DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former Gov. Tom Vilsack, trailing in most polls for the Democratic presidential nomination and even in his home state, said Friday his grassroots organization surpasses his rivals and will give him an edge in Iowa's leadoff caucuses.
"This is a marathon," Vilsack said in a conference call with reporters. "In essence you have to peak at the right time."
Vilsack said he's collected the backing of more than 1,100 key activists from throughout the state, and that it's such organizing that pays off come caucus time.
"As of today, we are the only campaign in Iowa that has field offices operating," said Vilsack, listing offices in seven cities.
Jerry Crawford, a Des Moines lawyer and veteran Democratic activist, said he's learned to ignore early polling in Iowa.
"The fact is that early momentum in the Iowa caucuses is fool's gold," Crawford said.