They appear to be losing their grip on voting blocs that once were bedrock supporters: working-class whites, and especially working-class white men, whose union roots made their parents and grandparents loyal Democrats, as well as rural citizens and senior citizens, whose gratitude for New Deal economic and modernization programs pulled them to the Democrats.

WSJ: Tough Loss Leaves GOP at a Crossroads

The country's infrastructure needs major modernization as well, and roads need to be built to reach the relatively inaccessible rural areas.

FORBES: Fact And Comment