Iowa Governor Launches Presidential Bid

Tom Vilsack Is First Democrat To Officially File Paperwork To Run In '08

(AP)  Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa, seeking an early jump on 2008, launched a long-shot bid for the White House on Thursday.

"Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday. They want leaders who will take this country in a new direction," Vilsack said in a statement. "They want leaders who share their values, understand their needs, and respect their intelligence. That's what I've done as governor of Iowa, and that's what I intend to do as president."

Vilsack, Iowa's two-term governor, filed documents with the Federal Election Commission in Washington to create a presidential campaign committee. His campaign started operating, with an office open and letterhead printed. His campaign Web site www.tomvilsack08.com was online by early Thursday.

The governor is the first Democrat to file for the presidency although a number of better known candidates are presumed to be running.
Although the favorite son in the early voting state, Vilsack has trailed the other potential candidates in early polling, among them front-runner New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards.

Vilsack aides said the governor had made the decision to run, and saw no reason to wait to start campaigning.

He is among the lesser-known would-be Democratic candidate, and entering the race early could help him boost his name recognition and increase his ability to raise money. However, the announcement two days after the midterm elections could be overshadowed by the changing of the guard in Washington with Democrats seizing control of Congress for the first time in a dozen years.

Vilsack plans a multistate tour beginning Nov. 30 to formally announce his bid. The first stop will be his hometown of Mount Pleasant, where he served as mayor and which he represented in the Iowa Senate before being elected governor in 1998.

Vilsack said he will also announce his candidacy in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Nevada and South Carolina. Vilsack was born in Pittsburgh, and the other states are all early tests of strength in the nominating process.

"I couldn't be more honored that my wife, Christie, and our sons, Doug and Jess, are committed to joining my effort to offer the people of America and the Democratic Party my vision for the future of our country as a candidate for president," said Vilsack, a former head of the Democratic Governors Association. "Over the next several weeks, they and the rest of my campaign team will put together the building blocks needed to run a successful national presidential campaign."

Vilsack heads the Democratic Leadership Council, a centrist group that former President Clinton used to help launch his candidacy. He has also traveled the country campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidates while considering a presidential run.

Vilsack said in his statement that he plans a "Gala Celebration of American Community" on Dec. 2 in Des Moines as his initial fundraising event. His campaign headquarters are in Des Moines. Iowa's caucuses launch the nominating process in January 2008, and Vilsack's first test in his home state will be vital to his presidential hopes.

Vilsack became Iowa's first Democratic governor in 30 years when he won the election, pledging at the time to limit himself to two terms. He kept that promise, working to elect Democrat Chet Culver as his replacement.

On the Republican side, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California has announced the formation of an exploratory committee. About a dozen other candidates, including Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, are weighing bids.

Wikipedia has quite the background on him

[adventurepa]

"While charisma isn't exactly a staple I vote on, I would love to see the next dem for president have some."

Hear, hear.
I second that opinion.

If the Dems really want to win, that is what they must agree upon.
The win Factor.
Support this guy 100%.

On his web site he needs to put out his voting record and support his decisions, good or bad.
Don't give the enemy anything.

And a plan of action for the first 100 days in office.
Plus a 4 year plan with goals.

Also have a message board like this one so he can hear the people.

[rharrin1]

Janem4

You never have anything good to say about anyone UNLESS they are republican. Are you starting your far right wing dirty republican tricks already.

[drsweener]

nebula,

While charisma isn't exactly a staple I vote on, I would love to see the next dem for president have some. People (at times, myself included) have short attention spans. I loved Gore and Kerry on the issues, but let's be honest, sitting through one of their speeches was like a calculus lecture. A charismatic candidate who holds the attention of an undecided voter is more able to convey a message to said voter.

[blahblahbla5]

How could you POSSIBLY know he's a "long-shot" two years before the election? Have you chosen our next president already, without discussing it with US, the voters? I thought you were supposed to REPORT the news, not MAKE IT UP!

[nebula104]

Just a quick comment from and Iowa native. Vilsack is a dynamic speaker with a great deal of charisma. I wish those weren't the first 'necessar qualifications of a pres. cand.' that came to mind!

He is a bright and able leader and capable of pulling diverse parties together for comprimise.

His wife might be one of his best assest - keeps him from being the stuffed shirt politician that Clinton has become.

He'll have my vote.

[adventurepa]

Tom Vilsack of Iowa might be a good choice for the Dems.
Especially if the republicans get Rudy Giuliani as their front runner.
As a democrate I would have a hard time chosing Hillary, Obama or John Kerry over Rudy Giuliani.

I don't know if the country is ready to elect a women, black man or Kerry who is perceived as a Flip-Flopper and insulting troops even if by accident.

Sometimes it's not always about the issues.
But about the candidate.
However Obama or Hillary would make a fine vice president.

Kerry should not run so the party is united.
That is what the demacrats need to show, is unity with a plan of action, with goals.
The country will be watching.

[tibu987]

Oh Boy! Here we go again. I'd throw my hat in the ring but, I would have hard time dealing with so many phonies. Woe is us. Every pol under the sun will try and ultimately, we may have to live with a Hillary, Obama, ticket. Hope not.

[pakaal]

Hmm, you may be onto something janem4. Even Cheney says Hilary could win in '08.

[pakaal]

Geez, it's like getting ready for Christmas; every year it seems to get earlier. I'm surprised candidates aren't reserving seats for the 2012 race already....