Clinton Voices Affection for Vilsack

ABC News’ Tahman Bradley Reports: About an hour before former Gov. Tom Vilsack D-Iowa, was to announce the end of his long-shot bid for the 2008 Democratic nomination for president, Sen. Hillary Clinton D-N.Y., expressed her affection.

"I’ve been proud to work with Tom Vilsack for years on the challenges facing our country, and I have a deep admiration for both Tom and Christie (Vilsack)," Clinton said in an e-mail statement to reporters.

Emphasizing policy areas in which she and the former governor agree, the senator said, "Tom has made Iowa a leader in renewable energy and created thousands of jobs as one of America’s great governors. We share a passion for protecting America’s young people through expanded health care options, early childhood education initiatives and opening the doors to higher education to every American."

"I know he will continue to contribute to the dialogue about how to move America forward," Clinton added.