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By Perry Bacon Jr.

INDIANAOLA, Iowa- Some Democrats in Iowa and nationally want a very competitive Democratic primary, not one where Hillary Clinton has the overwhelming advantage. For now, that looks unlikely.

With her weekend trip to this early primary state, the ex-secretary of state is sounding more and more like a candidate. And much of the partys apparatus is already rallying around her while also sending an unsubtle signal to Vice-President Biden and other potential contenders that its Clintons turn.

At least 60 congressional Democrats have already said they would back Clinton if she ran, according to a tabulation by The Hill newspaper. Top officials in early primary states, like Attorney General Tom Miller of Iowa, who endorsed John Kerry in 2004 then Obama four years later, say they are strongly leaning towards supporting Clinton now.

There are many more chapters to be written in the amazing life of Hillary Clinton, Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin said at his annual steak fry on Sunday here, all but endorsing Clinton for president.

Key Democratic operatives are likely to join Clinton as well. Democrats say Jack Sullivan, who was a top Clinton aide in 2008 and at the State Department before serving as Vice President Joe Bidens national security adviser, is expected to work with Clinton, not Biden, in a 2016 campaign. Jeremy Bird, who was the national field director of Obamas 2012 campaign and is one of the partys smartest strategists in mobilizing voters, is already aligned with the group Ready for Hillary.

Biden, Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and ex-Virginia senator Jim Webb are all taking steps towards running in 2016. But the key question is whether they can amass the staff, political support and fundraising to wage a true contest against Clinton, as Obama did in 2008, or will face insurmountable odds from the start, as Biden did in his own campaign six years ago.

Tom Hockensmith, a county supervisor in Des Moines who backed Obama in 2008, said in an interview he wasnt sure who he supported in 2016, adding, I dont know enough about any of the candidates. But he wasnt sure he would ultimately have much of a choice.

I think shes going to be the candidate, he said of Clinton.

In 2006, Obama received a strong reception from Iowans at the annual steak fry, encouraging him to run for president. A few months later, as he launched his campaign, he was able to recruit some of the top operatives in the Democratic Party, match Clinton in fundraising and get endorsements from key figures like Miller.

Original post:
Can Anyone Really Challenge Hillary Clinton?