It bears repeating that the states where anti-federal government, anti-tax fervor is greatest are also the states that benefit the most from federal tax money and spending policies from Washington, D.C. For example, while Alabama is one of the top five most conservative states in the country on many measures, it receives $1.61 back in federal money for every $1 it sends to Washington in tax money.

The Tax Foundation has released the latest version of the report showing that of the 32 states (and the District of Columbia) that are “winners” — receiving more in federal spending than they pay in federal taxes — 76 percent are Red States that voted for George Bush in 2000. In fact, 17 of the 20 states, or 85 percent, that receive the most federal spending per dollar of federal taxes paid are Red States.

Here are the Top 10 states that feed at the federal trough (with Red States highlighted in bold):

1. D.C. ($6.17)
2. North Dakota ($2.03)
3. New Mexico ($1.89)
4. Mississippi ($1.84)
5. Alaska ($1.82)
6. West Virginia ($1.74)
7. Montana ($1.64)
8. Alabama ($1.61)
9. South Dakota ($1.59)
10. Arkansas ($1.53)

In contrast, of the 16 states that are “losers” — receiving less in federal spending than they pay in federal taxes — 69 percent are Blue States that voted for Al Gore in 2000. Indeed, 11 of the 14 (79%) of the states receiving the least federal spending per dollar of federal taxes paid are Blue States.

Here are the Top 10 states that supply feed for the federal trough (with Blue States highlighted in bold):

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