Wall Street Journal's Davis writes, uncommitted superdelegate/DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen (MD) "wants undecided superdelegates to get off the fence" by 7/1. Van Hollen: "I do support [DNC Chair Howard Dean]'s position to make a decision no later than July 1."
"Van Hollen said he feels particularly bullish about [Dems'] chances of bucking historical trends and gaining seats" in Nov., "but acknowledged that the presidential race is 'the biggest variable' in their ability to achieve that goal. He repeatedly expressed concerns about the increasingly negative tone" between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Van Hollen said that "'to the extent it continues to take on a negative tone' it will make it more difficult" for Dems "to translate the enthusiasm of the primary" against John McCain. Van Hollen: "In my view, it's the tone, not the time that's important here. I do think the earlier it's resolved the better off we'll be" ("Washington Wire," 4/21).
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