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DES MOINES, Iowa If youre a die-hard Democrat in New York hoping to overcome the disappointment that was Nov. 4, youre worried.

But here in Iowa, where the first-in-the-nation caucuses are a mere 14 months away, some are breaking into a cold sweat.

Most party leaders here will assure you all conversations about the 2016 presidential nomination still begin and end with Hillary Clinton.

The former first lady and secretary of state is a sentimental favorite. Though she has not formally announced her candidacy, her well-oiled super PAC may be the most deeply rooted ever at this stage in the Hawkeye state.

I dont know of any party regulars or activists who are really pushing anyone else, says Jerry Crawford, who co-chaired Clintons 2008 campaign in Iowa and helps lead Ready for Hillary in the state.

Who will challenge Clinton? Vice President Joe Biden, 71, is playing coy about whether hes running, though insiders insist hes laying the groundwork. But would Biden run on Obamas record or try to stress their differences? And can he go an entire week without saying something ridiculous?Photo: AP

But that may be the problem. Familiarity breeds if not contempt, then frustration.

Crawford, who has led presidential campaigns in Iowa for almost three decades, acknowledges Clinton could easily stumble out of the gate if sometimes contrarian Iowans believe they are being force-fed an unlikeable candidate.

And Crawford, principal in Donegal Racing, a thoroughbred partnership, knows a lot about front-runners and dark horses.

Iowas caucus season is a personality contest, and the constant challenge of both Democrats and Republicans here every four years is to find new blood. The heavy bruising Democrats took in the midterms cinched the need for a deep bench.

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Is Iowa already sick of Hillary Clinton?