Our first ever DTN/ The Progressive Farmer-Zogby International poll shows you are looking for change
from the White House and Congress—and for answers to high fuel and fertilizer prices.

We asked the national polling service Zogby International to contact nearly 3,000 rural Americans to ask them about the presidential election in November—and more. The poll measured reaction to hot-button issues—skyrocketing input costs, the assault on landowner rights and ethanol. We wanted to know how you get onto the Internet, if your roads are in good repair and if your property rights are being challenged. Some of your answers are surprising. For instance:

• Republicans may find the rural race a bit closer than they might usually expect.
• Eleven percent of those answering the survey say they don't plan to vote for John McCain or Barack Obama.
• Roads and bridges are in bad shape and need fixing in much of farm country.
• High costs for fuel, fertilizer and feed, and even higher property taxes are putting a burden on landowners.
• Land prices are causing farmers and ranchers to sharpen their budgeting pencil.
• Rural crime and access to health care are big concerns out in the country.

These are just the highlights. By the way, if you want to take part in this discussion, don't forget to take our poll and leave your feedback at the end.

Not right or left, it's saving his business

Clay Rightmer can't easily describe his political leanings in this, the never-ending presidential election of 2008. To him, it's not a question of Republican or Democrat. Give him a candidate that understands his business—and challenges—and he'd vote for him or her.

A business major and cattle rancher from Schulenburg, Texas, Rightmer judges himself a fiscal conservative. But he is not partial to John McCain or, for that matter, Barack Obama. He would rather support a viable third-party candidate.

Rightmer shared his views with The Progressive Farmer as part of our exclusive national poll of nearly 3,000 rural adults. The poll, conducted by Zogby International, offers a snapshot of your thoughts on the November election—just 90 days down the road. In this closely contested presidential election, the votes tallied in farming communities will play an important role in who moves into the White House.

Zogby finds that 50% answering this survey support McCain and 34% support Obama. But 16% are either not sure who they will vote for or they prefer another candidate. As with its support for McCain, rural America tilts Republican in the congressional races.