A nickname for Iowa City,
Iowa. Used derisively by some and proudly by others, the nickname refers to the liberal political
philosophy of Johnson County, especially in contrast to the surrounding counties and state. Johnson County elects Democratic and/or Liberal candidates in rates uncharacteristic of the state of
Iowa. The creation of this liberal enclave probably came about because of the University of Iowa.
As many students of the University
will agree, the liberal nature of the area is also probably accounted for by the large number of
Chicago area natives who have moved to the area. Many Iowans living in Johnson County and/or attending the university keep their conservative views.
This nickname is thought to be derived from the writings of a conservative reporter in Des Moines, Iowa.
The political views expressed in the People's Republic of
Johnson County are typical of the kind expressed in scholarly, educated areas. The
reason it is noteworthy in Iowa
City is because the surrounding area is very conservative and rural.
