Iowa farmers split between voting for Trump, Biden
Iowa farmers are torn between voting for President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden.
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More than two months after a powerful windstorm hit Iowa, Brian Sampson was harvesting what’s left of damaged corn crops on more than 1,600 acres of land.
Last summer, the Midwestern storm, known as a derecho, became the most expensive thunderstorm event recorded in U.S. history.
IOWA FARMERS SAY DERECHO DESTROYED CHANCES OF MAJOR PROFIT: 'IT'S GUT-WRENCHING'
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Figures from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed the sustained line of thunderstorms traveled from South Dakota to Ohio, costing farmers more than $7 billion.
As Sampson recovers what’s left of his corn, he told Fox News he wants a president who will not give him a handout.
He’s voting for President Trump on Nov. 3.
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“I want to be inspired by my leadership. I don’t want to be given anything,” he said. “That’s what I fear with Biden. He’s going to give me lots of stuff and tell me all the wonderful things I want to hear. “
About an hour south from Sampson is farmer Justin Jordan who supports former Vice President Joe Biden.
“I feel like I’m in the minority as a farmer voting for Biden,” Jordan told Fox News.
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The derecho didn’t impact him, but ongoing trade disputes worry the corn and soybean farmer who said he wants a president he can rely on.
“We need a good strong foreign policy in place so that we can build those relationships to build our export markets and build better commodity prices for us farmers,” said Jordan.
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An average of recent polls shows a tight race among likely voters, according to Real Clear Politics.
Iowa farmers have proven crucial to winning this key battleground state.
“In Iowa typically, the rural and small-town areas, which of course include the farmers, are central to any kind of electoral victory," said Dennis Goldford, a politics professor at Drake University.
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A representative from Iowa's Secretary of State's Office confirmed that more than one-third of registered voters in the state have voted early.
Early voting ends in Iowa Nov. 2., the day before Election Day.