Loebsack's endorsement is particularly interesting. (0.00 / 0)

He is an actual co-sponsor of the Conyers-Kucinich HR 676 single payer not-for-profit UHC plan.

Yet, he supports the one of the top three (Obama) who's plan is perhaps the least desirable from that point of view. 

Hmmm.

For some reason, it seems that Obama has some pathological and deep-seated psychological need for Republicans to like him.  Seriously.  It's weird.

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by: avenged savant @ Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 16:28:52 PM UTC

endorsements drive the media narrative (0.00 / 0)

which is now, "Iowa up in the air."

Of course, I would rather have Loebsack endorsing Edwards or staying neutral. But I don't think his endorsement will sway a huge number of undecided voters.

Edwards has other strong Iowa progressives campaigning for him (Ed Fallon, Denise O'Brien). I think those voters will split between Edwards and Obama, with neither candidate dominating.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

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by: desmoinesdem @ Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 16:59:42 PM UTC

Has Harkin endorsed yet? (0.00 / 0)

Google indicates no. 

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by: Valatan @ Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 17:09:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

he won't as he cannot afford any hurt feelings because (0.00 / 0)

he's up for re-election himself this fall.  and it will be close as it always is.

For some reason, it seems that Obama has some pathological and deep-seated psychological need for Republicans to like him.  Seriously.  It's weird.

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by: avenged savant @ Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 17:22:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Identity politics (4.00 / 3)

Looking at the three House members: Braley was President of the Iowa association of trial lawyers.  Natch, he goes for ex-trial lawyer Edwards.  Loebsack is an ex college professor.  Again, makes sense that he goes for the former part time law school instructor Obama.  Boswell is old and ex military.  Hillary is the choice.

I think identity trumped policy here.

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by: David Kowalski @ Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 17:19:43 PM UTC

What they are worth (0.00 / 0)

I think that they are worth a lot on the organizational front.  These people know their states and have staff and connections and supporters who believe in them.  I think they are worth more in terms of GOTV in a low turnout race than they are in persuasion.  They are also valuable as surrogates for candidates that are trying to be everywhere at once.

I know that here in Philly some of our elected supporters are providing a lot of help in terms of morale and good advice in understanding the way the system works.

My job is not to represent Washington to you, but to represent you to Washington- Obama
Philly for Obama

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by: Luam @ Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 20:49:48 PM UTC