Texas vs. California

Texas and California are the leaders of Red and Blue America. As the nation has polarized its most populous and economically powerful states have taken charge of the opposing camps. These states now advance sharply contrasting political and policy agendas and view themselves as competitors for control of the nation''s future. Kenneth P. Miller provides a detailed account of the rivalry''s emergence present state and possible future. First he explores why despite their many similarities the two states have become so deeply divided. As he shows they experienced critical differences in their origins and in their later demographic economic cultural and political development. Second he describes how Texas and California have constructed opposing comprehensive policy models--one conservative the other progressive. Miller highlights the states'' contrasting policies in five areas--tax labor energy and environment poverty and social issues--and also shows how Texas and California have led the red and blue state blocs in seeking to influence federal policy in these areas. The book concludes by assessing two models'' strengths vulnerabilities and future prospects. The rivalry between the two states will likely continue for the foreseeable future because California will surely stay blue and Texas will likely remain red. The challenge for the two states and for the nation as a whole is to view the competition in a positive light and turn it to productive ends. Exploring one of the primary rifts in American politics Texas vs. California sheds light on virtually every aspect of the country''s political system.