Iowa might not be so surprising after all

John Kerry's gaining ground in Iowa, and it's getting noticed. David Yepsen takes a good look at Kerry's journey from front-runner to has-been to potential 'Comeback Kid' in the Des Moines Register, pointing out that "There's another political story developing in Iowa: the improving position of John Kerry. The Massachusetts senator has been quietly doing things here that are improving his caucus prospects."

So what does it mean? According to Yepsen, maybe everything.

"A second-place finish for Kerry would be a legitimate Big Deal and would position him as the anti-Dean candidate in the race. Kerry would become the "comeback kid" of 2004, something Bill Clinton was able to spin out of his second-place finish in the New Hampshire primary in 1992. There is much positive buzz surrounding a candidate who comes from behind to win that designation."

And how is it happening? Hard work, mostly.

"He's been spending a lot more time in Iowa (which he should have done from the beginning) and impresses caucus-goers with his brains, experience and level-headed manner. His campaign staffers are a seasoned lot who execute well on the daily details of signing up caucus-goers. He's increased the number of television commercials. Answers that used to be 500 words are down to 250. He's a combat veteran, an important quality given that the Republicans will go after any Democratic candidate - especially Dean, who didn't go to Vietnam or serve in the military at all - for being weak on defense."

A second place Iowa finish has been part of my Road To Boston scenario for Kerry for months. I might be as smart as my mom says.