Liberals rarely seem all that interested in state and local elections. Maybe liberals don't feel connected to their state or to a community. I think liberals move around more than conservatives, maybe that has something to do with it. You're less likely to be involved in local politics if you never put down roots anywhere.
I don't think that's true. As the article points out, during Obama's first term the Republicans built their tea party movement at the state and local levels, while Democrats were primarily focused on Washington. As a result, a majority of state legislatures became Republican controlled, which, I believe, is still the case today.