Thanks for this clear explanation, helps make sense. I think this is the pattern in many historically red states.

Back in the days when I used to listen to NPR I remember this one program that talked about how republicans are taking over all the local governments slowly under the noses of democrats and using it to turn congress and senate red. Now when I think about it, I think that was pure projection. Looks like thats exactly what the Dems had been doing all this time.