If more stood up, they would be doing much better in republican states. The gun issue has killed democrats in red states and rightfully so. I think the political landscape would be much differently if democrats didn't have to deal with big city liberals like Kennedy. The only problem they have if they do stand up is they lose rat money. Also people just don't believe them. For a state position they might be able to pull it off. But no on in their right mind would send a democrat off to Washington and expect them not to help the socialist there.
I've always felt that the Congress (federal govt) should be republican --- of course that was when republicans meant SMALLER and less intrusive government --- and that states should be democrats --- social programs (taxes) at local levels only -- that was when democrats were Americans also.
I considered myself a social liberal and a fiscal conservative.
Now? I am just trying to help save this country for AMERICA!
An interesting side light, Wyoming is the only State with a surplus of over $ 1,000,000,000.00. They are so rich with proceeds from Oil and Gas and Coal Taxes they don't know what to do with it. Last I heard they were voting to donate $ 1,000,000 for the relief of the flood victims.