Barack Obama has received the treasured Iowa second-ballot blessing from fellow Democratic candidate Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

(For final Iowa caucus results, see Obama Soars to Iowa Victory, as Edwards, Clinton Adopt "Change" Motto.)

Kucinich second ballot votes would be in addition to the 7% Obama lead reported on January 1, 2008 by the Des Moines Register (DMR). The DMR poll got it right before the 2004 caucuses, and is considered the most reliable of Iowa polls.

Explains Kathy Gill, About.com's Guide to Current Political Events, "To be viable, a candidate must have a minimum level of support of 15-25% of the participants (varies based on number of delegates assigned to the precinct). After the first 'round,' supporters of candidates with less than the required percentage may join another group."

What that means is that Rep. Kucinich has advised his supporters that if he fails to obtain the minimum 15% of votes on the first ballot at caucus locations, that they should move their votes to Sen. Obama.

(For more info, see How Do The Iowa Caucuses Work?.)

And solid rumors are swirling that Sen. Joe Biden may do the same. Reports Iowa political journalist and Huffington Post blogger Beverly Davis:

"... one of the Biden's national consultants who wanted to remain anonymous (said), 'A decision will be made tomorrow about who we'll encourage our supporters to stand behind if we aren't viable in a precinct.

"Right now, I'd guess Obama gets our support because we're more inline with his vision of foreign policy than any of the other candidates, and besides, we like him and how he's run his campaign.' "

Meanwhile, Jackie Clegg Dodd, wife of Sen. Chris Dodd, told MSNBC News today that should her husband not meet the 15% threshold to remain a candidate in Iowa, the Dodd campaign would not advise its supporters for whom they should cast their second ballot.

Which leaves Bill Richardson as the possible king-maker/queen-maker of the 2008 Democratic caucus in Iowa.

In various polls, Gov. Richardson ranks fourth among the candidates, drawing from 6% to 12% of the estimated Iowa vote. The beneficiary (Obama, Clinton or Edwards) of Richardson supporters would be eternally grateful to the governor, should he suggest such a second-ballot change of votes.

HuffPo blogger Beverly Davis hints that Richardson also leans towards Obama as a second choice... but I find that off-the-record conjecture entirely premature.

Hillary Clinton Would Be Undaunted by Iowa Loss
Stepping cheerily onto a press bus today, brandishing hot coffee for reporters, Sen. Hillary Clinton offered firm camera-ready assurances that she'll be fully engaged in the 2008 presidential race through Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008, when 21 states hold primaries. (See 2008 Presidential Primary Calendar for both the Democratic and Republican races.)

And there's no reason to doubt her resolve to secure the Democratic nomination, regardless of the Iowa outcome.

After all, Sen. Clinton has plenty of spendable campaign millions, and Real Clear Politics shows Clinton sporting huge leads in the largest primary states, including Florida, Nevada, California, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Should she win all of these primaries, Hillary Clinton would almost surely be the 2008 Democratic presidential nominee. Although after an Iowa loss, the all-important momentum would not be hers...

What If Edwards Places Second or Third in Iowa?
A second place finish in Iowa would give great hope to the John Edwards campaign, and could attract enough financial support to inject new life into its thinning coffers.

Through September 30, the John Edwards received contributions totaling less than 40% of those received by both Clinton and Obama. To keep his campaign alive, Mr. Edwards was forced last fall to accept federal matching funds... and the restrictive spending limits that come with those funds.

If John Edwards places third in Iowa, his campaign would be seriously damaged. In fact, HuffPo reports tonight that:

"... aides to Edwards' chief rivals stress that he has no campaign beyond Nevada and South Carolina, a potential sign that the campaign does not have staying power beyond the early contests."

Who Will Win in Iowa?
Twenty-four hours before the Iowa caucuses, Sen. Barack Obama seems poised to win the first Democratic race of the 2008 political season... but that is hardly a firm prediction.

Hillary Clinton and John Edward also have clear shots at winning the Iowa contest.

The variable factors are many, and include weather, transportation, the Orange Bowl football game (set for the same night) and the details of peoples' lives... babysitting, homework, disability, night shifts, lack of mobility, age, illness and the like.

The only known, unchangeable truth of the 2008 Iowa caucus is this: by Friday morning, Jauary 4, 2008, it will be history. And we'll all be talking about the New Hampshire primary, set for a mere three days later on January 7.

(Photo taken on Dec 13, 2007 in Iowa: Chris Gannon/Getty Images)

Related Reading
Daunting Decision: Obama or Clinton? - 18 Thoughts
Cumulative Report Card for Dennis Kucinich in the Debates
Des Moines Register, Jan 1, 2008: New Iowa Poll: Obama widens lead over Clinton
Huffington Post, Jan 2, 2008: Edwards: Campaign Aides Insist He Won't Fizzle After Iowa