With oil, immigration, and social issues in mind, rural town eyes McCain
Dante Chinni
Posted: 08.15.2008 / 8:01 AM EDT

SIOUX CENTER, IOWA – In the myth of American politics, rural agricultural towns and their hard-working populations hold a special place as the grounded backbone of the nation.

So what have most people in the country’s soulful center been thinking about Senators John McCain and Barack Obama for the past few months? Not much.

Since the caucus campaign circus left town in January, people in this quite northwestern Iowa town have been going about their lives without paying much attention to the campaign. That’s changing now though, say people here. The attention and focus is returning, and some of the issues here might surprise you.

Energy has taken on special meaning here in corn country, and immigration has grown as a topic. The social conservatism that defines this town and other agricultural burgs like it remains, however. And it will play a big role in November.

Regarding oil, it’s safe to say that much of Sioux Center falls into the “drill nowâ€