Arizona stayed red in this year’s presidential vote. It is, after all, John McCain’s home state.
But like southern California, Arizona has been shifting steadily from red to blue as urban areas — especially Tucson, which went for Obama — and Hispanics increase their population shares. McCain won the state only 54% to 45%. And five of Arizona’s eight House members will now be Democrats, up from one of six during the 1990s and two of eight in the early 2000s.
Woo hoo!
In all seriousness, though, it might take me a few research papers to get there, but I’m really curious to see if the shift from red to blue has anything to do with the state political party. Over the course of a few conservations I have had, it seems that increases in voter registration drives relate well to increases in voter turnout. If one party is more present or visible in that effort, maybe those undecideds are swinging in their direction.
I also have two different experiences having worked at the grassroots level and with the Pima Democratic Party, and I’m curious to see if the structure of these groups has something to do with their internal response for mobilization.
Anywho, this is maybe several papers removed from where I’m at right now, but I’ll get there. Lots of questions. Just have to make them good research ones, right?