Why is Iowa a blue state?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

I'm willing to wager that as often as this question is asked, it's never asked by anyone who has actually been to Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids or Iowa City.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

It's more urban that you'd think. From the census data, 64% of its population is in urban areas - less than the country as a whole, but more then, say, Vermont or New Hampshire.

Yeah what people don't realize, far more people in Iowa live in places that look like this:



than this:

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

All of those places you mentioned in Illinois DO vote Democratic except Bloomington.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

I want to visit Iowa.  The eastern part seems charming and probably has a great nightlife.  Could probably get there on the cheap, as well.

BRTD, what Iowa city would you recommend for a long weekend getaway?  (Thurs night-Mon)

Iowa City is of course the biggest partying city in Iowa. It's also very close to Cedar Rapids so you can hit up two. Iowa is also full of casinos so you could see if any of those are around.