If not Iowa...  

I'd say ethanol was over as a major political factor.

In the past, ethanol was a hot topic in the Iowa caucuses, but in 2011, most of the GOP field came out against ethanol subsidies and greater numbers of Iowans seem to agree with them as larger, more pressing issues such as the economy and the budget take over.

“It’s an issue I think Iowans are mindful of, but with the economy and everything else like that, there are other issues that they’re more focused on,” said Craig Robinson, formerly political director for the state Republican Party and editor of The Iowa Republican.

The industry insists that its political sway is as important as ever.

“I would argue it’s bigger. That is, I mean, y’all don’t write as many stories about it, but in terms of impact on Iowans’ votes it’s probably bigger than it’s ever been because of the size of the industry,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

“When you look at what’s driven Iowa’s economy over the last few years, it’s agriculture,” Shaw added. “And the No. 1 driver behind agriculture is renewable fuels, in Iowa.” [More]

 And, umm... ag isn't the 'driver".

 [Click to enlarge]

[Components do not total to 100% due to a limitation of ten sectors] 
 [Source - try building your own graph/table - it's easy]


We just refuse to accept the reality of our place in the economy, don't we?