Potential Presidential candidates visit Iowa delegation

Some of the most intense politicking for Iowa at the national conventions comes from candidates who are considering a bid for the White House sometime down the road. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will speak to Iowa delegates this morning; he was on Kerry’s list of potential running mates. And Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Teddy Kennedy’s son, will chat up Iowans today. Iowa Democratic Party chairman Gordon Fischer says Patrick Kennedy has the right last name, and is a dynamic speaker. A notable no-show, though, is New York Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Fischer says Clinton had been invited to speak to all 50 state delegates, so rather than “cherry-pick” — Fischer’s phrase – Clinton declined all invitations. Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack got a choice seat last night, in Fenway to see the Boston Red Sox play the New York Yankees. Vilsack says if you’re in Boston, you have to walk the famed “Freedom Trail,” you have to eat a lobster and you have to see a game in Fenway Park to get what he terms the “total experience.” Vilsack was rooting for the home team, by the way.