Former U.S. presidential candidate Howard Dean is expected to win election as chairman of the opposition Democratic Party later this week.
Mr. Dean's last challenger in the race to lead the party's National Committee dropped out on Monday. Former Congressman Tim Roemer warned Democrats they must take stronger positions on national security in order to win national elections.
Mr. Dean will take over a party that is trying to rebuild after losing last year's race for the White House.
Party leaders predict the new chairman will provide a boost with his proven ability to excite supporters, raise money and organize.
But analysts say Republicans may use aspects of Mr. Dean's image to portray Democrats as out of touch with the mainstream. Mr. Dean is a supporter of gay rights, and drew widespread ridicule last year for a scream he let out while addressing supporters at a campaign event.
Some information for this report provided by AP.