Red State vs. Blue State

Texas vs. Florida

Nick McGuffee

A single issue politic that affects both Florida and Texas is immigration; with FL being a destination for many Cubans, as well as other latin groups, and Texas being in close proximity to Mexico and Central America.

Electoral College Votes:

Texas currently has 34 Electoral College votes which is a lot compared to most other states.

Electoral College Votes:

Florida also has a lot of weight in the Electoral College with 27 Votes.

Texas is not considered a swing state, it is a safe republican state

Florida has been a swing state for quite some time now. It is important for candidates to get Florida’s vote because it is one of the states that constantly goes back and forth between Republican and Democrat.

Presidential Primaries:

-Florida definitely plays a significant role in the presidential primaries partly because it is a swing state. Candidates can count on Florida to choose them since their decision isn’t necessarily determined based on their past electoral votes. Also because Florida has a large amount of electoral votes it benefits their voting rate greatly.

Texas also plays a significant role for Republicans in the presidential primaries because it is a large state with a lot of electoral votes so it benefits their voting rate greatly.

Texas Voting History -

Since 1968:

• 1968 - Democrat (Humphrey) - Loser
• 1972 - Republican (Nixon) - Winner
• 1976 - Democrat (Carter) - Winner
• 1980 - Republican (Reagan) - Winner
• 1984 - Republican (Reagan) - Winner
• 1988 - Republican (Bush) - Winner
• 1992 - Republican (Bush) - Loser
• 1996 - Republican (Dole) - Loser
• 2000 - Republican (Bush) - Winner
• 2004 - Republican (Bush) - Winner
• 2008 - Republican (McCain) - Loser

Florida Voting History -

Since 1968:

• 1968 - Republican (Nixon) - Winner
• 1972 - Republican (Nixon) - Winner
• 1976 - Democrat (Carter) - Winner
• 1980 - Republican (Reagan) - Winner
• 1984 - Republican (Reagan) - Winner
• 1988 - Republican (Bush) - Winner
• 1992 - Republican (Bush) - Loser
• 1996 - Democrat (Clinton) - Winner
• 2000 - Republican (Bush) - Winner
• 2004 - Republican (Bush) - Winner
• 2008 - Democrat (Obama) - Winner

Florida 2012 Projection

Florida's poll projections for 2012 are listed as "Barely Republican."

The most popular republican candidate is Mitt Romney. But since Florida is a swing state, it would be no surprise if they changed positions before the election.

Texas 2012 Projections

Texas's poll projections for the 2012 presidential election are listed as "Strong Republican," which is no surprise. Rick Perry is the most popular candidate.

Social Scientist

History - A historian would look to see how each state voted in past elections and study how this effected the outcome of the election

Geography - A geographer would view this topic by looking at the region of the states. They could also analyze the demographics of each state and try to figure out why they are the way they are.

Civics - To look at our project from a civics standpoint, you could look at how big of an impact each state makes in the outcome of the election. Also, you could analyze why and how each presidential candidate chooses to campaign in specific states.

Content Area: Social Studies

Standard: Civics

Concept: “Analyze elements of continuity and change in the United States government and the role of citizens over time.”

Activity:

Students could research how state’s political stances have changed over time. Then they could do projects on why individual state’s political stances have changed over time and why they are the way they are now.

References

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12000.html

http://www.270towin.com/states/Texas

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48000.html

http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/tif/population.html

http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/

Wikipedia.com