There is a general dislike for the Southern states among the majority of the Democratic party. In addition to being almost a lock for Republican presidental canidates since the 1960s, the Republican itself party has been dominated by Southern Republicans since the 1994 Gingrich led takeover. Also the Democrats from the South in the past tended to be more conservative and break ranks more frequently than those from other states. If Democrats do want to own up to their ideals though, they better put a good effort towards rebuilding the Gulf Coast.