We’re No. 2, We’re No. 2 — for Repubs, That Is

For rest of story, click here, for survey, click here

How do the numbers stack in the Northwest? In Washington, which the poll again suggests is the most Democratic of the three, the Democrats accounted for 54%, Republican 36% and independents 10%. If that’s an accurate measure, Republicans in Washington have some serious work cut out, with an 18% gap to make up. In Oregon, things are closer but not really close: Democrats 49%, Republicans 41%, independents 12%. (Oregon has one of the higher independent percentages in the country.) In Idaho, as you might expect, things are reversed - very much so. Washington is the 12th most Democratic state (in this survey) among the 50, and Oregon ranks 24th - smack in the middle. But Idaho is the second most Republican state in the union, behind only Utah. In the Gem State, 54% call themselves Republicans, 35% Democrats and 11% independent - an almost perfect mirror image of Washington — Randy Stapilus/Ridenbaugh Press.

Question: If Blue Washington and Red Idaho are almost the same in turns of dominance by one party, why do people make a big deal about Idaho’s Republican dominance?