Reply #22: In a sense yes, you are correct.

[SeanQ]

But they tried to pick the new DNC chairman - and failed! Currently Dean is, as I understand it, technically 'in control' of the party now. Though the members of the DLC and like-minded people in the Senate and House still functionally control the party's presence there.

But it is the very fact that we, as members of the party, got Dean elected chairman against their best efforts gives me hope that perhaps we can wrest the party from the likes of the DLC. The types of candidates we select and get elected in 2006 will, I think, have a major influence on this. If we can win back seats (and maybe replace a few existing ones) with our candidates (be they moderate or liberal as appropriate to their constituency), with traditional Democratic values and enough spine to stand up and speak truth to power (both in the form of the GOP and the DLC), then I'll have a renewed hope. And I'll do what I can to bring that very thing about!