voting patterns in each state since 1984

[justfollowingtheelections]

I made a map with the voting patterns in each state since 1984.  The colors indicate:

90% Has voted for this party since 1984
80% Has voted for this party since 1988
70% Has voted for this party since 1992
60% Has voted for this party since 1996
50% Has voted for this party since 2000
40% Has voted for this party since 2004
30% Voted for this party in 2008, but voted for the other party in 2004
What was most interesting was that Alaska, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma have been voting Republican since 1968.  Can someone attempt to explain this?

[justfollowingtheelections]

What was most interesting was that Alaska, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma have been voting Republican since 1968.  Can someone attempt to explain this?

Rural, Western hinterlands and Mormons have been reliably Republican since 1968 (with obvious exceptions).

But why?

[justfollowingtheelections]

No my question is why are those particular states always voting republicans.  What are the specific characteristics of those states that make them choose that party instead of the other one.

[justfollowingtheelections]

Interesting analyses guys.  Thanks.  It's pretty obvious why the South with its long history of racial tension turned Republican after the Civil Rights Act was implemented, but I never understood why the West did after voting for Johnson in '64.  Your comments answered many of my questions.