Dean in Miami today, speaks out on the Hackett issue again.

[madfloridian]

http://www.onnnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=4503849

"MIAMI Democratic party chair Howard Dean says he's not happy that Iraqi war veteran Paul Hackett is dropping out of the race for U-S Senate in Ohio.

Dean told a student audience in Miami that "some skulduggery in Washington" improperly led to Hackett's decision to end his bid. And he said Democrats will have a tough time winning if similar things happen to others.

Hackett was vying with Ohio congressman Sherrod Brown for the Democratic nomination. He said that Hackett was a "great candidate," and that a primary in Ohio wouldn't have hurt the party. Hackett says he's ending his eleven-month political career."



Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, center, signs autographs as he meets with supporters after speaking Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, at Florida International University in Miami. Dean called on the United States to reach out to Latin America with programs that encourage trade and reduce poverty. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

[Dunvegan]

1. Could someone more conversant please explain what Dean meant...

...by "some skulduggery in Washington?"

(Sorry to be so obtuse, but I think Dean is a consummately honest man. That's why I would appreciate a little experienced background on his statement.)

[madfloridian]

3. I don't think anyone is very sure yet.

I agree, for Howard and Jim Dean to be as upset as they are is unusual. So I am sure something is going on that should not be going on.

I just noticed the reporter spelled skullduggery wrong. Heh.

[PsN2Wind]

4. Replace skullduggery

with underhandedness.

[incapsulated]

5. I don't think he wants to be that specific

He isn't going to name names. But I'm happy he's telling it like it is.

[IndianaGreen]

2. Don't blame the DNC for Schumer and Reid's "skullduggery"

Hackett was polling better than Brown against DeWine.

Ohio Senate: Tight Race

DeWine Now Narrowly Leading over Hackett, Brown

January 7, 2006--Ohio Senator Mike DeWine has eked out a narrow lead over both potential Democratic opponents in his re-election effort, but the race remains hotly competitive.

The Republican incumbent enjoys an edge of 43% to 39% over Cincinnati-area lawyer Paul Hackett, and 45% to 40% over Congressman Sherrod Brown. Rasmussen Reports polling in mid-November and early December showed DeWine neck and neck with both contenders. Hackett then led DeWine by a single percentage point, while Brown trailed him by just two. The margin of sampling error in each of the polls is +/- 4.5 points.

Brown and Hackett appeal to many of the same constituencies, and especially those who think the President is doing a poor job in Iraq. In prospective contests with DeWine, Brown wins the support of 77% of those who believe President Bush is doing a poor job waging the war; Hackett wins 78%.

Hackett has had to cope with on-again, off-again support from Democratic party leaders. Brown had initially decided to abstain from a Senate run but then threw his hat in the ring after all. Hackett, who drew national attention for a narrowly lost bid for Congress against Jean Schmidt, insists he'll remain in the race regardless of any pressure from fellow Democrats to cede the field to the more politically experienced Brown.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/January%202006/Ohio%20Senator%20January%204.htm

[bullimiami]

6. the difference between 4 and 5 points is statistically insignificant so

as far as you could believe any poll it would show brown and hackett even.

i think a competetive democratic primary is good for the party and candidates, not bad.
i wish hackett stayed in.

[IndianaGreen]

8. A competitive Democratic primary is what you have been denied

by a handful of bozos in Washington DC.

[marmar]

7. How is DeWine leading?

How is any Republican leading any poll in Ohio? What the f..k is wrong with people in that state? If any state's residents should be ready to throw every Republican mofo out of office, it ought to be Ohio's residents.

:shrug:

[PassingFair]

9. I'm so *ucking angry, I hope Dean quits.

I would work like a Trojan if he were to form
a Progressive Party.

Down with skullduggery.

Encourage grassroots activism, then just cut us
off at the knees when we are getting somewhere.
Enough.
:puke:

[Cocoa]

11. I hope Hackett does what Dean did

I hope Hackett joins the DNC. :bounce:

[autorank]

10. "Let Dean be Dean" Thank you Madfloridian....Dean is Lord!

God, I love this guy when he's just speaking his mind. I like him when he's funny, I like him when he's angry, I just like him period.

Don't you just know in your hear, he'd love to go into DNC tomorrow and hand out a bunch of pink
slips to the permanent surrender monkeys.

RECOMMENDED, highly Recommended.

:yourock:

[madfloridian]

12. Skullduggery is an odd word...meaning.

"Verbal misrepresentation intended to take advantage of you in some way"