I have a cold and lost my voice yesterday, so I have to watch the political coverage today in relative silence. My particular throat issues prevent me from saying the words “yeah,” and “uh-huh” without pain. I had never realized how important those words were in my vocabulary, especially at home.
Hillary Clinton just won Nevada by a little over five points. That makes South Carolina must-win for my guy Obama going into Super Tuesday on Feb. 5.
The race for Minnesota’s Feb. 5 caucuses has finally reached northern Minnesota with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama forming organizations in Duluth and on the Iron Range. Volunteer and precinct captain meetings for both candidates have begun in Hibbing, the Range’s largest and most central city. Both campaigns have deployed field organizers here with Iowa experience (though Clinton’s is an ex-Dodd operative).
What has been interesting for me is trying to figure out how this strong DFL area will break for the presidential race. If John Edwards was a front runner he’d probably be the guy to beat (Rangers like the old time Democrats). But he isn’t and I wonder where everyone will go. I expect that most of the Iron Range legislative delegation will probably stick with Edwards, though I know Rep. Tom Anzelc of rural Bovey will soon endorse Barack Obama. I don’t know of any legislators endorsing Clinton but she’ll have strong support from many people I know in the DFL party organization, which is valuable.
If Obama wins South Carolina and maintains the national tie in the polls, then I’d say Minnesota is a close state but that the Iron Range is a complete toss up. A visit to northern Minnesota by Obama, Clinton or Edwards might deliver a treasure trove of Democratic delegates to that candidate. (hint-hint). I know the rest of the state doesn’t always pay much attention to the Iron Range but this area is a bellweather for any successful Democratic campaign in Minnesota.
UPDATE: I forgot to mention this was a cross-post with www.mnblue.com. Check out the discussion going on over at MN Blue.
2 responses to “A view of the presidential race from the Iron Range”
I don’t think the Iron Range will go with Edwards at all. I believe there is strong support, amongst people I know at least, for Obama.
Really? I keep running into Clinton people in my circles. I am hopeful for Obama and would be pleasantly surprised if he carries the Range. It sounds like the Obama campaign is going to compete heavily in the caucus states on Super Tuesday, so that’s encouraging.