Democrat activists meet, brainstorm
Democratic Party activists meeting in Washington for Democratic National Committee fall meetings warned that President Bush still has the upper hand; raised doubts about their newest candidate, Wesley K. Clark; urged second-tier contenders to get out of the race; and worried that the primary fight could drag longer than expected -- perhaps even into the summer convention.
"That would be an unnatural state and uncomfortable for people, but it might be healthy for the party," said committee member Debbie Dingell of Michigan. She said some of her state's top Democrats are considering going to the 2004 presidential convention uncommitted. The Democratic Party chairman, Terry McAuliffe, led a drive to compress the primary contests into a six-week window ending in early March. The strategy allows for the eventual nominee to gather his forces against Bush, who is expected to raise tens of millions dollars more than any Democrat. Ike Leggett, chairman of the Maryland party, said the race may last deep into the spring or summer. "But I don't subscribe to the notion that we need somebody now. I think it's healthy that we have a tough race, 10 voices raised against Bush," Leggett said. Most committee members said they believe Dean's fund-raising success makes him a sure bet to survive the first few primary rounds, and the only question now is who emerges as the alternative. Some are anxious to get on with it. "The fact that these candidates haven't caught fire, haven't raised any money, can't campaign in every state, and won't even qualify for Secret Service protection in January tells me it's time for them to go," said Donna Brazile, manager of Al Gore's 2000 campaign. Brazile, who has not taken sides in the race, declined to say who she wants to drop out. (AP)
Nader undecided on presidential bid
Ralph Nader said yesterday he will wait until the end of the year to decide on another run for the White House. First, he wants to see how the Democrats and Republicans respond to his agenda. The consumer activist plans to send the parties, in the next few weeks, his blueprint on the need for universal health insurance, a more progressive wage policy, and an aggressive crackdown on corporate fraud and abuse. "The highest priority is to defeat President George W. Bush and his administration, which is running this country into the ground," Nader said at a news conference. If he runs, Nader has said it would most likely be on the Green Party ticket. Nader won about 3 percent of the vote as the Green Party's candidate in 2000. (AP)