Public Radio Rural Issues Project

Player by Tanya Sneddon and Jason Goldstein

All too often rural America gets overlooked in national politics when in reality the heartland's problems affect all Americans. For the 2008 election PRX and ten public radio stations partnered to take a hard look at the critical issues facing rural voters.

Ethanol in the 2008 Election

By Scott Gurian (KGOU)

Skyrocketing energy prices have hit rural Americans especially hard because of the many miles they must travel. Some politicians say the long-term solution to controlling fuel costs is domestic, renewable fuels like ethanol. But many drivers remain unconvinced. 3:42

The Ups and Downs of Ethanol

By Jeff Bossert (WILL)

As the economy softens we visit an ethanol plant to gauge the future of this renewable (and heavily subsidized) fuel. We also look at where the candidates for president stand on ethanol. 4:58

The Good and the Bad of Agricultural Subsidies

By Gail Banzet (KOSU)

High grain prices suggest today's farmers are raking in the profits. On top of that the "farm bill" allocates funds for agricultural subsidies causing American consumers to believe "rich" farmers are just getting richer. But what's truth behind farm subsidies. 5:19

Rural Immigration in the 2008 Election

By Mark Haslett (High Plains Public Radio)

The cattle industry has traditionally lured Latino immigrant to produce the country's beef. But today, with increased scrutiny on workers' legal status, large employers have turned to refugee labor to keep meatpacking industry thriving. 3:14

Why Rural America Votes Republican

By Brian Mann (North Country Public Radio)

Over the last half century, small town have become the reliable backstop to the Republican Party. With this we join one Republican on the campaign trail as he tries to ride the small-town wave to an upset victory. 3:18

A Portrait of Rural Entrepreneurs

By Tom Rogers (WILL)

Rural America has seen an exodus of residents and businesses for decades. But now it's evolving into a garden spot for entrepreneurs. Sometimes self-employment is the only options. Still others get into business for love of their communities. 4:28

Rural Health Care Gets A Check Up

By Janet Saidi (KBIA)

Because of cost and travel time, some rural residents have gone years without adequate health care. Both Barack Obama and John McCain plan to fix this with either tax credits or health insurance for all. But will either plan really help rural patients? 4:57

Wedge Issues in '08: Divisive Politics As Usual?

By Peter Hancock (Kansas Public Radio)

Wedge issues have been instrumental in the last several elections, especially in rural states. 2008 is no different. But experts suggest they aren't likely to have the same effect this year as in the past. 7:35

Immigration: What Some Rural Voters Might Not Know

By Marco Grajeda (KRWG)

Boarder security is a key issue for many rural voters, but when the heartland votes they set in motion actions that affect not themselves but an entire web of communities living along the board. 5:22

Winds of Change

by Eric Mack (KUNM)

They're all talking about it - economists, environmentalists, the Presidential candidates, even a legendary oil man - they've all got the bug for wind power. Several rural states are planing major wind projects that could transform energy in the heartland. 5:17