Dean To Step Down from the DNC Chair

I was a huge supporter of Howard Dean becoming the Chair of the Democratic National Committee. I thought his 50 state strategy was the right one, and I do believe he started to change the Democratic party from within. I think that two very successful election years in 2006 and 2008 were in some large part his success.

Sam Stein reports:

After four years at the helm of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean is preparing to relinquish his chairmanship.

Dean, who has been serving in the post since 2005, has said in the past that he would serve only one term, though his successful work with the Obama campaign had led some Democrats to wonder whether he would stay on into the next administration. This won't be the case, officials at the DNC confirm. He will serve as chair until his term ends in January. The party will settle on a new head when it hosts a meeting during the week of Obama's inauguration.

In sheer political terms, the choice really wasn't Dean's to make. Indeed, any decision on who will serve as the next DNC chair will come with directives from Obama and his aides.

Governor Dean has left an indelible mark on how the Democratic Party operates, and how it approaches national elections.