Dean: West Fertile Ground for Democrats

[Rose Siding]

HELENA, Mont. Jun 4, 2005 — The Rocky Mountain West, long a Republican stronghold, is fertile ground for Democrats hoping to take back Congress and the White House in coming years, Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean told supporters here Saturday.

Democrats have more in common with Westerners than the GOP, the former Vermont governor said.

They appreciate the free-spirited, independent thinking that dominate states like Montana, and understand the wish for a balanced budget and a strong military, as well as treating soldiers well when they get home, something Dean said the Bush administration has neglected.
...
"The Democratic party for too long has been a group of constituencies instead of a party. … We're going to define our party. I'm not going to let them do it anymore," he said.

Dean's comments drew heavy applause from Democratic leaders representing more than a dozen Western states, as well as several key Montana officials. The audience included state Superintendent of Public Education Linda McCulloch, a handful of state lawmakers, and Senate President Jon Tester, a leading Democratic candidate to unseat U.S. Senate Conrad Burns, R-Mont.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=820543&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[napi21]

1. Man, is Dean getting around! I just met him in Atlanta on Thurs.

He's a great DNC Chairman, and he's really working very hard to make the Dems successful!

We all need to support his efforts. He's working his buns off for us!!!

[jamesinca]

2. yippeee

I personally am trying to get him out here to Fresno CA. I think he would do a lot to lift the Democrats in this area. I like it that he wants to take it to the red areas and the red states. He is not running from a challenge, or avoiding it, he is chasing it down.