IA Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) and ex-Labor Sec Alexis Herman told Dems 11/22 "that they were not interested" in being DNC chair. Several Dems "held open the possibility that the decisions by" Vilsack and Herman would "encourage others to run." Howard Dean is "by far the best known, but his close identification with the left wing and the collapse" of his WH campaign are "almost certain to prompt a challenge from moderates already concerned about the task in unseating" GOPers. Other prospective candidates are: Media Fund head Harold Ickes, ex-Dallas mayor Ron Kirk, ex-Denver mayor Wellington Webb, New Democratic Network pres Simon Rosenberg and ex-YES Network CEO Leo Hindery. The "fact that no obvious consensus candidate has emerged is the latest evidence of the difficult situation the party fund itself after the election." Dem officials said that if Dean does seek DNC chair, "that would make it unlikely, though not impossible," that he make an '08 WH bid (Nagourney, New York Times, 11/23).

Vil-Sacked

In dropping out of the DNC chair race, Vilsack said he was "honored" and "flattered" by the support but he "wanted to focus on his Iowa agenda as he enters" the last years of his term. Vilsack: "These challenges and opportunities require more time than I felt I could share. As a result, I will not be a candidate for DNC Chairman" (Beaumont, Des Moines Register, 11/22). More: "Because I will be the senior Democratic governor in the country, I will continue to be an active voice in our party and a zealous and committed advocate for a Democratic agenda of opportunity, responsibility and security." Drake prof Dennis Goldford argues that Vilsack's '08 ambitions "may have made the job less desirable for Vilsack while also making him a less desirable candidate." Goldford: "It's not an advantageous position to use as a base for running for president. And the thought that you might have presidential ambitions might keep you out of that position" (Dorman, Sioux City Journal, 11/23).

First, I'm Going To RAYBURN, Then CANNON, And On To DIRKSEN! (We Know, This Line Is Getting Old)

House members said Dean is "canvassing for support" on the Hill. His Capitol Hill focus "has been on lawmakers" who endorsed his WH bid, but he's also lobbying Members of Congress who backed Dick Gephardt and John Kerry. Dean has "touted his success at grassroots politics and his fundraising prowess as reasons why he should be" DNC chair, "arguing that he can lift the party out of the doldrums." Dean's Capitol Hill push came as senior Dems said ex-Pres. Clinton's chair preference "could prove significant." Clinton "has not signaled a pick, but those close to him reportedly prefer" Herman. As the "behind-the-scenes lobbying heated up and moderate" Dems were "sizing up their best chance of blocking" Dean, Senate Min Leader Harry Reid endorsed the idea of 2 chairmen: 1 as the public face and the other to focus on fundraising and finance (Dettmer, New York Sun, 11/23).

Jesse Jackson: "I have no favorite but there are two names cropping up. One is Howard Dean, who has in my judgment all of the right stuff. First he is free to do it. He's very articulate. He can raise money. He ran a race that attracted a lot of new energy. There is Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, likewise, very credential. He is a vice chair. At this point the two of them are emerging real strong. And maybe a combination could be the way to go" ("IP," CNN, 11/22).
 

Dean for America exec dir Tom McMahon writes in a blog entry: "Let me begin by saying Governor Dean has not made a decision whether to pursue the job. ... Since so many people that the Governor respects have requested him to give this idea his full consideration, he has been reaching out to different people (both inside and outside the party) to get their thoughts on the party's future. Governor Dean continues to speak with Democrats with a variety of backgrounds-elected officials, members of the DNC and the thousands of supporters that have written, emailed and called asking him to consider being the party's next chairman" (DeanforAmerica.com, 11/23).

Are They Going To Become The Blue Collar Political Party?

Rep. Harold Ford's CoS Mark Schuermann said Ford "has no plans to pursue" the DNC chair, but he did "express some preferences Ford would have regarding" the chairmanship, like a "return to Ford's call for a more moderate" Dem Party "rather than the leadership and political direction of, say" House Min Leader Nancy Pelosi. Schuermann: "[Ford's] only interest here is that we have someone in that position from the South or the Midwest, someone with those kinds of values" (Brewer, Lebanon Democrat, 11/22).

Dem govs of red states "are unhappy with the idea" of Dean taking over the DNC. "They favor" Vilsack, ex-GA Gov. Roy Barnes or ex-SC Gov. Jim Hodges (Dettmer, New York Sun, 11/23).

Hindery Looking For Another YES! (Cue Up The Marv Alberts)

     
Ex-Sen. Bob Kerrey said 11/2 that the Dem Party is "fortunate that Hindery wants the job, describing" him as a "successful New YOrk City businessman who understands the Republican-leaning regions of the country." Kerrey: "He can be a unifier and be a neutral broker" (Glover, AP, 11/22). Outgoing Senate Min Leader Tom Daschle has argued for 2 chairs, and the person Daschle "has been touting" for the finance side of the chair is Hindery, and Hindery has met with Dem leaders to discuss the option. The 2-person chair would have "boost[ed] the chances" for Vilsack (Dettmer, New York Sun, 11/23).