Vilsack endorses Clinton in Iowa Caucus

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Iowa State Daily

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack

Alex Hanson

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate, has picked up another endorsement from a well-known Iowa Democrat — this time former Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Vilsack, who was governor from 1999 until 2007, is now serving as the secretary of agriculture. The endorsement comes two weeks after former Sen. Tom Harkin endorsed Clinton and traveled with her to the Iowa State Fair.

“Hillary Clinton has the right policies to strengthen and expand the middle class, is battle tested and has the experience and relationships to lead and govern well,” Vilsack wrote in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Vilsack mentioned Clinton’s support for the Renewable Fuel Standard and bio-based manufacturing as a way he believes she can alleviate poverty in rural areas. He also praised her support for a recently-released education plan and her defense of the Affordable Care Act.

“On Feb. 1, 2016 I intend to proudly caucus for Hillary Clinton — plain and simple,” he said.

Clinton will be back in Iowa on Wednesday for three stops around the state to lay out specifics on rural policy.

She is scheduled to give a speech at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny at noon Wednesday and visit an event in Sioux City at 4:00 p.m. and an organizing event in Baldwin at 7:30 p.m.