[GreatOne]

Actually, it’s the suburban parts of this state that are more solidly Republican. A lot of rural areas are more liberal-leaning, especially in Northern Minnesota (and not just on the Range). This is a phenomena that seems to be unique to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and eastern Iowa.

I believe the basis for this is that farmers in these 3 states, particularly Minnesota, are Democrats (DFL stands for Democrat-Farmer-Labor). Probably dating back to FDR and farm subsidies.

[MinnesotaLibertarian]

Oh, I’m well aware of the basis. I’m just informing those who are not from the region that in the Upper Midwest, rural areas cannot be assumed to be conservative.