WaPo Blogger puts Iowa governors race at 3rd in nation.

[progressoid]

3. Iowa -- OPEN, Tom Vilsack (D) is retiring: This race moves up a slot on the Line because Rep. Jim Nussle (R) continues to run an extremely impressive campaign. He raised $2.5 million in 2005 and ended the year with $1.5 million in the bank -- a record total for off-year fundraising in the Hawkeye State. Nussle faces a primary challenge from 2002 candidate Bob Vander Plaats but seems likely to emerge victorious. Democrats have four legitimate candidates, with Secretary of State Chet Culver the current frontrunner. Iowa is swing state but is likely to lean Democratic on Election Day if the current political environment continues. That might be enough to drag the Democratic nominee across the line, but make no mistake -- Nussle is a star in the making. (Previous ranking: 4)



More:
http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/thefix/

[pstans]

1. Campaigning is not just about raising money

The author says "Nussle continues to run an extremely impressive campaign" because he has raised $2.5 million. I'd like to know how much of that money came from out of state donors (corporations). I am guessing probably close to 75%. Campaigning in much more than raising money. Money doesn't go to the polls, voters do. Vander Plaats is working the ground, organizing people, and could make the race much closer.

Nussle is a star in the making :puke:

[progressoid]

2. Odd that he talks up the Repubes even though he admits the state

is leaning Dem. Hmmm.

[Rambis]

3. Star is on the rise

:hurts: I hope the attack him as much as they will attack Vilsack when he decides to run for president. Jim Nussle should wear a bag on his head. Signer of the contract with America enforcing term limits. Mr. family values who is divorced ( 3 months after getting to washington to marry his aid) and the architect of the worst budget in the history of the planet!