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      <title>3A: Politics by State! You will select two different states by picking some popsicle sticks. Once you have your state, create a post on that state that includes the following information: what political region that state is in, the governor and their party, how the state voted in the past 2 presidential elections, and the main issue that voters in that state care about. Then, adjust the color of your post to match the party that state voted for (red = republican, blue = democrat, purple = if they flip flopped). Use the example I created about Connecticut as a guide. by STACY FERRETT</title>
      <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg</link>
      <description></description>
      <language>en-us</language>
      <pubDate>2025-09-29 23:02:29 UTC</pubDate>
      <lastBuildDate>2025-09-30 16:37:43 UTC</lastBuildDate>
      <webMaster>hello@padlet.com</webMaster>
      <image>
         <url></url>
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      <item>
         <title>Connecticut</title>
         <author>sferrett</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3610113085</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>CT is in the White Collar East Coast region of the USA. The Governor is Ned Lamont who is a Democrat. In the past 2 Presidential elections, CT has voted for the Democratic Candidate. (Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024). A key issue that impacts CT voters is the cost of living. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-29 23:02:29 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3610113085</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Indiana</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611734777</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Indiana is in the White Collar Midwest of the US. The governor is Mike Braun who is Republican. In the past 2 elections, Indiana has voted for the Republican candidate (Donald Trump for both). Strict voter ID laws is a issue that impacts CT voters</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:16:53 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611734777</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Ohio</title>
         <author>zoehellstran</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735189</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Ohio is in the Blue Collar Midwest. The governor is Mike DeWine, he is a part of the republican party. In both 2020 and 2024, the state voted for president Trump with about 50%. The state values the economy, the cost of living, reproductive rights and public education.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:17:09 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735189</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Massachusetts</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735509</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Massachusetts is in the White Collar East Coast region of the USA. The governor is Maura Healey, a Democrat. In the past two presidential elections, they have voted for the Democratic candidates (Joe Biden in 2020, Kamala Harris in 2024). A key issue that voters in Massachusetts are about is substance use prevention. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:17:22 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735509</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Vermont</title>
         <author>sydneybalkun</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735865</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Vermont is in the Yankeedom region of the USA. The governor is Phil Scott, who is a Republican. In the past two presidential elections, VT has voted for the Democratic Candidate. ( Joe Biden in 2020 &amp; Kamala Harris in 2024.) A key issue that impacts VT voters is lack of affordable housing and homelessness. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:17:32 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735865</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Kansas</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735983</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Kansas is located in the Midwest/Great Plains political region. Its current governor is Laura Kelly, a Democrat, which is notable because Kansas consistently votes Republican in presidential elections. In both 2020 and 2024, Kansas voted for Donald Trump, with over 56% of the vote each time. A major issue for voters in Kansas is abortion rights especially after the 2022 ballot measure where voters chose to protect abortion access in the state constitution. Other key concerns include education funding and rural infrastructure. Because of the mix between a Democratic governor and Republican presidential wins, Kansas shows a purple political character.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:17:36 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611735983</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Tennessee</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611736100</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Tennessee is in the White Collar South region. Its governor is Bill Lee, a Republican and in the last two presidential elections, Tennessee voted for the Republican candidates Donald Trump in 2020 and Ron DeSantis in 2024. A key issue for Tennessee voters is access to healthcare, especially with hospital closures, and the rising cost of living in major cities like Nashville.</p><p><br></p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:17:41 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611736100</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Alaska</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611736184</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Alaska is in the political region American Heartland, which leans primarily Republican in elections. Their governor is Mike Dunleavy, who is a Republican. Alaska voted republican in both past elections. Alaska cares deeply about the education system and resource development. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:17:45 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611736184</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Arkansas</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611736673</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Arkansas is in the Southern political region and is a reliably Republican state. The current governor is Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, and the state strongly supported Donald Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, giving him over 60% of the vote each time. Voters in Arkansas are especially focused on abortion laws, as the state has some of the strictest bans in the country. Another key issue is election security, with laws around absentee ballots and voter ID being tightened in recent years. With consistent Republican leadership at both state and national levels, Arkansas is clearly red.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:18:04 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611736673</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Texas</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611737937</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Texas is in the White Collar South region, governed by Republican Greg Abbott. Texas voted Republican in the past two presidential elections, supporting Donald Trump in 2020 and Ron DeSantis in 2024. Important issues for Texas voters are border security, immigration, and the cost of living, particularly housing affordability in cities like Austin and Dallas.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:18:48 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611737937</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Virginia</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611738050</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Virginia is a part of the White Collar East Coast political region. The governor of this state is Glenn Youngkin, a republican. In the past two elections, they voted Democrat both times. They voted Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020. The main issues the voters care about are the cost of living and threats to democracy.