Local power brokers always ahead in the primaries



Life in caucusland: multiple mentions of hometown folks in national political articles...



"..the backing of a respected local person can be more effective than any ad. Endorsements don't guarantee victories — but they can give a candidate credibility. They are especially powerful when the person making the endorsement has sway with a network of potential voters.



Like, say, Sarah Swisher..."



And here's another one:



Joe Bolkcom, a state senator in Iowa, where Democrats will cast the first votes in January, said, “I want to win. Dean’s electability will be a significant part of my decision” on supporting him