Lived in that district for 62 1/2 yrs (south central Mercer Co). The farming communities were largely conservative in the 50s and 60s. But by the 70s, the ‘free stuff’ mindset was getting big momentum, which included the ag industry. I farmed until 2001, and hated all the guvmint red tape. I rationalized taking part in the subsidy programs because the politicians made some of our problems; especially fake Christian Jimmah Cahtah (support abortion and sexual confusion? Not a Christian imo).
And the rural farming population has fallen immensely, thanks to big modern machinery and chemicals. (Anyone wonder why the crop dusters are much busier than ever? Farmers don’t plow under the dead plant material nearly as much as in the past. Therefore the rotting material is above the ground where molds and fungus grow wonderfully, and climb right up the soybean and corn stalks, weakening their health. Out comes the fungicides, sprayed by large ground sprayers, or aircraft.)
The small country churches has dwindled in number, further weakening conservative values in the rural midwest. That’s how Lane Evans got elected; a leftist Rat that supported every commie bill that he was aware of.
But there may be hope since the unions are getting weaker there.
Thanks for your comments. The downstate area is changing but I also think there are enough traditionalists who are fed up to make a change. Time will tell.