2020 Dems off to "surprisingly slow start" in early states

In Iowa and New Hampshire, the phone calls from likely 2020 Democratic presidential contenders are coming in fast.

Heavyweights like California Sen. Kamala Harris, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren looking for office space, staff and support from local leaders, while lesser-known hopefuls are eyeing visits to boost their visibility in the key early contest states.

But with 2019 just days away, the looming contests in Iowa (caucus date now set for Feb. 3, 2020) and New Hampshire (primary date Feb. 11, 2020) have also been oddly static. Even as more than two dozen Democrats are considering a run for their party’s nomination, no major candidate has signaled definite plans to jump in, die-hard activists have been slow to commit to any potential contenders and donors are keeping their checkbooks closed — for now.