Poor areas who DO vote Democratic, what can we learn from them?

[ButterflyBlood]

right now we have the dilemma of too many poor areas voting Republican based on social issues. Yet there are still some rural and relatively poor areas that are reliably Democratic:

Maine
West Virginia
Northeastern and South-Central Minnesota
parts of downstate Illinois
non-suburban Eastern Michigan
Western Pennsylvania
Eastern Iowa
ect.

now these areas aren't too different socially from some of the most heavily Repuke areas in the Deep South and Rocky Mountain region, they aren't quite so rooted in fundamentalism or Mormonism like some of those areas, but not all poor Repuke areas are like that too. So what is it about these areas that help us win there, and how can we spread that to other areas?

[stepnw1f]

1. I can tell you...

It would probably take me a while though. For what it's worth...you have to be willing to humble yourselves a little and speak in lay-men terms. Don't get too fancy when speaking to these people, and try to show in simplistic ways what each political group represents. Show them the track record. Giving people a simple straight information is critical. If you are trying too hard to explain yourself or if you presume what they know or don't then they will be offended. Also, warmly get to know people. If they sense your putting on fake smiles, they will cross-examine you, right on the spot. Some will just close the door on your face. If you want more tips...let me know.