Snubbed by Clinton, Iowans for Sensible Priorities to Endorse Nov. 9

An oft-overlooked interest group in Iowa that could have an important impact on the Democratic Iowa Caucuses is Caucus4Priorities, the political endorsement arm of Iowans for Sensible Priorities. The group, founded and bankrolled by Ben and Jerry (of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream fame), has had a visible presence here this campaign cycle for longer than any other group.

More than 10,000 Iowans have signed pledges to only caucus for candidates who support “sensible priorities,” which means cutting pentagon spending to pay for domestic programs like health care and education. Those 10,000 caucus goers could comprise between 5% and 10% of the Democratic electorate.

On November 9, the Caucus4Priorities will make its endorsement, which will serve as a recommendation for Iowans who have taken their pledge. (The pledge does not require caucus goers to support the officially endorsed candidate, although many likely will.)

Of the candidates vying for their support, the hardest worker has been Gov. Bill Richardson, who has worn the Sensible Priorities lapel pin in a debate and in other public appearances. Richardson also (somewhat inexplicably, perhaps) hired a Sensible Priorities person to be his Iowa Political Director. If someone else gets the endorsement, he will be the biggest loser.

Not really in the running anymore is Sen. Hillary Clinton, who, according to a Caucus4Priorities press release today, did not return their questionnaire. Richardson, Former Sen. John Edwards, and Senators Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Chris Dodd each submitted answers to the group’s questionnaire. They also submitted YouTube videos in support of the group, which are located here.

Notably, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who is most in line with the group’s beliefs ideologically (many activists involved in the group have been known Kucinichites), did not submit answers to the questionnaire, leaving me wondering whether he expects to participate in the caucuses this January at all.