Rural Areas Flexing Political Muscle!

SEDALIA - Small Missouri towns will be flexing some big political muscles this fall. Presidential exit polls indicate Democrats and Republicans alike can depend on about a third of this bellwether state's vote. Experts say it's increasingly independent voters and conservative to moderate Democrats that are deciding Missouri elections. That point came across in Democratic gubernatorial candidate Claire McCaskill's primary victory that sent Governor Holden from office. She rolled up her support in rural counties. Missouri narrowly went to President Bush four years ago by winning its rural parts. Both he and Democratic opponent John Kerry are fighting hard for those votes this time around. Missouri has voted for all but one presidential winner in the last century. Most voters are considered moderate to conservative, electing both Democrats and Republicans to statewide offices.