FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2020
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country Project Turnout Statement and Summary
High Turnout Must Be Repeated for a Democratic General Election Victory
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Heidi Heitkamp, Founding Board Member of the One Country Project, issued the following statement as the initial results of Super Tuesday were announced.“We have known since 2016 that rural turnout would be key to a Democrat winning the White House in 2020 and have, since our inception, urged Democratic campaigns to listen to and visit rural communities across the country. The rural turnout in Super Tuesday and other early states, like South Carolina and Colorado, paints an encouraging picture for Democrats as we race toward the general.
“President Trump quipped the other day ‘I love rural America, all that red.’ Increased rural voter participation in the Democratic primaries should put the president on notice: rural America isn’t all Trump Country, and it isn’t all red.
“That said, returns show rural turnout was not up everywhere, and that should be motivation enough to continue the important work of reconnecting and engaging with rural communities across the country. If Democrats hope to bring credibility, competency, and compassion back to the White House, they must offer practical solutions to everyday hardships and focus on the kitchen table issues that drive rural voters to the polls. The results show that winning back the American Heartland is possible. Democrats need to get to work and get it done.”
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About One Country ProjectThe One Country Project, led by former Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, is working to promote greater opportunities for rural communities and ensure leaders earn their support. One Country is reengaging with rural Americans, serving as a clearinghouse of research and information for rural Americans, and working to ensure leaders regain trust by fighting for these communities. To learn more, visit the website, OneCountryProject.org.