I think that it's greater than a little factor. People always vote their pocketbook. The problem is that too many people think that the US treasury is THEIR pocketbook. When you have a political party that offers to give away someone else money, people respond with "I want some". Our population, since the depression, has gotten accustomed to looking for government to provide for their needs. Liberal economic thinking.

People that are self supporting, independent and know they are responsible for their own way in life, believe in conservative economic thinking. Whether some realize it or not their economic theory dictates who they send to Washington to represent us. Therefore the polarization of economic, social and political thinking continues.

Some want everything given to them and some say "I'll make my own way, thank you".