Well, we're getting to that time. Anyone has a preference (I can guess but I won't)?

I think that a better question is "who will they pick?" My guess is that they are going to pick Roemer because he acts the most like a republican. Reid and Pelosi have already endorsed him, so you might be able to see where this is going.

lets just get it over with and have Zell Miller

DEAN! Someone not afraid to tell it like it is, unlike 99% of the current Democractic party leadership who compromise away their values (and ours).

The mistake Kerry and the Democrats made in the 2004 election was to try to please everyone. In trying to please everyone, they pleased no one. They came off as two-faced, and having no real stand on the issues. Indeed, Kerry morphed into whatever he perceived his audience expected him to be at the time. Thats not gonna work. As much as we detest Bush, at least he has a position on things (although an idiotic one), and does not waver (even when common sense begs for a reality-check). We know who he is. I don't think ANYONE really knew who Kerry was. Thats why Kerry lost. Smiling and telling everyone what they want to hear will not work.

I hope the Democrats learn a hard lesson from 2004, which is: Take a stand for the values you represent and be consistent, even if it is risky to do so. We know Republican "Values". What about some Democratic values???

What is worse than losing because you stood up for what you believe is right? Losing because you did not stand up for what is right.

All I know is the dems need to act like they did during the 1964 presidental election.

Where are Woodward and Burnstein when we need them most? We need a critical, investigative press in this country, like we used to have. Bush is worse than Nixon and getting away with murder. Does anyone care?

FIND THE DIRT AND EXPOSE IT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE (Whether they like it or not)!

There has to be an effort on the part of the citizens, writing to the people who vote, telling them that dean is the right choice. Maybe one of us should go to the DU and talk to them.

JackD, this is what the DU is doing so far...

Please let it be Dean!!

I really love winning all the time!

James J. Blanchard is the guy that helped Kerry win Michigan, isn't he?

Sara, stop trolling. Last warning. Contribute to the conversation or get out. You're seriously pissing people off.

-post edited by admin

deleted.

More good news on the DNC/Dean front. Clinton Aide, Ickes, has endorsed dean.

Story

The main thing I want a new DNC chairman to do is repudiate the ideology of empire totally.
In fact, I want the entire Democratic party to be composed of individuals who repudiate empire.
I want the isolationist issue to come back to the fore like it needs to be.
No more arguments against it.
I want American combat boots off foreign soil, period.
I want respect for the UN and compliance with it.
& I also want the US to support the ICC as it was when it began.
No deals, no backroom screwing, please. And once we've repudiated the ideology of empire, let's force the members of the Bush Regime, everyone supporting them in the media, all signatories of the PNAC, and religious leaders who've taken on the military mantle to face war crimes trials.
I've been writing e-mails to the prosecutors at the ICC once every quarter to complain about the criminals in our midst. It's not a bad way to pass an afternoon off.

This story that came out today makes me think that the dems finally are starting to get a spine. All they need now is direction and organization and that is where dean come in.

They could have done more but this is ok.

Story

'bout f*cking time....


Doc

from the story:

Another dean endosement, a big one.


The leading group of state Democratic Party officials today backed Howard Dean's bid for the party's national chairmanship, establishing the former presidential candidate as the contest's prohibitive favorite.

"I think the race is over," Art Torres, chairman of the California Democratic Party, said after the decision.

The Association of State Democratic Chairs endorsed Dean in a vote in a nationwide conference call this morning. That decision by the group's full membership reversed a recommendation from its executive committee Sunday to endorse Donnie Fowler, a young party strategist.

Fowler finished a distant second to Dean in the membership vote, according to sources familiar with the call.

"This is an important step in our campaign, but we will not stop working until the vote is cast," Dean said in a statement released by the association.

Dean received another boost after the vote when former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, the sole African American who had been seeking to head the Democratic National Committee, withdrew and endorsed him. Five others remain in the race.

The DNC's 447 members meet in Washington Feb. 12 to pick their new leader. To win, a candidate needs a majority of the votes cast.

Dean's opponents had been hoping the state chairs group would back another contender for the DNC post, perhaps triggering endorsements from elected officials and members of organized labor uneasy about the prospect of the former Vermont governor succeeding Chairman Terry McAuliffe.Although viewed as a moderate in Vermont, Dean became linked with the party's liberal wing during his party's 2004 presidential nomination because of his strong opposition to the war in Iraq. His candidacy also was marked by a blunt, outspoken style.

