What makes a State/Commonwealth Red or Blue?

[Salty]

We often talk about a State/Commonwealth being red or blue -
but how is it determined how this is determined.

Now if :

1 Governor
2 Lt Governor ↑1↓
3 Majorityof State Senate
4 Majority of State Assembly
5 Majority of State Congressional group ↑2↓
6 Senior Senator
7 Junior Senator
8 Party that the State/Commonwealth went in the Presidential Election
↑1↓ Some States elect Governor and Lt on separate ballots
↓2↓ Exception if the group is evenly divided

So how do we determine if a State is Red or Blue?

 

[MennoSota]

So how do we determine if a State is Red or Blue?

It depends upon the amount of iron in the water. [emoji41] [emoji6] [emoji109] [emoji2]

 

[StefanM]

I put the heaviest weight on how the state votes in a Presidential election, then the senators. The other factors are relevant but somewhat less determinative, IMO.

 

[Brent W]

You can't get any more Red than Alabama and no more Blue than New York. I simply look at how they vote in the General Election and then makeup of their congress and Governor.

 

[Rob_BW]

I put the heaviest weight on how the state votes in a Presidential election, then the senators. The other factors are relevant but somewhat less determinative, IMO.

North Carolina exemplified your method this past election.

You can't get any more Red than Alabama and no more Blue than New York. I simply look at how they vote in the General Election and then makeup of their congress and Governor.

I thought Oklahoma had the title reddest of the red, since their entire congressional delegation is red.

 

[Brent W]

North Carolina exemplified your method this past election.

I thought Oklahoma had the title reddest of the red, since their entire congressional delegation is red.

You are right. Not only that but they voted 2% more for Trump than Alabama.

 

[Rob_BW]

You are right. Not only that but they voted 2% more for Trump than Alabama.

WV had the highest percent go for Trump, if I recall correctly, but still had some blue in their congressional delegation.

 

[Salty]

You can't get any more Red than Alabama and no more Blue than New York. I simply look at how they vote in the General Election and then makeup of their congress and Governor.

Here in NY - the state went for Clinton - State Assembly is Dem (Rep hold a one vote lead in the Senate)
Our Congress delegation is10 R's and 17 D's. Bus US Senators are Blue.

 

[Brent W]

Here in NY - the state went for Clinton - State Assembly is Dem (Rep hold a one vote lead in the Senate)
Our Congress delegation is10 R's and 17 D's. Bus US Senators are Blue.

Interesting! I wonder what the most Blue State is? California?

 

[InTheLight]

Interesting! I wonder what the most Blue State is? California?

If not California then Vermont.

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[Rob_BW]

Interesting! I wonder what the most Blue State is? California?

I would guess Hawaii.

Off to google, lol.

 

[Rob_BW]

If not California then Vermont.

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Ironically, Bernie is still listed as Independent. Might throw off the score.

 

[StefanM]

Ironically, Bernie is still listed as Independent. Might throw off the score.

If you broaden "blue" to include those who caucus with Democrats, the score can adjusted appropriately.

 

[Rob_BW]

If you broaden "blue" to include those who caucus with Democrats, the score can adjusted appropriately.

Sounds reasonable, for independents.

Now actual third party elected officials...

 

[StefanM]

Sounds reasonable, for independents.

Now actual third party elected officials...

Yes, a legitimate third party official would be a different bird.

 

[Salty]

Yes, a legitimate third party official would be a different bird.

Not necessary - especially in States/Commonwealths with fusion ballots.

Here in NY State - normally the a Conservative Party member would caucus with the Republicans
and a Workers Family Party member wold caucus with the Democrats.

 

[StefanM]

Not necessary - especially in States/Commonwealths with fusion ballots.

Here in NY State - normally the a Conservative Party member would caucus with the Republicans
and a Workers Family Party member wold caucus with the Democrats.

I meant a true third party official (i.e. one who does not caucus with the GOP or the Democrats but stands apart as a distinct party).

If you caucus with one of the two major parties, I count you with them.

 

[Salty]

I meant a true third party official (i.e. one who does not caucus with the GOP or the Democrats but stands apart as a distinct party).

If you caucus with one of the two major parties, I count you with them.

But we are a true third party! The reason an independent or a third party will caucus with a major party - is so that you can have more of a say. It would be political suicide not to caucus.
Also in addition - the Conservative Party helps keep the Republican Party in check
Here in NY, it is extremely difficult for a Republican to win Statewide election without be on the Conservative Party line.

 

[StefanM]

But we are a true third party! The reason an independent or a third party will caucus with a major party - is so that you can have more of a say. It would be political suicide not to caucus.
Also in addition - the Conservative Party helps keep the Republican Party in check
Here in NY, it is extremely difficult for a Republican to win Statewide election without be on the Conservative Party line.

That's still co-mingling with a major party. I understand why they caucus with a major party, but when they do that, they can pretty much be counted as Republican or Democrat for the purposes of determining how "red" or "blue" a state is.

 

[Salty]

That's still co-mingling with a major party. I understand why they caucus with a major party, but when they do that, they can pretty much be counted as Republican or Democrat for the purposes of determining how "red" or "blue" a state is.

and that is a problem with a minor party - if you try to go alone - you will get nowhere