[LdSentinal]

Why did this low-income state vote . . .

Is it possible that West Virginia remained a low-income state because it followed to policies of the Democratci party for close to 70 years?

[Ghengis]

Is it possible that West Virginia remained a low-income state because it followed to policies of the Democratci party for close to 70 years?

West Virginia is a state full of natural resources that are owned and exploited by liberal blue state industrialists. The last thing these blue staters want is a self sufficient Appalachian. It worked for quite consistently from the Great Depression until 1980.

Does the name Rockefeller ring a bell?

[mountaineer]

We're a low-income state in part because Sen. Kleagle and his cohorts have succeeded in creating a welfare mentality among the citizens. Fortunately, those citizens looked beyond the govt programs when it came time to vote for president in 2000 and 2004. Patriotism, the perception of Kerry as anti-military and phony, President Bush's support for coal and steel all played a part.

Note, West Virginians still elected the usual Democrat congressional suspects: J.D. Rockefeller IV in 2000, and the idiot representatives Mollohan and Rahall. That Shelley Moore Capito was elected to Congress is a major accomplishment. Another Republican in the House or Senate would be earthshaking.

[texassizednightcrawler]

BINGO!
1. High taxes
2. Radical Unions (1970s wildcat strikes)
3. The remaining influence of old English culture that had a disdain for education. Small minds equal small ideas.
4. Political Corruption
5. Leftist lawyers and judges.