On a slightly related note, I've been trying to sell the idea of Oregon seceding to my friends. Here's how it would go down...
Oregon declares itself an independent nation. We then say that we have weapons of mass destruction, (which we do, in Umatilla, the chemical weapons depot) refuse to allow inspectors in, then BOOM! the US military invades, and begins to rebuild our bridges, schools, and roads.
It might work..