DES MOINES -- Two key players in Democratic presidential politics will be part of the flight crew when Gov. Tom Vilsack's presidential campaign takes off this week.
Gary Hirshberg, an influential activist and donor in the key state of New Hampshire, has thrown his support to Vilsack. Meanwhile, Chicago investment banker Lou Susman, the top fundraiser for John Kerry's 2004 campaign, is helping the Iowa Democrat with fundraising and will weigh a more formal commitment to Vilsack's campaign.
The support lends legitimacy to what Democratic insiders and Vilsack are calling a long-shot candidacy."These people give Gov. Vilsack the credibility he needs," said Bill Carrick, a longtime Democratic presidential campaign adviser.
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