Indiana Political Evolution (Indianapolis: vs., agricultural, areas)

[waltlantz]

After researching the political culture and leanings of the various U.S. regions, I noticed something.

For the industralized midwest, Indiana seems to be an abberation in that it is and was more conservative than than it's great lakes neighbors. Leading to it favoring the republicans much more in modern times.

Does anyone know what historical trends helped lead to that? Like types of settlers that moved there in the 1800s, rural vs. industrial interests in government, lack of powerful union culture etc.

(P.S., I'm not looking for bull****, generalized, derogatory answers like, "Indiana actually had non-corrupt people" or "We didn't have those god-forsaken unions", etc. Be specific and civil please.)

[domergurl]

Indiana is a pocket state ... just made that term up. There are pockets of democrats centered in the small pockets of 2 main urban areas of the state, Northwest Indiana and inner Indianapolis. Otherwise, Indiana is primarily a rural, agricultural state, has been that way historically. You can say the same thing for Illinois ... Chicago is a major democratic center, but the rest of the state is fairly conservative with urban democratic pockets.

Indiana going democratic this year was an aberration ... I think I can safely say, Obama will not win this state in 2012. What I think is going to be fascinating is the governor's race .. Mitch is done, 2 terms and out ... who is the GOP grooming to take over ... or will Domergurl sweep in and be your next governor???

[Southside Shrek]

I say 'Domergurl for our next Guv!"