Tom Perez is leading the DNC chair race.

[kstewart33]

Talking Points Memo:

ATLANTA (AP) — Just days before Democratic activists pick a new party chair, the contest to head the Democratic National Committee remains fluid, as national leaders grapple with how to turn an outpouring of liberal protest against President Donald Trump into political gains.

The tight race between former Labor Secretary Tom Perez and Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota marks the first heavily contested battle to run the organization in recent history, a reflection of a newly energized Democratic party struggling to find the best path forward after years of losses in Congress, governor's mansions and statehouses.

Perez, who was encouraged by Obama administration officials to run for the post, has emerged as the front-runner with the backing of 205 committee members, according to independent Democratic strategists tracking the race. The strategists spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to discuss the voting publicly. Ellison, backed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his supporters, has the support of 153 members.

South Carolina Democratic Party chair Jaime Harrison has support from 27 members, creating a role for him to become a potential kingmaker in the race.

Two other candidates — Idaho executive director Sally Boynton Brown and Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana — have 10 and eight votes, respectively. Jehmu Greene, a Democratic organizer and a former Fox News contributor, has no supporters.

Link: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/keith-ellison-tom-perez-dnc-chair-race

[chillfactor]

1. Just a bit ago someone posted that...

Ellison was ahead. Guess we all have to wait until tonight.

[geek tragedy]

8. vote is on Saturday nt

[Motown_Johnny]

2. Business as usual, Status Quo politics is not what we need.

Just how much damage needs to be done before people wake up to that?

[kstewart33]

5. The race will be close.

I'd wager that some of the support for Perez is among those who feel that a move to the left is needed, but not so far left that moderate Dem and Repub voter support is lost.

[MoonRiver]

3. I'm happy to read this.

Perez is my choice.

[MineralMan]

4. I'm cool with Perez.

Ellison, too. I just want someone in there who will get to work quickly.

[kstewart33]

6. We need speed.

First to get a unified message out to the public, and then time to organize and fund all of the Democrats who are running in 2018 and are new to campaigning.

A heck of a lot of work to be done and little time to do it.

[geek tragedy]

7. Blah. He has zero relevant experience, and the Obama legacy on party-building

is a net minus (great president, lousy party leader).

Other than risk-aversion, what's the rationale for this guy's candidacy?

[Gothmog]

9. I hope that this is correct-I am supporting Tom Perez

[Mike Nelson]

10. All great choices...

...good luck to them all and I'm going to be happy with the winner!

[Tarheel_Dem]

11. Please let it be so. Perez is my choice. n/t

[Blue_Tires]

12. And naturally today The Intercept and Twitter are alive with Perez smears...

Funny how that timing works...

[kstewart33]

14. Where will you go? nt

[BannonsLiver]

16. Putin's Green Party?

[DefenseLawyer]

15. They don't call them the powers that be for nothing

Nevermind that the powers that be have been getting their asses handed to them forever. If it ain't broke don't fix it, right President Clinton and Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer?

[BannonsLiver]

17. So many hurt feelings, so many agendas

as long as dws is gone it's all good. Let's just get on with the show.

[Maru Kitteh]

20. Awesome. I like that guy. Ellison is good too.

But the poor guy may now be saddled with baggage, not of his own doing I think. It would have been better for Ellison, imo, if Senator Sanders( I) had declined to endorse anyone for DNC chair.

[colsohlibgal]

21. We'll See

I was for Ellison, I hope Perez surprises me but this seems like more of a status quo pick.