass.

Confederate Thom

In 1969 a prescient Kevin Phillips published The Emerging Republican Majority, predicting the rise of the conservative Republican movement. Now Judis, a senior editor at the New Republic, and Teixeira, a fellow at the Century Foundation and author of The Disappearing American Voter, argue that, if current demographic and political trends continue, a new realignment of political power is inevitable, this time sweeping Democrats to power. In support of their thesis they argue that the electorate is becoming increasingly diverse, with growing Asian, Hispanic and African-American populations-all groups that tend to vote Democratic. On the other hand, the number of white Americans, the voting population most likely to favor Republicans, remains static. Further, according to the authors, America's transition from an industrial to a postindustrial economy is also producing voters who trend strongly Democratic. Judis and Teixeira coin the word "ideopolis" for the geographic areas where the postindustrial economy thrives. They also argue that other changes, specifically the growing educated professional class and the continuing "gender gap," will benefit Democrats, whose political ideology is more consonant with the needs and beliefs of women and professionals. Judis and Teixeira predict that all these elements will converge by 2008, at the latest, when a new Democratic majority will emerge. Wisely, they warn that their predictions are just that, and that events might overtake the trends. But their warning will bring little comfort to Republicans, who will find their well-supported thesis disturbing.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Before the Red-staters (welfare states) get too excited, remember, many of the people moving there will dilute your 'republican stronghold' somewhat. So many of those electoral votes gained may not be going where you want them.

puleease secede you fucking texass morons. I'd love to carpet bag your fucking reconstuction...

When we secede from the Union again this time we will have enough troops to whip some Yankee ass.

Confederate Thom

#7 | Posted by fwthom at 2008-12-23 10:40 PM | Reply | Flag

You don't have to fight for it---just fucking leave. You won't be missed--we'll take a few stars off the flag and everyone is happy. No shooting necessary.

we'll take a few stars off the flag and everyone is happy

Well, not everyone, bOoB. The rational ones among us wish to see the United States of America remain intact.

I think you should stick to speaking for yourself.

we'll take a few stars off the flag and everyone is happy

And I would add to that the people who love this country and are not afraid of diversity or facing challenges when they arise would disagree with you too.

Only the cowards who run away from diversity and are afraid to meet and deal with problems want to divide this country. Those are the people who hate America.

"puleease secede you fucking texass morons. I'd love to carpet bag your fucking reconstuction..."

LOL...bring your yankee city boy, latte drinkin', tofu eatin', ass on down. After you "conquer" texas, come on over to Tenessee too. LOL

LOL...bring your yankee city boy, latte drinkin', tofu eatin', ass on down. After you "conquer" texas, come on over to Tenessee too. LOL

"Give me a 'T' for Texas, a 'T' for Tennessee..."

Ya'know, Goat, as much as the little pussies bitch about the South, I've never heard anyone down here say he was gonna retire up North, have you? On the other hand, I see plenty of yankees settling down here. Funny thing is, after they're here a while, they begin hating yankees...LOL. Phoney, ain't they?

So true, jest. I know they keep pouring into Texas.

Well, not everyone, bOoB. The rational ones among us wish to see the United States of America remain intact.

I think you should stick to speaking for yourself.

Bob-let Sarah and Todd speak for themselves....

Jest and Goat-as they retire, remember, they're yankee libruls and they only like the weather. The sunbelt is just one step away from the grave to them...

Only the cowards who run away from diversity and are afraid to meet and deal with problems want to divide this country. Those are the people who hate America.

#13 | Posted by goatman at 2008-12-24 08:04 AM | Reply | Flag:

Who am I rejecting? What race? What religion? The only group I am rejecting, are people who already hate America and are willing to do anything they can to tear it apart---republicans--
terrorists--nazis--skin heads, and others that simply hate freedom.

You simply think accepting people who hate you is "diversity". No. It is simply people who hate you. In my country, it would be based on freedom--if you love freedom, you can stay---fight against freedom and you gotta go---go to your country that hates freedom--and everyone is happy.

My country would take all races--all religions--all your unwanted gays--all your unwanted illegal aliens--anyone who want freedom for themselves and others--your kind doesn't qualify. We would also take the Statue of Liberty since it no longer stands for your vision of America, but it still stands for my vision of America---you don't need it or want it--so it would be ours. The words at its base are words your kind hates.

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

That's diversity little mind. Something you simply can't comprehend. That's why you should live in a country where everyone's mind is as small as yours--then everyone is happy.

Who am I rejecting?

You answered you own question. Republicans. IOW, someone who has different beliefs than you. You are a coward. Scared to death of republicans.

BTW, I don't think I've met an American citizen who hates America.

all your unwanted illegal aliens--

Figures you want lawbreakers in bOoBistan.

Well, not everyone, bOoB. The rational ones among us wish to see the United States of America remain intact.

#18 | Posted by northguy3 at 2008-12-24 11:48 AM | Reply | Flag

What is rational about wanting citizens in your country that hates your country, leaders, and other citizens?

