Any thoughts on the new RNC and DNC Chairmen?

[paul718]

Howard Dean is stepping down as DNC Chairman, and the RNC will be electing a new one.  Any ideas on who the new chairmen should be?

Also, what's next for Dean?  Is he setting himself up for another presidential run?  I think he's more than atoned for his shortcomings in '04.  Or does he want to go back to practicing medicine?

[Mr. Morden]

Also, what's next for Dean?  Is he setting himself up for another presidential run?  I think he's more than atoned for his shortcomings in '04.  Or does he want to go back to practicing medicine?

Supposedly, he wants Obama to pick him for Secretary of HHS.  No idea what he'll do if that doesn't happen.  Certainly not another presidential run, no.

[VP Duke]

The sad part is that I don't even know what joker was running the RNC. Ed Gillespie at least was somewhat known during his tenure.

[Bacon King]

how bout...

RON PAUL FOR RNC

[VP Duke]

BRING BACK THE GOLD STANDARD!!!!!$$$$$$

[The Ex-Factor]

Also, what's next for Dean?  Is he setting himself up for another presidential run?  I think he's more than atoned for his shortcomings in '04.  Or does he want to go back to practicing medicine?

Supposedly, he wants Obama to pick him for Secretary of HHS.  No idea what he'll do if that doesn't happen.  Certainly not another presidential run, no.

That would be a great pick, and certainly more plausible than the silly "Hillary for <insert any important political office not President or Senator from New York>" talk.

But yeah, I doubt he's running again.

[Daniel Z]

The RNC should hire Dean, so Dean can put a 50 state strategy into place to help the Republicans become a national party once again.

[BeccaM]

RNC - Newt Gingrich.  He said he'll take it if they'll have him, and I think he'd be better at that than trying to get the party back on track by actually running for office again.  He may be a little outdated and removed from politics now though.  Michael Steele is the other name I've heard.

DNC - The only name I've seen so far is Claire McCaskill, who would gladly take it in order to get her crush Obama reelected, and because she probably couldn't get reelected herself. Can't stand the woman, personally, but she knows how to campaign.

[HappyWarrior]

At the moment I'd bet on Michael Steele for the Republicans and no clue for my party.

[paul718]

RNC - Newt Gingrich.  He said he'll take it if they'll have him, and I think he'd be better at that than trying to get the party back on track by actually running for office again.  He may be a little outdated and removed from politics now though.  Michael Steele is the other name I've heard.

At the moment I'd bet on Michael Steele for the Republicans and no clue for my party.

Washington Times reports that Steele is actively pursuing it.  Gingrich, not as much.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/11/gingrich-steele-duel-for-rnc-leadership/

[Senator Ben]

For the Democrats, of course, my main pick is Mark Warner, but Chuck Schumer would also be an interesting choice.

No clue for the GOP, though; perhaps Mitt Romney?

[paul718]

For the Democrats, of course, my main pick is Mark Warner

Can a sitting Senator chair the DNC at the same time?

[paul718]

Chris Cilizza reports the following names for DNC:

Alice Germond (current Secretary of the DNC)
Donna Brazile
Tim Kaine
Bill Richardson
Kathleen Sebelius
Claire McCaskill

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/11/dean_to_step_down_as_dnc_chair.html

I thought Tom Daschle would be in the mix, but apparently he's vying for Sec'y of HHS along with Dean.

[Senator Ben]

For the Democrats, of course, my main pick is Mark Warner

Can a sitting Senator chair the DNC at the same time?

Chris Dodd did from 1995-1997; Fred Harris did from 1969-1970, and Scoop Jackson did from 1960-1961, so I don't see why not.

[paul718]

Chris Dodd did from 1995-1997; Fred Harris did from 1969-1970, and Scoop Jackson did from 1960-1961, so I don't see why not.

Yeah, he would be good.  He has executive experience, seems competent (self-made millionaire), knows how to reach people the DNC will continue to target (like VA). 

You're making me wish he ran for President instead of Obama.

[Senator Ben]

You're making me wish he ran for President instead of Obama.

I already do.  He'd have been a better President, also.

[Bleeding heart conservative, HTMLdon]

Chip Saltsman for RNC Chair!!!

(or Steele would be great too)

[Senator Ben]

What about Eric Cantor for the GOP?  He seems like a rising star in the Party.

[Bacon King]

Kaine would be a great choice for DNC, IMO. He seems to be a pretty competent leader, he's a strong Obama ally, and it'd keep him in the political arena after his term expires next year.

[paul718]

What about Eric Cantor for the GOP?  He seems like a rising star in the Party.

He's gonna be the new Whip.

[Senator Ben]

Kaine would be a great choice for DNC, IMO. He seems to be a pretty competent leader, he's a strong Obama ally, and it'd keep him in the political arena after his term expires next year.

Another good choice.

[Nutmeg]

Donna Brazile

If the idea is to lose, then, yes, she would be great.

[BeccaM]

Thompson emerges as potential leader as GOP moves rightward

http://www.dcexaminer.com/politics/Thompson_emerges_as_potential_leader_as_GOP_moves_rightward.html

[VP Duke]

Thompson emerges as potential leader as GOP moves rightward

http://www.dcexaminer.com/politics/Thompson_emerges_as_potential_leader_as_GOP_moves_rightward.html

Oh God. The last thing we need is a chairmen who couldn't care less whether we win or not.

[paul718]

I like Fred Thompson and all, but I can't think of any reason why he should run the RNC.  Unless he puts out a weekly youtube address from behind his desk with a cigar dangling from his mouth, but that's about it.  Something tells me his wife is the (wo)man behind the curtain on this.