Walmart Moms, a Brand New Demographic to Consider

A new demographic group has emerged just in time for the next election. The Walmart moms are here and they will to be heard.

Like the last election's soccer moms, in their SUVs, the NASCAR dads, and Sarah Palin inspired hockey moms (remember the pit bulls with lipstick joke), Walmart moms have their own profile,

Walmart moms are under age 44, living everyday lives. They may be employed full time, part time or not at all. They make up about 15% of the electorate.

They are confused, worried, discouraged and scared about the economy. They worry that it is not going to get any better.

They shop at Walmart for most of their needs. They have kids under 18 at home and they may be caring for an elderly parent. They worry constantly about losing their jobs and their home.

They are mostly white and Christian. They attend church regularly and believe in the traditional family values. They are evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. About half make less than $50,000 a year. They are aware of the rising jobless figures. Some report that their husbands have lost jobs, or were subject to furloughs

The Walmart moms are clipping coupons, giving up cable TV and shopping the clearance racks to make ends meet. They gave up eating out and vacations long ago, and they pray their car or refrigerator doesn't break down.

They fear getting sick, and put off going to the doctor. They can't afford to go to the dentist. They probably won't be able to send their kids to college, and they are not saving for retirement.

According to pollsters they voted for President Obama in 2008, but voted overwhelmingly Republican in the 2010 elections. For the 2012 election, their vote is up for grabs.

Walmart moms have lost patience with Washington. They are fed up with Congress, whom they describe as "childish, ineffective and overpaid." They think President Obama has "lost his passion and direction."

Unless things change, they don't think they will vote for Obama again. Right now they are leaning towards Herman Cain. They think Michele Bachman is too extreme.

They probably won't vote a straight GOP ticket. They are swing voters on the economic frontlines, and will be pivotal in the next election.

Politicians should be aware of the Walmart moms and demonstrate sincere understanding of their plight. They are informed and they will vote.

Otherwise, these ladies just might hang those politicians and their cushy careers at the very back of their nearest Walmart Supercenter, right on the clearance rack.

Sources:

St. Pete Times

http://jezebel.com/5847548/walmart-moms-are-the-next-political-bellwethe