The Most Socialist US State Is...

Hello, West Virginia
By Aaron Cowan,  Newser User
Posted Nov 28, 2010 10:21 AM CST Posted Nov 28, 2010 10:21 AM CST
Promoted on Newser Nov 28, 2010 11:10 AM CST
The Most 'Socialist' State In The US Is ...
Hugo Chavez might want to consider a move to West Virginia if things don't work out in Venezuela.   (AP Photo/Javier Galeano)

The term "socialism" gets thrown around a lot in American politics, but what does it really mean? Greg Bocquet of mainstreet.com says you can measure it by how much a state government spends on its social programs as a percentage of GDP. However, "the results may surprise you," he warns. California didn't even make the list, nor are most states on the list overwhelmingly blue.

Weighing in at No. 10 is Rhode Island, which spends 15.9% of its GDP on state programs. Hawaii spends 17.8%. Surprisingly though, Alabama, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Mississippi all spend more. And Alaska might not be so rogue after all, taking the No. 2 spot with 31.3%. First place goes to West Virginia, which spends 32.1% of GDP on government programs. (More socialism stories.)

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