Democratic Party Searches for Leader Again (Guardian, AP)

[janx]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4667215,00.html

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Democrats may be experiencing a sense of deja vu as they again search for a leader in a crowded field of candidates with no clear favorite to win. A year ago, the hopefuls were vying for president. Now, a new crop is running to lead the Democratic National Committee.

DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe is stepping down after four years of leadership in which he dug the party out of debt, oversaw the move to a modern headquarters and created an electronic database of voter profiles.

But the Democrats didn't win the White House, and the new chairman will be charged with leading the party until a new presidential candidate is nominated in 2008.

Seven men interested in the chairmanship scheduled speeches Saturday before state party leaders, the largest block of voters among the nearly 450 party members who will elect the new chairman.

(much more at link)

[Cheswick2.0]

1. I hope Harold Ickes just signed his failure notice

He says no 50 state campaigns. I think those DNC folks in the south looking for some help from DC are not going to be pleased with that answer.

[janx]

2. And who could blame them?

Where did you get this information, Ches? Is there some source of information about what's happening at the meeting in Florida?

[NYCGirl]

3. Here it is in the article:

Former Clinton White House adviser Harold Ickes, who also is still in the exploring stage, said the national party does need to do more to help the state parties. But he says candidates who say the party should run a 50-state presidential campaign are not being realistic.

``No matter how much money we raise, there are limited resources,'' Ickes said.

[janx]

4. Oh...

;(

Yeah. I hoped that Ches had a source for what's going on in Florida now.

I'm dying to know!

[Cheswick2.0]

7. no I wish I did know

what's happening in Florida. Maybe Captain Sunshine will have some info later. He might hear some gossip through the grape vine.

[janx]

9. To review--

Madfloridian posted this schedule in the DFA forum (I know you've seen it).

Friday, 10 December 2004

Democratic National Committee (DNC)
Executive Committee
10 AM to 11 AM in Executive Session (i.e. closed)
11 AM to Noon in Open Session
Crown Hall at Wyndham Resort (both sessions)
1900 Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista

Friday, 10 December 2004
Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC)

Noon to 1 PM, Lunch in Ireland C
1 PM to 2 PM Meeting in Ireland B
2 PM to 4 PM Closed Session to discuss the election
4 PM to 6 PM Session to discuss best practices (probably open)
All of the sessions after lunch will be in Ireland B
Friday, 10 December 2004

Florida Democratic Party
6:30 PM
Reception poolside

Saturday, 11 December 2004
Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC)
9 AM to 10:30 AM post-election report should be in the Crown Room
11 AM to 1 PM candidates for DNC Chair, panel Q & A, in the Crown Room.

Sunday, 12 December 2004
Florida Democratic Party (FDP)
10 AM in Great Hall Center
State Executive Committee (SEC) Meeting
Election of FDP officers and DNC members for four year terms

Sunday, 12 December 2004
Florida Democratic Party (FDP)
9 AM in the Westminister Room.
County Chairs Association meeting to elect a President.

_______________________

The panel Q&A segment has already taken place!

[Cheswick2.0]

5. It's a quote in the article

I love all these people who think they know what reality is and their reality keep chipping away at the party's power.

[janx]

6. I wish we had someone blogging from that meeting.

I really do.

[Cheswick2.0]

8. I checked the blog.......no gossip about it there

sorry

[genius]

10. I want Al Sharpton to throw his hat in the ring.

He'd sock it to the Republicans.

[cali]

11. Right. That's just what we need.

Sharpton has more luggage than Imelda Marcos had shoes. And as far as I can see, he's organizationally challenged to the nth degree. I'm beginning to think you're a repub mole.

[janx]

12. I'm beginning to think that about several people around here!

LOL ;-)

[XemaSab]

13. At this point

The Democratic leadership could use some moles around here.

This continual cycle between the base, the campaign, and the potential voters involving money is despicable.

It's like that old ad about cocaine use: "I use coke, so I can work harder, so I can make more money, so I can... buy more coke."

They hit us up for money, so they can buy more ads, so they can expand their support.... so they can hit us up for more money.