But Democratic insiders said the state chairs' decision probably reduced the odds that the AFL-CIO political committee will endorse a candidate in the race when it meets in Washington on Tuesday.Former Rep. Martin Frost of Texas has been considered the most likely to receive the AFL nod, if it chooses to endorse.

Today's vote could increase pressure on some of the remaining DNC candidates to quit the race and push for a single alternative to Dean.

"What this means is if folks who aren't for Dean don't coalesce behind a credible alternative, then he'll win," said an aide to one of his rivals. "But we still have to play that out for a couple of days."

On Sunday, the state chairs' executive committee voted 8 to 6 to recommend an endorsement for Fowler, who served as Al Gore's field director in the 2000 presidential campaign.

But in today's conference call, Dean won 56 of the 91 votes cast, according to sources. Fowler attracted 21 and Frost, Webb, former Rep. Timothy Roemer of Indiana and Simon Rosenberg, president of the centrist New Democrat Network, won three each.

Also seeking the DNC job is former Ohio party chairman David Leland.

In all, the state chairs group represents 112 members who will vote in the DNC race, including state vice-chairs and officials from several territories.

Dean's support among the group's members stemmed from the view that he would be a strong fund-raiser and party spokesperson and - above all - would help change the DNC after the Democrats' disappointing losses in November, said Linda Honold, the Wisconsin state chair.

"As people looked at what is the job of the national chair, he filled more of the criteria than the others," said Honold, who voted for Dean.

Torres, who also backed Dean, said, "People in the Beltway are finally getting it that a lot of the [party] communities around the country really want change in the DNC."

Oh, look, more good news.

53 New Votes for Gov. Dean

Today, 53 new voting members of the DNC, including six entire state delegations, 12 state chairs, 12 vice-chair as well as Mayor Wellington Webb endorsed Governor Dean for Chair of the DNC.


Here is a list of all of dean's endorsements

Steven K. Alari, California DNC Committeeman and DNC Executive Committee Member

Patsy Arceneaux, Louisiana DNC National Committeewoman

Association of State Democratic Chairs
"We're asking all of our state chairs and vice chairs to follow our endorsements," Mark Brewer, chairman of the Association of State Democratic Chairs said. "And we think they will."

Jon Ausman, Florida DNC Committeeman

Reverend Willie Barrow, DNC Member-at-Large

Cathy Bartolotti, Florida DNC Committeewoman

Michael F. Phillips, Chair of the Democratic Party of Guam

Robert Bell, Democrats Abroad DNC Committeeman

Paul Berendt, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party

Jeremy Bernard, DNC Member-at-Large

Gus Bickford, Massachusetts DNC National Committeeman

Rachel Binah, California DNC Committeewoman, Former Chair of the Environmental Caucus, California Democratic Party

Terrie Brady, Florida DNC Committeewoman

Yolanda Caraway, DNC Member-at-Large

Joseph Cari, Jr., Former DNC National Finance Chair, DNC Member-at-Large

Mitchell Ceasar, Florida DNC Committeeman

Hon. Elijah Cummings, DNC Member-At-Large

Joyce Cusack, Florida DNC Committeewoman

Martha Dixon, Arkansas DNC Committeewoman

Wayne Dowdy, Chair of the Mississippi State Democratic Party

Mary Ellen Early, California DNC Committeewoman

Ed Espinoza, California DNC Committeeman
"He's an emotional leader who takes definitive stands on issues and knows how to build progressive organizations. Average Joes don't know who the DNC Chair is, but they know Dean. Average Joes also know that Dean believes in what he's saying, which can only help restore some faith and credibility in our national Party."

Jimmie Farris, Tennessee DNC Committeewoman

Joel Ferguson, Vice Chair DNC Black Caucus

Hon. Mike Fitzgerald, DNC Member, Chair of National Association of Democratic State Treasurers

Patricia Ford, DNC Member-At-Large and Former International Exec VP SEIU

Hon. Yvonne A. Gates, Chair of the DNC Black Caucus

Diane Glasser, Vice-Chair of the Florida State Democratic Party

Alice Huffman, California DNC Committeewoman and Chair of 2004 Democratic National Convention

Aleita J. Huguenin, California DNC Committeewoman

Ben Johnson, DNC Deputy Chair

Hon. Pete Jorgensen, Wyoming DNC Committeeman

Allan Katz, Florida DNC Committeeman

Denise King, Chair of the Executive Committee of the New York State Party

Wanda Lockridge, Chair of the District of Columbia State Committee

Scott Maddox, Chair of the Florida State Democratic Party
"I am proud to tell you that I, and every DNC member from Florida are endorsing Governor Howard Dean to be the next Chairman of our party.

