By The Prowler on 12.12.05 @ 12:08AM
A star is born. Plus: DeLay dismissals.
STAR POWER
Virginia Gov. Mark Warner was the clear favorite
of Florida Democrats at their convention in Disney World. A number
of "national" Democrats trekked down to Orlando for the weekend
event, such as Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Illinois
Sen. Barack Obama, and 2004 vice-presidential
loser John Edwards.
Warner was the only prospective candidate who got both a
standing ovation before and after his speech, which was focused not
only on introducing himself, but also explaining in broad-brush
strokes how a liberal Democrat in moderate clothing was able to win
in the South.
John Edwards, on the other hand, had delegates simply revisiting
the disaster that was the Kerry/Edwards ticket two years ago. While
he was greeted warmly, some delegates attending his speech said
they had no desire to see Edwards make another run.
One of the more humorous sights has been DNC chairman
Howard Dean using Disney World security teams to
stand guard over his personal appearances with delegates. He often
has them stand outside the doors blocking entrances to nosy
outsiders. Dean in the private sessions has been predicting
Democratic sweeps in both the House and Senate, promising the party
will regain control of Congress.
REIGN DELAY
It's expected that some time after January 2006, House Republicans
will return to elect or re-elect leadership of the caucus. At this
point, it isn't clear that Rep. Tom DeLay's legal
difficulties will be cleared up by then. DeLay attorneys are hoping
that the two charges that still remain in Texas will be wiped off
the board by that time. DeLay has told Hill associates that he
expects to have a hearing on dismissing those charges before
Christmas.
At a Republican retreat on St. Michael's Island in Maryland two
weeks ago, there was private discussion among members there about
electing permanent, new leadership after the House recess ends
January 31. For an election to occur, a full caucus meeting to
discuss the election must be held at the petitioned request of 50
caucus members. A majority of the caucus must then agree to an
election timeline.
Rumors of a leadership election have been swirling around the
Capitol for several weeks. Last week, Rep. Tom
Reynolds (N.Y.) told his caucus that he intended to remain
as chairman of the House Republican campaign committee through the
2006 election cycle. Reynolds was one of a handful of names being
tossed around for a new leadership position.
One person who has done little to tamp down rumors is Rep.
John Boehner (Ohio). He is believed to be
actively, but quietly mapping out a strategy with outside advisers
for a post-holiday recess play for an election that would vault him
into a senior leadership position in the caucus.
topics:
Barack Obama, John Boehner
