Caucus Spotlight: Potential VEEPs in Iowa

Just for the record, I find the idea of "caucusing" to be hilarious! I think back to this game we used to play at the Hamburg Roller Rink where the music would play and when it stopped, you had to scramble to one of the four corners or you'd get disqualified. This went on until one man -- or woman -- was left, who won the prize... which I think was a lousy slice of pizza or one free skate rental.

In a similar fashion, the Iowa caucus tomorrow will be gathering participants and media outlets to convene in Iowa. It's different than a primary in that everyone openly walks to designated corners to show support for particular candidates, rather than covertly punching numbers into a machine. If the candidate receives less than 15%, those misguided voters must choose a second favorite candidate until one clear winner emerges.  They say the word caucus comes from the Algonquin word "caucau-asu," meaning "counsel." A more interesting definition comes from the Latin word "caucus," meaning "drinking vessel."

Even if it is about as relevant as an "epiphany" after a night of binge drinking, the caucus is a good time for us Vice President hunters to look out for key people in each state who might be making power plays to become the next VP... so let's take a look at some Iowa stumpers, endorsers and benefactors who have a shot at the #2 position...

1. STEVE KING for Fred Thompson

Who Is He?
Steve King has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2003, representing Iowa's 5th District.

What Does He Say About Fred?
“Fred Thompson is a solid conservative with a pro-life voting record and a logical Constitutional strategy to protect marriage. Of the candidates, he has the best understanding of the principles of federalism. He has adopted good policy and put together a solid platform.”

Why VP?
He has one of the most Conservative voting records in history, which helps bolster Thompson as a “true Conservative.” He also chairs the Conservative Opportunity Society, which helped Republicans take over Congress back in 1994, so it shows he has the political muscle to generate momentum. King is ruthless and mean in every way. Following the death of al-Zarqawi, he made the joke, “"There probably are not seventy-two virgins in the hell he's at, and if there are, they probably all look like Helen Thomas,” who’s an 85-year-old Liberal reporter. He also made restrictions on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s travel to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.

2. BRUCE BRALEY for John Edwards

Who Is He?
Bruce Braley has been Iowa’s First Congressional District representative in the House since 2006.  He serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Small Business. He’s vice-chairman of Highways and Transit, as well as chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology.

What Does He Say About John?
"Today, I'm proud to endorse John Edwards for president. Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people. John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas. I truly believe he is the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008. With his leadership, I believe we can make his vision of One America a reality."

Why VP?
Bruce Braley and John Edwards have loads in common. Braley also comes from a modest background, the son of farmers, and went on to become a self-made man, working as a trial lawyer. To pay his way through college, he worked as a janitor, a farmer, a lawn mower and a dump truck driver. He and his wife are very well-liked among Iowans, earning the title “Best Couple” by Big Brothers/Big Sisters in 2007. The “Meet Bruce” section of his website says: “As our Congressman, Bruce will stand up to powerful special interests on behalf of working families just as he has been for the past two decades.”  Sound familiar? The two of them working together could really push the change they yearn for.

3. DAVE LOEBSACK for Barack Obama

Who Is He?
Newly-elected in 2007, Dave now represents Iowa’s second district. Prior to taking his seat in the House of Representatives, he worked as a political science professor at Cornell College.   

What Does He Say About Barack?
"What I see is his ability to unify folks, to work across the partisan divide, if you will. After talking to a lot of folks, independents and even Republicans, at the grassroots level, I believe that with Barack Obama we can do better at transcending those bitter partisan differences that I think were intensified since 2001. And the American people are ready for that."

Why VP?
We won’t hold it against him that he was a Linn County coordinator for the Howard Dean presidential campaign. After all, he worked on the Civil Liberties Union Board from 2002 – 2005, making him the ideal person to spearhead Obama’s plan for eradicating all the Patriot Act legislation. He’s delivered lectures on foreign policy and traveled to countries like Brazil, Guatemala, Japan and Nigeria. He, too, has a plan for achieving universal health care coverage and for protecting the environment, which could complement Obama’s plans.

4. KEVIN MCCARTHY for Joe Biden

Who Is He?
McCarthy, a local Polk County prosecutor, was first elected to the House in 2003 where he presides over Des Moines, Pleasant Hill and Carlisle. He became Democratic majority leader in January after helping the Democrats take over the Iowa House last year. He also works on the Legislative Council.

What Does He Say About Joe?
"Iraq is by far the single most important issue facing America today and Joe Biden has the most credible plan to get us out without causing further chaos. His plan, coupled with his unmatched foreign policy experience, makes Joe Biden the best choice to lead America out of the crisis in Iraq… and besides...I like him."

Why VP?
He brings the heat! The rule on the campaign trail has been “Wherever, McCarthy goes, one hundred or more registered voters are sure to follow.” The best vice president is the one who brings special skills and knowledge to the table. For Kevin, two hot button issues are ethics and immigration, which will come in handy under any presidency.