Now Howie's got Harkin. That probably secures Iowa for Dean. I can't imagine that Gephardt will be able to come back now. Polls were already showing him between five and ten points behind Dean. Now, with Harkin throwing his support behind Dean, Gephardt doesn't have a chance.
I think endorsements do help because the candidate gets press coverage and it helps undecided people sort out who is supported by other elected officials that they may have voted for in the past. I agree that Harkin is a big cahuna in a small pond, so his endorsement of Dean hurts Gephardt. Also, Iowans aren't contrary like New Hampshire voters (who like to upset the apple cart). BTW, no one really knows if endorsements truly help because its impossible to measure the effect.
