Kerry Announces Iowa Leadership Team

I would note that if you click on the link below you will see Kerry has group and they aren't paid staffers. They are elected official, environmental leaders and party activists.


John Kerry announced his “Kerry Commanders” in Iowa today – a group of distinguished Iowans who are mobilizing support for his campaign across the state. Endorsers include 21 state legislators (more than double that of any other candidate), key public officials, long time democratic activists, and leaders from important constituency groups including labor, veterans, environmentalists, and teachers.

The team is led by Chair Jerry Crawford, Honorary Chair Gene Thorson, and eleven Co-Chairs: State Representative Swati Dandekar, former State Representative Willie Glanton. Democratic activist Teri Goodmann, President of the North Iowa Nine Labor Council Mike Herman, former VP of the Iowa Democratic Party Virginia Hood, State Senator Jack Kibbie, Chair of the Board of the Iowa Environmental Council David Hurd, President of the Hawkeye Labor Council Justin Shields, Scott County Recorder Rita Vargas, and Iowa College Democratic President Grant Woodard.

The Kerry Commanders also include an impressive group of Iowa leadership from across the state. This leadership group will organize in their communities -- both locally and within their constituencies -- and will act as surrogates, amplifying the strength of John Kerry’s candidacy.

Teri Goodmann of Dubuque said, “John Kerry is the best leader our country can elect to lead us into this century. He is the only candidate who has the national security experience and a lifetime fighting for Democratic issues. Furthermore, I think he is our best shot at beating Bush. Period “

“I am honored to have the support of these distinguished and committed leaders and to have them a part of my Iowa team” said John Kerry. “They represent Iowans from all across the state and each in their own right has already demonstrated an extraordinary ability to garner grassroots support, win elections, and champion the issues that Iowans care about. We are moving into the final stretch with a leadership line-up that is solid, energized and ready to work.”

Representative Dandekar said, “I am proud to be named a state co-chair of John Kerry’s campaign in Iowa. After September 11, the politics in the United States changed and we can no longer afford to have a president who needs on the job training. Senator Kerry is the only candidate with in depth knowledge about both domestic and foreign policy issues. He will bring back respect and honor to the United States in our global community.”

http://johnkerry.com/news/releases/pr_2003_1010.html

or be a strong 2nd to Gep according to this from the summer:

Candidate impressions- Likely Democratic caucus participants were asked to assess their feelings toward the candidates.

_______Very Favorable | Mostly Fav. | Mostly UNFAV.| Very UNFAV.| NOT SURE
Howard Dean...... 27%.......... 34%.......... 6%........... 4%............ 29%
John Kerry.......... 26............ 42............. 8 ..............2 ...............22
Dick Gephardt..... 25............. 48 ............13............. 3............... 11
Joe Lieberman..... 12 .............47............ 20............. 7 ...............14
John Edwards ......10............. 30........... 10 ..............3.............. 47
Dennis Kucinich.... 7 ..............16 ............9............... 5.............. 63

What's most interesting is Lieberman's favorable ratings are better than Dean's.

http://miva.dmregister.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?extras/iowapoll/poll.mv+file=prez0308