Candidates play to rural swing audiences

Recognizing that several swing states have substantial rural constituencies, the two major presidential candidates unveiled policy statements on their websites. Republican candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney released a white paper titled "Agricultural Prosperity: Mitt Romney's Vision For A Vibrant Rural America." President Barack Obama's campaign, meanwhile, issued an open letter to farmers and ranchers highlighting the farm and rural initiatives undertaken by the administration. The presidential campaign is seen as tight in states such as Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin...more