Politicians on a Stick

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - In a month when most voters would rather hit the swimming pool than debate tax cuts, potential 2008 White House candidates are swarming Iowa to win new friends, visit the state fair and maybe eat a pork chop on a stick.

I would make some comments regarding cannibalism, but seeing as how this is tradition, I'll let that one pass. Among potential hopefuls and well known faces were Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN), Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-IA), and Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE). Representing the other team were Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN), and Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), as well as Gov. George Pataki (R-NY), former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R).

Among these, I think we're most likely to see Biden, McCain, and Frist as real potentials. It seems it may still be a bit too early for other figures, such as Hillary, to show their true intents.

At this point, I must admit I'm ready for just about anyone other than the Bushies. Of some note, and of great interest, I should also note the scheduled trips to Iowa of John Kerry and John Edwards. The rumor mills have been in overdrive within the past months of a return of at least one, perhaps both, to the stumps for November '08.