Oklahoma

[Rob]

The smaller GOP percentages are likely the result of Perot, at least in part. As for the Republican gains in the southeast (Little Dixie), this can probably be attributed to the increased importance of social issues. But how about this Oklahoma result:



They sure didn't like John Kerry...

[Rob]

The interesting thing about the 1956 map is that it shows a clear north-south divide. It's the map that most clearly shows Oklahoma's divided political heritage. Republicans from Kansas populated the north and west; Democrats from the South (especially Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas) populated the south and east.

These voting patterns persist even today, though to a lesser extent as the GOP's strength has filtered into Little Dixie. Bush made his strongest showings in the wheat-growing northwest, especially in the Panhandle; Kerry's best showings were in the southeast.

[Rob]

Ebowed, I agree. The Democratic collapse in Oklahoma has been drastic. Dukakis lost solidly to HW Bush, while polling 41 percent in Oklahoma; Kerry lost narrowly to W Bush, and polled a pathetic 34 percent in the state. Dukakis carried 33 counties; Kerry didn't win a single one. To put that in some context, Walter Mondale carried three. It's bad, all right.

[Rob]

The Democrats have been losing counties left and right. Bush carried counties that voted for George McGovern- the Dems are in bad shape.