A New Don For The Dems?

Another election so soon? As Democrats ponder what direction their party should take in the wake of yet another presidential defeat, the choice of a new chairman of the Democratic National Committee could be the skirmish that reveals whether the party will try to resurrect itself by turning to the center or by stoking the anti-Bush anger of its left. Two leading contenders are emerging. Howard Dean is being urged to run by liberal activists convinced he is the best chance for channeling the base’s ire into a national message. But the more centrist group believes that Dean is the last person the party needs. Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was calling labor leaders and others last week, asking them to hold off backing Dean for a few more days as Vilsack decides whether to make a bid. Among others being mentioned: Bill Clinton strategist Harold Ickes and former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen. The outcome is hard to predict, as it involves muscling votes among notoriously slippery party insiders. –By Karen Tumulty