Primarily ...West Virginia

  Dem.Primaries held - cream. Primary today -West Virginia- aqua

West Virginia voters do the primary deed today, in Nebraska Republicans only are still to vote.


West Virginia - that name always brings to mind yet another song of John Denver (yesterday's post featured three of 'em). What the heck... here's another for good measure:

West Virginia's is an open primary which will award 37 delegates. Another win would give Bernie further reason to continue his campaign, following his victory in Indiana last Tuesday; he is polling slightly ahead of Hillary Clinton in West Virginia at the time of typing.

The state relies heavily on coal mining, an industry which is nearing its last days if strong action to slow down climate change is to be taken.

The state is noted for its mountains and rolling hills, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research (Wiki - link above)

The coal industry issue could go against Bernie or Hillary almost equally - though it does appear that the demographics of the state favour Bernie, if earlier patterns are repeated. West Virginia has only a tiny percentage of African American voters, a pattern which, in past primaries has helped Bernie.