DES MOINES, Iowa — Hillary Rodham Clinton has gone hyperlocal in Iowa.

In her many visits to the leadoff caucus state, the Democratic presidential contender has spoken about the Republican governor’s efforts to close mental health institutions, mourned a murder in an Iowa City area mall, deplored the deportation of an area pastor originally from Honduras and peppered her remarks with all sorts of other regional references.

In her years as secretary of state, she had the world on her plate. Now all politics is local, as the saying goes.

The approach is a stylistic shift from Clinton’s failed 2008 presidential bid, which began poorly with a third-place finish in the Iowa caucuses. Advisers say this is the product of many hours spent in small house parties talking to residents, calls to close Iowa contacts and a clear sense she must do more to engage with Iowans intimately.

“She’s really sitting down and talking to people, and I think that’s why,” said Andy McGuire, chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party. She backed Clinton in 2008 but is remaining neutral this time.

Clinton commented on her efforts to make local connections at a Burlington house party this summer.