[Dane]

Bush won the heavily democratic UP of Michigan, as well as West Virginia

Gore was anti-coal and Gore's envirowhacko positions probably hurt him the most in WV.

Interesting that you leave that factor out and focus on your pet issue.

[Kenno]

The two are connected in the minds of many blue-collar workers. To Joe Six-Pack, Gore wants to get rid of coal because Gore is a sissy rich kid; and to Joe Six-Pack, Gore wants to get rid of guns because Gore is a sissy rich kid.