What's with Reynolds County, Missouri?

[True Democrat]

Look at these results.  I can understand voting for Clinton with a big margin, but Mondale won big too.

2004:
Kerry   43.1%   1,449   
Bush   56.4%   1,896   
Other   0.6%   19   
 
2000:
Gore   41.5%   1,298   
Bush   56.3%   1,762   
Nader   1.3%   42   
Other   0.9%   29   
 
1996:
Clinton   55.1%   1,631   
Dole   30.5%   903   
Perot   13.0%   386   
Other   1.4%   40   
 
1992:
Clinton   60.6%   2,014   
Bush   23.3%   776   
Perot   16.0%   532   
Other   0.1%   3   
 
1988:
Dukakis   61.4%   1,864   
Bush   38.3%   1,162   
Other   0.3%   9   

1984:
Mondale   60.4%   2,026   
Reagan   39.6%   1,330

1980:
Carter   59.0%   1,919   
Reagan   39.1%   1,271   
Anderson   1.4%   44
Other   0.5%   16   
 
1976:
Carter   70.7%   2,143   
Ford   29.0%   879   
Other   0.3%   8

1972:
McGovern   40.1%   1,031   
Nixon   59.9%   1,541   
 
1968:
Humphrey   48.2%   1,245   
Nixon   34.8%   898   
Wallace   17.0%   438   

1964:
Johnson   77.6%   1,835   
Goldwater   22.4%   530   

1960:
Kennedy   47.8%   1,044   
Nixon   52.2%   1,139   

Here's a graph:

[J. J.]

Demographic shift?

[True Democrat]

Demographic shift?

Is there any way you can get the demographics?

[Alcon]

Demographic shift?

Is there any way you can get the demographics?

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/29/29179lk.html

[minionofmidas]

Not really more votes in 2004 than in 1992, so I don't think it's anything to do with demographic shifts.
Except that 76 and 84 Dem results look a tad high, this is absolutely par for the course for poor, rural, protestant (the Nixon win) America.

[opebo]

I've spent some time in Reynolds County - had relatives down there.  It is has always been a desperately poor rural backwater.  I'm assuming the change has come as the religious factor has overcome the economic factor.  That probably reflects the change in the GOP more than any change in the county.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I'm probably very wrong, but isn't Reynolds county lead mining territory?
BTW 43% is pretty good for a Democrat in rural MO this year...

[opebo]

I'm probably very wrong, but isn't Reynolds county lead mining territory?
BTW 43% is pretty good for a Democrat in rural MO this year...

I'm not sure, but many of the neighboring counties to the north are - Iron, Washington, St. Francis.. all of which used to go Democrat, and are still somewhat more Democrat than the rest of rural religious Missouri.  St. Genevieve nearby is not I think mining but is considered a 'union' county - I forget why.  I think you've hit the nail on the head Al.
Sad area.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I'm not sure, but many of the neighboring counties to the north are - Iron, Washington, St. Francis.. all of which used to go Democrat, and are still somewhat more Democrat than the rest of rural religious Missouri.

Most counties in that area were fairly close this year, and (though I could be wrong) I think most of the state legislators from the area are Democrats

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St. Genevieve has some large docks IIRC... and a large chemical industry

[Redefeatbush04]

If you think Reynolds County is bad take a look at Mt. Washington Town (Berkshire County, MA). It swung from 50% margin republican to 50% margin democrat (Kerry) in just a few years