The Center for Rural Strategies seeks to improve economic and social conditions for communities in the countryside and around the world through the creative and innovative use of media and communications. By presenting an accurate and compelling portrait of rural lives and cultures, we hope to deepen public debate and create a national environment in which positive change for rural communities can occur.

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Rural Tracker 2008

McCain leads Obama by 9 in rural battleground

Republican John McCain leads Democrat Barack Obama by 9 points among rural voters in battleground states, according to a poll released May 18 by the Center for Rural Strategies on behalf of the National Rural Assembly.

Among likely voters in rural parts of 13 swing states, 50 percent favored McCain while 41 percent supported Obama, who leads in Democratic primary delegates. In a matchup between Hillary Clinton and McCain, likely rural voters split evenly, each with 46 percent.

The poll reveals problems and opportunities for both parties, according to political consultants who analyzed the nonpartisan poll.

Read more about the poll.

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The Rural Compact is a statement of principle calling for positive changes for rural America that will benefit all of us.

The Rural Compact is a project of the National Rural Assembly, a movement of people and organizations devoted to building a stronger, more vibrant rural America.

The National Rural Assembly is asking individuals and organizations to endorse the Rural Compact as a step forward for the nation as a whole. The Assembly will present the Compact and the endorsement list to those who are in a position to help rural communities, including federal and state policy makers, journalists, corporate leaders, philanthropists, community leaders, and others.

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