I've loved Harold Ickes since I saw him make Republican Senators quiver and shake during the campaign finance hearings  I remember Sen. Nickles looking simply terrified when he realized that Ickes was not going to be easy prey.  In fact, Brit Hume recommended that Ickes not be called back because he was too quick-witted for them.  The DNC needs someone with his skills. I was never a fan of Terry and felt that we should have been rid of him after the 2002 elections.  We need someone who can provide a clear message, not someone who feels we can just "me too" the republicans.  From reading the various papers today, a lot of Democrats feel that we should have just co-opted the RNC message.  Republicans never co-opt our message.  They always provide a clear contrast no matter how ridiculous it sounds.  The Republicans won 40 seats in 1994 with that stupid slogan " The Contract with America".  They recommended change while we are now recommending accomadation.  The Republicans called Daschle an obstructionist despite the fact that they own the entire government.  I don't think that the DNC offered a clear strategy to win back the House, they just pretty much listened to pollsters who told us that it would be an impossible task.  I'm sure those same pollsters made the same prediction to Republicans in 1994 but guess what?  They won 40 seats!