Obama Wants To Hear About Challenges Facing Rural Communities

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Barack Obama wants to hear about the challenges facing rural communities. <br/><br/>The Democratic presidential candidate plans a rural policy summit in Iowa in mid-August that

Sunday, July 22nd 2007, 2:37 pm

By: News On 6

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Barack Obama wants to hear about the challenges facing rural communities.

The Democratic presidential candidate plans a rural policy summit in Iowa in mid-August that will focus on rural economic development, quality of life and agriculture and renewable energy policy.

``People in the rural economies suffer from many of the things people do all across the country,'' he said in a telephone interview Sunday with The Associated Press.

He noted common problems with health care access, failing school systems and lack of livable wages. But the Illinois senator said there are unique issues that must be addressed as well.

He mentioned spotty rural broadband and wireless coverage, underfunded community colleges and a need to make the most of the growing alternative energy industry.

``We've got to provide, I think, some seed money to help boost not just the production, but also the distribution of alternative fuels,'' he said. ``We've got to train people to have the skills'' that are needed in those new industries.

Some Democratic rivals, including former Sen. John Edwards, have released plans for rural development.

Although rural America long has been a stronghold for Republicans, Obama said Democrats have made major strides in rural areas.

``Obviously, rural communities and agricultural regions often times are politically more conservative, but part of that has to do with positions on social issues more than it has to do with economic issues,'' he said.

``I think Democrats have come to understand that on issues of faith, on respecting the rights of sportsmen and hunters ... we haven't always listened as much as we should have. We're getting, I think, a much better sense of what's required and what's important to win over rural America.''