Iowa's urban trend benefits Democrats in presidential races

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20121112/NEWS13/711129947/1016#iowa-s-urban-trend-benefits-democrats-in-presidential-races

CEDAR RAPIDS — Iowa voters used to consistently support Republican presidential candidates, but the state has been leaning toward Democrats since the late 1980s.

Iowans chose the Democratic contender in six of the past seven presidential races, though in all but five elections between the Civil War and 1988, Iowans had supported Republicans.

Experts say the voting shift is a reflection of the changing demographics of Iowa. The state continues to grow more urban and its residents are better educated. But that doesn't mean Iowa is destined to become a solid blue state, because Republicans could find new ways to appeal to Iowans.

Historian Tom Morain said the roots of Iowa's shift to supporting Democrats began roughly 80 years ago, with the widespread acceptance of federal farm programs during the Great Depression. That shift continued in the 1960s and 1970s with Democrat Harold Hughes' election first as governor and then as U.S. senator.

FULL story at link.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

1. Interesting article.

Doesn't entirely account for the shift in political ideologies. Iowa has always been a more middle of the road leaning progressive state. States like Kansas on the other hand went from being greatly progressive to greatly backwards.