Yeah that one I will never understand. Only would work if you also went with Yukon and Northwest territory, to have ocean access. That´s not to say that there are not a few powerful or rather decently respected landlocked states on earth. Its just usually they seem to be formed by losing a war, or breaking off from a larger oppressive or failing empire and then immediately seek a protector.
Landlocked
Not sure, the GOP wouldnt want them back BUT they are a huge and successful economy and it is laughable when some in the GOP try and say its a failed state. California is a net contributor and benefit to the country, im not so sure that the deep south by the same token is.... Or some fly over states.
Below map is NOMINAL GDP, which I am not the biggest fan of but the point still remains.