Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear knows a thing or two about rural America and politics.
"My
first job was bucking a stall at a horse farm," Beshear said. "And
nothing prepares you for politics like bucking stalls."
Beshear
was one of the keynote speakers at the Rural Caucus during Tuesday's Democratic
National Convention in Chicago. The caucus was primarily concerned with getting
rural communities to vote in November and the issues that matter most to rural
voters.
"When
we make infrastructure investments in rural areas it improves the lives of all
people," said Beshear as he applauded the Biden administration's
infrastructure programs. "The most important issues aren't necessarily red
or blue. They are what matter to everyday people."
A lot of the attention at the Rural Caucus was focused on vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, who is originally from a rural community. Gwen Walz, Tim's wife, spoke to the attendees. Both Tim and Gwen are teachers by profession.
"Tim and I share a belief that education can be transformative, particularly in small communities, " Walz said. "We see the value in every single person and don't classify them in groups."
Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp stressed Walz's appeal to rural America,
saying, "If Tim walked through your state fair you wouldn't recognize him
because he looks like everyone else."
Heitkamp
also reminded delegates that the election will likely be very close this year
and rural votes will matter.
"If
we can just do 5% better in this election and bring back
rationality, we can win," Heitkamp said. "We need to do better
in rural America. And we need to remind voters that Republican Freedom
Caucus members are holding up a new farm bill."
Dirt
Road Democrats co-founder Chris Jones, who ran unsuccessfully for Arkansas governor against Sara Huckabee Sanders, said winning the election in rural
districts is all about showing up.
"We need to show up, change minds and get people to the polls," Jones said. "For too long we have not paid enough attention to rural areas."
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly sang the praises of her fellow governor and friend, Tim Walz, calling him "real" and "optimistic." She also joked that many people don't associate Democrats with rural America.
"Some
people think rural Democrats are a rare, endangered species that belong in a
museum," Kelly said. "You win in rural America when you decide you
want to win in rural America. "
"There
are three words I've always wanted to say: 'Hello, Madam President, '"
Kelly said. "Let's shock everyone by winning in rural America."
