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With public opinion polls showing an extremely close presidential race, White House hopefuls from both parties-- are spending much of their time- criss-crossing the state of Iowa. After a month of a number of campaign setbacks, Hillary Clinton got some welcome news this week as she picked up the much-sought-after endorsement from the Des Moines Register. SOUNDBITE: Hillary Clinton, presidential candidate, saying (English): "I think we have tremendous momentum. I feel it every day. obviously, the Des Moines Register endorsement was a great validation of my campaign and my candidacy. It made the case that what we need right now in America is proven leadership." The latest Reuters/Zogby poll shows that while Clinton still maintains an 8 point national lead over Barack Obama....., SOUNDBITE: Barack Obama, presidential candidate, saying (English): "I think that we're doing pretty good." in Iowa-- it's a dead heat-- with John Edwards -- the wild card. John Geer is an expert in presidential campaigns at Vanderbilt University. SOUNDBITE: John Geer, political science professor, Vanderbilt University, saying (English): "Edwards's problem is that he doesn't have the money that the other contenders have nor does he have the organization in the other states." On the Republican side, it's a muddled mess. Nationally, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani are essentially tied, but in Iowa, polls show a slight lead for Huckabee over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney-- who has been running a series tv-ads criticizing Huckabee's record as Arkansas governor. SOUNDBITE: Mitt Romney, presidential candidate, saying (English): "He did pardon 1,033 people. He did pardon 12 murderers. He talks about the attacks not being fair, but they're accurate. And if we make an inaccuracy we'll try and correct that." Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher -- has taken to the air-- with his own ad-- a Christmas message-- that some critics say appears to show a floating cross behind him. Huckabee said the cross in the background was unintentional and was simply a window frame. Meanwhile, Senator John McCain, running strong in New Hampshire, got a boost from endorsements from the Des Moines Register, the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald and even Independent Senator Joe Lieberman. SOUNDBITE: John McCain, presidential candidate, saying (English): "I appreciate the endorsements. All of them say the same thing, that I have the experience and the judgment to lead this country, and that I have been the one who is presidential." A health scare on the campaign trail this week as Rudy Giuliani, whose campaign has been in a free-fall over the past month-- had an overnight stay at a Missouri hospital for tests for flu-like symptoms. The 63-year-old for New York Mayor took the day off on Friday... but is expected to be back on the campaign trail in New Hampshire this weekend. And finally, the Republican race has one less White House hopeful... Congressman Tom Tancredo-- pulling just single digits in most national polls-- dropped his bid for the Republican nomination and endorsed Mitt Romney for President. Tancredo's endorsement of Romney may not mean much-- but with the Republican race in Iowa getting closer by the day, political analysts say every little bit counts. Jon Decker, Reuters Television, Washington.