If Vilsack Runs Will Iowa be Highly Contested by Dems?

[tritsofme]

The last time one of Iowa's native son's sought the Democratic nomination in 1992, Iowa was basically overlooked even though few thought Harkin had a serious shot at winning the nomination, and everyone moved on to NH where Clinton's second place surge put him in serious contention.

Is there any indication that this may happen this year, and if does, how will it effect the primary process?

[Alexander]

1. Skip it, go to New Hampshire. This happened in '88 too.

I don't think Vilsack has a snowball's chance in hell, but I think he's trying to raise his national profile since he's retiring, and playing kingmaker at the '08 Democratic convention if there isn't a clear winner.

Gephardt ran in '88, and since he was from the next state over, Missouri, he took Iowa. Most candidates skipped it while he focused entirely on it. After Iowa, Missouri and I think one or two other victories, he lost steam.

[tritsofme]

2. Well if this is the course the candidates pick

It will be interesting to see how NH reacts seeing as we recently put a few caucuses between IA and NH.

[American Jesus]

3. If Vilsuck can't win in Iowa, he can't win anywhere

And let's hope he doesn't.

[Pirate Smile]

4. Vilsack came in 4th in a poll of Iowa Democrats. He isn't going to win and

I think the other candidates would be foolish to skip it. It will be competitive.

Edwards certainly wont skip it because he was leading in Iowa.

If some compete in Iowa and some don't, well ... that didn't seem to work for General Clark in 2004.