Homely's new maps thread

[Napoleon]

Litchfield County, I guess, is more akin to upstate New York: rural and traditionally Republican.

In part, yes, but let's be careful: Litchfield actually is home to some of Connecticut's most Democratic towns, and Republican support out there is coming increasingly from large towns than from rural communities. The upper Housatonic is home to many culturally-liberal NYC emigres and resembles Western Massachusetts in its politics: a high support for Nader, a vibrant cultural life in art and music, and (recognition of, respect for and defense of) the area's great scenic beauty.

Torrington, once a reliably Democratic bastion, is increasingly voting Republican. There's a lot of enthusiasm there for the very young, intelligent mayor Ryan Bingham, and the high Italian population there can no longer be counted as solidly Democratic by virtue of ethnic identity or past economic disadvantage. A lot of the other towns which were once, as you said, traditional in their support for agrarianism and old Conservative Republicans, now have many thousands of residents and serve as bedroom communities for the cities just beyond the borders of the county (Hartford, Danbury, Waterbury), etc.

Litchfield had some of Lamont's best towns. There's a good deal of liberal Democrats, and the anti-war movement got Murphy elected.

[Napoleon]

Is that some Northeastern colloquialism?

No, I've heard the phrase used by males 15-30 from all over the country.