Let's hear your rationality for that. Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other side to forget about abortion rights.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that gays should be allowed to marry.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that paying taxes so poor people can eat with welfare money is a good thing.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that Universal Health Care is a good thing.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that global warming is real.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that this is now a global market and America needs to compete globally--that isolationism doesn't work.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that lowering taxes for the rich is a good thing.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that the war in Iraq was worth it.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that illegal aliens from Mexico should have a fast track to citizenship.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that school vouchers are the best way for education.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that women really are second class citizens and are not intelligent enough to make their own decision as to their own body.

Let's hear how one side will rationally convince the other that the 57 MILLION people who voted for McCain were right, and Obama isn't worthy of the Presidency, and McCain was best for America.
Those 57 million deserve their own country---to force Obama down their throats isn't fair to them or us--or America.

What is rational about wanting citizens in your country that hates your country, leaders, and other citizens?

As I stated in my last post to you (and apparently fell victim to your lack of memory) I've never met a citizen of the USA who hates it.

You answered you own question. Republicans. IOW, someone who has different beliefs than you. You are a coward. Scared to death of republicans.

So--you embrace communists and communism? Is that your point--or do you reject those that have different beliefs than you. How about Nazis---yu must embrace Nazis, and all they represent---or do you reject those who have different beliefs than you? Republicans are the same thing.

BTW, I don't think I've met an American citizen who hates America.

That's because you are a moron. Simple isn't it. They don't say they hate America dOPey. They say they hate freedom---and if you hate freedom--you hate America. They hate freedom for gays--they hate freedom for women--they hate freedom for anyone who doesn't think just like them. People like you--rather than let the half of America go and be free of your tyrannical beliefs--you would keep us tied to people who simply hate freedom unless it is theirs.

I say---to people like this:

If Franken wins this senate seat it is an example of the democratic party. This guy is a clown and belongs in the democratic party.

#24 | Posted by ozzieoswald at 2008-12-23 11:37 AM | Reply | Flag

That they would be happier with no Franken---No Obama--no democrats.

same here:

and here is another case where a liberal should keep his mouth shut about bitching about people others in the country send to washington.

#23 | Posted by bushlovertwo at 2008-12-23 11:33 AM | Reply | Flag

BL2 would be much happier with no liberals fucking up his country.

same here:

Why don't you libs give up on that fairness doctrine? You don't need it with all the homeless voting 5 times and the dead voting 10 times. You are in control of the country now.

Posted by Sniper at 2008-12-23 06:58 PM

Sniper would lead a much happier life without libs stealing votes and rounding up the homeless and dead to vote for them.

Under my plan---those 57 million people will have the country they ask for, the country they want, the country they deserve---not some lib version of their future---sounds like a plan to me.

#20 | Posted by goatman at 2008-12-24 01:41 PM | Reply | Flag

Do you expect people to be able to read that?

all your unwanted illegal aliens--

Figures you want lawbreakers in bOoBistan.

#21 | Posted by goatman at 2008-12-24 01:42 PM | Reply | Flag

They aren't breaking the law in my country little mind--they are free--and welcome.

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

A concept your kind rejects.

Do you expect people to be able to read that?

#25 | Posted by joe at 2008-12-24 02:40 PM | Reply | Flag

Not people like you, Joe---but it is over your head anyway.

Republicans are the same thing.

bOoB, I stopped reading your post right there. People who paint with broad brushes, especially those who call half the country 'nazis' are idiots. I quite often enjoy mindlessly kicking you around, but I don't feel like it today. Maybe someone else will take your bait.

Merry Christmas, Bob.

"Jest and Goat-as they retire, remember, they're yankee libruls and they only like the weather."

Yankee??? Librul??? I can't speak for Goatman, but THIS good ol' boy don't have a yankee bone in his body. My wife is a Jersey girl and I break out in hives every time we visit up there. She's gotta drag me screamin' across the Mason-Dixon line. Took me some years, but I got her to lovin' grits now too.
As far as "librul," I voted for democrats when they were "libruls." However, most of 'em now ain't nothin but radical leftist-socialists. I know JFK is spinnin' like a top in his grave.
I know it ain't entirely y'all's fault up there. You live in all that traffic, snow, ice, high taxes and all. No wonder you're so fuckin' mean and nasty all the time. Just keep all that high-fallutin' nastiness and them high taxes up there. If you come down to visit, we refer to you as a damn yankee. Those that stay, much to our chagrin, we call goddamn yankees.
However, during this time of year we see lots of y'all and most of ya' bring lots o' money, so ..come on down!

Merry Christmas to everyone and a prosperous, happy New Year. :-)

I can't speak for Goatman, but THIS good ol' boy don't have a yankee bone in his body.

Fourth generation Texan on my dad's side. My mom's side is from the north, but it's South Dakota. I don't really consider them yankees.

