State Data Charts

SOURCE LINKS
Employment Info, very thorough
Basic Pop from 2k Census, pdf
Historical votes for LP pres candidate by state
Most Livable State ranking
Federal employees by state, 1998
Very detailed land ownership chart
Campaign expenditures by state
Fed handouts ratio by state
Economic Freedom Report 1999, pdf
State Gun Laws
State Marijuana Laws
USA Today's interactive info map
Dave Liep's political graphs, nice
Party Affiliation by state
Smallest Country Report Reference only, FSP is not considering other countries

GENERAL DATA

ECONOMIC DATA

ANALYSIS
Note: The following is my, Robert Vroman's, personal interpretation of the available information and arguments presented so far. This is not the official opinion of the FSP, nor is it comprehensive of all the possible considerations, even to my own satisfaction. This is a work in progress and more notes will be added as applicable.

General Criteria
-Population
More specifically, voting population. The success of our project weighs heavily on the amount of people we are able to recruit from across the country to relocate, plus the number of sympathisers we have locally, as compared to the rest of the state. Thus all things being equal, the lesser populated state wins.
-Politics
Although presumably if we have enough people we would be able to over rule even the most socialist nanny state, it would make our job considerably easier to find states that already have a libertarian leaning, and/or significant party aparatus in place.
-Economics
Although I do not expect to speak for all FSP members, living in the manner to which we are currently accustomed may be a large deciding factor as to where we will be willing to relocate. Thus a state with a strong free market leaning economy is preferable.
-Secession Candidacy
Secession is not the primary goal of the FSP, it is only one of many possible futures this project could arrive at. In order to keep our options open, those states conducive to gaining autonomy are preferable. This includes historical or current secessionist parties or trends, as well as a geography suitable for an independent country, i.e. not landlocked within the remaining USA.

The States

Wyoming
In the event our membership drive falls short of expectations, this may well be our only realistic choice. 20K is aproximately 9% of the total voting Wyoming population. That alone is a respectable voting block, without any added effort or local support. From an exclusively pragmatic point of view, Wyoming is the default best choice. Politically it is almost homogenously Republican. It is fairly average economically, neither outstanding or abominable, though scores quite high for entrepenuers and Freedom Index. Strikes against it are mainly rural geography, almost 50% of which is Federal land, and being land locked.
Final analysis: Definately keep it in mind.

Vermont
Final analysis: Being blatantly socialist hurts, but if we are low on numbers its a weak possibility.

Alaska
Final analysis: The best secession candidate, and fairly strong in general, ere it not not for being extremely remote.

North Dakota
Final analysis:

South Dakota
Final analysis:

Delaware
Fairly above average economically, probably a nice place to live on the coast, workable population numbers.
Final analysis: A realistic candidate

Montana
Final analysis:

Rhode Island
Very dense socialist state. Scores rock bottom in most economic categories. Average population, innefectual LP.
Final analysis: Avoid

Hawaii
For having a paradise reputation, it scores surprisingly low on the livability index, which may do more to discredit that report than Hawaii. Relatively low voter turn out is good, plus a historical basis for secession. Sucks economically though.
Final analysis: A possibility, not too inspiring other than climate and soveriegnty angle.

New Hampshire
Strong local LP, coastal access, big winner economically and livability. Notherly climate may take some endurance, as well as overcoming voter threshold, although fairly libertarian atmosphere may make it easier.
Final analysis: Best all around choice, if we can get the numbers.

Maine
Final analysis:

Idaho
Fairly mediocre economically, except somehow swung the top spot in the Freedom Index. Famous for anti-federal attitude. The LP is active and minimally succesful in Idaho, and militia activity is popular. A typical rural federally owned western state. Has a slim border with Canada. At almost half a million voters, its tipping the scales for our maximum ability to influence.
Final analysis: Not a priority, but don't write it off

Nebraska
Mediocre economy and high population, plus is most locked choice. Does have a few LPers though among the overwhelming supply of republicans.
Final analysis: Not very enticing

West Virginia
Abominable economy and standard of living, plus high voter threshold.
Final analysis: Avoid.

New Mexico
Uninspiring in most respects, note worthy for a libertarian leaning governor and active LP, also despite being landlocked, secession is still possible. Relatively high population but not insurmountable with local support.
Final analysis: Possibly a winner

Nevada
A mixed bag economically speaking. Famous for being vice tolerant. Only a few more voters than N Hampshire. Landlocked and large federal presence, a dead end for secession attempts.
Final analysis: A good but not ideal choice