Traditionally Republican rural America, where many residents are social and fiscal conservatives, will vote overwhelmingly for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, according to a poll commissioned by DTN/The Progressive Farmer. The telephone survey found 46 percent supported Trump, 24 percent backed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, 10 percent said they were vote for a third-party candidate and 20 percent were undecided or preferred “none of the above.”
Roughly one-fifth of Americans live in rural areas. Some 1,647 people participated in the poll by Zogby Analytics from Aug 18-Sept 6. California farmer Matthew Efird said, “Maybe a shakeup is what we need,” while South Carolina cattleman Gary Coleman said he backed Clinton: “I don’t see her addressing concerns about agriculture, but she’s not saying ridiculous things, and she’s not focused on building walls.”
Rural Americans indicated there would be little cross-over voting between their choices for president and for Congress. Some 49 percent said they were likely to vote for Republicans for the U.S. House and Senate, 27 percent favored Democrats and 24 percent were undecided or did not support major party candidates.