Dean targets underdogs, local races to receive his financial support

[WilliamPitt]

This is awesome, in my opinion. The way we take back this congress and this country is from the ground up, one district at a time. Way to go, Governor. Thank you.

http://www.rollcall.com/issues/49_125/news/5599-1.html

(subscription required)

‘Dean’s List’ Features Unusual Honor Roll

By Chris Cillizza
Roll Call Staff

May 17, 2004

In choosing a farm team of candidates inspired by his presidential bid, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean last week chose an eclectic mix of long shots, insurgents and acolytes as the first 12 candidates to receive financial and organizational backing from Dean’s organization, Democracy for America.

The one-time frontrunner for the Democratic nomination chose an inaugural “Dean’s Dozen,” of which nine are seeking state and local office. Only three — state Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, attorney Richard Morrison of Texas and college professor Jeff Smith of Missouri — are running for federal posts.

Dean’s first selections reveal that he still relishes the underdog, a role he played himself for much of the presidential race before rising to the top of the field and then self-destructing during resounding defeats in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Far from a “who’s who” of targeted races, Dean’s list includes only one candidate —Obama — who is receiving significant attention and support from the national Democratic Party. Obama is running for the open seat of retiring Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-Ill.) and is locked in a tight but winnable race against former investment banker Jack Ryan (R) in the general.

The other federal candidates are widely considered long shots. Morrison, a first-time candidate, is taking on House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) — a reviled figure for many Democrats, but one who represents a strongly Republican district in the Houston area.

Smith is viewed as an underdog in a 10-way Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Richard Gephardt (Mo.) in a St. Louis-area seat.

...more...

[VelmaD]

1. Glad to see Morrison on that list

We gotta do something about the Bug Man.

Hi Will. :hi:

[mzmolly]

2. Contribute here.

http://democracyforamerica.com/

And learn more about "The Dean Dozen." ;)

[WilliamPitt]

3. Kick

[madfloridian]

4. Rob MacKenna's site.

http://www.rob2004.com/

He is the one who led the way in floating a Dean banner over the Outback bowl. Nice guy.

[mzmolly]

5. Kick!

:kick:

[Exgeneral]

6. This is important for long term goals

while the Deansters may have failed in the outright attempt to shake some sense into the party structure, they are going strong with their agenda of bringing change , and---surprise--- reaching out to progressives of all stripes.

This is how a movement succeeds. One candidate at a time.
I read an article elsewhere that mentions how Howard Dean has a vision that far exceeds just the party structure.

He actually wants to take it to the right wing and win the battle.
Oh, and he says step one is to elect Kerry, even if you have a problem with him...

[madfloridian]

7. Dean is very serious about this organization. I love these comments.

QUOTE:..."WE ARE IN A CIVIL WAR” says Howard, “and we can’t afford to be nice.” “Stop being nice. YOU DO NOT COMPROMISE WITH THE RIGHT WING” he says, in answer to a girl on my right who wants to know how to “dialog” with the right wing wackos. Tell it, brother! What we must do, he says, is integrate politics into our daily life. Run for Office. Work for someone who does. Make it happen. Keep the grassroots alive. Just as with the Dean campaign, send volunteers to the battleground states...."

I happen to think he is right about a veritable civil war. Look at what is happening now....the right wing can not bear to lose.

The quote above is from Capn Sunshine, who was lucky enough to have a meeting with Howard Dean as a campaign leader. He is right, you do not "dialog" with them.

[mzmolly]

8. Indeed we ARE in a "Civil War" and can't afford to "be nice!"

:toast: to my man, Howard Dean!

[Bombtrack]

9. Are you sure they're underdogs

I find the fact that he choses the potential senate pickup we're by far most favored in as the only senate race, probably so he can claim credit.

And clearly the delay race is purely symbolic. I don't know the stats on any of the other races.

[dsc]

10. So let me get this straight

if he likely picks a winner he is trying to take credit but if he picks a likely loser he is being symbolic. Can you say heads he loses, tails he loses?

[Cheswick2.0]

12. LOL

still bitter?

[dusty64]

11. Glad to hear this!

We must keep the extreme right on the defensive EVERYWHERE!