by kos
Mon Nov 15th, 2004 at 20:12:59 PST
Jerome writes:
People want to know what to do. Be patient -- there are people out there getting the list of 440 voters updated, with contact info, etc. Those guys are about to get flooded, so if you're a DNC member with a vote, get ready for an avalanche of faxes, phone calls, emails, etc. The pressure will be on -- either for the status quo, or for reform. There will be no middle ground.[A]bout 3 months ago, I was told by someone close to Dean that Nancy Pelosi was backing Howard Dean for the DNC chair. I found it rather odd, but apparently, Pelosi reached out to Dean, perhaps thinking he would be the best alternative if Kerry were defeated. That would seem clear thinking to me. Remember the standing ovation that Dean received during the Convention in Boston from the Democratic congregation? Apparently, those in DC have forgotten.Last week John Kerry met with Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Kerry convinced the two Democratic leaders to go with backing Tom Vilsack for the DNC. Now, that's some pretty strong sway up in the Hill, de facto? Not quite.
Dean's got some backing too. Both Jesse Jackson Sr. and Jr. are backing Dean, as is Gov Bill Richardson of NM, Donna Brazille as well.
The vote isn't until the first week of February, so still plenty of time for things to shake out. I'm leaving on my vacation Wednesday, but that's probably for the best since things are still somewhat unsettled right now. I'll be making lots of calls when I return at the end of the month to gauge sentiment, and we'll likely have a better picture of 1) the candidate field, and 2) who is lining up for which candidate. Jerome is also on the case.
Once we know how the battle lines have formed, we can plan strategy and we'll have a grand ol' tussle on our hands.
I am a Reform Democrat.