They still love the Chimpster in Utah and Idaho, for reasons incomprehensible to the rest of us.  Wyoming gives him a net 3% postitive rating, due no doubt to the fact that 10% of the population consists of members of the Cheney family.  And Texas gives him favorite son treatment by just 1%, a 2% decrease from last month.  Everywhere else, the map is blue, blue, blue!

OKLAHOMA and NEBRASKA, which have until now been second only to the above states in giving Bush narrow approval, have slipped noticeably, giving him -13% and -8%, respectively, the lowest approval rating from those states to date.  Conversely, NORTH CAROLINA drank a dose of the kool aid, giving Bush just -1% approval.  In recent months, John Edwards' home state has been comfortably in the -15% range, well higher than its neighbor SOUTH CAROLINA, which remains at a healthy -12% today. Any idea what may have happened recently in NC to give George the Turd a boost?

TENNESSEE, KENTUCKY and SOUTH DAKOTA have surpassed VIRGINIA and ARIZONA in their disdain for Bush.  South Dakota is developing a marked place as the most anti-Bush of the prairie states.  Maybe it's backlash against the antiabortion law, or maybe the voters are warming to Rep. Stephanie Herseth.  

In KY and TN, the decrease in Bush support seems to be part of a pattern echoing throughout the Appalachian range in general, with PENNSYLTUCKY, WEST VIRGINIA, SE OHIO and VIRGINIA all giving Bush lower numbers than might be expected in regions where he got comfortable majorities just two years ago.  The attitude is reflected in crucial Appalachian Congressional races in KY-4, NC-11, VA-5, WV-2 and OH-6. Even in bottom tier races where Democrats were never expected to have a chance, Democratic candidates are showing surprising strength. Check out PA-19, OH-2, MD-6 and even the open TN-1, which hasn't had a Democrat since Reconstruction!

FLORIDA, at -26% has passed ARKANSAS to be the most anti-Bush Southern state.

As usual, OHIO at -32% is the most anti-Bush state of those whose electoral votes went to Bush in 2004. HAWAII at -13%, is the least anti-Bush of the Kerry states.  and RHODE ISLAND, with a whopping -52% net approval, has regained the coveted status of least approving state of them all, having briefly lent the title to VERMONT (now second at -44%) last month.  Congratulations, Ocean Staters! Now, let's tie Bush like an albatross around Chaffee's neck!