Iowans on Vilsack

From the Des Moines Register:

Most Iowans like the job Gov. Tom Vilsack is doing - but they can't imagine him doing the same in the White House.

Only 29 percent of Iowans think it's a good idea for Vilsack to seek his party's presidential nomination, according to The Des Moines Register's new Iowa Poll.

Vilsack, a finalist for the 2004 vice presidential nomination, has told aides he is looking at the possibility of a 2008 White House run.

But 55 percent of Iowans say that's a bad idea, even though a majority approve of the job the Democratic governor is doing in his job. The poll of 800 Iowa adults was taken Jan. 21-26.

A Vilsack candidacy means that no one will be campaigning in Iowa but that won't stop anyone from running.

Senator Max Baucus is rallying Montana constituents for Social Security.

.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is not up for re-election until 2008, but Friday he held a political rally over the issue that promises to define politics in America this year and for several to come.

Against a backdrop of signs saying "Max Baucus is preserving Social Security," Baucus presided over a listening session on President George W. Bush's plan to privatize a portion of younger workers' Social Security payroll taxes and reduce benefits. The signs were the color of money.[...]

When it comes to supporting the president's private accounts idea, Burns said Friday, "I'm not there yet."

Burns said he is "intrigued by the idea" of personal accounts and they should be explored.

Denying that there is a crisis for Social Security works only "if you don't care about your kids or grandkids," Burns said. "I don't want to kick the can down the road to them."

As to whether there will be a privatization of Social Security bill to vote on this year, Burns said he was not sure.

In 2006?

"Maybe," Burns said. "I don't know. In an election year, the chances are less than 50-50. That is not to say we should not have the debate."

Moderate Republicans should not be planning on looking forward to 2008:

The party's presidential field could include several prominent moderates - McCain, Giuliani and outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

They differ some on abortion rights and on issues such as a constitutional ban on gay marriages. All will probably draw opposition from conservative groups, which are more likely to back Sens. Bill Frist of Tennessee, George Allen of Virginia, Sam Brownback of Kansas or Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, or Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida.

Conventional wisdom says a McCain or a Giuliani can't win in today's conservative GOP. The 2008 nomination battle may well answer that question.