[neverdem]

However, to suggest that indicates a "tie" between the two "major" parties is a lie. It ignores the fact that Southern Democrats are mostly conservatives who vote Republican for statewide and national offices.

I don't think it's necessarily a lie. Because of gerrymandering and the prospects for jobs, a lot of people are moving. Red states are becoming more red. Blue states are becoming more blue. It's only recently that NY has this 5 to 3 ratio in favor of the dems, IIRC. Both Schumer and then Hillary won by at least 11 percent margins when they were first elected.

NY, especially NYC, picked up many new residents, not counting those who can't vote legally. Upstate NY lost loads of folks who are unlikely to return. Liberals are flocking to cities. Conservatives are looking to greener pastures. If I wasn't a native of NYC with family and friends still here, I would have left a long time ago.

[Clemenza]

Believe it or not, I am looking to return to "fight the good fight." However, if I decide to start my own business in the future, it would most likely be in New Hampshire or even Delaware. Although the former has become a swing state and the latter a blue state, the cost of doing business is SO MUCH LOWER than what used to be called the Empire State.

As a native New Yorker, I weep for my state.