@Biscuit One of the more local examples is here in Northern Virginia. Normally, the rest of the state swings GOP on a regular basis. However, the county of Fairfax is pretty staunchly Democratic. It also is one of the most densely populated areas in the state. Often, you'll see in races such as the latest Senator election that the GOP carrying the win the entire night - until they finally finish counting all the votes in Fairfax. Mark Warner only won by 17,000 votes, or roughly 0.8%.
It frustrates the rest of Virginia that Northern Virginia votes solidly Blue. But unless they want to risk antagonizing the area that generates 40% of the state's tax income, they'll just have to put up with it.
I think it was a mistake using blue on this graphic, since (from the link) it looks like the maps only indicates which counties are those that make up 50% of the US population. Blue definitely has developed a meaning of its own, and I think its really easy to read that into looking at this map. That said, most of these counties probably are pretty democratic since cities do tend to lean left.
@cwhartman //Blue definitely has developed a meaning of its own// You're absolutely right. I was unaware that 50% of the US population lived in bodies of water.
It frustrates the rest of Virginia that Northern Virginia votes solidly Blue. But unless they want to risk antagonizing the area that generates 40% of the state's tax income, they'll just have to put up with it.
//Blue definitely has developed a meaning of its own//
You're absolutely right. I was unaware that 50% of the US population lived in bodies of water.