Iowa's Answers to Our Questions

It's a funny thing, the last time I was looking at new pastoral positions I garnered interest from a congregation in Iowa. If things had turned out different -- if I had pursued that position -- perhaps I'd be spending this evening at a caucus. But instead, I'm watching from Southern California, wondering about what will happen in a few hours and what the results will mean.

The Washington Post runs a piece today entitled "8 Questions Iowa Could Answer." The reality is that Iowa could prove decisive for some or muddle things for others. It is clear that a strong victory by Hillary Clinton makes her a formidable candidate who would regain her "front runner edge." An Edwards victory kind of muddles things because no one is sure what comes next for him. The same is true, so says the article for Huckabee. Neither have the money that the other front runners have. A win or a close second to Edwards by Obama could hoist him to a victory in New Hampshire and thus give him a leading position.

Together Iowa and New Hampshire (next Tuesday) should put an end to lower tier candidacies. The question will be -- to whom will their supporters drift -- and whether they will endorse a candidate.

So, will Iowa answer our questions or simply muddy the waters? In a few hours we might know.