Clinton shadow in Iowa no threat to some Democrats
By THOMAS BEAUMONT, Associated Press
Aug 23, 2014 2:36 AM CDT
FILE - In this Wednesday, June 4, 2014 file photo, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., center, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., right, and other senators emerge from a closed-door briefing with intelligence officials about the Obama administration's decision to swap five members of the Taliban for...   (Associated Press)

ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) — Democrats with presidential dreams are coming to Iowa with little fanfare, entourage or recognition.

They're undeterred by talk of a Hillary Rodham Clinton candidacy in 2016 or her plans to visit the leadoff caucus state next month to honor retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.

But former Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (KLOH'-buh-shar) of Minnesota and a few others have nothing to lose if Clinton runs, and lots to gain if she doesn't.

Other Democrats who have visited Iowa include Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

An independent who is supported largely by Democrats, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, will be in Iowa when Clinton attends Harkin's fundraiser.

On the GOP side, some potential candidates are further along in Iowa, with paid staff on the ground.

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