Delaware has emerged as a “blue state” when it comes to short-term projections of economic growth in the region.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Monday listed the Delaware as one of three states that are likely to see a growth rate that will run in excess of the national figure.
The ranking was noted in a map from the bank that had carrying the dark blue color of the fastest growing states.
All states, with the exception of South Dakota, are expected to see economic growth, the report indicated. South Dakota,, which battles Delaware for banking jobs, has been struggling with a soft agricultural economy.
Joining Delaware in the blue column are Oregon, Michigan and Delaware.
The Philadelphia Fed reported that Delaware posted a 5.0 index reading in December, with manufacturing showing some strength.
The two other states in the region served by the Philadelphia Fed, showed weaker growth figures, with Pennsylvania at 2.4 percent and New Jersey at 1.9. The nation, as a whole, was at 1.7 percent.
In Delaware, building permit activity rose in Delaware However, initial unemployment claims also increased. Delaware’s leading index for December suggests expansion in the state’s economy into the second quarter of 2015, according to the index.
With a history that includes the “Blue Hen” mascot for the University of Delaware that came out of the name for the state’s troops in the American Revolution, the state is comfortable with the color.
Of late, blue has been used to describe the Democratic Party leanings of the state that is the home to Vice President Joe Biden.
The Philadelphia Fed ranking is expected to bolster Democrats in Dover, who have pointed to continued growth in jobs.
Republicans, by contrast, have painted a picture of a struggling economy and point to weak tax revenue projections.
