See this AP story in which Daschle vowes he would challenge Iowa governor Tom Vilsack if he ran for the 2008 Democratic nomination:
Former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle said Friday that he would challenge Gov. Tom Vilsack in Iowa should both decide to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
Daschle toured Iowa a day after he visited New Hampshire, conceding he is looking at the idea of seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.
Vilsack also is considering a run, but Daschle said he wouldn't be deterred if Vilsack decides to seek the nomination.
"If you think you can give the country new leadership and new direction, that's what matters, not who else is running," Daschle said.
Former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle said Friday that he would challenge Gov. Tom Vilsack in Iowa should both decide to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.
Daschle toured Iowa a day after he visited New Hampshire, conceding he is looking at the idea of seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.
Vilsack also is considering a run, but Daschle said he wouldn't be deterred if Vilsack decides to seek the nomination.
"If you think you can give the country new leadership and new direction, that's what matters, not who else is running," Daschle said.
Some strategists say a Vilsack decision to run would render Iowa leadoff precinct caucuses irrelevant because other candidates would stay away.
Daschle made it clear that wasn't his thinking, and said he would "absolutely" challenge Vilsack in Iowa.
Republicans dismissed a potential Daschle candidacy, saying he was defeated by voters in South Dakota when he sought another term in the Senate.
"It's hard to take him seriously as a potential presidential candidate," said Cullen Sheehan, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa.
Daschle dismissed that, citing his political success in his home state, which trends Republican.
"I'm 7-1 in a bright red state and I don't know of anyone else thinking about a race for the presidency who can talk about that kind of a record," he said. "I feel pretty good about my political past."
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