… Small and midsized counties with a big manufacturing presence, what we have come to call Factory Towns, are at the heart of a concerted long-term push by the rightwing to fundamentally reshape American politics, and they should be at the heart of a progressive strategy to win a long-term governing majority.
We have done our best to explore the evidence from polling, focus groups, voter file analysis, discussions with organizers on the ground in these states, and other data on these questions in an unbiased way. And we have sought to provide meaningful answers that progressive organizers and organizations, office holders, party committees, and candidates at the local, state, and national level can use in their efforts to organize and communicate to the people in these counties.
Based on the evidence we have examined, we believe that this is a challenging mission, given that the level of cynicism and disaffection from mainstream politics runs deep. The way forward will not be quick or easy. But we believe the research we have done indicates a messaging and organizing path forward that will allow progressives to re-engage these voters and win a lot of them to our side. CONTINUED
Mike Lux, American Family Voices
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