Brewster County, TX

[Hashemite]

Nader got 8.55%, I think that's his second highest in the state after Travis County/Austin. Why?

Also, it's a dark green splotch on maps sticking out, meaning it's an isolated result (though Jeff Davis and Presidio counties had slightly above average Nader votes)

[Progressive Realist]

Home to a small state university, a large state park, and a large national park.

[nclib]

It also appears to be one of three majority-white Obama counties in Texas. (others are Travis (of course) and Jefferson (Beaumont, which has been heavily trending GOP, but Obama just barely carried it)).

[Sam Spade]

Home to a small state university, a large state park, and a large national park.

The first is important (Sul Ross State), the other two aren't (most of Brewster County to the south of Alpine is completely vacant). 

Alpine is quite beautiful.  So is the whole area really.

[Hashemite]

Other weird Nader result: Dawes Co, NE: 5.85%

Also, Obama did unusually well for western Nebraska in Dawes County and Box Butte County right south of there; over 30% in both. Why?

[cinyc]

Other weird Nader result: Dawes Co, NE: 5.85%

Also, Obama did unusually well for western Nebraska in Dawes County and Box Butte County right south of there; over 30% in both. Why?

Chadron State College (Dawes) and Carhenge (Box Butte).  Actually, I'm not sure about Box Butte.  

Edited to add:   Box Butte County, along with Dawes, is one of a handful of Western Nebraska counties that has an actual town of any size.  Obama also cracked 30% in Scotts Bluff County, which is another.