Harkin: Other Dems will ‘pop up’ for 2016

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin (D) said Sunday he expects Hillary Clinton to face a primary challenge if she runs for president, but it will be “tough” for another candidate to gain traction against her.

{mosads}His comments, made on CNN’s “State of the Union,” come as Clinton is set to headline his annual steak fry fundraiser on Sunday.

Asked by host Candy Crowley to name the “new face” of the Democratic Party who could “take her on,” Harkin said, “I don’t know.”

But he added: “I’m sure that different people will come to the forefront.”

Harkin named Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), who he called a “great governor” who’s “done great things” and is “certainly out there as a viable person.” O’Malley has publicly acknowledged his interest in a presidential bid and is reportedly building a campaign infrastructure in Iowa, but hasn’t yet made an official decision.

“You may see one or two senators come up that might want to do something,” he said.

As an example, Harkin named Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who is up for reelection this year and has been talked about more as a potential vice-presidential pick than a serious contender for the White House.

“Let’s be honest about this. If Hillary decides to run, I think it’s going to be very tough for anyone else,” he said. “That’s not to say they won’t do it. They might. Some other Democrats might pop up.”

He said some people may “come to the forefront that maybe want to stress certain issues in a campaign.” Harkin noted Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has expressed interest in running as an independent to try to shape the discussion surrounding issues significant to him and his supporters. Sanders is barnstorming Iowa this weekend as well, bracketing Clinton’s stops in the state.

He cautioned, however: “If Hillary decides to run, I think it’s going to be very tough for any Democrat to  try to get ahead of her. I’m not saying it can’t be done. it’ll be very tough though.”

But his belief that Clinton, should she run, may face a challenge is not one caused by lack of esteem for the former secretary of State. He said she and her husband have been providing “inspiring leadership to our country for a long time,” and called her performance as secretary of State “amazing.”

Harkin had no read, however, on whether a good friend of his, Vice President Joe Biden, would run.

But he offered his most effusive praise for the vice president: “I love Joe Biden,” Harkin said.