We’ve mined two months of the daily Politico Playbooks for California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. We want to use text mining to tell us how state politics is the same or different across the country. What is getting more positive, more negative, and what issues are trending.

Politics is, at its heart, about relationships. Since majority support is required to enact laws, legislators must dedicate time to building alliances with colleagues who will support their ideas and -- ultimately -- their bills. Forging connections in a legislative body isn’t just a part of an elected official’s job; it’s a critical function that shapes how the government operates.

How much time is lost every day that a state legislature drives to work?

When many people think of elected officials, they envision polished politicos whisking through stately corridors. They may picture noisy press briefings, lavish state dinners, or fiery primetime debates. In the American imagination, elected officials are masters of political intrigue who broker deals over martinis and expensive steak dinners.

In reality, public service looks a whole lot less like The West Wing and more like Parks & Recreation.