Edwards machine rolls across Iowa

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-edwards30sep30,1,1368556.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Dispensing twangy charm and just-folks humility, the Democrat visits every corner of the state where he finished second in 2004. The $400 haircut isn't helping.
By Maria L. La Ganga, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 30, 2007

NEWTON, Iowa — Here in the heart of Jasper County, a flyover patchwork of green pasture and golden cornfield, lies every ingredient for a John Edwards victory in the critical Iowa caucuses.


Charlie Neibergall / AP
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards outlines his education policy during a meeting with local residents last week in Des Moines.


The Maytag plant at this small town's heart is slated to close in less than a month. Edwards has been a regular visitor to the local union hall, and when the Democratic presidential hopeful rails against globalization, it is often the plight of this factory that he rues.

The farm towns sprinkled among Jasper County's rolling hills form the core of Edwards' rural strategy. Even history is in his favor: Though John F. Kerry won Iowa in 2004, Edwards beat him by nearly double digits in this working-class enclave east of Des Moines.

But look a little closer, and you'll also see some of the biggest challenges facing the former senator from North Carolina as he struggles against rivals with bigger bankrolls and fresher faces.

Dennis Parrott spearheaded Edwards' Jasper County efforts in 2004, but these days, he can't decide between the self- described mill worker's son and rival Barack Obama. He is not alone.


FULL story at link.

[Nutmegger]

1. R&K....

before it sinks into the abyss.