Of the top 10 states (and including DC) in per capita GDP, only two -- Alaska and Wyoming -- are Republican. And Alaska is heavily subsidized by the federal government.
Of the bottom 10 states in per capita GDP, only two -- Michigan and New Mexico -- are Blue.
So, 8 of the 10 most prosperous states are Blue, and 8 of the 10 poorest states are Red. A rather "stark difference in economic vitality," is it not?
And there's more.
Red states have higher rates of divorce, teen pregnancy, higher crime crates, and lower education levels than Blue states.
So what gives?
...why haven't Republicans had more success rejuvenating the economies of deep red states? Why are so many deeply conservative states among the worst performers on a range of statistics, from output and income, to educational attainment, to life expectancy and literacy?
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