6 things to keep an eye on in Iowa -- the Democrats

6. Who has the most effective strategy?

The three Democratic front-runners in Iowa -- Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama -- have each employed a unique strategy in an attempt to squeeze every last caucus-goer out to the polls. Edwards has aggressively courted the rural vote. Obama has hand-picked precinct captains and a fierce volunteer army. Clinton has earned heavy institutional support in the state. Which approach will lead to success?

At right, Wayne Clinton, a precinct captain for Barack Obama, at an event in Boone, Iowa.
(Reuters Photo)
6. Who has the most effective strategy? The three Democratic front-runners in Iowa -- Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama -- have each employed a unique strategy in an attempt to squeeze every last caucus-goer out to the polls. Edwards has aggressively courted the rural vote. Obama has hand-picked precinct captains and a fierce volunteer army. Clinton has earned heavy institutional support in the state. Which approach will lead to success? At right, Wayne Clinton, a precinct captain for Barack Obama, at an event in Boone, Iowa. PHOTOS 6 things to keep an eye on -- the Republicans DISCUSS What do you see as the key factors?
Text by James Pindell and Jason Tuohey