WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean appears to be taking the lead in the campaign to steer the Democratic Party, after its disappointing results in the 2004 election.
Dean has been working to focus his on-the-ground qualifications as much as his broad vision for building a progressive majority in the U.S. political sphere. The former Vermont governor entered the race last week, ending weeks of would-he, wouldn't-he whispers. Speculation had assumed he would prove too progressive for the post, but Dean appears to be solidifying support through a campaign working delegate to delegate -- much like his scheme to win over U.S. voters.
"The Democratic Party will not win elections or build a lasting majority solely by changing its rhetoric, nor will we win by adopting the other side's positions," Dean said in a statement officially announcing his candidacy.
The key, he said, is that the party needs to "speak plainly and our agenda must reflect the socially progressive, fiscally responsible values that bring our party -- and the vast majority of Americans -- together.
"All of this will require both national perspective and local experience," he added. "I know what it's like to lead hands-on at the state level and I know what it's like to run for national office."
Over the past week, Dean has worked to emphasize his experience working within the party machine. Dean became involved in politics, his biography says, when he sought to get a bike path along Lake Champlain. He later worked his way through Vermont's House of Representatives to lieutenant governor, and eventually governor.
Dean wrote he has experience "building and managing a local party organization" -- a trait increasingly important as Democrats look to combat the massive ground operations Republicans have built over the past decade. As an example of his strength, Dean has pointed to the 15 first-time progressive candidates who won their seats Nov. 2, with the backing of Dean and his organization, Democracy for America.
There will be no question about Dean's ability to raise money, one of the top qualifications for the job. In his "grass-roots revolution" during his campaign for the nomination for president, Dean grew networks of support across the country based largely on the work of enthusiastic Deaniacs, the true believers.
It was that same grass-roots networking that created an energized base of Democratic voters, considered revolutionary in the face of recent U.S. politics, and that he continued into the creation of Democracy for America.
Dean appealed directly to Democratic National Committee delegates this weekend in a forum in Missouri. Appearing with six other candidates, Dean presented his vision to lead the party.
Dean promised he would not run for president in 2008 if chosen to head the Democratic Party. The vow pre-empted a measure to the same effect that was rumored to be in discussion among Democratic delegates.
He also pointed to the success of the West County Democrats based in nearby Ellisville, Mo., the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The organization has grown to some 250 members in just a few months.
"They are not alone," Dean said, noting the hundreds of people who showed up Friday at a hastily organized pro-Dean rally. "I know how to win in 'red states.'"
But Dean continues to face competition that could pull ahead, if delegates decide to choose a less high-profile candidate.
New Democratic Network Director Simon Rosenberg has been extremely aggressive in his bid for the chairmanship. Like Dean, his Web page -- simonforchair.org -- is professional and deep with information. His list of endorsements grows each day, usually with commensurate news releases and conference calls.
Former DNC Chairman Joe Andrew, pollster and strategist Sergio Bendixen, Clinton White House press secretary Mike McCurry and senior adviser Christine Varney and strategist and fundraiser Rob Stein have jumped aboard Rosenberg's bandwagon. Rosenberg also has garnered the support of Joe Trippi, who served as national campaign manager for Dean.
In a statement announcing his endorsement, Trippi explained that the party needed a chairman who could practice "21st century politics," of expanding participation, embracing technology and building an apparatus that can counter the Republican machine.
"Rosenberg was among the first in politics to acknowledge the power of the movement we built with Dean for America, and he wasn't afraid to speak up about how we were fundamentally changing politics," he said.
He later added, "For Simon, building a new progressive politics for our time is not just lip service, it is a passion backed up by his record. I'm backing Simon for chair because I know I can work with him to help build a modern, winning Democratic Party."
Another candidate considered in the top tier is Martin Frost, who first was elected to Congress in 1978 and served 12 terms representing Texas voters. He also led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and later served as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
"As a man who believes strongly in his obligation to serve his constituents, his state and our nation, Martin Frost has built a successful record of results that demonstrates outstanding leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service and Democratic ideals," his campaign Web site said. "Successful record of results" was printed in bold letters.
Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb is the only African-American seeking the top slot, although Rosenberg has pointed to NDN's efforts at outreach to the Hispanic voting population. Also in the race is Democratic strategist Donnie Fowler, son of former DNC Chairman Donald Fowler, and former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Leland.
Former Rep. Tim Roemer, D-Ind., one of the commissioners on the panel to investigate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, also has thrown his hat into the ring.
Roemer, the only anti-abortion rights candidate in the running, has drawn criticism for a stance allied with President Bush's. He became visibly upset in St. Louis last weekend, CNN reported, saying he wanted to have "a conversation" on issues but that he is "having trouble doing this because of negative campaigning and litmus tests."
"I like a good fight," Roemer said, his voice rising. "But don't put my arms behind me. Give me a chance to talk about my values. And don't litmus-test me."
The candidates are scheduled to next line up Tuesday at a forum in Washington organized by the National Conference of Democratic Mayors. The conference has invited all seven announced candidates -- Dean, Fowler, Frost, Leland, Roemer, Rosenberg and Webb -- to a series of face-to-face forums ahead of delegates' vote next month.
--
(Please send comments to [email protected].)
