Now that Tom Vilsack has announced he is leaving the presidential race, the political bidding war for his support in Iowa has immediately begun.
In my opinion, this is great news for John Edwards because Iowaians find him as a sincere, honest, and a effective leader for this country.
It should be interesting to see who gains the most by Vilsack's departue, but I'm guessing it will be John Edwards.
This may be his best opportunity to expand his lead in a state cacus race that was going to very close in the first place.
Historically, the margin of victory for Democrats in the Iowa Cacus has been widespread, from as little as 4% in 1988, to 72% in 1992, when (Iowa) senator Tom Harkin defeated Paul Tsongas.
However, the 2008 Iowa Cacus will be extremely competitive and closely fought to the end.
Early Poll Numbers from Iowa
Strategic Vision Feb 16-18, 2007 John Edwards 24%, Hilary Clinton 18%, Barack Obama 18%, Tom Vilsack 14%, Joe Biden 5%, Bill Richardson 3%, Wesley Clark 2%, Chris Dodd 1%, Dennis Kucinich 1%, Undecided 14%
Zogby International Feb 7-8, 2007 Hillary Clinton 24%, John Edwards 24%, Barack Obama 18%, Tom Vilsack 9%, Joe Biden 4%
American Research Group Jan 29 - Feb 1, 2007 Hillary Clinton 35%, John Edwards 18%, Barack Obama 14%, Tom Vilsack 12%, Dennis Kucinich 2%, Joe Biden 2%, Wesley Clark 2%, Christopher Dodd 1%, Bill Richardson 1%, Mike Gravel 0%, Undecided 13%
Strategic Vision Political Jan 19-21, 2007 John Edwards 25%, Barack Obama 17%, Tom Vilsack 16%, Hillary Clinton 15%, Joe Biden 4%, John Kerry 3%, Wesley Clark 2%, Bill Richardson 1%, Chris Dodd 1%, Dennis Kucinich 1%, Undecided 15%
Zogby International Jan 15-16, 2007 John Edwards 27%, Barack Obama 17%, Tom Vilsack 16%, Hillary Clinton 16%, Joe Biden 3%, John Kerry 3%, Dennis Kucinich 1%, Bill Richardson 1%
American Research Group Dec 19-23, 2006 Hillary Clinton 31%, John Edwards 20%, Tom Vilsack 17%, Barack Obama 10%, Dennis Kucinich 5%, Joe Biden 2%, Christopher Dodd 2%, John Kerry 2%, Wesley Clark 1%, Mike Gravel 1%, Bill Richardson 1%
KCCI-TV Dec 18-20, 2006 John Edwards 22%, Barack Obama 22%, Tom Vilsack 12%, Hillary Clinton 10%, Al Gore 7%, John Kerry 5%
Harstad Research Dec 16, 2006 John Edwards 36%, Hillary Clinton 16%, Barack Obama 13%, Tom Vilsack 11%