"Best State Rankings, 2017," U.S. News & World Report

Average margins of victory in the five presidential elections from 1992 to 2008

  R >20

  R 10–20

  R 3–10

  R <3 to D <3

  D 3–10

  D 10–20

  D >20

Alan: In U.S. News & World Report's ranking of most-to-least "livable" states, note that "The Top Ten" contain only two red states - and one of those two is quirky Utah. 

And all but one of "The Bottom Ten" states are crimson red - the sole exception is New Mexico, a state that only recently morphed from red to purple.

If you want to live well, you would wisely choose to live in a blue state, staying clear of the red ones.

And to avoid the widespread pitfall of "overlooking the obvious," it is generally true that red states suck whereas blue states are better places to live.

Best State Rankings, 2017

U.S. News & World Report

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings

Republican Rule And Economic Catastrophe, A Lockstep Relationship

http://paxonbothhouses.blogspot.com/2012/05/republican-rule-and-economic.html

"Red State Moocher Links"

http://paxonbothhouses.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-state-moocher-links.html