Tom Vilsack

The Democrat with the least electable name, Tom Vilsack, has dropped out:

I have the boldest plan to get us out of Iraq and a long-term policy for energy security to keep us out of future oil wars. Our campaign has built the strongest organization here in Iowa, with almost 3,000 supporters among Democratic caucus goers. We are organizationally positioned to win the caucuses in January 2008. We have everything to win the nomination and general election.

Everything except money.

That is why this morning after discussing with my wife Christie and our sons Jess and Doug we have decided to end our campaign for the presidency.

Pragmatic. Vilsack wasn't bad. But he had no chance at all. I am glad he saw this fact so early.

Much as I have been liking Edwards and Obama so far (not to mention Al Gore), I have not been ready to commit to a candidate yet. In fact, as I recently wrote, I feel the Democrats have an unusually strong and exciting field of candidates this time around.

So, to add one more voice to those of Al Gore, Barak Obama and John Edwards who are calling for a rapid end to the Iraq (and Iran?) quagmire, here is a message from Tom Vilsack:

Tom Vilsack’s message was heard loud and clear this weekend at the DNC Winter Meeting in Washington, DC -- it’s time to get troops out of Iraq, now.

"It is time for us to clearly say 'the war must end and our troops must be brought home now.' Let me say that I think Congress has a constitutional responsibility and a moral obligation to do it now. Not a cap -- an end. Not eventually -- immediately."

And for the record, it's hard finding good pictures of Vilsack. He has both name and lack of charisma working against him, but otherwise he isn't bad. Midwest Governor and all that could help.

Tom Vilsack is challenging us all to volunteer. Sign up and he will hook you up with a campaign near you that needs help. Here's his challenge:

It's time to schedule your volunteerism and recruit your friends to join you. It's time to make a commitment to real change by volunteering your time.

Over the past year, our Heartland PAC community has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for gubernatorial and secretary of state candidates all across the country. In some cases, we provided early money to help draw attention to important down-ballot races. More recently, our contributions have helped our candidates respond to some pretty shameful Republican attacks. We've emptied our war chest, and now it's time for the real work to begin.

Momentum means nothing if we don't get our voters to the polls. And that's where you come in. We have created an easy volunteer form where you can sign up to help any of our 41 endorsed candidates. No matter where you are -- there is something you can do.

Sign up and we will send your volunteer commitments to the campaigns right away.

Despite being down, Republican activists are hard at work. The GOP's famous "72 Hour Plan" is reported to be in full swing, making hundreds-of-thousands of phone calls, canvassing precincts and finalizing GOTV plans. While they appear to be desperate -- their TV ads, and machinery is running and shouldn't be underestimated.