It’s been almost 12 hours since the 2006 election cycle ended so you know what that means?

That’s right, it’s time to talk about 2008! And, we have news this morning that Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, trying to get some buzz before others officially announce, is filing papers to run in ‘08.

From the AP:

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is expected to officially launch his 2008 presidential campaign Thursday by filing documents with the Federal Election Commission.

His decision comes after months of speculation he would run and two days after his fellow Democrats scored overwhelming victories in state and national elections.

Vilsack is the first Democrat to make a formal declaration for the presidency although a number of better known candidates are presumed to be running.

Likewise, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California is the only announced candidate on the Republican side.

“Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday,” Vilsack said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press that will be released Thursday. “They want leaders who share their values, understand their needs and respect their intelligence. That’s what I’ve done as governor of Iowa and that’s what I intend to do as president.”

The recent departure of Governor Mark Warner from VA will surely help to bolster Vilsack’s chances in 2008.

Here we go…

An Iowa Poll conducted for The Des Moines Register shows former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) leading the pack amongst likely Iowa caucus voters. Yes, this is an early poll, but if you’re Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, this is not good news. Only 10% of likely caucus participants say that if the caucuses were held today, they would vote for him.

Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina leads a list of potential Democratic presidential candidates while Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack holds fourth place, trailing Edwards by 20 points in an early test of support among likely Iowa caucus participants.

A new Iowa Poll conducted for The Des Moines Register shows that Edwards, the runner-up in the Iowa Democratic caucuses two years ago and a frequent visitor to the state since then, is the choice of 30 percent of Iowans who say they are likely to take part in the January 2008 caucuses.

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York follows on Edwards’ heels with 26 percent in the Iowa Poll.

Experts say it’s the first poll showing anyone besides Clinton as the preferred Democrat in the race for the White House.
U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, who used his victory in the 2004 caucuses as a springboard to the Democratic presidential nomination that year, is a distant third in the Iowa Poll with 12 percent.

Vilsack, despite getting good marks in previous polls for the job he’s done in two terms as governor, receives relatively tepid support from his home state in the Register’s new presidential poll, taken May 29 to June 1. Ten percent of likely caucus participants say that if the caucuses were held today, they would vote for him.

Five other potential Democratic presidential candidates listed in the poll bring up the rear with no more than 3 percent each.

Iowa is important. It is still VERY early, so this poll does not have much significance. However, it does show what we all know, Sen. Edwards still has strong support in Iowa and his rivals will have to play catch-up.

Flashback: DoubleSpeak talks Iowa politics with Des Moines Register columnist David Yepsen. Have a listen.