Historian says Democrats have taken center stage in caucus fight

A noted Iowa Caucus historian says the republican presidential race has faded as the contest between democrats Al Gore and Bill Bradley became more heated.Drake University political science professor Hugh Weinbrenner says the republican race appears “set” for Bush — while the Gore/Bradley contest is more competitive.Weinbrenner, who has written two books about Iowa’s Caucuses, says the 2000 Caucuses pose some danger for George W. Bush. He says Bush’s staff is concerned the expectations may be too high to meet and that people may believe Bush has the race locked up and not turn out to vote.Bush meets his five opponents today in a debate in Johnston.