Iowa Democrat faces daunting prospect: winning rural voters

When Cindy Axne crunched through fresh snow and into the American Legion hall in Winterset, the freshman Iowa congresswoman knew most of the dozen constituents waiting inside the chilly room had likely voted against her. …

“What I’m trying to do getting out in rural areas is to show that it doesn’t matter what letter is behind my name, I’m doing the work for you and I’m here to be your voice,” Axne said. “I think we need to start breaking down that rural and urban divide that has been created in this country.”

Her experience could be a lesson for candidates in both parties pondering the growing blocs of constituents who see themselves as part of an opposing political tribe. CONT.

Scott McFetridge, Associated Press