Presidential contender Howard Dean has confided to associates how he desires a fresh course for the Democratic National Committee, including a dramatic change in its leadership, specifically chairman Terry McAuliffe, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
Sources close to the early-Democratic frontrunner reveal how Dean has bitterly complained about McAuliffe and the lackluster job he has done as chairmain and architect of the disastrous off-year elections.
The candidate has told senior staffers how people are coming back to the party energized, only now, thanks to his campaign.
"Oil and water, those two," said one Washington observer of outsider Dean and insider McAuliffe.
"I was watching Terry going quietly mad, almost to the point of steam coming out of his ears, as Dean greatly exceeded the 2-minute time limit at the candidates' dog & pony show last week at the Mayflower Hotel."
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The report has since been denied by the Dean campaign and Joe Trippi's downplaying any such goings-on:
...this report is like a National Enquirer headline proclaiming "Martians surprised that George Bush is our leader"
Nonetheless, I'm sure the desired effect would be for Drudge's minions see this as disharmony in the party, and they'd be half right. Terry McAuliffe has indeed brought a resounding ennui and thunderous yawn to the DNC. He missed the chance to hold the 2004 convention in NYC, and what would make him happy is running a Bush Lite in the next election.
But to those who are looking for a genuine contest instead of putting a chew toy out there for Rove and Company to tear apart, I'd welcome this as a step in the right...I mean correct direction.
This is a sign - if true - that Dean is ready to take on the fight himself if the DNC won't play ball.
