Regarding something like Marijuana legalization, the east coast is definitely not as progressive as the west coast. I wouldn't be surprised if the east is closer in it's views on Marijuana to the Midwest AND the south than it is to the west. They are just more traditional people. Law and order conservatism also seems to flourish in this area. And the trust in authority in general is much higher than it is out west. And I think this transcends partisan lines.
On the contrary, I'd say it's almost certain that the first state to legalize marijuana will be in New England. Of course, it will be subsequently taxed at 900% and its smoking banned in every conceivable public and private location...
Not so sure about that, you would have to beat Washington which is probably at about 50/50 odds for legalizing this year.