Clinton Endorser and Iowa Campaigner Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio says “Iowa Unattractive in the Wintertime” and that the Caucuses are “Hugely Undemocratic” and “Must Be Brought To An End”.
This is going to help Edwards and Obama, there is no doubt.
Voters in Iowa (and New Hampshire) are a defensive bunch when it comes to their “first-in-the-nation” status. It's one reason why candidates were so willing to pledge to avoid campaigning in Michigan and Florida when both states jumped ahead in the primary calendar.So a few eyebrows were probably raised when one of Hillary Clinton's most prominent backers, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, lashed out against not only Iowa's spot on the calendar, but also its arcane caucus process – something of which the state's Democrats are very proud.
According to the Associated Press, Strickland called the caucuses “hugely undemocratic” and, because they require attendance at a certain time, intentionally exclude those who might be working or are too old or too sick to get to the caucus venue.
“I'd like to see both parties say, 'We're going to bring this to an end,'” Strickland told The Columbus Dispatch for a story Monday. His comments came only days after campaigning for Clinton in Iowa over the weekend.
This story already has big coverage:
Key Clinton Backer Slams Iowa Caucuses As “Undemocratic”
CBS News, NY – 19 hours ago
Voters in Iowa (and New Hampshire) are a defensive bunch when it comes to their “first-in-the-nation” status. It's one reason why candidates were so willing …
Clinton Surrogate Veers Off Script
New York Times, United States – 22 hours ago
By Jeff Zeleny JEFFERSON, Iowa – Over the weekend, Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio was traveling alongside Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton here, asking voters to …
Prominent Clinton backer criticizes Iowa caucuses
CNN International – Dec 31, 2007
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (CNN) — Days before the Iowa caucuses, a prominent Hillary Clinton supporter criticized the state's privileged role in the presidential …
Oh-eight (D): Channeling Howard Dean?
MSNBC – Dec 31, 2007
CLINTON: Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's critique of Iowa's role in the nominating process didn't go over well with some Iowans. “In an interview with The …
Ohio governor and Clinton backer criticizes Iowa caucuses
Toledo Blade, OH – Dec 31, 2007
AP COLUMBUS, Ohio — The governor of Ohio, a must-win state for presidential candidates, is criticizing the Iowa caucuses. Gov. …
Ohio governor and Clinton backer criticizes Iowa caucuses
WDTN, OH – Dec 31, 2007
AP – December 31, 2007 9:15 AM ET COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Governor Ted Strickland is criticizing the Iowa caucuses, saying the process is undemocratic because …
Strickland gets a chilly reception in Iowa
Columbus Dispatch, OH – Dec 31, 2007