Saturday, January 30, 2016
Associated Press
RINGSTED, Iowa
Lagging Republicans jostled for second place in their crowded field, while Hillary Clinton faced more email troubles Friday as the presidential contenders barreled toward a final weekend of campaigning before Iowa’s crucial caucuses.
Most of the candidates were scattered across Iowa in a last-chance try to gin up enthusiasm, sharpen attacks and set expectations – all part of efforts to emerge from Monday’s voting with momentum and a slice of the spotlight.
Some also were burdened with playing defense.
Clinton’s campaign deflected fresh suggestions that the former secretary of state’s use of a private email server for government business may have posed a security risk. The news heightened some Democrats’ fears that the email controversy could dog their front-runner well into this year’s campaign.
On the Republican side, Ted Cruz tried to kick back against the rival closest on his heels, unleashing tough new television ads labeling Florida Sen. Marco Rubio “the Republican Barack Obama.” Rubio said the ad blitz was a sign Cruz, after months of cruising to the top of the heap, was starting to sweat.
The back-and-forth was a reminder that the toughest battle in the GOP race was at the top. With Donald Trump’s lead holding steady, the rest of the field is left in a dogfight for second or third – or even just “better than expected.”