Iowa Democrat seeks US presidency

Mr Vilsack says the US needs "bold leadership"

The Democratic governor of Iowa, Tom Vilsack, has announced he will run for the US presidency in 2008, promising to make the US "a beacon of hope".

He said he wanted "to replace the America of today with the hope of tomorrow and guarantee every American their birthright - opportunity".

The governor is regarded as a centrist and is little known outside his state.

Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama are among the other Democrats many expect will contend the party's nomination.

Mr Vilsack, 56, announced his plans to run for the presidency in Mount Pleasant, Iowa - the small town where he began his political career as mayor in 1987.

He went on to become a senator in the Iowa state senate before being elected as the state's governor in 1998.

He is regarded as a relative newcomer to national politics.

"America needs a president who builds and creates, who makes our country more secure," he said.

"Our country needs bold leadership if we are to be more secure here at home and throughout the world."

As governor, Mr Vilsack earned a reputation as a centrist with bipartisan appeal.

He is also known to favour higher spending on health care, education and economic development.

As a baby, he was abandoned on the steps of an orphanage in Pittsburgh.

He was adopted by what he describes as a "troubled but loving" family and went on to train as a lawyer.

Mr Vilsack plans to follow his announcement with a tour of five states, including New Hampshire and South Carolina.