The Dutch

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I'm from that rural area around Saginaw, and it is made up of predominantly German Lutherans that are very religious and conservative, not to mention rather wealthy.  But not many Dutch that I know of (although I did have a classmate with the name Van Sickle.)

As for Dutch Americans, I suspect it has to do with the Dutch reputation for being very fiscally conservative; most of them are very socially conservative as well, which makes much more of a difference when most people vote.

The Republican patch near Saginaw isn't Dutch, it was settled by very conservative Lutheran Bavarians. But yes, it sure does stick out.

You've nailed it.