Spokane is also a University town..actually more than one university. However, they also know how to replace a mayor that signs up with bloomers for a campaign contribution.
As for educated people being liberal...libertarian maybe. I have an MBA, our oldest daughter a masters in Nursing, her husband is working on his PhD in GIS, Youngest daughter has a BS from WSU animal science and a BA in fine art. (both done in one 4 year period, and a Magna Cum Laude graduate too.) Her husband has a MSCS, his dad had a D.Th, as did my dad. Not a liberal in the bunch, all are libertarian or libertarian leaning Republican, No "progressives" around this family.
And, oh yes, all own/owned firearms (My dad died in 1988)