Iowa Could Make or Break Democrats

[helderheid]

By BETH FOUHY and NEDRA PICKLER
The Associated Press
Saturday, December 29, 2007; 9:31 AM

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa could make or break a Democratic candidate on Thursday. The question is, who?

While the state has long played a key role in choosing the Democratic presidential nominee, it has unparalleled influence this year, even after several larger states moved up their contests to try and muscle in. Those efforts have done little more than compress the calendar into a five-week sprint that ends with the multistate primary Feb. 5 _ strengthening Iowa's position as the leadoff caucus state rather than diminishing it.

Even New Hampshire, which holds the first primary of the season, has seen its once-mighty position diminished somewhat by Iowa's outsized role this time.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards are locked in a tight three-way contest in Iowa just days before voters attend their precinct caucuses on Thursday. And while all three have strong organizations in other early states, the best laid plans in those places could come apart depending on what happens in Iowa.

Only Obama and Clinton have raised enough campaign cash to be sure of being competitive through Feb. 5 and beyond. Edwards has agreed to accept federal matching funds, which will constrain the amount of money he is allowed to spend in each state.

more >>>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/29/AR2007122900675.html

Looks like I need to re-open my wallet for Edwards! Will do that now... $20.08 happy new year!

[kenfrequed]

1. You know

This just makes me think we need tighter campaign finance laws. Maybe a maximum spend law and a new garaunteed media access law.

[CK_John]

2. Throwing the constitution out with bath water is no solution. n/t

[pocoloco]

3. "It's just a god damned piece of paper"

[kenfrequed]

8. uhm

how is garaunteeign our government is run by the wealthiest good for the constitution.

I'm all for free speech, but we do have to make sure more voices are heard. Arguing for corporate controlled media and campaign processes hardly seems to be a good argument democratically or constitutionally.

[rucky]

4. I'm afraid Obama's going to take a nose-dive.

the media, the polls, and a couple of trip-ups are trending against his favor.

[theoldman]

5. Iowa will make or break most of the candidates.

It does not make any difference if they are Democrat or Republican. People want to ride the coat tails of a winner so the leaders will pick up momentum. If you are less than number three the odds are against you.

[helderheid]

6. I thought the title of the article was a bit odd to say Democrats instead of Candidates.

[TahitiNut]

7. The "Expectations Game" is in full gear.

TELL people what to think ... fuck "listening"!

:puke: