COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa. (KMTV) — He's low in the national polls, however he is starting to make a name for himself in the Midwest.
Montana Governor Steve Bullock continued his push for the White House, talking to voters in Iowa on Monday, October 21.
Unlike most of his competitors in the primary, Bullock has little name recognition. Therefore, his campaign strategy differs from the rest.
He's focusing on rural America - and it might be paying off for the Governor.
A poll released by Emerson Polling shows Bullock in sixth among Iowa voters, outpacing a majority of the other 2020 presidential candidates beating him in the national polls.
"I've been able to convert voters already," Bullock said. "We have a lot of rural areas in Nebraska and Iowa. Democrats don't always compete well in those areas. I can compete real well in making that connection with folks - urban and rural."
The Iowa caucus is less than four months out on February 3.
Bullock is wasting no time with potential voters. He spent time at the Council Bluff library sharing his ideas to voters on Monday, October 21.
"I want to see everyone I possibly can, whether I agree with them or not," Iowa voter Herb Christensen said. "Governor Bullock is a down to earth common sense man."
"I'm not committed yet," Iowa voter Miker Messerly said. " I'm anxious to hear what everybody has to say and I'll make my decision."
One of the key issues in 2020 will be swing voters. Voters that maybe voted for President Trump in 2016, but could be persuaded to vote blue this coming election.
Governor Bullock says he has experience with these voters, especially in rural areas.
Bullock won his re-election as Governor in Montana the same year Trump won the state.
Bullock adds about 25-35% of his voters also voted for Trump in 2016.
"If you can't make connections in those areas, then we are not going to win," Bullock said. "I've made connections, won three times in a red state, not by compromising values, but by actually getting stuff done."
Bullock has visited Iowa 14 times. He says he will continue to work on his ground game, while other Democratic candidates focus on the debate stage.
Bullock is polling at 0-1% in most national polls and has only made one of the Democratic national debates.
