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Young people in Georgia on the brink of reshaping political landscape; Garland faces down GOP attacks over Hunter Biden inquiry; rural Iowa declared 'ambulance desert.'

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McConnell warns government shutdowns are "a loser for Republicans," Schumer takes action to sidestep Sen. Tuberville's opposition to military appointments, and advocates call on Connecticut governor to upgrade election infrastructure.

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An Indigenous project in South Dakota seeks to protect tribal data sovereignty, advocates in North Carolina are pushing back against attacks on public schools, and Arkansas wants the hungriest to have access to more fruits and veggies.

Poll: Iowans Voice Strong Support for Progressive Ideals

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Thursday, November 17, 2022   

Despite a heavily conservative shift in voter turnout at the ballot box in Iowa, results of a new post-midterm poll showed Iowans strongly support social justice causes.

In the poll, jobs and the economy, the cost of living and restoring funding for abortion rights topped the list of Iowans' most important issues.

Katy Siddall, messaging director for the advocacy group Progress Iowa, which released the poll, said Iowans care deeply about protecting and promoting those causes, and the poll numbers bear it out.

"Twenty-nine percent of Iowans ranked jobs and the economy as number one; 19% ranked cost of living as number one; and then, 16% ranked abortion as their top issue," Siddall outlined.

The three top issues were what Siddall called the "heavy hitters," but responsible gun ownership, learning the good and bad parts of American history, and health care were also among Iowans' top priorities in the poll. Siddall noted health care fell down the list from previous polling, but not out of the top five.

Some 44% of the voter turnout in Iowa was Republican this year, compared to 33% Democrat, and 23% independent.

Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa, said partisanship and frustration with political leaders set the tone for many of this year's voters. And even though the electorate was more conservative, he pointed to the poll results as confirmation Iowans still believe in progressive values.

"We believe there is a fight to be had here for our shared values as Iowans," Sinovic asserted. "We will continue doing our work to advocate for what we believe in, and giving folks the tools and resources that they need to stand up for their families and their communities."

He said Progress Iowa will also continue its research into people's opinions on social issues. The poll surveyed 621 Iowans and was conducted Nov. 7-8.

Disclosure: Progress Iowa contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Environment, Health Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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