Changes in Democratic leadership

The AP is reporting that Howard Dean may make a run for the chair of the Democratic National Committee, currently held by Terry McAuliff, whose term is ending soon.

At first glance, I'd have to say that this is potentially a good things. With Daschle out at the minority leader in the Senate, perhaps it is time for a real change in direction. Dean would provide that. He is certainly not a Third Way Democrat, a Clinton Democrat. Clinton was certainly successful directing the party during his time as President, but since then Democrats have struggled. In fact, they started to struggle in Congress ever since the 1994 Contract with America Republicans took over. Though the Contract was a failure, the congressional Republicans have been successful at defeating Democrats ever since then.

Donna Brazile, who ran Gore's election campaign and Clinton aide Harold Ickes have also been named as possibilities, but I still think a refocus on traditional Democratic idealogy is needed, and Dean, from what I saw during the primaries, can provide that.