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:18:52 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611738050</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Nebraska</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611738589</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Nebraska is part of the American Heartland. Nebraska's governor is Jim Pillen who is a republican. The past 2 presidential Nebraska voted has voted Republican. Voters in Nebraska are concerned with a combination of statewide and national issues such as  agricultural struggles due to high costs and low prices, disputes over tax and spending policies, water contamination, and social and reproductive rights. JULIA HURLEY</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:19:09 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611738589</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>South Carolina</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611739593</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>South Carolina is in the New South region of the USA. The governor of South Carolina is Henry McMaster who is a member of the Republican party. South Carolina has voted for Donald Trump, a Republican in both the 2020 and 2024 elections. A issue that effects South Carolina voters is healthcare costs and access to hospitals.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:19:47 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611739593</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Texas</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611739864</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Texas is in the New South region. Greg Abbott, of the republican party, is the state's governor. For the last two presidential elections, the state has voted for Donald Trump, a Republican. The main issue that the state is concerned about are immigration and border security.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:19:56 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611739864</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Louisiana</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611740118</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Louisiana is a part of the New South Region, currently Louisiana's governor is Jeff Landry and he is a member of the Republican party.  In the last two presidential elections Louisiana voted for the Republican party. People in Louisiana mainly vote for crime and public safety.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:20:00 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611740118</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>West Virginia</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611740607</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>West virignia is in at the Appalacion region of the Western United States. The Governer is Patrick Morrissey who is a republican. For the past 3 Presidential elections. WV has voted for the Republican candidate ( Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.) A key issue that impacts west Virginia Ct voters in shifting party allegiance. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:20:21 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611740607</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Mississippi</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611740802</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Mississippi is in the New South region of the US. The governor is Tate Reeves, who is Republican. In the past 2 elections, Mississippi voted for the Republican candidate (Donald Trump both times). A key issue affecting Mississippi voters healthcare that is not up to par.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:20:28 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611740802</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Utah</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611741543</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Utah is in the American Heartland region and is one of the most Republican states in the nation. They voted for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the 2020 and 2024 elections. The governor of Utah is Spencer Cox. The main issue voters care about in Utah are housing affordability, taxes, and healthcare. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:20:57 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611741543</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Nevada</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611741664</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Nevada is in the American Heartland region of the USA. The governor of Nevada is Joe Lombardo, a Republican. In the previous presidential election in 2024, Nevada voted for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, while in 2020 they voted for Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate. A core issue this state cares about is economic stability. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:21:02 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611741664</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Hawaii</title>
         <author>zoehellstran</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743017</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Hawaii is in the West Coast region of the country. The governor is Josh Green, he is a representative for the Democratic party. For the 2020 vote, the state voted for Joe Biden and in 2024 the state voted for Kamala Harris. Voters from Hawaii value safety from crime, housing, affordability and agriculture.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:21:51 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743017</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Wyoming</title>
         <author>owencorr</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743119</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Wyoming is in the American Heartland and the governor is Mark Gordon who is part of the Republican party. In the past 2 elections, Wyoming has voted for Trump in 2024 and in 2020 also. The main issue focused on in the state is the Fiscal Policy </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:21:55 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743119</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Colorado</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743325</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Colorado is located in the American Heartland region of the USA.  The current governor of Colorado is Jared Polis, who is a part of the Democratic party. Colorado is a blue state, Joe Biden being voted in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. A common factor that impacts voters in Colorado is the very high cost of living.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:22:04 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743325</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Maryland</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743632</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>For Maryland, the political region is white collar east coast. The governor of this state is Wes Moore who is a part of the Democratic party. In 2020 and 2024 Maryland voted mainly democratic (Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024). Finally, the main issues that Maryland cares about are affordable housing, and the state's budget deficit.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:22:14 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611743632</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Pennsylvania</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611744911</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Pennsylvania is part of the White Collar East Coast region of the USA.  