Essential Estrogen

There's been speculation, but today all rumor has been put to rest. International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger will announce tomorrow that the Fire Fighters Union has endorsed Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd in his bid for the White House.

There is no over-playing the boon this is for the Dodd campaign, which seems to be gaining traction in Iowa and New Hampshire. The firefighters were instrumental in Sen. John Kerry's success in 2004 and there's no reason to suspect the well-respected men and women who make up that union will not add a huge boost to the Dodd campaign in terms of both community activism and respect.

This news, when combined with higher polling numbers for New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and added Iowa endorsements for Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, should give the top three pause. Those previously known as the "second tier" candidates continue to gain ground in the state, often at the expense of the "top tier" candidates, who continue to see their poll numbers drop.

A recent AARP poll found their membership likely to change candidate preferences between now and caucus night, even if they had previously committed to a candidate. Among potential Democratic participants in the caucuse, more than seven in ten said they are very likely (31 percent) or somewhat likely (46 percent) to change their candidate preference between now and caucus night. It could very well be, then, that as Iowans learn more about and meet Biden, Dodd and Richardson, the nation will begin to view a changing picture in Iowa polling.