NO MIDDLE MAN, HE:

Vilsack, Dean Jockey for Top DNC Post (RON FOURNIER, 11/12/04, AP)

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack told Democratic leaders on Friday he may seek the party's top job as the jockeying to replace chairman Terry McAuliffe intensified.

Vilsack, an ally of failed presidential nominee John Kerry (news - web sites), telephoned several Democratic National Committee (news - web sites) members as he traveled in Europe, seeking their advice and asking them to withhold their endorsement of any candidate until he decides whether to seek the job. [...]

Some Democratic activists would prefer a black party chief, such as former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk or former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.

In a meeting of leading black DNC members, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman were touted as potential candidates, said officials who attended the meeting.

Vilsack's term as Iowa governor expires in 2006, a point that might trouble Democrats who want a full-time party chairman. Vilsack could serve as chairman while a Democratic strategist runs the party's day-to-day operations, but that might not satisfy some DNC members. In his calls, Vilsack did not indicate how he would structure the job if he sought it.

Serving as chairman could also complicate — or end — Vilsack's presidential hopes should DNC members seek a commitment from him that he not leave the party post for a White House bid. Vilsack, a finalist on Kerry's list of potential vice presidential candidates, has made no secret of his presidential ambitions.

You can't be so extreme that you condone the murder of Conner Peterson and move your party to the Center.

Posted by Orrin Judd at November 13, 2004 9:28 AM