The Governor is Josh Shapiro, who is a Republican.  In the past 2 elections, PA was a purple state who voted for both the Democratic and Republican Candidate (Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024).  A key issue that impacts PA voters is education funding, budget challenges, and workforce shortages.   </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:23:05 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611744911</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Iowa</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745295</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Iowa is part of the Blue collar Midwest. Iowa's governor is Kim Reynolds who is a republican. Iowa voted Republican for the past 2 elections.  Iowa voters are primarily concerned with the state's lagging economy, the ongoing agricultural crisis, workforce shortages, reproductive rights, and education funding. JULIA HURLEY</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:23:21 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745295</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Alabama</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745512</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Alabama is in the New South region of the USA. The governor is Kay Ivey who is a Republican. In the past 2 elections, AL had voted for the Republican side. (Donald Trump in 2024 and Donald Trump in 2020). A key issue that impacts AL voters is economy.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:23:28 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745512</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Minnesota</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745592</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Minnesota is a part of the Blue Collar Midwest political region. The governor of the state is Tim Walz, a Democrat. The state voted for the Democratic party in the past two elections. They voted Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020.The main issues the voters care about are economy, public safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, and partisan divides.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:23:31 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745592</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>California</title>
         <author>sydneybalkun</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745779</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>California is in the Left Coast, Far west and El Norte regions of the USA. The governor is Gavin Newsom, who is a Democrat. In the past two presidential elections, CA has voted for the Democratic Candidate. (Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024.) A key issue that impacts CA voters is Proposition 50, which is a redistricting dispute state wide, that is happening currently. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:23:37 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745779</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Maine</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745979</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Maine is in the White Collar East Coast region of the USA. The governor is Janet Mills who is a Democrat. Maine does not use a winner take all system for Presidential elections, although Joe Biden won the popular vote in 2020, while Donald Trump won in 2024. A key issue that impacts Maine voters is the Red Flag Law.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:23:46 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611745979</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Oklahoma</title>
         <author>ethannguyen7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611746809</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Located around the American Heartland nation, they care about farming, representing the common man, and are against govt, big banks, etc. Oklahoma was a Republican Party which is being ran by their governor Kevin Stitt(2019-2025). The last presidential votes mainly focused on the Republican Side. Along with that most presidential votes were for Donald Trump. Along with that Oklahoma focuses economy, inflation, immigration, education and policies.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:24:18 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611746809</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Maryland</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611747828</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Maryland is on the White Collar East Coast for their political region. Maryland's governor is Wes Moore and he is a part of the Democratic party. For the last two presidential elections Maryland voted Liberal. Maryland voters main issue they vote for is healthcare including reproductive rights</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:24:55 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611747828</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Louisiana</title>
         <author>owencorr</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748343</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Louisiana is in the New South region and their governor is Jeff Landry who is a part of the Republican party. Louisiana has voted for Trump and the Republican party in 2020 and 2024. Louisiana's main topic of issue is the high crime along with public safety</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:25:16 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748343</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Rhode Island</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748520</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Rhode Island is located in the White Collar East Coast of the United States. The governor of Rhode Island is Daniel McKee, of the Democratic party. In the last two presidential elections Rhode Island has voted for the democratic party. Kamala Harris in 2024, and Joe Biden in 2020. Voters in Rhode Island are most concerned about the State Budget deficit. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:25:22 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748520</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Illinois</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748564</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Illinois is in the Blue Collar Midwest region of the USA. The governor of Illinois is JB Pritzker who is a member of the Democratic party. In both the 2020 and 2024 elections, Illinois has voted for the Democratic party(2020-Joe Biden, 2024-Kamala Harris). A main issue that effects voters in Illinois is the cost of living. </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:25:23 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748564</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Washington</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748918</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>WA is located in in the country's upper-left corner bordering the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia, Idaho, and Oregon. The Governer is Bob Ferguson. Since 1988, Washington has been a strong Democratic party and in 2024 voted for Kamala Harris. One key issue that impacts WA voting is the requirement to prove citizenship.