The Des Moines Register reports that Democrat Tom Harkin is about to take a turn to the left.

"Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa plans a series of speeches in January designed to move the Democratic Party leftward after setbacks in last month's midterm elections, and establish himself as a leading liberal voice."

"Harkin, a 1992 Democratic presidential candidate, said that he is not interested in the nomination for himself this time, but wants to urge Democrats to express real differences with congressional Republicans and the executive branch - for example, on tax cuts advocated by the president."

"With the death of Democratic Sen. Paul Wellstone of Minnesota, Harkin becomes one of the most left-leaning members of his party in the Senate. Harkin was deeply upset by Wellstone's death in an airplane crash, calling him his best friend in the Senate and breaking down at a news conference after the crash."

"While Harkin is not calling himself the new Wellstone, he's also clearly interested in pushing the party to reject any notion it must moderate to win votes."

That's been our advice too. But if Harkin isn't interested in running, who is he figuring can take the left/progressive lead for the Democrats?

(link via Political Wire and Daily Kos)