He understands that we won't win Florida unless we try to win all of Florida — and build strong Democratic Party organizations next door in Alabama and Georgia, too. He understands that we can't win unless we show up to fight in every race, in every county, in every state. He knows that we need to engage local communities to build our party from the ground up. And he has the experience to do it. I would be honored if you would join me in supporting Gov. Howard Dean."

Peter Mallary, Chair of the Vermont State Democratic Party

Raul Martinez, Florida DNC Committeeman

Chuck Mohlke, Florida DNC Committeeman

Hon. Gloria Molina, DNC Vice-Chair

Hon. Joe Moore, Chair of the National Democratic Municipal Officials Conference (DNC member)

Minyon Moore, DNC Member-at-Large

Janee Murphy, Florida DNC Committeewoman

Jay Parmley, Chair of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party

Johnnie Patton, Mississippi DNC Committeewoman

John A. Perez, California DNC Committeeman and UFCW Local 324 Political Director

Roberto Prats, Chair of the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico has announced that it is backing Governor Dean for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. "Popular Democratic Party leader Roberto Prats says the group will support the candidacy of the former presidential candidate."

Mame Reiley, Chair of the DNC Women's Caucus and Virginia DNC Committeewoman

Alexandra Gallardo Rooker, California DNC Committeewoman, Vice-Chair of the California State Democratic Party and Vice President CWA Local 9400

Mirian Saez, DNC Member-at-Large

Garry S. Shay, California DNC Committeeman
"Howard Dean has no fear in confronting our opponents and speaks clearly with passion and integrity. He is a man who can properly frame the debate in terms all can understand and identify with. He is a man who has made it possible for me, and others, to believe in him. I think back over the thirty-four years of my involvement in politics, and there are so very few who can lay claim to having done that. Howard Dean is one of them."

Hon. Diane Watson (D-CA.), DNC Member-at-Large

Nancy Woodside, Vice-Chair of the Utah State Democratic Party

Wellington Webb, DNC Vice-Chair


APA for Progress
"Because of Governor Howard Dean's call to action, his record of achievement in engaging participants in the electoral process, and his priority of leaving decision-making power in the hands of local activists, APA for Progress proudly and enthusiastically endorses Governor Howard Dean to lead the Democratic National Committee."

Smith Bagley, Former DNC National Finance Vice-Chair

Hon. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.)

Don Beyer, Former Lt. Gov. of Virginia and Chairman

Alma Arrington Brown, philanthropist and wife of former DNC Chair Ron Brown

Brown County Democratic Party (WI)
"As a candidate for the President, Dean energized thousands of ordinary citizens to become actively involved in the party, reminding us that we have the power to make change and to take this country back," says Mary Ginnebaugh, a member of the Democratic Party of Brown County. "We need Howard Dean as the DNC Chair to further build on the leadership of grassroots democrats and develop candidates to win elections locally as well as nationally."

Michael A. Brown, DNC National Finance Vice-Chair

Concord Monitor Editorial Board
"When Democratic insiders pick a chairman next month, they will not be embracing a platform and they won't be choosing their next presidential nominee. What they will be choosing, if Dean gets the nod, includes: A governor .... a truth-teller .... a fighter .... a fundraiser .... and a leader."

Hon. John Conyers (D-MI)
In a letter to Governor Dean: "[I]t is time for our Party to realize that a strong commitment to core Democratic principles is not only good policy and good for Americans, but is also good politics. Our vision for America is one where we protect all Americans, and do not turn our backs on any American. The most critical part of protecting Americans is ensuring the safety from the threat of terrorism, but our commitment should not end there: it must include health care security, retirement security, and economic security. You have spoken eloquently about those values and would be an ideal messenger for our party in this regard....

"It is time for the party to choose a new Chairman, and I believe you are the best candidates to pick up the torch and take the Party to a new level of success."

Debra DeLee, Former Chair of the DNC and CEO of 1996 Democratic National Convention

Democracy for Vermont
"Governor Dean has demonstrated strong leadership for grassroots democrats since he announced his bid for the Presidency. Unlike most candidates, when Governor Dean's candidacy ended, he continued to lead and inspire the people who had supported his campaign. Democracy for America, the organization he founded at the end of his campaign, has helped democratic candidates throughout the country gain office."

