Tom Vilsack

Thomas James Vilsack (born December 13 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) was elected 40th Governor of the state of Iowa in 1998. He was reelected to a second four-year term in 2002. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Recent Events

Prior to Democratic Presidential candidate Senator John Kerry's (D-Massachusetts) selection of Senator John Edwards, Vilsack was thought to be high on the list of potential running mates for Kerry in the 2004 presidential election. During the Kerry campaign some political observers felt that the chances were good that Vilsack would have been offered a cabinet level position in the event of a Kerry victory.

Related Topics:
John Kerry - John Edwards - 2004 presidential election

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Vilsack's current term will expire in 2007. Governor Vilsack has recently said that he would not seek a third term as governor. As a result a number of leading Republicans and Democrats - such as Republican Jim Nussle and Democrats Ed Fallon and Chet Culver - have begun to explore running for the Governor's office.

Related Topics:
2007 - Jim Nussle - Ed Fallon - Chet Culver

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Vilsack's name was recently put forth as a possible candidate to chair the Democratic National Committee after the term of chairman Terry McAuliffe had expired. Vilsack withdrew his name from consideration for that post on November 22, 2004. He stated that he did that in order to focus on his governing agenda for the last two years of his term. There has also been some speculation about a possible Presidential run in 2008.

Related Topics:
Democratic National Committee - Terry McAuliffe - November 22 - 2004 - 2008

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On July 16, 2005, Vilsack was named chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, an appointment which will allow him to travel widely and converse with party leaders. This may further his chances of winning the presidential nomination should he choose to seek it.

Related Topics:
July 16 - 2005 - Democratic Leadership Council

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