Iowa Sen. Harkin endorses Dean

By Aziz P. -
Iowa Sen. Harkin to endorse Dean

MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer Friday, January 9, 2004

(01-09) 10:45 PST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) --

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin endorsed Howard Dean for president on Friday, calling him the "kind of plain-spoken Democrat we need," and giving a key boost to the embattled front-runner 10 days before the state's kick-off caucuses.

A formal afternoon announcement was scheduled at Dean's Iowa headquarters.

"He's the Harry Truman of our generation," Harkin said in interview with The Associated Press. "Howard Dean is really the kind of plain-spoken Democrat we need."

Harkin's support will give Dean the backing of the state's most durable Democratic politician, and a man whose organization can prove a vital asset on caucus night Jan 19.

Dean and his rivals for the nomination had all appealed to Harkin for backing, and the senator had said publicly in recent days he was weighing whether to choose sides, or perhaps remain neutral.


As Kos notes, the timing is good, it helps to deflect the silly flap over Dean's supposed hatred of the caucus system. Just as Gore's endorsement defused the confederate flag thing.. hmmm.

UPDATE: Dana provides the link to the MSNBC story on this...

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