Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Dems take pledge to support Iowa caucus
By Alyssa Cashman
The Daily Iowan (U. Iowa)
09/04/2007

(U-WIRE) IOWA CITY, Iowa — Many Democratic presidential-nomination candidates are refusing to take part in the primaries held in Michigan and Florida, securing Iowa's important role as first caucus in the nation.

Florida and Michigan broke Democratic National Committee rules set last year by pushing their primaries ahead of the set date, Feb. 5. Both are trying to hold their primaries in January 2008.

"They make the assumption that the earlier they are, the more attention they will receive," said David Redlawsk, a UI associate professor of political science. "On top of the value of Iowa and meeting real people, it's as simple as no candidates want to revise their campaign strategy right now."

Following the lead of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Sens. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., Joe Biden, D-Del., Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., signed the loyalty pledge on Sept. 1.

Republican candidates have not signed a similar pledge. The Republican National Committee has said there will be consequences for those states that hold earlier primaries.

Candidates were asked to sign a loyalty pledge signed by Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., among others. The statement requested that candidates sign the agreement to bring "predictability and common sense to the nominating calendar."

It was sent to candidates by officials from Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

"We are trying to maintain history and tradition and to uphold the calendar created by the DNC in 2006," said Carrie Giddins, the Iowa Democratic Party communications director.

The Iowa caucuses have maintained its "first in the nation" status since 1972, when the caucuses first became nationally relevant.

"Iowa is important because it's been important to the process," Redlawsk said. "[The caucuses] don't necessarily define who will win, but it is important to the candidates to meet real people and to help them define the issues."

Candidates each cited their own reasons for signing the pledge:

The Rodham Clinton campaign said Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina play a unique role in the nominating process.

Obama press secretary Tommy Vietor said the DNC calendar is in the best interest of the nation and the Democratic Party.

The DNC has threatened states violating the calendar with the removal of their 2008 national convention delegates. On Aug. 26, the DNC gave Florida 30 days to create a plan that coincides with the committee's ruling.

"The great thing about Iowa is that it's all about the grass-roots ... actually talking with and listening to people one-on-one," Vietor said.

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