Daily Troika: Split and Run
In Iowa, the GOP suddenly seems divided. The Quad-City Times reports that "Defeated and divided" GOPers chose their leaders 11/10 "after a walkout by a disgruntled group of conservatives." Before re-electing Sen. Mary Lundby (R-Marion) as their leader, 8 GOPers "walked out of the session." Sen. Paul McKinley, who initiated the walkout: “We took an unusual beating in this last election and we must change direction...We believe we must get back to the principles that brought Republicans to the forefront 20 years ago when Ronald Reagan ran." He said he's "waiting" for the GOPers who left to return.
Meanwhile, for IA Dems organizing the '08 caucuses, Gov. Tom Vilsack's presidential bid adds extra pressure. The Omaha World-Herald's Ahlin writes that although "most" IA political analysts believe Vilsack "will have an edge" in the caucuses, "some say it's too soon to count out a competitve" Dem contest. Ex-IA Dem Party Chair Gordon Fischer said Vilsack "has a much tougher road" than Sen. Tom Harkin faced in '92 when he "successfully drove" Dem competition away from IA. Dems who have already visited IA this year include : ex-Sen. John Edwards (NC), ex-Sen. John Kerry (MA) and Sen. Barack Obama (IL). Vilsack spokesperson Jeff Link said Vilsack's "not taking anything for granted."
Squibs:
"Ex-Senator John Kerry" is not Ex. He's still a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts.