Farm Vote, Usually Supportive of GOP, May Swing to Obama

From The Wall Street Journal:

In presidential elections, the crucial farm vote has been reliably Republican. This year might be different.

GOP candidate John McCain's long track record opposing farm subsidies will likely hurt him in the November election, say farmers, lobby groups and academics.

"I don't think you would find too many people in American agriculture and ranching who would agree with Sen. McCain's position on farming issues," said Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers' Union.

Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic front-runner, has shown consistent support for issues affecting farmers and has advocated policies that largely appeal to that group, according to farmers and farm groups.

The Illinois senator has done well in farming states throughout the Democratic primary season . . . .