Door County Democratic Party (WI)

Kevin Drum, Washington Monthly
"Howard Dean officially announced today that he's running for DNC chair, and I have to say that I've warmed up to his candidacy a lot over the past couple of weeks. ... [H]is strengths in this position would be considerable."

El Cerrito Democratic Club (CA)


Bob Farmer, Former DNC Treasurer and Finance Chair of the Kerry-Edwards campaign

Hon. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.)

Steve Grossman, Former DNC National Chair

Hon. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)

Harold Ickes, Leading Democratic activist and former aide to President Clinton
"I think all the candidates who are running have strong attributes, but Dean has more of the attributes than the others," said Ickes, who considered running for chairman himself before dropping out in early January. "Many people say Howard Dean is a northeastern liberal, he is progressive, but his tenure as governor of Vermont was that of a real moderate."

Jefferson County Democrats (WA)
"Whereas, in 2004, Governor Howard Dean energized and mobilized hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans to become active participants, which resulted in an influx of effort, enthusiasm and funding for Dean's, John Kerry's and other campaigns and recently, a major contribution to the vote re-count fund which helped elect Governor Christine Gregoire; and

"Whereas, Howard Dean has spoken eloquently about our Democratic values and promises to take our message to all of America;

"Now, therefore be it resolved that the Washington State Democratic Central Committee endorses the candidacy of Governor Howard Dean for Chair of the Democratic National Committee."

Latinos for America Board of Directors Endorses Dean
"For Latinos for America, an endorsement of Dr. Dean for the post of DNC Chair is about more than progressive beliefs. A person like Governor Dean has broad-based appeal. He appeals to moderates and progressives of all the major parties, because he believes in the goals he lays out, and he stands up for fundamental values, even when it is not popular to do so. To have someone with the integrity and conscience of Gov. Dean at the helm of a major party, would be a coup not only for progressives, but for every American wishing to restore integrity to our political system."

Hon. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
"I met Howard Dean two years ago, as he was starting up his campaign for president. At that time, he was still an unknown former governor of Vermont and in single digits in the polls. I went into that meeting with a fair amount of skepticism.

However, I was immediately impressed with Howard's breadth of knowledge, his passion for Democratic principles, and his ability to articulate his position on any number of issues."

Bill Lynch, Former DNC Vice-Chair and Deputy Campaign Manager for the Kerry-Edwards campaign

Mainstreet Moms: Operation Blue
"Two years ago, this no-nonsense former governor of Vermont woke up the Democratic Party and the slumbering grassroots with a call to action that is still true today, his stirring "What I Want to Know" speech. His organization and popular blog, Democracy for America (DFA), support fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates at all levels of government."

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA)
"I am not with him on all the issues, but he understands the party's problems, what we need to do and how to get there. And he has executive experience... A lot of people in the party don't understand just where we are. We need a change. We need something different."

Hon. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.)

Oneida County Democratic Party (WI)

Otsego County Democratic Committee (NY)
"Last night, our county Democratic Committe, representing Otsego County, New York, enthusiastically and unanimously endorsed Governor Dean for DNC Chair. In endorsing Governor Dean, our committee encourages all other committees around the country to follow suit. "

Pennsylvania Young Democrats "There really is only once real candidate in this race and he is it."

Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club (CA)
"At the conclusion of our extensive expression of ideas and opinions, we voted unanimously to endorse Dr. Howard Dean as the candidate for Chair. We believe that he is the one who best exemplifies our desire for a leader who will most clearly, ably, and vigorously put forward the positions on issues which Democrats hold to be important for the people of America. His outstanding character and integrity have become known through his career thus far. Likewise, he has demonstrated innovative and effective approaches to both fundraising and to inspire young Democratic voters to become active in an election. We unanimously recommend Dr. Howard Dean to you as the foremost candidate for Chair of the Democratic National Committee."

Hon. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
"I'm writing to you today to express my support for Howard Dean for Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Regardless of whom you supported for the presidential nomination, I hope you'll agree that Howard Dean did this party a remarkable service. Howard Dean, in the earliest days of the campaign gave Democrats a voice. He spoke out loudly against the misguided policies of the Bush administration. Early on, he spoke out against the war in Iraq. His campaign embraced new technologies, and showed us how effective the internet can be as an organizing tool, and he inspired Democrats at every economic level to give."

