WHO NEEDS IDEAS?

Ideology, Sure, but the Democrats Want a Winner, Too (ADAM NAGOURNEY, 1/15/05, NY Times)

[F]or all the talk about ideas and issues by symbols of two sides of the Democratic spectrum, the fight to lead the Democratic National Committee is increasingly being viewed by Democrats less as a measure of where to go ideologically and more as an old-fashioned test of logistics, management skills and popularity.

For all the talk about abortion, gay marriage and national security, the 447 Democratic committee members who will choose the next chairman on Feb. 12 seem more concerned now over how Republicans outgunned them in November, despite the efforts of Terry McAuliffe, the departing chairman, which were widely applauded by Democrats.

And as seven potential candidates prepare to appear before Democratic leaders at a forum in St. Louis on Saturday, party officials are making clear they are looking for someone to make them competitive over the next four years.

"I don't think it should be or is about ideology," said Mark Brewer, the president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs, which is interviewing the candidates in New York next Sunday in hopes of endorsing one.

Political parties that don't think ideas matter tend not to do well.

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 15, 2005 7:04 PM