Sanders energizing red-state progressives

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — Solidly conservative states like Oklahoma and Utah might seem like tough territory for progressive presidential candidates like Bernie Sanders. However, these states are providing an opportunity for the self-described democratic socialist to run up the score on his more moderate opponents on Super Tuesday.

About half of the states that hold primaries on Tuesday are red states where a progressive on the campaign trail with an actual chance of winning is a rare sight. So Sanders’ candidacy is working to energize a core base of progressives hungry for a chance to support someone who shares their values.