Holiday's over, back to politics in Iowa

MASON CITY, Iowa -- Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama bragged Wednesday about getting eight hours of sleep, while on the other end of this state, Republican Mike Huckabee boasted of his ability to bag pheasant.

After a brief Christmas break, presidential candidates stormed back into the Hawkeye State to make a final push for caucuses next week. Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton stumped 200 miles away from here, while leading Republicans Huckabee, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani scattered across this and other states that will pick presidential nominees in January.

A well-rested Obama joked that he got a full night's sleep for Christmas, helping him to deliver an energetic performance that convinced voter Janet May to commit to caucus for him Jan. 3. "He inspired me," she said.

Obama suggested to the crowd of 400 that he might be able to upset what once seemed to be a Clinton juggernaut in Iowa. "What people said couldn't be done, we might do," he said. He asked for a show of hands of those who were undecided. Several scores went up. "That's your target," he said to his aides.

Without mentioning names, Obama also took aim at Clinton, his chief rival, who emphasizes her years of experience as first lady and as a New York senator.

Obama, elected to the Senate three years ago, argued that he's better qualified to shake up the Washington establishment and that those who have been a part of it don't want change.

"That's essentially the argument being made in these last seven days," he said. "Don't try something different because you might get something risky."

Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, attended a rally in Mount Pleasant. Terry McAuliffe, Clinton's national campaign chairman, said Iowa caucusgoers should pick her "because she is tested, ready to lead on day one."

Among the Republicans, Huckabee shot pheasant with hunters south of Des Moines. Huckabee, who leads state polls for the GOP nomination, pointed to a bird he shot and joked, "See, that's what happens if you get in my way."

The former Arkansas governor fired back at criticism by Romney and others of his record in the statehouse, including his support for scholarships for children of illegal immigrants and some tax hikes.

Huckabee called the attacks signs of desperation, saying he had a "good tenure" that included improvements in roads, schools, health care and natural resources. He said he's "betting the farm that people in Iowa want a positive campaign, not a negative one."

Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said his candidate has "pointed out a bad idea and a bad policy when he sees it. Voters recognize the difference."

Republican John McCain won applause at a town hall meeting in Council Bluffs by pledging to fight "pork barrel spending." Rival Fred Thompson resumed his Iowa bus tour and asked for donations to pay for a new TV spot.

Romney and Democrat John Edwards campaigned in New Hampshire, which holds the first primary Jan. 8. Giuliani stumped in Florida.

Jackson reported from Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Contributing: Associated Press