Vilsack still mentioned as Kerry runningmate

Governor Tom Vilsack’s potential as a runningmate for democratic presidential candidate John Kerry was part of the buzz at yesterday’s campaign rally in Des Moines. Senator Tom Harkin says Vilsack could help Kerry win in the Midwest. Harkin called Vilsack “a proven statesman.” Harkin says Vilsack’s “someone who’s tough and who knows how to come from behind and win.” Harkin also praised First Lady Christie Vilsack. Mrs. Vilsack endorsed Kerry in the closing days of the Caucus campaign. When Governor Vilsack got his turn at the mic, he didn’t acknowledge the buzz, but instead did a little cheerleading for Kerry. “It is not up to John Kerry, it is up to us to get this good man elected,” Vilsack told the crowd at Vet’s Auditorium. Kerry praised Vilsack during his speech, but Kerry made no mention of Vilsack’s slot of the list of potential runningmates. Kerry called Vilsack a “terrific, sensitive, visionary” leader. Kerry is expected to reveal who he wants as a runningmate early this summer.