The unwritten rules seemed pretty clear: if you want to be chairman of the DNC, you should rule out running for president in 2008. Tom Vilsack got the message loud and clear this week.
Howard Dean, however, apparently isn’t concerned about the dilemma and seems to want it both ways.
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has been aggressively courting congressional supporters for several weeks. His prospects seemed to improve when Vilsack said he wasn’t interested in the job, according to Democratic strategists.
Dean has run into opposition among some congressional leaders who are demanding that he foreswear running again in 2008. Dean has been coy in his response to those lawmakers who want an assurance that he won’t mount another bid, lawmakers say.
Doubts about Dean’s own ambitions appear to be hurting him in the House. “It’s just an obvious conflict of interest,” said Rep. Al Wynn (D-Md.).
With Vilsack withdrawing from consideration, Dean’s prospects improved dramatically. If, however, Dean continues to be demure about his presidential ambitions, and party members believe he only wants the job so he can boost his personal agenda for 2008, it may very well disqualify him for the post. Something to keep an eye on.