QUOTE:Made me wonder--how does proximity to water effect voting orientation?

SPECULATION:

Water was the "internet" of the
pre-industrial/Enlightenment/industrial era
(prior to rail and air travel)( thanks Marshall... ;) )
 
Many (not all) major urban areas, formerly known as "Large Cities" prior to the spread of Megalopolis, have(had) a need
for proximity and access to waterways for transportation of goods(atoms not bits).

Exchange of Goods=Commerce
Commerce=Jobs
Jobs = Growing or Stable Economy
Growing or Stable Economy = PEOPLE MAGNET

From here on I would agree with JTM's earlier post about population density and stress( I might add 'speed of life' and 'complexity') and the resulting desire for
a Government Solution(tm) to control the "mess".