I had completely forgotten the Virginia, West Virginia split. I just re-read the history and it's fascinating. Since we aren't in a civil war (at least not yet) where there are Unionist and Secessionists, I suspect it will be a bit different. In the case of West Virginia, they wanted to support the Union and so, the Union, being agreeable, said W. Viriginia's government was the legal one and then West Virginia split and became its own State.

I don't think it would be so easy today. And with a Democratic sitting President able to veto any bill...

Of course, we might have a Republican next time but I still don't think a bill would make it through the Senate even if the Republicans gained a seat or two or three. They'd have to have a rousing majority to do that and I have a feeling that ain't gonna happen. The country's in an ugly mood and if the blame comes down on the Republicans, they're dead meat. Now would be the time for a legitimate third party to sweep the elections.