In Iowa, suddenly it's a race of four

In many ways, the focus has shifted away from foreign policy toward domestic concerns - particularly the economy and jobs, an area where Dean has less of an advantage over his rivals. And while every candidate is now attacking "special interests" as part of their stump speech, Edwards and Kerry are hitting that issue with unusual zeal, focusing on the clout of lobbyists in Washington.

The top concern on many voters' minds, however, has less to do with policy than politics - and the candidates' chances of beating President Bush. "What [Iowa Democrats] are most interested in is electability," says Mr. Fischer. And while there's a case to be made for each candidate, he adds, no one has staked out a clear - or lasting - advantage on the issue. "Electability's very mercurial," he says. "It's a very difficult thing to figure out."

In particular, the question of Dean's electability has come to dominate much of the race here. Although many of the former Vermont governor's supporters regard him as the strongest of all the candidates - seeing him as a fighter who would fearlessly take on Mr. Bush - less committed voters worry that he is too prone to gaffes and misstatements.

"Howard Dean's shooting himself in the foot every day," says Leanne Kennard, a retired teacher from West Des Moines, attending a Gephardt rally.

But while Ms. Kennard was until recently planning on supporting Gephardt, she's also become unhappy with Gephardt's attacks on Dean. She shakes her head over a mailing she received from the Gephardt campaign, with "huge pictures" of an angry-looking Dean. "I'm thinking strongly about John Edwards," she concludes.

Indeed, as more and more voters complain about the negativity of the race, Edwards may stand to benefit. He has for the most part sought to remain above the fray, refraining from attacking his rivals in favor of what he tells voters is an "optimistic" campaign.

Watching Edwards address a crowd of more than 100 people at Baker's Court restaurant in rural Storm Lake, Beverlee Bell says she likes his "energy and his positiveness." She was already leaning toward supporting the North Carolina senator, but now says she'll definitely caucus for him.

Ms. Bell, like other voters here, expresses a discomfort with Dean, saying he reminds her of "a liberal George Bush."

But in describing what they like about Edwards, many also use phrases similar to those Dean supporters use to describe their candidate - "honest," "plain-spoken," and "hasn't been in Washington for a million years." It's a reaction that suggests Edwards could emerge as a strong Dean alternative. Likewise, Edwards has also adopted certain catchphrases from Dean - referring to his campaign as a "movement" and stressing his outsider appeal.

Still, as Bell notes, he faces a tough race. "He has a big hill to climb," she admits.

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