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Rising fiscal pressure on local governments in rural areas of the United States is documented in this study. The level of fiscal burden on taxpayers to support local governments in non metropolitan areas is found to be high'er than that in metropolitan areas between 1977 and 1987. Using a model from the urban fiscal literature, the level of fiscal burden in nonmetropolitan areas is found to be influenced by a combination of demographic, socioeconomic, intergovernmental, and historical factors. Intergovernmental revenue transfers from the state and federal government play a critical role in determining the level of fiscal burden rural taxpayers bear. These findings have implications for rural economic development and for understanding how rural areas are influenced by the larger society.

This article examines the effect of perceptions of the character traits of the presidential candidate on the vote in 2012. Barack Obama was perceived more favorably than Mitt Romney on empathy, integrity, and competence, and just as favorably on leadership. The more favorable perceptions of Obama were due to very unfavorable perceptions of Romney; perceptions of Obama were mixed and were less favorable than they were in 2008. Trait perceptions had a significant effect on the vote. Independents were most strongly affected, and they were particularly affected by perceptions of leadership and empathy. Democrats were influenced more by perceptions of empathy and competence, and Republicans were influenced more by leadership and integrity.

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