Iowa Dems declare neutrality in caucuses

[cal04]

Iowa Democrats declared on Saturday the party would remain neutral in the state's leadoff presidential caucuses in 2008 even though popular Gov. Tom Vilsack is seeking the nomination.

"We like fair and contested elections," said the state party's new chairman, Scott Brennan. "There are a lot of folks out there who have supported a lot of candidates over time."

Vilsack, who is leaving office after two terms, made official his candidacy last week, putting many top Iowa Democrats on the spot. They relish the attention the state gets by its first-in-the-nation status in the election calendar. Yet they worry that Vilsack's presence in the race could persuade potential rivals to skip Iowa, rendering the caucuses meaningless.

Brennan, a Des Moines lawyer picked for the Democratic post on Saturday, sought to ease those concerns, pushing the party's governing board to adopt a resolution declaring neutrality.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061202/ap_on_el_pr/iowa_democrats2008

[IndianaGreen]

1. You mean, they won't support Bilesack?

We saw some of the neutrality at work in 2004. I'll believe it when I see it.

[DU9598]

2. What do you mean, IndianaGreen?

Are you implying that the caucuses were fixed? Quite a charge to make against your fellow Democrats. Anxious to hear what you have to say.

[IndianaGreen]

3. Bilesack used his influence and position to stop Dean

on behalf of a frightened DLC which feared an antiwar candidate running against Bush.

Were you awake in 2004?

[DU9598]

5. Excuse me

Not only was I awake, I was here. Dean imploded on his own as he relied on out of state supporters and he didn't ask Iowans for their vote ... a lesson that I see he learned very well.

Don't be lecturing me, please, or be condescending. I was here an participated in the Iowa caucuses. My candidate didn't win, but it was no conspiracy. Kerry worked his butt off to win here and he won it fair and square.

Vilsack is not even popular here amongst the base Democratic constituencies, so I cannot imagine how Vilsack stole it for Kerry. Perhaps you should wake up to reality ... with all due respect.

[IndianaGreen]

4. Bilesack is a stalking horse for Hillary in Iowa

Hillary will skip Iowa and concentrate on New Hampshire, but she doesn't want an upper tier candidate to win Iowa and suck up the media oxygen between that caucus and the New Hampshire primary. So here comes the good old DLC boy to do his duty, once again!

[chimpymustgo]

6. That's exactly what I was thinking about Visack!

Damn...it might work. Unless Gore gets in.