The promise of FedGov money, the university system is very powerful, and the supposed independent mentality that’s up here. When in reality that “independent” mentality is nothing more than give the government control.
Don’t forget the unions. Especially the public sector unions. Also keep in mind that 20 percent is a huge turnout. The feds and the state set the cost of evrything up here since they don’t care what they pay for anything.