I wanted to start this topic to see if anyone could try to fill me in on why Iowa is so democratic? Obviously it is a close state and could go to Bush, but most including myself see Kerry as the favorite there.
Iowa seems like a state that would be more Republican, Iowa has a huge amount of farmers, like Kansas and Nebraska, which are both strong GOP states. Iowa though continues to hold to its Democratic ways. I understand it borders both Minnesota and Illinois which are both known as Dem strongholds for the most part, but other than pure location can anyone fill me in on why such a rural state would be so democratic? Looking forward to hearing your opinions.
Its actually very simple.
In 2000 and the last twenty years the Democrats have (in Presidential elections) had a better on the ground apparatus in Iowa which concentrated on the "no party" registrants. They worked this group hard, and won as a result.
I understand that this year the Republicans will be giving the Democrats a contest with this group on the ground.
The reason this is so important is that unless "no party" registrants are contacted, persuaded and (those persuaded) are gotten to vote, they generally don't vote (as opposed to party registrants).
In short, the Democrats have reaped the harvest of their work while the Republicans have (in the past) failed to do the necessary grunt work.
In truth, this is somewhat easier for the Democrats as the "no party" registrants tend to be easier to contact in the urban counties (where the Democrats have their base).
If there is anyone in Iowa reading this thread, I would be interested to see whether they have seen Republican efforts being geared up for this in Iowa.
