To Endorse or Not to Endorse? An Iowa Power Broker Is Torn

[Khephra]

The most sought-after Democratic caucus-goer in Iowa is agonizing in this hamlet of 150, torn over whether to make what could be the most important endorsement in the state's still shifting presidential contest.

"As we sit here right now, I honestly don't know what I'm going to do," said Senator Tom Harkin, whose support, in Iowa at least, has the potential to vastly overshadow endorsements by Al Gore, Bill Bradley or just about anyone else. "I am being pulled in a couple of different ways. I may not endorse anyone. I may just let it all play out."

But that outcome could be personally unsatisfying for Mr. Harkin, who has played caucus power broker in the past and won the voting in his own unsuccessful presidential bid in 1992. After all, what is the point of having a nationally significant political event in his home state if he cannot flex his substantial muscle?

more...........

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/08/national/08HARK.html

[Democrats unite]

1. Tom Harkin is a good man...

He will end up doing the right thing.

[stickdog]

2. Or else. (nt)

[frogczar]

3. Harkin is not entirely good...

I live in Iowa and I strongly oppose the war in Iraq. Harkin supported it and followed lock-step with the rest of the Democrat sellouts for the IWR.

[newyawker99]

4. Hi frogczar!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ozone_man]

6. I can't forgive him for voting for IWR,

but I might reconsider if he endorses the only MAJOR anti-Iraq war candidate (codespeak for Dean).

Welcome to DU frogczar. :toast:

[dave29]

5. Harkin is one of the lights of our party

as we were all reminded at the Wellstone memorial.