Iowa Dems leaning toward Jan. 3

The Iowa Democratic Party appears to be joining its Republican counterpart in moving up its caucuses to the earliest date ever.

Carrie Giddins, a spokeswoman for the Iowa party, said that party Chairman Scott Brennan will recommend Jan. 3 caucuses when the state central committee discusses dates during a conference call Sunday night.

The Iowa Republican Party announced earlier this month that it is also planning to hold its caucuses Jan. 3.

With that piece of the puzzle falling into place, the eyes of the political world remain on New Hampshire, where Secretary of State William Gardner has not ruled out a December primary.

David Scanlan, New Hampshire’s deputy secretary of state, said Thursday afternoon that Gardner was made aware of the Iowa party’s move.

“That development is certainly helpful in helping clear the calendar up,” Scanlan said.