Iowa Midterms Test Democrats’ Rural Appeal

Democrats are trying to improve their prospects in rural Midwestern states by winning back disaffected voters and reducing their margins of defeat, rather than expecting to capture traditionally Republican counties outright. In Iowa, voter Dave Roethler, who backed President Trump in his first term, says economic concerns have changed his view and plans to vote Democratic; Senate candidate Josh Turek says the party must focus more on rural communities. Democrats are expanding outreach and backing competitive campaigns across Iowa, while Republicans are investing heavily and using Trump rallies to shore up support in states including Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. The effort faces a steep challenge after years of rural movement toward Republicans.