I just finished reading Thomas Franks' book What's the Matter With California? For those unfamiliar with the book, it explores the rise of social conservatism and how the Democrats managed to turn the West Coast, notably, California, into a stonghold after having been a progressive Republican stronghold through the 20s.
Maybe it's ASB, but your challenge is to make a similar change happen in the midwest instead? Extra points if the GOP isn't replaced by the Farmer-Labor Party.
And what would be the effects?