Thundering 36th District Democrats, (WA)
"This endorsement was adopted by a majority of the Members of the District at our Regular Meeting on January 20, 2005. The 36th District Democrats represent almost 63,000 Democratic voters in northern neighborhoods of the City of Seattle, Washington."

Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club
"[T]he Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, the most dynamic Democratic Club in CA, with over 300 members, many of whom actually come to meetings, voted unanimously to support and endorse the candidacy of Governor Dean for Chair of the Democratic Party."

Western Michigan University College Democrats/Students for Democracy
"I am writing you this letter to inform Dean for Chair, that the Students for Democracy/College Dems decided in a unanimous vote to endorse Howard Dean for Chair of the Democratic National Committee in our groups January 23, 2005 Executive Board meeting."

David Wilhelm, Former DNC National Chair
"There is no question in my mind that Howard Dean, by dint of his experience and his idealism, is the right man at the right time for this job.

Howard Dean will bring stature to the role of DNC chair. He served as Governor of Vermont, chaired the Democratic Governors Association, and ran a tenacious presidential campaign that stunned the pundits who had consigned his bid to underdog status. Indeed, this campaign virtually revolutionized Democratic Party campaigning as we know it at the presidential level-cementing Howard Dean's reputation as an innovator.

"This campaign also revealed Howard Dean's proven skills as a communicator. He understands that effective political communication starts with clear messages that offer a compelling contrast to the positions of one's opponent. He is tough without being mean, impassioned without being extreme-and he has the guts to stand up to the GOP and play hardball at the level of anybody on the other side of the aisle.

Howard Dean will bring the combination of clarity, vision, and innovation that Democrats will need to win in 2008."

Can anyone tell me how the voting for DNC chairmen works?

Basically, 441 DNC members from all the states....will vote on who they want as their next chair. For US. They'll decide AGAIN FOR us!

The process:
http://64.78.28.17/blog/archives/2005/01/h...he_process.html
How a DNC Chair is Elected
Useful links:
DNC Charter and Bylaws
DNC Roster of Members

I get a lot of questions as to how the process for the DNC Chairman works. Here's my explanation based on my reading of the Democratic Party Charter and Bylaws. I will call the Secretary of the Party on Monday to verify that this is correct. If you have corrections, throw them in the comments or email me at mstoller@simonforchair.org. (UPDATE: Swing State Project has a nice write-up of this process as well.)

What is the Democratic Party?

It's not clear. The Democratic Party might be anyone who is a registered Democrat, or perhaps it's everyone who voted for a Democrat, since some states don't have party registration. There are Democrats at every level, from local to Federal, as well as interest groups that traditionally support Democratic political candidates (like labor and women). The Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party addresses this ambiguity through the Democratic National Committee, which is a body that 'governs' the national party. The DNC is selected through a complex process in which state representatives, national representatives, and interest group representatives are picked or appointed based on their constituency group. There are mandated gender balance rules, and ethnic diversity is strongly encouraged in the charter. The DNC elects the Chairman, and the Chairman and the Executive Committee of the DNC run the national party.


The Executive Committee is a committee composed of DNC members chosen based on a semi-elected, semi-appointed process, and is sort of the legislative branch of the DNC. It is mandated to meet at least four times a year, and oversees DNC operational issues.

The Voting Process

On February 12, 2005, the members of the Democratic National Committee will elect a new Chairman by majority vote. Candidates get on the ballot if they have more than 20 signatures from DNC members on their nominating petition. If upon the first three ballots, there is no majority, the candidate with the fewest number of votes will be dropped from the ballot, and a new vote held. This will be repeated until there is a majority choice for Chair.

Who are the DNC Members?

There are 441 votes in the Democratic National Committee, split among 446 members. The goal of the membership makeup of the DNC is to have a representative sample of the members of the Democratic Party from the grassroots, local, state, and Federal level, as well as its various constituents such as labor, women, and minority groups. There are 200 state party members elected by state committees, conventions, and straight votes, depending on the state. Every state party chair has a vote, as well as the highest ranking member of the state party who is of the opposite sex as the state party chair. There are also 75 at large members chosen by appointment, as well as reprentatives from party organs like the House and Senate Conferences, Mayors, AGs, etc. According to the Charter, there is mandated gender balance within the Democratic National Committee, and among representatives from states and party organs.

What groups are represented within the Democratic National Committee members?

