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?

[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  He may be a little outdated and removed from politics now though.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/

[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.

[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.

[paul718]

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

He's gonna be the new Whip.

[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.

[paul718]

Just heard on Fox that Steele and Gingrich are rumored to actually be in talks to win Newt's endorsement for Steele, as opposed to running against each other.  Interesting.

Sounds good to me.  Steele fits better than Gingrich, IMO.  If Obama is successful and looks poised to win a 2nd term, I'd like to see Gingrich run, if only to establish what conservatism has to offer.  Sort of like Goldwater in '64.