Vilsack '08 - here we go!(from DM Register)

[Debi]

Plenty at stake for Vilsack in his last year
A productive 2006 could pay dividends for Iowa's outgoing governor if he runs for president in 2008.

<snip>

Vilsack met Friday with his national political team in Washington, D.C., to talk about strategy for the year that could position him to formally explore a presidential campaign next year.

Having methodically expanded his national role in party politics in 2005 after being on John Kerry's short list for a vice presidential nominee the year before, Vilsack plans to put his clout on the line in November for Democrats running for governor.

A key is making sure Iowa's governorship stays in Democratic hands, said Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, Al Gore's presidential campaign manager in 2000.

"Vilsack has many challenges as he begins to ponder a future in national politics. First, ensure his successor is a Democrat - I call it the Mark Warner," said Brazile.

Warner, a Democrat also considering a 2008 White House bid, this week leaves the governorship of Virginia, where governors are allowed only one term. Warner's successor is Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine, also a Democrat, whose victory was seen as a validation of Warner.

<snip>


Vilsack last year formed a political action committee to raise money for his national political work and was named chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, a centrist policy group that was once led by then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton.


http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/NEWS10/601090317/1011

[terryg11]

1. I just don't see it

He has gotten his face out ther more but if Hillary's really going to run does he stand a chance? I like the guy, he's gotten a bad rap thanks to the republicans the past few years but donn't know if he's got the recognition outside the state to do this seriously. \\

sounds like he's getting in touch with the right people though. Who knows?

[pstans]

2. He is running

A State officeholder, who is Democrat, said that he was told to start fundraising early meaning a lot of the state party's money would be going to help Vilsack's national campaign.

With that said, I don't think he will do too well. He would probably win Iowa, but I am not even sure that is a sure bet.

[9119495]

3. I think Vilsack would be a better candidate to replace

Harkin should he retire. I don't think there are many democrats that can win statewide and it would be good to have Vilsack in the senate. I thought I had heard this would be Harkin's last term.

[IA_Seth]

4. I agree

Senator Vilsack is a much more tolerable and/or feasible idea in my mind.

Do you know where you heard about Harkin? I shudder at the thought of us losing our biggest Dem in the state.