Vilsack is Reid's top pick for DNC chair

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Incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday that Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack would be a strong choice to head the Democratic Party. "I think Vilsack, if he's willing to spend the time and energy and effort, would be a real good person to be the head," Reid, D-Nev., told The Associated Press in an interview several hours after his election as Democratic leader in the Senate.

"I hope that he agrees to try to have a run at it. I think it's an excellent idea," Reid said, adding that he's spoken to Vilsack. "I'm confident that he's interested in this," Reid said.

Vilsack, an ally of failed presidential nominee John Kerry, is just one of several Democrats interested in the job. Others include former Kerry rival Howard Dean who began calling Democratic National Committee members last week seeking support.

The 400-plus members of the DNC meet in February to choose a replacement for chairman Terry McAuliffe, who is not seeking another term. Reid said he's met with Kerry and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and discussed the issue.


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http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-democrats-reid,0,6870251.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines