[RKV]

Progressive income taxation also plays a role. High earnings per capita states like New York, California and Connecticut are going to pay more in income taxes. I wonder if this is strategery on Rove's part with respect to tax policy? Make inroads on swing voters in traditionally RAT states?

[sarcasm]

There is no way that Bush will ever carry New York, California or Connecticut.

[sarcasm]

Rove thought that California was winnable in 2000 and see what happened. If anything, a depression would tend to favor democrats in 2004.