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Small State Governors Are More Popular

Statistics show trend working in favor of Palin, Schweitzer

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2009 1:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Governors hailing from less-populous states tend to have higher approval ratings, according to Andrew Gelman of FiveThirtyEight.com. Though the trend doesn’t manifest itself every year, data show that in general, and especially in recent years, it’s easier for smaller state governors to nab the kind of outsized numbers that give them a boost in a national run. The data throw some light on the much-ballyhooed popularity of governors like Sarah Palin and Montana's Brian Schweitzer.

Gelman checked state-by-state ratings for national politicians to see if small state residents are just a generally more approving crowd; they’re not. The higher approval applies only to local politicians. Some possible explanations: smaller states generally have weaker legislatures, more homogeneous populations, and more federal money per-capita. In other words, their leaders enjoy less political conflict, fewer disparate demographics to please, and more money to please them with.

This map shows the US population by state. (Orange, yellow and light green areas are the most populous).
This map shows the US population by state. (Orange, yellow and light green areas are the most populous).   (Wikimedia Commons)
In this Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin smiles as she talks to reporters after she voted at Wasilla City Hall in Wasilla, Alaska.
In this Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin smiles as she talks to reporters after she voted at Wasilla City Hall in Wasilla, Alaska.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
In this Oct. 25, 2007 file photo, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer speaks with Associated Press reporters in Helena, Mont.
In this Oct. 25, 2007 file photo, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer speaks with Associated Press reporters in Helena, Mont.   (AP Photo/Eliza Wiley, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Rob
May 19, 2009 11:46 AM CDT
You give me negative marks when I say something about the disgusting sexist and foul language stated by observer. Now that's rich.
woodyTX
May 19, 2009 4:08 AM CDT
NO !
nick
May 18, 2009 8:07 AM CDT
I liked Sarah Palin until she spoke!

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