This could actually lead to large events:
1. The secession of the western counties of Nebraska goes smoothly much like the creation of West Virginia.
2. However, the new part of Wyoming soon finds it unbearably boring as part of Wyoming and vote to create a new state. Wyoming doesn't like the hooligans in the eastern part of their state and agree to it. The state of Lincoln (in honor of the man and the capital of their ex-state) is formed, 1892.
3. Votes Populist in the 1892 election. Campaigned so hard for Populist movement, Weaver (Populist candidate) gets the electoral votes from Lincoln, Wyoming AND Nebraska for a total of 33
4. In the 1896 election, the Lincoln farmers run wild at the Populist convention after WJB is nominated at the Dem. convention. They nominate him too and the Populists and Democrats unite.
5. In the election of 1896, with the help of activist Lincoln farmers, WJB wins the presidency, sweeping the West, South and parts of the Midwest.
6. WJB's foreign policy, fueled by isolationism, means no Spanish-American War, no Big Stick, no Panama Canal. Great success for American heartland and Republicans lose in 1900 and 1904.
7. In 1908, Theodore Roosevelt, after a visit to Lincoln in which he is booed and hissed at for his policies as Gov. of New York, decides to run for president to "get back at those Democrats in Lincoln". He wins.
8. Re-elected in 1912 and in 1914 when WWI breaks out, he joins Allies. This foreign policy is backlash against isolationism and TR is attempting to "make up" for lost time. Re-elected in 1916 despite Lincoln's 3 electoral votes going to the Democratic candidate.
9. Central Powers defeated in 1917 with honorable peace. Much credit given to contributions of American troops.
10. An International Congress for All Nations (ICAN - pronounced "I Can" and forever used as a motivational tool at seminars for depressed office workers) is formed. Everyone lives happily ever after.
All thanks to the secession of those Western counties of Nebraska.