The members of the DNC break down as follows (number of members from said group are in parentheses):

(100) Every state chair and highest ranking officer of opposite sex in that state party
(200) Delegates allocated based equally on state population and on Democratic vote for President, with weighting for women and minority groups
(75) Additional at-large delegates
(3) The Chair of the Democratic Governor's Association, plus two other Governors selected by the DGA (at least one of whom is the opposite sex of the Chair of the DGA)
(4) The Democratic leader of the House and the Democratic leader of the Senate, and two others selected by the Conference (both of whom need be the opposite sex of the leaders)
(9) Current DNC Office Holders - The Chair, Treasurer, 5 Vice Chairs, National Finance Chair, Secretary
(3) Chair of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors, plus two others as selected by the conference (at least one of whom must be the opposite sex of the Chair)
(3) Young Democrats - The Chair of YDA and two members as selected in their biannual conference (opposite sex requirement for at least of them)
(3) Chair of the Democratic County Officials, plus two members as selected by the organization (opposite sex requirement for at least of them)
(3) Chair of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, plus two members as selected by the organization (opposite sex requirement for at least of them)
(3) Chair of the National Democratic Municipal Officials Conference, plus two members as selected by the organization (opposite sex requirement for at least of them)
(3) President of the National Federation of Democratic Women, plus two members as selected by the organization
(2) President and Vice President of the College Democrats, who must be of opposite gender
(2) Chair and Vice Chair of the National Association of Democratic State Treasurers
(2) Chair and Vice Chair of the National Association of Democratic Lieutenant Governors
(2) Chair and Vice Chair of Democratic Attorneys General Association plus one member
(2) Chair of the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee, plus one member
(2) Chair of the National Democratic Seniors Coordinating Council, plus one member
(20) Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, Democrats Abroad, Deputy Chairs
Whoa. That's complicated.

Yes, it is. The race for Chair has only one recent precedent, 1988, because usually the position of DNC Chair is annointed by a Democratic President.






The spin I saw earlier on CNN...Conservative News for Neanderthals.....Dean would be too much of a headache and too easily attackable by the right. This said, of course, by some bespectacled rightwing whore whose name I missed.

Woodruff the whore has been stirring it up.

Thanks panda. Also, Leland, webb, and frost have all dropped out. Webb was a close second to dean but now he has left and endorsed dean.

I am trying to find out what the vote count is up to right now, from what i can tell he need 221 votes to win but it looks like things are going good for doctor dean!

I found some intresting info on dean's web site and here is his plan to win. It sounds pretty damn good.


Show up! Never concede a single state, county, district or even a single voter to the Republicans. We must be active and compete in all 50 states and work with the state parties to build a truly national party.


Recruit, train, and encourage candidates to run for office at every level -- building tomorrow's farm team from the ground up. This was the founding principle behind Democracy for America.


Actively grow local Democratic committees in local communities. Local neighborhood advocates are our best spokespeople -- helping them reach out in their own communities will better articulate our message and enable the grassroots to support state and local candidates.


Better integrate national and state party operations. Specifically, that means: providing the state party the means to pay for its executive director in every state; building and sharing lists between the national and state parties; and creating an ongoing active presence -- a permanent campaign in every state that does not have to be recreated for only four months every four years.


Develop and articulate core Democratic principles that we all can agree on, that will let people know what our party stands for. We will not win elections or build a lasting majority solely by changing our rhetoric, nor will we win by adopting the other side's positions. We must say what we mean -- and mean real change when we say it.


Make Democrats the party of reform -- reforming America's financial situation, reforming our electoral process, reforming health care, reforming education and putting morality back in our foreign policy.


Utilize cutting edge Internet technology, not only to fundraise, but also as an effective organizing tool to recruit more supporters, communicate with them, and empower them to lead in their local communities.


Strengthen the party institutions and leadership institutes so that they rival the Republican machine that currently exists. These institutions must work together in a coordinated way to recruit new talent, develop leaders, articulate our values and elect Democrats at every level.

I just heard Frost is done, and Fowler's beginning to exxagerate his support. This race may already be over.

http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/2/1/18290/37953

Ok, so I said that I would find out how many commited votes dean has and I have the number. To win the seat he need 221 and right now has 213, in second place is Donnie Fowler with 13, and tied for last is Simon Rosenburg and Tim Roemer with 4.

Rosenburg is out, backs dean

So now there are three

Dean
Fowler
Roemer

Rosenberg was portrayed as everyone's second choice between the DFA's and the DLC's, the compromise candidate. With him out and backing Dean, this isn't even a contest anymore.

Dean's the chair. End of story.