Candidates Struggle to Iowa Finish Line

Source: Associated Press

Candidates Struggle to Iowa Finish Line
2008-01-02 18:18:23
By DAVID ESPO and MIKE GLOVER Associated Press Writers

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — John Edwards willed himself through a 36-hour marathon, Barack Obama dispatched canvassers onto frigid streets and Hillary Rodham Clinton hand-carried bagels and coffee to volunteers Wednesday, vying for victory in the Iowa caucuses and priceless momentum in the race for the White House. Leading Republicans exchanged routine unpleasantries on a final day of campaigning.

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Late pre-caucus polls generally pointed toward a close three-way finish among Democrats and an unpredictable two-man struggle for the Republicans. A quarter of likely caucus-goers reported they either had not made up their minds or could still change them. That wasn't a surprise in Iowa, where 21 percent of participants in the 2004 caucuses said they had made up their minds in the final three days. That only added to the urgency of the campaigns, which stood ready with snow shovels and baby sitters — to make sure supporters were able to leave home for the caucuses — and delivered reminders to voters via Facebook and phone. Romney said his campaign made 12,000 calls on Sunday alone.

Unsurprisingly, there were reports of campaign dirty tricks — anonymous phone calls to Romney supporters directing them to incorrect caucus locations, and a recorded message disparaging former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee, who hoped for a third-place finish to rescue his faltering candidacy.

There were predictions of a heavy Democratic turnout from election officials in scattered locations, who also reported independents switching their registration to Democratic so they could vote. "From what I can ascertain from the calls that we're getting, it looks like the Democratic caucuses are just going to be flooded," said Richard Bauer, elections supervisor in Scott County along the state's eastern edge.

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