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In Clinton’s shadow, Democrats meet for first 2016 face-off

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July 17th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential candidates are descending on Iowa for the first face-off of their 2016 primary, even as their contest remains dominated by the political influence of Hillary Rodham Clinton. All five Democratic candidates are on today’s (Friday’s) program for a dinnertime fundraiser sponsored by the state party in Cedar Rapids. The event is an opportunity for the challengers to confront Clinton before influential party activists in a crucial early voting state.

Three months into her campaign, Clinton has already built a vast campaign infrastructure, placing hundreds of staffers across the country. But the forum today comes amid signs that she has yet to win over her party’s most passionate supporters, who will form the base of her support in the general election.