Missourians chose President Bush over John Kerry by a six-point margin in 2004 and picked Bush over Al Gore by a four-point margin in 2000.

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In the years since Missouri passed the Hancock Amendment, which restricts tax increases without a public vote, Missourians have opted to keep relative tax burdens low when faced with their own decision.

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"Bush connects more with Missourians because this is in the Bible Belt, so moral values mean more to Missourians than they do to most Americans, " said Warren, adding that many registered Democrats share this sentiment.

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