O’Malley’s 2nd Choicers Could Swing The Caucus – Where Are They Going? [View all]
Where Will OMalley Support Go?
'Lets start out with who a typical OMalley supporter in Iowa tends to be. Theyre almost all former caucus-goers, many are activists and county party central committee members, some younger people and the issue-oriented crowd.
The OMalley campaign actually did a rather good job early on of locking down important activists and building a loyal group of volunteers. Indeed, OMalleys core supporters have taken on a Biden-esque quality of loyalty they committed early on and have steadfastly stuck with him even as hes failed to gain traction. Unfortunately, the mass appeal for OMalley never came through, and it was difficult to grow beyond their early numbers.
The reasons they were drawn to OMalley, however, vary, and is why they may not move en masse to either Clinton or Sanders. Some back OMalley because they like his executive experience and that he seems like a highly electable candidate for the general election. Those folks might lean toward similarities they see in Clinton. Others prefer OMalley because hes a fresh face and has promoted very progressive policies. And some chose him because they simply dont like Clinton on a personal level. Those may chose Sanders corner.
My second choice would definitely be Hillary, said Lu Ann Pedrick of Urbandale. But I think youre going to see it all over the board
I think theres going to be some people who just go with who they support if OMalley was not in the race
Of the ones Ive spoken to, theyre all leaning Hillary.
From my perspective, my second choice is Hillary Clinton by far, noted Taylor Van De Krol of Jasper County, though he has so many OMalley backers in his smaller rural precinct that he thinks OMalley should win his precinct outright. I think she is a valid candidate, she has the experience needed. I dont think a President Sanders will be able to get anything done with a Republican Congress.
Another precinct OMalley is almost certain to score some delegates in is the Sherman Hill neighborhood precincts near downtown Des Moines, filled with apartments home to many political professionals (and where OMalley himself played guitar for a crowd at Carls, the local dive bar). But an OMalley volunteer there says he expects most of his friends there would go with Sanders otherwise. And in the two largest western Iowa counties, Starting Line hears most OMalley backers are leaning toward Sanders as their second choice.
Ill be going with Sanders in the second round if OMalleys not viable in my precinct, plans one county chairman in eastern Iowa. Im worried Clinton is too divisive for the general, and I like what Sanders is saying on Wall Street reform better anyway.
There are going to be some individuals who are anti-establishment and will go with Bernie, added Van De Krol.
Most admit they dont see an overwhelming shift to one candidate or the other.'
http://iowastartingline.com/2016/01/19/omalleys-2nd-choicers-could-swing-the-caucus-where-are-they-going/