It is not just "political power" that will make the cuts harsher, but the reality that most rural villages are much more dependent on state spending. The most glaring example might be the state funded school system (not all rural schools are outside of boroughs).  

One has to wonder if a "way of life" that forces someone to be so dependent on others (in this case the state), is one worth defending.  Might it be reasonable to expect the state (and feds) to spend somewhat proportional amounts based on population.