Here's a question for the Kossacks -
Should Dean fail to clinch the Democratic nomination this year, would he be likely (or even persuadable) to run for a seventh term as governor of Vermont?
Vermont has gubernatorial elections every two years; and the incumbent is Jim Douglas, a Republican. At the moment, Douglas (who bested Democrat Doug Racine in 2002) has drawn Peter Clavelle as a challenger for next year; given the state's leanings Clavelle should have a good shot at this. But if 2004 produces another defeat for Vermont Democrats, would they be inclined to ask Dean to run again in 2006 (possibly at the expense of another presidential bid in 2008)?
Moreover, some scuttlebutt here and elsewhere has posited the theory that Dean might make a good candidate to replace either Jeffords or Leahy in the Senate.
Of course, after two decades of being a high-roller, maybe it's time to go back to family practice. Or write a book. Or retire.
But the thing about (relatively) young politicians (i.e. 55 year olds, such as Dean but also Gore, Clinton, etc.). They don't really fade away...
Does anyone have any pet theories or privileged information? It'd be a nice cocktail party discussion, if nothing else.