I will tell you that... because culturally and demographically, they are much closer to Arkansas than to Illinois.
But of course, it's easier for you to twist the words of a fellow Democrat in a feeble attempt to score political points and pretend he's insulting voters, than it is to take the adult path, listen to him in good faith, and understand what he's saying.
... of the Appalachian migration. Compare this map of counties where Clinton received more than 65% of the primary vote (pre-WV):
... with this map of the Upland South, representing Appalachia and the westward migration from Appalachia into... Arkansas:
Note also how few black people live in those Upland South areas:
Once again demonstrating that David Sirota is right.
Oh. So when he said "nearby," he meant "similar culturally and demographically" and not "nearby geographically"? That's a bizarre interpretation.