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Politics

Politics

The doings and goings-on of a state once very Democratic and now very Republican and thoughts about how West Virginians vote the way they do.

Conservative West Virginia

Conservative West Virginia

West Virginia is a conservative state politically and culturally. But it's most conservative in its strong ties to the mountains, rivers, and valleys that make up our stunning geography. Conservative in that sense maps to a desire to maintain those ties and to pass them on.

Ideology: Does it play an important role in our political decisions?

Ideology: Does it play an important role in our political decisions?

Red versus Blue, Right versus Left. These political distinctions have existed for a long time but does identifying yourself in one, or the other camps guarantee you'll see the changes you expect for your loyalty? The answer is that it depends on one's perspective.

Having and Lacking Political Clout

Having and Lacking Political Clout

West Virginia in the days of Democrat Robert Byrd had huge clout in Washington. Today not so much.

Swing overlooking a lake with mountains in the distance

Why Isn't West Virginia a Swing State?

Swing states are balanced politically between the two main parties. West Virginia is heavily tilted to one party, so it lacks the visibility and clout of a swing state. Why is this so?