Thank you for pointing out the differences between Utica and Ithaca. Yes, many years ago I lived in an Italian community and it was very conservative, even though many of the people thought they were Democrats. I wonder how they voted in 2004...
Well, back in the 'olden days' they probably were more conservative than most demonrats are today. I was a democrat until Bill Clinton soiled its name and I got out and took hubby with me. But I mostly voted Republican anyway.
When I was a young kid my family rented an upstairs apartment for a couple of years from a 2nd generation Italian family in a small town in the finger lake region of NY. They were good people and were also dyed in the wool New Deal Democrats, just as my own parents were. But on social issues such as the unspeakable evil of abortion, plus divorce and homosexual practices they were as conservative as anyone could possibly be, as my parents were also.
Those were the days when a person could be a loyal Democrat and still have a clear conscience regarding moral matters. I don't see how anyone who claims to be a Christian of any denomination can support the Democrat death cult party of today without their conscience tearing their heart out by the roots.