Jan. 24, 2000

Gore, supporters thrilled
with strong victory in Iowa

By Michelle Swafford
CyberCaucus 2000 News Service
Drake University

DES MOINES, Iowa — Vice President Al Gore was beaming with passion and confidence at a victory rally at the Iowa Democratic caucus Monday night. Gore secured 63.43 percent of the Iowa voters while former Sen. Bill Bradley won 34.91 percent.

"Democrats are alive and well in Iowa," Iowa Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson said during a caucus precinct meeting. She said it can be attributed to the great candidates running for President.

Around 10 p.m., Gore arrived with his wife, Elizabeth "Tipper" Gore at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines to thank Iowa supporters. Both Gores pledged to continue their fight on behalf of Iowans and the American people.

If elected, Gore said he seeks to provide universal health care, revolutionize education and treat teachers like the professionals they are. He made a commitment to return to Iowa if he becomes president and continue the open meetings with citizens he has engaged in during the campaign.

Gore's education plan is seen as key to his campaign going into the New Hampshire primary. "People are deeply concerned about education in New Hampshire," Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said. "Only the vice president has a comprehensive education plan."

State Sen. Matt McCoy of Des Moines voted for Gore because of his views on education and health care. He was anticipating a win for Gore. Not all supporters were as confident as McCoy, though.

Jenny Crewse, a clerical worker from the Des Moines area who attended Gore's victory rally, said she was somewhat concerned about a tie but was relieved Gore did so well. "I hope he does as well or even better (during the rest of the campaign)," she said.

The next leg of his journey takes him to the New Hampshire primary. Political leaders and supporters have mixed feelings about whether the results in Iowa will influence voters in the East.

"I don't think people in New Hampshire decide how to vote based on how people vote in Iowa," Robert Shrum, a Gore adviser, said. "People shouldn't prejudge individual primaries. It's a mistake."

Most political leaders speaking on behalf of Gore felt there would be some lingering effects from his win. It isn't determinative, but it has an effect and some resonance, said Rep. Richard A. Gephardt, D-Mo. Other Democratic political leaders had similar feelings.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Gore's win in Iowa was seen as a solid win with more than 60 percent of the Democratic vote. "The fight's not over," he said. The results will give Gore good momentum going into New Hampshire and California, he said.

Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels was one of hundreds who cheered Gore on during his victory rally. He was confident about the candidate's win. "It met and exceeded my expectations," Daniels said. "It's a big victory. He had everything thrown at him."

Gore told supporters at the rally that his fight was not over yet despite his win in Iowa. He said he does not believe in a bounce effect.

"The race must be made on its own terms," Gore said.