This is intended as fun, I didn't write it, so don't shoot me, but feel free to disagree.
It's a longish piece, so you'll need time.
I saw WaPo had a story online about it earlier, but when I checked just now it was gone.
Bottom line:
Most important: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Least important: The two most populous states California and Texas.
How Do the 50 States Stack Up According to Their ‘State Avenue Gravitas’ in D.C.?