They aren't breaking the law in my country little mind--they are free--and welcome.

Cool. Here in my country (America) 'illegal' is an adjective indicating the subject is in violoation of the law. We in my country (America) frown on lawbreakers. I'm glad they have a place to go in bOoBistan. That should free up a lot of money tied up in the penal system in my country (America).

Thank you

When we secede from the Union again this time we will have enough troops to whip some Yankee ass.

Confederate Thom

#7 | Posted by fwthom at 2

NAW...we will just freeze the fuckin yankees in the fuckin dark.

without oil and gas, lets see how much people REALLY want us to seceed.

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

That's diversity little mind. Something you simply can't comprehend. That's why you should live in a country where everyone's mind is as small as yours--then everyone is happy.

#19 | Posted by Buffalo_Bob at 2008-12

good post BB

and its those people who the dems have a vested interest in...NOT IN HELPING THEM but in keeping them tired and poor in huddled masses as they stand in line to vote for a democrat without even knowing WHY????

Goatman

So you are against diversity as much as me---we just see crime in different lights. I think people who want to live free and work hard are welcome in my country, and people who want to blow up towers--republicans---and kill people for nothing in wars for nothing--republicans--are criminals.

In my country we would strap Bush up to a lie detector and see what's what. Of course lie detectors aren't valid---that's why the US government relies on them so much. But hey--it's my country--I'd strap his ass up along with Cheney and Rumsfeld, along with the pedophile Bush, and probably have them all shot for treason. In my country, we would have valid investigations into who attacked us like we were attacked on 911----that Bush was against any kind of investigation--refused to testify, indicates guilt. But he's one of yours---we wouldn't have any disagreement if he was just your President.

and one more slam before I leave...

there is not word on that statue that says that we have to bring in lawbreaking people who are stealing us blind when it comes to er care and other things such as free education and such....

its amazing how libs are so against free markets but they are all about 'FREE IMMIGRATION" if you will.........

must go

'see' you guys next monday

good for you bOoB

and its those people who the dems have a vested interest in...NOT IN HELPING THEM but in keeping them tired and poor in huddled masses as they stand in line to vote for a democrat without even knowing WHY????

#33 | Posted by bushlovertwo at 2008-12-24 03:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Of course they know why they are voting dem---so that they can have better lives. Why should they vote rep? So the rich get all the tax breaks and they can support their golden parachutes? Maybe YOU are the stupid one. If you don't make more than 250,000 a year, you are incredibly stupid for voting rep.

its amazing how libs are so against free markets but they are all about 'FREE IMMIGRATION" if you will.........

must go

'see' you guys next monday

#35 | Posted by bushlovertwo at 2008-12-24 03:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

Again you talk out your ass. In a previous post on this thread I mentioned that it is a global economy, and America needs to recognize that fact.

Again you talk out your ass. No one mentioned free immigration. What was mentioned was welcoming---and a fast track to citizenship.

I am a transplant from Ohio to Texas four years ago and although I came for my grandkids and the weather, I believe I now understand the spirit of independence, conservatism, pride, and self reliance here in Texas almost as well as many fellow Texans.

And even though people from Ohio have more in common with Texans than people from New York or California, Ohioans have more a spirit of collectivism and liberalism that makes me want to ride a bull over their ass.

Rodeo Thom

there is not word on that statue that says that we have to bring in lawbreaking people who are stealing us blind when it comes to er care and other things such as free education and such....

#35 | Posted by bushlovertwo at 2008-12-24 03:59 PM | Reply | Flag

I didn't say anything about lawbreakers---I said exactly what was on the sign---concepts you reject. I said lawbreakers like republicans, would not be welcome. Pay attention. I would much rather live in a country where people loved freedom, than in a country that has to be shared with republican thieves and murderers--and pedophile Presidents---and Presidents that don't want to investigate a horrific attack on our nation---or Presidents who attack defenseless countries that were no threat---or President who sell us to China---or Presidents who think God talks to them. Those criminals and are rejected.

fwthom

Don't waste your energy---Texas is supposed to be a State that has the right to secede at any time. Focus your energy on your State legislature to invoke that right---I wish you success.

I'd strap his ass up along with Cheney and Rumsfeld, along with the pedophile Bush, and probably have them all shot for treason.

#34 | Posted by Buffalo_Bob at 2008-12-24 03:58 PM | Reply

So Boobistan would retain the death penalty. And I thought capital punishment was a relic of bloodthirsty red staters; enlightened liberal states don't execute people.

We don't have prisons or a drug problem in my country--all solved. No prisons----either we want you back in society or we don't. If we decide we want you back in society, we home arrest you and make you get a degree and a job before release---your record is clean to all inquiries. If you mess up again, we again decide if we want you back in society. If so, it is a higher degree and house arrest. If we don't want you back in society---Bush--OJ--Manson--
Gacy--etc, then yes---there is a death penalty.

The drug problem solution was already discussed. One generation problem and done.