A prominent Iowa Democrat is advising presidential candidates who are currently lagging in the polls, not to give up hope. Former congressman and state party chair Dave Nagle says Saturday night’s Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner was the real start to the caucus campaign. He says despite months of campaigning, many voters are just now zeroing in on a favorite.
"I think the polls are right, 60 percent of the people say they could change their mind," Nagle says, "and I don’t think we’re going to have a firm fix on it until the last 15 days…if we have it then." Nagle says despite polls showing a significant lead on the democratic side for three of the presidential candidates, he believes no can be counted out.
"Rule number one is organize, rule number two is organize, and rule number three is get hot at the end," Nagle said. "Anyone of these candidates can get hot at the end and surprise people – look at Edwards last time." Nagle is referring to former North Carolina Senator John Edwards who came from behind in 2004 to capture second place in the caucuses ahead of Howard Dean. He says the same thing could happen this year for one of the candidates currently in the bottom tier.