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:25:37 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611748918</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Yankee Stadium, East 161st Street, The Bronx, NY</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611751770</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<ul><li><p><strong>Governor:</strong> Kathy Hochul is the current governor of New York. </p></li><li><p><strong>Recent presidential voting</strong>:<br>  • In <strong>2020</strong>, New York voted decisively for Joe Biden (Democrat) over Donald Trump. <br>  • In <strong>2024</strong>, New York again backed the Democratic candidate (Kamala Harris)  </p><p>Because New York stayed Democratic in both elections we can consider it "Blue"</p></li><li><p><strong>Key issue for voters</strong>: One of the most salient issues in New York is affordability / cost of living &amp; housing, in addition to that public safety/crime and transit infrastructure is also very important to them. </p></li></ul>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://padlet-uploads-usc1.storage.googleapis.com/4474674469/b60a593da9c08e7a8fe4d0670cdfeabf/Screenshot_2025_09_30_12_26_43_PM.png" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:27:16 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611751770</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>New Jersey</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611752693</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>New Jersey is a part of the White Collar East Coast region. Phil Murphy is the governor, leading in the Democratic party. New Jersey voted blue in the last 2 presidential elections, 52% in 2024 and 57.3% in 2020. The most focused issues in NJ are the high taxes/economy and government ethics.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:27:52 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611752693</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>North Carolina</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753172</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>North Carolina is located in the American Heartland region of the USA. Their current governor is Josh Stein, who is a member of the Democratic Party. North Carolina is considered a Purple/Swing State, Donald Trump being voted in 2024 and in 2020. In North Carolina, economic conditions are key factors that impact voters.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:28:10 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753172</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Tennessee</title>
         <author>ethannguyen7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753465</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Tennessee is a Republican party ran by their governor Bill Lee. They are from the New South nation and by 2020 and 2024 the party has voted for Donald Trump and with the election mainly being all Republicans. The state focuses on gun violence, economy, and education.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:28:18 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753465</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Montana</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753683</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Montana is part of the American Heartland region of the USA.  The governor is Greg Gianforte, who is a Republican.  In the past 2 elections, MT was a red state who voted for the Republican Candidate (Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024).  A key issue that impacts MT is the environment and the economy (inflation).  </p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:28:26 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753683</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>New Mexico</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753760</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>New Mexico resides in the American Heartland, this is because of their specific location and not truly because of their political affiliation. In both recent elections they ended up voted for the democratic runners. Their current governor is also michelle grisham who is a democrat.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:28:28 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611753760</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>South Dakota</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611755743</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>SD is in the American Heartland region of the USA. The governor is Larry Rhoden who is a member of the Republican party. In the past two Presidential elections SD has voted for the Republican candidate, Donald Trump for the 2020, and 2024 elections. One issue for SD voters is the economy and workforce.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:29:42 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611755743</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>North Dakota</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611756938</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>For North Dakota, the political region is American Heartland. Their governor is Kelly Armstrong who is a republican. In the last two presidential elections North Dakota has voted Republican (Trump in 2020, and 2024). Finally, the main issues that North Dakota focuses on are agriculture, and voter rights.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:30:20 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611756938</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Arizona</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611757653</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Arizona is in the American Heartland and the governor is Katie Hobbs and is part of the Democratic party. In the past 2 elections, Arizona had voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024. The main issue focused on in the state is Economy stability.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:30:44 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611757653</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Royals Stadium, Royal Way, Kansas City, MO</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611759269</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<ul><li><p><strong>Governor &amp; Party</strong>: As of 2025, the governor is <strong>Mike Kehoe</strong>, a Republican. He succeeded Mike Parson, also a Republican, after winning the 2024 gubernatorial election. </p></li><li><p><strong>Recent Presidential Elections</strong>:</p><ul><li><p><strong>2020</strong>: Missouri voted for Donald Trump (Republican), continuing its trend of supporting Republican candidates in presidential elections. </p></li><li><p><strong>2024</strong>: Missouri again voted for Donald Trump (Republican), reaffirming its status as a Republican stronghold. </p></li><li><p>This makes Missouri a "red" state</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Key Voter Issues</strong>: In recent years, Missouri voters have shown concern over issues such as abortion rights, workers' rights, and economic policies. </p></li></ul>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://padlet-uploads-usc1.storage.googleapis.com/4474674469/3befb809ffccfa1105ed6c38ae25bff5/Screenshot_2025_09_30_12_31_27_PM.png" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:31:43 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611759269</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Oregon</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611760858</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Oregon is considered part of the west coast not only because of its location but also because of its ideals in politics. They voted for the democratic politicians in both presidential elections. Their governor is Tina Keytok who is a democrat.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:32:41 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611760858</guid>
      </item>
      <item>
         <title>Delaware</title>
         <author></author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611761938</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Delaware is a part of the White Collar East Coast region.  Matt Meyer is the governor, leading in the Democratic party.  Delaware voted blue in the last 2 presidential elections, 56.5 in 2024 and 58.7% in 2020. The most focused issues in Delaware are the economy &amp; healthcare along with education.</p>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="" />
         <pubDate>2025-09-30 16:33:23 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/southingtonschools/akng1nqyyknocpxg/wish/3611761938</guid>
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