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Obama Clashes With Rural Democrats

Environmental rules, car dealerships among sticking points

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2009 11:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Democrats from rural areas aren’t pleased with President Obama, and they’re threatening to show it by revolting against key parts of his domestic agenda, Politico reports. The tension boiled to the surface last week when rural and moderate Democrats decried plans to close 3,400 General Motors and Chrysler dealerships, but many are also angry about new regulations from Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency.

In the House, nearly 50 rural Democrats are threatening to vote against an Obama-backed climate and energy bill. “They don’t get rural America,” said one. “They form their views of the world in large cities.” But the chairman of the Agricultural Committee says Obama’s no worse than his predecessors. “We’re an urban country,” he says. “Folks don’t understand what we do.”

Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., right, with co-chairman Rep. Tim Holden, D-Penn., left, and Rep. Tim Waltz, D-Minn. in foreground, convenes a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture.
Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., right, with co-chairman Rep. Tim Holden, D-Penn., left, and Rep. Tim Waltz, D-Minn. in foreground, convenes a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama is seen during a news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, not shown, in this file photo.
President Barack Obama is seen during a news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, not shown, in this file photo.   (AP Photo)
We'd love to see him out in rural America more, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., says of President Obama.
"We'd love to see him out in rural America more," Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., says of President Obama.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Snowleopard
Jun 17, 2009 10:30 AM CDT
well, he's at about 62% right now. Long way to fall before he's at the levels of Bush.
Mr.C
Jun 17, 2009 7:00 AM CDT
I don't think you have a clue
Corona_Kinq
Jun 17, 2009 6:02 AM CDT
Basically, everyone is out to serve their best interests. Car dealerships affect rural areas more than others if there aren't very many other jobs available so it's natural they're pissed about that. But if the dealerships aren't bringing in the cash then closing them isn't that outrageous.

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