Democrats flood Iowa with ground troops

[windansea]

DES MOINES, Jan. 10 -- Iowans have never seen a political battle like the one that has begun to unfold here, a massive voter mobilization operation that will decide the outcome of the Jan. 19 Democratic caucuses and demonstrate whether Howard Dean's grass-roots movement translates into superior strength at the ballot box.

Dean's energized volunteer brigades, streaming into Iowa in unprecedented numbers, are pitted against a tough and motivated legion of industrial unions, who have banded together behind the candidacy of Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (Mo.). Two other campaigns have put together serious ground operations, according to veteran Democrats. Sens. John F. Kerry (Mass.) and John Edwards (N.C.) both hope to spring a surprise in the caucuses and their organizations -- particularly Kerry's -- have impressed veteran Democrats in the state.

Iowa Democrats say the scope of the ground war outstrips anything from past caucuses. "It's much more intense, and it's also much more sophisticated," said Rob Tully, former Iowa Democratic Party chairman and Iowa co-chairman of the Edwards campaign.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A6715-2004Jan10?language=printer

[Jerseycoa]

1. I kinda wish I lived in Iowa

I feel a driving urge to caucus.

[windansea]

2. yes..quite a battle going on n/t

[Jerseycoa]

4. Interesting

It's really classic GOTV, not much new.

[hellhathnofury]

3. Caucus! Caucus! Caucus! Caucus! Caucus! Caucus! Caucus! Caucus! Caucus!

[hobbes159]

5. I'm leaving Friday from MA to go to Iowa....

I've never been involved in politics before * came around.... figured it might be fun to help out! :-)