Is Hillary running scared in Iowa? [View All]

The latest poll from the Washington Post and ABC News shows Barack Obama ahead in the Hawkeye State, slightly in the lead with
30 percent to Hillary Clinton's 26 percent. Although this is statistically a tie -- it has been a horse race among Obama, Clinton and John
Edwards for the last few months -- it is the first poll in months actually showing Obama in the lead.

And Hillary Clinton must be worried.

Over the last few weeks, the New York senator has beefed up her Iowa field staff and opened new offices. She now has 34 offices, compared
with Obama's 35.

The difference is Obama started his campaign in Iowa right off the bat, renting dozens of locales for offices and making sure his field workers
developed strong relations with the residents in towns and cities across the state. That's the key in this first caucus state, cultivating caucus-
goers, making a personal pitch and getting them to sign a support card... The truth is, Obama is a strong second choice for many Iowa
Democrats.

And according to the Washington Post-ABC News poll, more voters are looking for "new direction and new ideas" than are those who believe
"strength and experience" are the most important qualities in a Democratic presidential candidate.

"Our definition of success doesn't necessarily mean coming in first," explains Clinton spokesman Mark Daley. "As long as we have a strong
showing on caucus night."

And he said Obama has certain advantages. "We're running against a guy from a neighboring state who shares media markets with the state."

http://www.suntimes.com/news/hunter/662863,CST-NWS-hunter22a.article