Crossword puzzle clue "perfect state"

As perfect as perfect can be

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin

State of perfect happiness

Perfect state

Article of tropical apparel ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

Unlikely state of a state?

Secretariat's mother, for one ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

State made up of two state postal abbreviations