Iowa's 'other Democrats' soldier on

[babylonsister]

Iowa's 'other Democrats' soldier on

The media spotlight is nowhere near the Biden, Dodd or Richardson campaigns. Still, all three have hope.
By Scott Martelle, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
December 23, 2007


MONTICELLO, IOWA -- Christopher J. Dodd walked into the City Council chambers here just before noon a week ago hoping to convince local Democrats that he was the best choice for the party's 2008 presidential nomination. But for a message to be delivered, someone has to be on the receiving end, and on this cold, snowy morning only about 30 people had come out to hear the long-serving Connecticut senator's pitch.

In a contrast of fortunes that illuminates a key divide in the Democratic race, just the day before, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois drew about 250 people to a stomping, cheering 8:30 a.m. rally in a basketball-court-sized room in the same building.

Forget about former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards' "two Americas" theme. Right now there are two Democratic campaigns -- the high-profile, celebrity-studded race being waged by Obama, Edwards and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, and another, quieter race by Dodd, Delaware Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

At the top, Clinton, Obama and Edwards tour Iowa with national media entourages and stride into carefully staged rooms filled with hundreds of potential caucus-goers energized by blaring rock music.

And they often have company. Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey has been here with Obama. Retired Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson toured this week with former President Clinton. Actors Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins campaigned with Edwards.

At the bottom, Dodd, Biden and Richardson -- sans celebrities -- rarely see more than one or two local reporters as they greet potential voters by the dozens in lawn-sign-decorated rooms small enough to fill with their unamplified voices.

Still, the lower-tier candidates soldier on, in too far to quit and emboldened by the inherent uncertainty and surprises of political campaigns.

more...

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-otherdems23dec23,0,5335053.story?coll=la-home-center

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. the early date of the primaries

has hurt these guys more than the others.

[MethuenProgressive]

2. kick & rec!

:kick:
Four fine Democrats for you to consider:

Joe Biden:
http://www.joebiden.com /
http://biden.senate.gov/index.cfm

Chris Dodd:
http://chrisdodd.com /
http://www.youtube.com/user/SenatorDodd

Dennis Kucinich:
http://www.dennis4president.com /
http://www.youtube.com/denniskucinich

Bill Richardson:
www.2013IsTooLate.com
www.TheDifferenceOnIraq.com
www.richardsonforpresident.com

C'mon, Iowa and New Hampshire - Make History!!

[sniffa]

3. k&r

i care more about the "other Dems".