Posted on 11/18/2004 7:26:09 AM PST by areafiftyone
DES MOINES — U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin predicted Wednesday that Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack will be picked to lead the Democratic National Committee, citing what he contends is growing support for Vilsack among party leaders.
Harkin, D-Iowa, said Vilsack has the support of U.S. Sen. Dick Durban, D-Illinois, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, and U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the party’s 2004 presidential nominee.
Earlier this week Vilsack received strong backing from newly elected Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada.
“He’s getting more and more support as the days go by,” Harkin told Iowa reporters on a conference call. “And I think he’s going to be our next Democratic national chair.”
Vilsack is on a lengthy list of prominent Democrats maneuvering to win the post, including former Vermont governor and presidential hopeful Howard Dean, former labor secretary Alexis Herman, former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.
So far, Vilsack has declined to comment about his place in the race.
Party leaders will pick a leader in February to succeed outgoing DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe.
Harkin contends Vilsack is an appealing option for a party searching for a fresh voice in the wake of stinging Election Day defeats. The four-term senator argues Democrats should look outside Washington for leadership.
“I think that having a Tom Vilsack as the head of our party would say to people around the country…we’re now going outside, we’re going out to the heartland of America to re-establish some of our bases. That would be a good signal,” Harkin said.
Charlie Cook, editor of the Washington D.C.-based Cook Political Report, agrees. But he argues Vilsack’s status as a possible presidential hopeful in 2008 could hamper his ability to draw support from top Democrats who also see themselves as White House material.
“Is his name on the very shortest list? Absolutely. Is his name mentioned more this week than last week? Yes,” Cook said. “There aren’t any names mentioned more prominently than his. I just think there is an obstacle given his national ambitions.”
Vilsack would remain governor even if he becomes his party’s top leader. But Harkin dismissed concerns expressed by some Democrats that their party is in need of full-time leadership.
He also contends it’s “nonsense” to suggest that Vilsack’s national role would keep him from state duties.
“I think the governor can be the head of the party and still maintain the governorship of Iowa,” Harkin said.
Several sitting elected officials have served as party leaders on both sides of the political aisle. Cook said those leaders usually serve as a public voice for their party while full-time strategists handle day-to-day operations.
“But it’s not a title. It’s a job. It’s time-consuming,” Cook said.
“On the other hand, when a governor’s dealing with somebody from General Motors or General Electric and trying to convince them to bring a plant to Iowa, it obviously enhances his stature,” Cook said.
Sweet! Now all the loony Deaniacs will march right into the Green Party! :)
Actually the DUmmies want to start another party. The are breaking apart.
Well, Harkin is also a complete loon. What effect that has on this story, I don't know. Just want to be sure I go that in there.
Damn, I was hoping for Howard Dean, Gore or M. Moore.
But we must remember, Harkin was also the one who told us that God had chosen Kerry to be prez.....
Pop the corn and pull up a chair. The battle lines are being drawn. This is going to be fun.
Explain you take to me, please.
He finds lots of opportunities to avoid state duties as it is. I still remember him jumping on a plane to Florida back in 2000 to "assist" in the recount efforts for Gore. What he could possibly add, I don't know... but it sure as hell wasn't part of his job description as Governor of Iowa.
After all the lies Harkin has told, his credibility must not be much.
What the Dems REALLY need is more editorial cartoons making fun of the gap in Ms. Rice's front teef. Also more Legacy Media people making up forged documents about W.
And the capstone could be that Kobe-Bryant-like football player and naked white girl becoming spokespeople for Democrat mainstream values.
Licorice: "Licorice reporting for duty.
$37,0000,000 to 1 says that my Savior, Kerry, will NEVER give up power
until there is Sharia law in all of America."
There is no right answer for them. At least it will be under adult supervision.
In other news, Christie Vilsack, his wife, has learned to drive a semi per the Des Moines Register this morning. Coincidence?
He can be the Rat head of their party and still be guvner. What a rotten development that would be. I was hoping we would be rid of the sorry POS.
I think GBC is saying that it's going to be a free-for-all in the very divided D party. However, my theory is that whatever Hillary wants, Hillary will get.
You are probably right. Examples will be made of some then others will be made offers they can't refuse.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.