Rumor of Possible Endorsement of Dean by Senator Tom Harkin

[slinkerwink]

THE NEXT SHOE TO DROP: The word from Iowa is that Senator Tom Harkin's long-rumored endorsement of Howard Dean is a done deal. Among party regulars, Harkin is the most beloved Democrat in the state, and his endorsement is considered the biggest prize. Harkin seems to know it, too. In Walter Shapiro's excellent new book, One Car Caravan, the senator tells the author, "I'm now the 900-pound gorilla. I have the best organization. I have the best list. I love Tom Vilsack, but he's never done the nuts and bolts of politics."
As for Governor Vilsack, we hear he has decided not to endorse any of the candidates. Dean got a bump in Iowa after the Gore endorsement. Expect another one after Harkin gives his blessing.


http://www.tnr.com/etc.mhtml


If this rumor is true, Geppy's done.

[LuminousX]

1. FANTASTIC!!

I've been waiting for this one. This dovetails nicely with Paul Simon's endorsement.

[CMT]

2. I hope so

but let's wait and see. I read that there will definitely be no endorsent by Harkin until sometime after the new year but before the caucus.

[slinkerwink]

8. where'd you read that?

[CMT]

11. mind you

this doesn't mean that Harkin won't endorse Dean, and I certainly hope he will.

http://desmoinesregister.com/news/stories/c4789004/23016133.html

article says Harkin will stay "neutral for now" but may endorse after the holidays.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

9. that makes sense

especially with all these polls coming out showing Dean's a disaster.
But despite all that evidence as reason not to support Dean, I would be really surprised he would do this to his colleague Kerry. He also voted Yes on IWR after all.

[CMT]

12. maybe, maybe not

I remember in '92 when Harkin dropped out early he didn't endorse his neighbor and senate collegue Bob Kerrey but endorsed Clinton.

[stickdog]

13. Yeah, whatever happened to loyalty among Judases? (nm)

[NewYorkerfromMass]

15. He's a Vietnam vet too

but I'm always glad to see the debate so elevated.

[DFLforever]

19. Yes, but he also recanted that IWR vote - was the first to do so

way in back in May or June... as the invasion slid into fiasco

[deutsey]

3. Poor Tom

What a naive person who has no idea about the real world of politics.
:eyes: (sarcasm off)

[Patriot_Spear]

4. What a coup that would be...!

People Powered Howard! Go Boy, GO!

[mzmolly]

5. Wow!

;)

[janx]

6. This would be wonderful.

Keep us informed, will ya?

[slinkerwink]

7. sure!

[Demobrat]

10. Bye Gep.

Don't let the doorknob hit you on the way out.

[slinkerwink]

16. heh

[eissa]

20. No, it goes like this

Don't let the back door smack ya where the good Lord cracked ya. And it's fitting for Gep after that disgusting attack ad on Dean (ok, I have no proof, but something smells and it's coming from Gep).

[goodhue]

14. rumor indeed

http://desmoinesregister.com/news/stories/c4789004/23016133.html

[Demobrat]

17. I don't like him anymore.

He killed Bambi's mother.

[nomaco-10]

18. Harkin's endorsement would be most welcome. Yee Haw!!!

[DFLforever]

21. I think Harkin will endorse whomever he thinks will win the Iowa caucuses

Until Gore, the polls were dipping back and forth between Gephardt and Dean, with the endorsement Dean pulled clearly ahead...I think Harkin's watching how the lastest events like the nefarious 'progressive' ads play out in Iowa. They may backfire badly against Gep. How much of a factor is Kerry in Iowa? I think he is well-respected there but Iowans are like all the rest of us midwestern Dems -very pissed off with the acquiescent and clueless congressional leadership.

[Kanola]

22. Harkins endorsement for Dr. Dean would be great news

Looking forward to it!
:thumbsup: