Tom Vilsack in The Associated Press

On Principles & Values: Launches presidential bid; files FEC paperwork

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a centrist Democrat seeking an early edge in an all-but-certain crowded presidential field, launched a long-shot bid for the White House. 15 months before his own state holds caucuses--the first step in the nominating process-- Vilsack announced his candidacy, filed documents with the Federal Election Commission and heralded a multistate tour beginning Nov. 30.

The governor is the first Democrat to file for the presidency although a number of better known candidates are presumed to be running. “Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday. They want leaders who will take this country in a new direction,” he said. “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.”

In polls, Vilsack has trailed the other potential candidates, among them Hillary Clinton & John Edwards. The governor even was behind in a survey of Iowans.

Source: 2008 speculation by Associated Press in Forbes Mag Nov 9, 2006

On Civil Rights: Declared English as Iowa’s official language

Vilsack signed a measure in 2002 declaring English the state’s official language. The law makes English the state’s official language and requires that all government proceedings be conducted in English. Exceptions are for teaching foreign languages in school, and on trade and similar issues. Aides said Vilsack decided to make Iowa the 27th state with such a law because the measure was more symbolic. Influencing Vilsack was a $1 million increase for programs to teach English as a second language. Source: Associated Press Jun 17, 2004

The above quotations are from Columns and news articles distributed by the Associated Press. Click here for other excerpts from Columns and news articles distributed by the Associated Press. Click here for other excerpts by Tom Vilsack. Click here for a profile of Tom Vilsack.
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Page last updated: Feb 15, 2019