America's poorest county is also one of the most Republican ones

[Stranger in a strange land]

Unionist Stronghold, not that uncommon in Appalachia. It made sense for them to vote Republican in the late 19th century. Why they still vote that way is the real question.

What's funny is that Romney will almost certainly win the county with over 75% of the vote, despite his recent comments.

[Stranger in a strange land]

I would assume the main reason they're so Republican now is God, guns, and gays.  Pretty simple, actually.

yet there are other wretchedly poor counties in Appalachia, which are culturally similar in most respects, that still vote Democratic, or at least did until very recently.