For the decade ending 2010, Alaska's population age 65 and over increased by 53.9 percent. This was the largest increase of any state during that period. The National Journal has an article that explores the political ramifications of this trend for the 2012 elections:
"Of the 20 states that have seen the highest growth in their senior populations, eight are or could be battlegrounds, including Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. That doesn’t include key House districts in states like Florida and Michigan, where senior voters dominate. Democrats believe they have the upper hand given Ryan’s budget and the Ponzi-scheme comparison. Republicans point to this year’s victory in a special election in northern Nevada."
Given recent Pew research that shows the "Silent Generation" leading everyone else in distrust of government, this could spell trouble.
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