Red states are getting richer than blue states

Gee, maybe there's something to be said about this "limited government" & "free market" stuff, huh?

The income of those living in red states has climbed 4.6% since the recession began in December 2007, a USA TODAY analysis of total increases found. The average income of those living in blue states and swing states saw a much slower increase. The personal income of blue states has increased 0.5%, while in the swing states, income increased 1.4%.

How has your state fared?

A couple of key observations:

What do people in North and South Dakota know that the rest of us don't?  (Hint: oil)

Why on earth is Nevada (-10.6%) a "swing" state?

Some states' growth in wealth comes from increased government assistance

Domestic energy production is a key driving factor in driving growth

Meanwhile, the Center for American Progress is still insisting the country's economic performance is George W. Bush's fault and warns against voting for Mitt Romney, who they describe as "Bush-esque."  The more conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), however, says that the growth of wealth in red states isn't surprising -- a byproduct of low taxes and business-friendly regulations.