Reply #24: I'd love to see that, if for no other reason to test this "purge" talk

[displacedvermoter]

I think Governor Dean has revitalized the party, and come what may in the election, he deserves somthing. The best way for "them" to recognize his value to the party during the primaries and in the pre-primary period is to provide him a prime role like DNC Chair, or a cabinet Post. This talk of a purge is troubling, it is stupid should it be true, and it could alienate many members of a key Party constituency. Nip this talk in the bud and make it clear early on that Howard Dean, the elected and Party offcials who endorsed him, Al Gore, and all of the just plain folks who supported Dean so loyaly will play a vital role in a revitalized Democratic Party. Make it a very public announcement. It would help a lot.

One other possible scenatio, assuming Peter Clavelle defeats GOP incumbent Governor Jim Douglas. President-elect Kerry offers Senator
Jeffords his choice of three or four cabinet posts (Interior, Agriculture, Education, Homeland Security)and Governor Clavelle makes nice to the White House by appointing Dean to the Senate till '06, and I don't see him getting beat by Douglas or any other GOPer in the State. Don't see Bernie in the Senate, otherwise Clavelle would surely appoint his old mentor. Then does Dean run for the vacated lone House seat? I say, no!

I think Jeffords BTW would be a great cabinet choice. I think that after having to endure Tom Ridge's sometimes painful ramblings about duct tape and plastic and anthrax and colr codes, the AMerican people would find Jim Jeffords and reassuring and informative change as Homeland Security chief (I hate that "Homeland" thing, I hope a new president changes the name immediately). Jeffords also makes a reassuring slection at Interior for the environmental community. Could be equally good at Education or Agriculture. He's especially respected on Education.