Most liberal and conservative states

[TeePee4Prez]

I really don't listen to "liberal" and "conservative" any more... as long as people have been asked how they identify, they usually are 50% to say that they are conservative.... even in the 60s.

In order to get a good picture, look at state laws  and court rulings on controversial issues and what polling is in that state on many of the issues at hand.  I mean, a state that is 60% in favor of some significant form of abortion rights may still be 60% in favor of forced repatriation of  all non-white undocumenteds and be a right-to-work state on top of that.

I disagree.  If we relied on laws to identify conservatives and liberals, we would have to use our own definition of conservatism (or liberalism) which might be subjective.  Also, laws are made by state lawmakers, who while voted by the people do not always do what the people want.

Then again, most states allow laws to be referred and we do have to find definitions for liberalism and conservatism. Those terms mean nothing without any form of definition. I guess what you could do is look at all the liberal and conservative rankings for the states. NARAL ranks states from A to F, for example.

NARAL ratings are a poor indicator.  WV has a good rating, but is polled as one of the most anti-abortion states in the country.  PA has a horrendously low F, yet it's populace falls smack in the middle on the polling end.  That's because WV has Democratic favored districting, while PA has Republican favored districting hence the laws aren't properly reflective of the people's views in either state.  The reasoning behind PA's laws is Democrats in the "T" are typically anti-abortion and the Southeast Republicans that still have some sway have only a few pro-choice members.  If PA actually had referendums/propositions like other states, you bet most of Bob Casey Sr.'s 1990 Abortion Control Act other than the partial birth provisions would be dismantled.  And I know who will argue with me, but look at South Dakota.  If they defeated similar provisions, you know PA will.   

[TeePee4Prez]

The reasoning behind PA's laws is Democrats in the "T" are typically anti-abortion

It's not just there. Your theories aside (about how many Dems - especially in our area - are on Pro Life because they "wrongly" fear backlash), this state has a very Pro Life legislature.

Largely the T and West.  I know there are even pro-choice Repubs like Juberlier in the T, but that wasn't my point.  I know the PA legislature is very pro-life, but my point is it's not the will of the state at large.  I was saying how NARAL ratings aren't a good indicator of how the people feel on social issues and the PA legislature with it's gerrymandering proves it.

It's also unfortunate that crap like the Abortion Control Act isn't put up for a referendum like it would be in other states.  You and I both know most of it's draconian provisions (i.e. husband notification) would be soundly defeated if that were to ever happen.

[TeePee4Prez]

The only states I would see abortion bans passing in would be OK, AR, WV, KY, MS, and AL. The other states are too urban or are moderate/liberal enough on the issue not to ban it. Also, state legislatures (particularly in this region) tend to be more pro-life than the citizens. South Dakota's legislature has twice tried to eliminate it and twice it failed when put to a vote of the people. I think Philly and its suburbs would squash any hopes of a similar ban passing in PA.

I'd add Louisiana favoring a ban.  Two more states with misrepresented legislatures on the choice issue along with PA- MI and OH.  I think if it went to a vote many of their existing laws would be off the books as well.

With PA, not only the Southeast, but also smaller enclaves such as Harrisburg and State College as well.  Interestingly that where Obama made a lot of his gains to offset his losses in Murtha-land.