Gov. Tom Vilsack confirmed Wednesday that he's interested in the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee - a top political spot for which he's been mentioned as a leading candidate.
"If there is a role that the governor can serve that preserves the first-in-the-nation status of the Iowa caucuses and provides a stronger message for the Democratic National Committee, he would be happy to explore such a capacity," said Matt Paul, the governor's spokesman.
Democrats are searching for new leadership following a failed bid for the White House. Vilsack, who's chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, was also a finalist to be John Kerry's running mate earlier this year.
"Governor Vilsack has done a terrific job in serving as the spokesperson for governors nationally," said Nicole Harburger, spokeswoman for the Democratic Governors Association. "I think because of that, a lot of people on the national stage have noticed and been very impressed."
As chairman, Vilsack would be in a position to protect the Iowa caucuses, whose first-in-the-nation status probably will be challenged for 2008. The caucuses were widely credited with launching Kerry's bid for the Democratic nomination - so Iowa may get a share of the blame for the Democrats' failure to win the White House.
Vilsack was on a trade mission in Germany this week as speculation began about who will replace DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe, who has said he will not seek re-election. The new chairman will be elected in early February by a majority of the group's 240 members.
Other names floated include Donna Brazile, who ran Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign; former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean; Sen. Hillary Clinton; Sen. John Edwards, who was Kerry's running mate; former Bill Clinton aide Harold Ickes; former California House Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa; former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen; Virginia Gov. Mark Warner; former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes; South Carolina Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum; and New Democratic Network President Simon Rosenberg.
If Vilsack is selected, he could become chairman of the group without stepping down as governor.
"I think they're going to be looking for a consensus builder . . . which will be a strength for Tom Vilsack," said former Iowa Democratic Chairman Rob Tully, a Des Moines lawyer and member of the group for more than four years.
Republicans were quick to criticize the possible political move by Iowa's governor.
"Once again, Governor Vilsack has his own political career at front and center instead of doing what's best for Iowa," said Kristin Scuderi, Republican Party of Iowa spokeswoman. "First he was auditioning to be Kerry's running mate, and now he's trying to get his name back on the national political scene."
Democrats cite Vilsack's ability to be a centrist, his communication and fund-raising skills, and his ability to win over rural voters as traits that would make him a good chairman. The position would give Vilsack a more prominent role than he already has as a senior Democratic governor.
"You'd feel like you can make a difference and move the national dialog along," said Gordon Fischer, Iowa Democratic Party chairman.
Vilsack would not be the first Democratic National Committee chairman from Iowa. Charles Manatt, an Audubon native and founder of a Washington, D.C., law firm, also held the position.
I can't say that I'd mind him doing double-duty; it might keep him busy elsewhere so he'll leave us Iowans alone. One thing I can say in his favor -- he figured out early on in his governorship that the best way to keep his job was to keep quiet. However, gay rights is apparently his signature cause celebre. His very first act as Iowa governor, immediately following taking the oath of office, was to issue an executive order extending non-discrimination rights in civil service positions to include gays, lesbians and transsexuals. Not that I was particularly surprised, but it seemed odd that it was the very first thing he did, securing it as part of his legacy. After that, he was rather mum about the issue, since it stirred up a lot of controversy and actually got struck down by the Iowa courts as an over-extension of executive powers.
However, he didn't let it die, and didn't forget his pals in the GLBT community. Here's an article from the Register via the Human Rights Campaign, a GLBT lobbyist group whose mission is to ensure workplace rights: Vilsack Takes Oath, Calls for Tolerance
Gov. Tom Vilsack called for Iowans to take risks, embrace change and "be one harmonious people" during his inaugural address today to a crowd of about 2,000 at the Knapp Center in Des Moines.
Iowa's first Democratic governor in 32 years was sworn into his second term in office, then gave a 20-minute speech that veered from his prepared text when he called for greater tolerance among Iowans.
"We can soften our hearts and be open to ideas," he said.
The governor offered a compromise. He said while Republican lawmakers want faith-based groups to get more involved in delivering social services, he'd like to extend civil rights protections to gays and lesbians.
"Perhaps we can find a middle ground to do both," Vilsack said.
Those attending the swearing-in ceremony like Shaine Rasmussen, 39, a member of The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, said he appreciated the message. The chorus performed at the ceremony.
"I thought it was an excellent speech, especially before the Gay Men's Chorus, talking about equal protection and anti-discrimination," Rasmussen said. "That was a very nice message. It sent a very clear message to the state of Iowa."
Until now, gay civil rights has been a point of contention between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature.
In 1999, Vilsack issued an executive order forbidding discrimination against gays, lesbians and transsexuals in state government employment.
A Polk County judge said in December 2000 that Vilsack exceeded his authority in issuing the order. In March 2001, Vilsack issued another executive order, pledging his commitment against discrimination of state employees.
So for his second inauguration, he invites the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus to sing.
Yep, I think he's the perfect consensus-builder for the DNC.
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