This just in from Chris Cillizza:
Former Vermont governor Howard Dean, who rose to national prominence during a failed bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, will not seek a second term as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, clearing the way for a loyalist of President-elect Barack Obama to be named to the soon to be vacant post.
The news of Dean’s departure after a single four-year term in office was first reported by the Huffington Post’s Sam Stein and confirmed by a Democratic Party source.
“At this point he has said that he doesn’t intend to run again,” said a DNC source granted anonymity in order to speak candidly. “He has said so publicly for a while. He has not said what he will do next.”
I just finished taking part in a discussion at The Ed Morrissey Show where this subject was covered in depth. I don’t think anyone should read too much into this, and the questions focus more on the future than the past. First of all, Dean originally stated he only planned to serve one term. How did he fare?
Well, the purpose of the DNC chair is to win elections… period. It’s not to set policy or pick candidates. It’s just to win elections. Dean has been through two national elections and was a winner in each. Sounds to me like he goes out on top. What it does provide, though, is an opportunity for the newly empowered Democrats to send a message by picking a new person to take the helm of the party. I already had one call saying that Hillary’s name was in the running, but then again I’ve also heard her mentioned for the Supreme Court and Obama’s cabinet, so who knows?
One thing is clear. If the Democrats want to maintain their current position of advantage, they will need someone who can deliver a win the same way Dean did. Over the coming days I’m sure we’ll see plenty of feeding frenzies over positions in the Obama administration, so this the DNC chair may be wide open.