Why Ron Paul Appeals to New England

Charles Mahtesian
looks back at Rep. Ron Paul’s (R-TX) performance in the New England
states this primary season, noting that Paul “finished second in every
state except Massachusetts, nearly won Maine and won about a quarter of
the vote in New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.”

“What explains
the unusual regional appeal? Probably a number of factors, beginning
with the fact that Paul isn’t perceived as a Southern candidate but
rather a national one. The numerous universities and small liberal arts
colleges that dot the landscape probably help his cause, given his
appeal to the youth vote. So does the fact that New England isn’t as
hawkish as other parts of the country. Then there is small town and
rural New England — ancestrally Republican, with distinct libertarian
coloring and vestiges of skin-flint fiscal conservatism.”