By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – With the new year -- and the Iowa caucuses -- fast approaching, Democratic presidential contenders are moving into full swing.
There are nine Democratic candidates still in the running for their party's top nomination. Only one will emerge the winner to take on George W. Bush in next fall's Presidential election. With the memory of the last election outcome still stinging, some Democrats are concerned about presenting a unified, victorious front.
But former Erie County Democratic Chair Steve Pigeon knows a few things about bouncing back. And he says Democrats always find a way to come together.
"We have a lot of diversity in our party," Pigeon said. "As a result, we tend to air our dirty laundry in public.
"But with so many early primaries this year, I think we will have a nominee by early March. Then, that person will have the rest of the year to take on the Republicans and their special interest money."
Pigeon says New York is expected to factor heavily in this year's Democratic primary, with its new early election date in March. Pigeon says the process matters. And that's why he was disappointed with former Vice President Al Gore's endorsement of Howard Dean.
"When people start to talk about a nominee when not one person has voted yet, I caution them that Democratic primaries are difficult, complex and hard fought," Pigeon said. "We will have a fight for the nomination of this party."
The Iowa caucuses, which begin January 19th, are considered the first step in the winnowing process for presidential candidates.