6 things to keep an eye on in Iowa -- the Democrats

4. The rural vote

The caucuses are designed so that a candidate cannot simply dominate big cities and win the state like in a primary. To win in Iowa, a candidate must have broad support statewide, not just in concentrated pockets. Iowa contains 99 precincts, many of them rural. John Edwards has canvassed Iowa's rural heartland for years trying to pin down support. Will his approach pay off?
(AP Photo)
4. The rural vote The caucuses are designed so that a candidate cannot simply dominate big cities and win the state like in a primary. To win in Iowa, a candidate must have broad support statewide, not just in concentrated pockets. Iowa contains 99 precincts, many of them rural. John Edwards has canvassed Iowa's rural heartland for years trying to pin down support. Will his approach pay off? PHOTOS 6 things to keep an eye on -- the Republicans DISCUSS What do you see as the key factors?
Text by James Pindell and Jason Tuohey