Iowa Democrat launches 2008 White House bid

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa, Nov 30 (Reuters) Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa today launched an underdog bid for the White House, promising to restore America's sense of community and optimism as he became the first Democrat to declare for the 2008 race.

Standing in the southeast Iowa town where he began his political career as mayor, Vilsack accused President George W Bush of exploiting Americans' fears for partisan gain and robbing the country of its ''can-do spirit.'' ''Our country needs bold leadership guided by the right values and the right experience. That is why I am here today,'' said Vilsack, a two-term governor who is leaving office to concentrate on his bid.

''I am running for president to replace the anxiety of today with the hope of tomorrow and to guarantee every American their birthright -- opportunity,'' he said.

As many as a dozen other Democrats, including big-name candidates like Sen Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Sen Barack Obama of Illinois, are considering joining the race in the next few months.

The state of Iowa will kick off the US presidential campaign with its traditional caucuses in January 2008, but Vilsack's presence in the field has not stopped other Democrats from planning to campaign there for the party nomination.

Up to a dozen Republicans also are pondering presidential bids in 2008, when Bush will step down and the battle for his successor will be wide open. One potential contender, Sen Bill Frist of Tennessee, said yesterday he would not be running.

With Vice President Dick Cheney ruling out a run, no incumbent president or vice president is in the race for the first time since 1952.

Vilsack is the first Democrat elected governor of Iowa since 1968. He said he would work to improve US schools and health care and create ''a 21st-century economy of cutting edge companies and technologies that lead us to energy security.'' He cited his own record as governor, including efforts to create renewable energy sources and economic opportunities, and improvements to the state's education and health care systems.

''America needs a president who builds and creates, who makes our country more secure, who is bold and has the courage to create change. I will be that president,'' said Vilsack, who began a five-state campaign swing through key states after his announcement.

Vilsack made only brief mention of the Iraq war, the burning issue in American politics, saying ''we must act, take our troops out of harm's way and allow Iraqis to begin providing their own security.'' ''I have always been the underdog and long shot, and I have always been inspired by stories of ordinary people who worked hard, overcame adversity and succeeded,'' said Vilsack, who was orphaned at birth and was adopted by an alcoholic mother and a father who struggled financially.

REUTERS PB RN2305