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Iowa Gov. Vilsack to Run for President
Vilsack, Iowa's first Democratic governor in 30 years, had promised to serve just two terms.
He hasn't been the only Democrat campaigning in Iowa. Several potential, more familiar candidates have traveled to the state, including Edwards and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. A long string of candidates in both parties have already begun building campaign organizations.
  In a file photo Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack speaks during an interview, Monday, Oct. 9, 2006, in his office at the Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. Vilsack said he will officially launch his presidential campaign Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, when he files documents with the Federal Election Commission. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Charlie Neibergall - AP) 
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"Caucus-goers in Iowa tend to be pretty independent-minded people," said Steve Hildebrand, who has advised Obama. "They want to audition the full list. They don't automatically go with the hometown guy."
When Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin sought the Democratic nomination in 1992, rivals decided to cede the state to him, but Vilsack is unlikely to get such a break, strategists say.
During his eight years as governor, Vilsack has sought to chart a moderate course. He balanced the state's budget during the recession of 2001 and 2002 by making deep cuts in spending, including furloughing 10 percent of the state's workforce. He resisted pressure to push for tax increases, and signed into law a measure phasing out the sales tax on utility bills.
In addition to creating a presidential campaign committee, his campaign started operating, with an office in Des Moines and letterhead printed. His campaign Web site _ http:/
On the Republican side, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California has announced the formation of an exploratory committee. About a dozen other candidates, including Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, are weighing bids.
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Associated Press Writer Liz Sidoti in Washington contributed to this report.
