I cannot help but think these two stories are related.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean -- who dropped out of the race two weeks ago -- won his home state, CNN projected based on the exit polls. -- CNN, March 2, 2004.

Voting with a thunderous "aye," residents endorsed a plan Tuesday for this ski resort town to secede from Vermont and become a part of New Hampshire instead. -- CNN, March 2, 2004.