The Sioux City Journal is priming to post a story Sunday looking at the potential alternatives to Hillary Clinton if she decides against a 2016 presidential run.

But Bret Hayworth has published a preview that includes an eye-popping on-the-record quote from an Iowa Democratic party official.

Call Woodbury County Democratic Party chairman Greg Guelcher the dissenter — he acknowledges his opinion on Clinton is the minority in Democratic circles:

“The Democratic field as far as I am concerned is wide open,” Guelcher said. “I really am in the minority on this. I do not foresee Hillary Clinton running. By the time the next campaign season is underway, she will be too old. I would say that about a male candidate as well.”

Clinton would be 69 when the 2016 election is held.

Finding a  Democrat critical of the Clinton candidacy-in-waiting these days is like searching for a black cat in a coal cellar.

The only comparable comment has come from Jackie Norris, Obama’s 2008 Iowa director, who went on to become Michelle Obama’s chief of staff.

Guelcher’s comment shows that the age — or more finessed — the “generational” — question will weigh on the minds of a portion of voters.

But any Republican contemplating raising the issue should be cognizant of the blowblack that would inevitably occur in attempting to raise the age of the first plausible female president.

Follow Dave’s blog at TheRun2016.com