Howard Dean takes himself out of DNC chairman race

DENVER – Howard Dean is taking himself out of the race to become chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

The 2004 presidential candidate and former Vermont governor made the surprise announcement in a videotaped message to a meeting of state party chairs in Denver. Dean had served as chairman of the DNC and had announced he’d run again for the job after Hillary Clinton lost the presidency to Republican Donald Trump.

Dean told the session the position is a full-time job and that he prefers to spend more time with his grandchildren. The leading contender is Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison.

Among the criticisms of Ellison is that he couldn’t fully dedicate himself to the DNC since he also serves in Congress.