The eight fastest-growing states are all "red states"

WSJ - Best of the Web ^ | April 25, 2005 | JAMES TARANTO

[soccer_linux_mozilla]

The Associated Press says this is bad news for the most liberal region in the country: "New England stands to lose about 20 percent of its congressional seats over the next quarter-century as political power follows population booms in the South and West." The fastest-growing New England state is New Hampshire, at No. 15, followed by Vermont (23), Maine (32), Massachusetts (33), Rhode Island (34) and Connecticut (38).

The second table in the Excel document shows that 52.4% of the nationwide population growth is expected to be in the South, 35.2% in the West, vs. just 7.4% in the Midwest and 5% in the Northeast. The one bright spot for "blue" states is that Pacific Coast states are expected to grow more than those in the Mountain West.

[EagleUSA]

Be careful how you interpret these numbers since many fast growing states (red) are growing from a exodus from other (blue) states -- especially due to relocation of businesses and getting away from liberal confiscatory taxation and regulation.

[ken5050]

And congressional seats = Electoral votes...Esitmate now give the red states of the 2004 election another 7-10 EVs in 2012 race...the WH math gets harder for the Dems

[goodnesswins]

"The one bright spot for "blue" states is that Pacific Coast states are expected to grow more than those in the Mountain West."

Well, after what our State Legislature just did.....we're looking at moving to the MOUNTAIN WEST.....can no longer bear to stay in this Socialist State.

[jmaroneps37]

They can keep "expecting" all they want, the coastal states might grow but illegals can't vote now and the laws against them voting are getting tougher, not easier.

[gdani]

....especially due to relocation of businesses and getting away from liberal confiscatory taxation and regulation

I have a feeling weather plays a large role.

[bahblahbah]

Just because they're coming from blue states doesn't mean their blue staters. I bet Rove has some people surveying to growing communities to see what types of people are moving into the red states.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

But who is going to these red states? Reds from blue states or Blues from blue states?

[TXBSAFH]

If you even point this out the the rats the freak. I lurk sometimes at the dump. I have seen people who had over 500 posts there get banned just for point out this and putting the idea forth that moving to the center might be a good idea. At this rate the rate party will be dead in 20 years. Just remember New England is where political parties go to die in the US. See the Whigs and the Federalists.

[Physicist]

Nevada is the fastest growing state because it doesn't have very many people. I'm sure it's not the fastest growing in absolute terms. That's the figure of merit when you're counting House seats and electoral votes.

[EagleUSA]

I have a feeling weather plays a large role.
=====
Yes, weather too, plays are big role. I am a Californian so I can relate. Actually it is a very wide base of driving forces that cause folks to shift around, to say nothing of the hoards of illegals that have populated this country, but we know where they typically go, and are spreading.

[who knows what evil?]

Well, after what our State Legislature just did.....we're looking at moving to the MOUNTAIN WEST.....can no longer bear to stay in this Socialist State.

I am in New England, and am considering Idaho. However, I am aware that Californians are flooding into Idaho, and that many of them are bringing their obnoxious liberal habits with them. True?

[Brilliant]

If you include the illegal aliens and the gray economy in CA, it's probably still the fastest growing.

[ken5050]

The Dems have two major problems...They've given up all hope of the Congress for the next decade or so, and are focused exclusively on the WH...and they will never give up the early Iowa caucus and NH priamry, where the far left wing dominates..Thus, only a left/lib can get the nomination..Did you see the "trial balloon" floated a few days ago suggesting that Hillary skip Iowa?..Never gonna happen..

[shekkian]

Is there any data on states with shrinking populatons?

[Rakkasan1]

I live in Minnesota for the beautiful climate and low
taxes (sarcasm)

[colorcountry]

Utah is on the list of "fastest growing." It will take a lot of "blue staters" to change the political climate here.

[eyespysomething]

Heck, here in GA we keep on addin' electoral votes.

Y'all c'mon down, but mind yer manners, or back ta yankeeland.

[TXBSAFH]

Watching the dems is like watching a slow motion train wreck.

[Alberta's Child]

That's a very good point. By 2030, for example, there is a good chance that North Carolina will be a "blue" state -- due to a large influx of relocated liberals from the Northeast. I would add states like Virginia and Nevada to that mix, too.