Iowa Congressional Delegation Split in Its Endorsements

By Eric Ostermeier on December 17, 2007

Democratic Congressman Dave Loebsack—in his first term representing Iowa's 2nd District—endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president today, to make an even 1-1-1 split among the top Democratic rivals - reflective of the close 3-way race heading into the last few weeks before the January 3rd caucuses.

Last Friday, Hillary Clinton received the nod from 6-term Democrat Leonard Boswell (IA-03). Earlier in the month, on December 3rd, John Edwards received the endorsement of 1-term Democratic Representative Bruce Braley (IA-01).

On the Republican side, 3-term Representative Steve King (IA-05) endorsed Fred Thompson today. King is one of the leading proponents of tough immigration reform on the Hill, but did not endorse his colleague and fellow crusader Congressman Tom Tancredo, who is polling in 7th place in Iowa in most surveys.

The only Representative from the Hawkeye State who has not yet endorsed a presidential candidate is 7-term Republican Tom Latham (IA-04).

Other prominent Iowa office holders have said they do not plan to make a caucus endorsement, including Republican Senator Charles Grassley and Democratic Governor Chet Culver. Iowa's first lady, Mari Culver, lent her endorsement today to Edwards.

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