[Iowa-dx] First Democratic candidate tosses his hat into the ring for 2008 Presidential Campaign

[dr_pac-man@mchsi.com]

Iowa Gov. Vilsack to run for president 
By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer 

DES MOINES, Iowa - Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa took the initial step 
in his long-shot bid for the White House Thursday, establishing a presidential 
campaign committee and seeking an early jump on 2008.

"Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday. They want leaders who will take 
this country in a new direction," Vilsack, Iowa's two-term governor, 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 filed documents with the Federal Election Commission to create the 
committee.

Although the favorite son in the early voting state, the Democratic governor 
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 is the first Democrat to make a formal declaration for the presidency 
although a number of better known candidates are presumed to be running.

Likewise, Rep. Duncan Hunter (news, bio, voting record) of California is the 
only announced candidate on the Republican side.

He plans a multistate tour on Nov. 30 to formally announce his intentions.

The first stop will be in 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 important 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. He's also 
opening a campaign headquarters in Des Moines. Iowa's precinct caucuses 
traditionally launch the nominating season, 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.