As best as I can tell, the two counties I mentioned have always been strong democrat/union. They are, however, a very hardy bunch of hunters and fisherman who I've never understood politically. They were always heavy democrat and union, but used to be more on the conservative side. Sadly, not anymore. They were two of three counties that didn't vote for Bush. The other is ultra liberal Missoula County.
“Californication” may explain some if not all of it.