As the Iowa caucus approaches, the three leading contenders for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards are facing some surprising competition from Governor Bill Richardson. Polls continue showing him gaining ground on Obama and with Iowa voters traditionally more likely to vote for a governor, could split enough Edwards and Obama votes to give Clinton an even bigger edge.
Some candidates may thinks about some of the so-called second and third tier candidates dropping out of the race to enable the leading contenders to better meet the public, although they would never say so out loud. This is the American political system and the person with the most votes gets the win. Unfortunately, several candidates make it a tough choice for the voters. Democrats have a field of 12, and counting, all looking to win the party’s nomination with very few willing to back down, admitting defeat before the process gets into full swing.
The votes they do gain will be from friends, family and other who sit the fence on many issues, not sure where they should stand. Much like the candidates for whom they vote. However, Richardson has solid issues and political experience and could easily move into a spoiler position for the second and third place candidates in the Iowa polls.
He is well-liked in Iowa and his stealth campaign has been keeping him out of the spotlight. With the Iowa vote coming in January 2008, he is sure to step up his drive to the nomination, causing other candidates several additional votes.
Related Articles
