An Indiana sociologist and researcher says discussion of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's favor in a county that's often picked the winner of presidential elections may not have any clout.
Indiana State University sociology professor Tom Steiger says it's hard to back up without actual polling data from Vigo County.
"The question, I think, becomes whether or not there's something going on here that's predictive of an outcome," he says.
Steiger has researched the bellwether trend, and though Vigo County has picked the winner in numerous presidential elections, Steiger says he thinks the county is less of a predictor and more of a political barometer.
"I've been toying around with some idea that what we really are in Vigo County is a bunch of independents — that we're essentially the swing voters. We don't vote straight tickets, we're not party loyal, and we're not ideologically loyal."
Steiger says he would be concerned about the county's bellwether status if there wasn't support for Trump. He says the candidate represents voters' desire to quote "throw a brick through the plate-glass window."