ASDC Endorses Howard Dean for DNC Chair

Released: Jan 31, 2005 2:23 PM

State Chairs' backing comes after thorough endorsement process

Today, the Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) endorsed Gov. Howard Dean for Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair. Dean was endorsed after a thorough process, including 5 public forums around the country, written responses to the ASDC plan for the DNC, interviews with the candidates and a national vote by State Chairs and Vice Chairs held today by conference call.

"The state parties believe that we need fundamental change and reform at the DNC, and we have concluded that the best, most qualified candidate to reform the DNC is Howard Dean," said ASDC President Mark Brewer. "This is a great field of candidates and we are grateful to all of them. We urge all members of the DNC to vote for Howard Dean on February 12th."

"I am honored that the ASDC has endorsed me. I want to thank the members from the various states and territories, the District of Columbia, and Democrats Abroad who participated in the vote. This is an important step for our campaign, but we will not stop working until the final vote is cast on February 12," said Dean. "Strengthening the state parties is a central part of our plan to make the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory. If elected DNC Chair, we will make this vision a reality."

The state Democratic Chairs' and Vice Chairs' plan for reform at the DNC
includes:
— A focus on the grassroots
— A commitment to the DNC?fs diversity
— An escape from the consultant culture of Washington, D.C.
— Rebuilding, partnering and investing in state parties
— A 56 state and territorial strategy
— Accountability and transparency at the DNC

The DNC will elect its new Chair on February 12, 2005 in Washington, D.C. ASDC members constitute 112 of the 447 members of the DNC.

Harold Ickes, Former Clinton White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Democratic Activist, Endorses Dean

Released: Jan 31, 2005 1:46 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2005

Gov. Dean Contacts: Fred Baldassaro, 917-686-5827
Laura Gross, 802-318-6853

Harold Ickes, former Clinton White House Deputy Chief of Staff has endorsed Governor Howard Dean for Chairman of the Democratic Party. Ickes' support is a welcome addition to the growing list of endorsements that Governor Dean is receiving. The Democratic activist’s backing also reflects the momentum building around Howard Dean's DNC Chair candidacy.

"Today I announce my support for Howard Dean for DNC Chair, said Ickes. "In addition to be a great fundraiser with a wealth of political experience, Governor Dean is tireless and he’s tough – two qualities we need from our party leader if we are going to beat the Republicans in the coming years," he added.

"I appreciate Harold's support and if elected DNC Chair, look forward to working with him to make the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory in America," said Governor Dean.

Dean is running for DNC Chair to build on the work his PAC, Democracy for America, (DFA) has been doing to elect Democrats to local and national offices. In addition to mobilizing grassroots support, DFA directly donated over $1 million for candidates across the country.

This past weekend, Governor attended the final DNC regional caucus meeting in New York City, where he met with DNC members of the Eastern Region.

Dean has been involved in all levels of the Democratic Party – including Chittenden County, (Vermont) Democratic Party chair. He has run successful campaigns for state legislature, lieutenant governor, and governor. He served as chair of both the National Governors' Association and the Democratic Governors' Association (DGA). And as chair of the DGA, he helped recruit nearly 20 governors that won -- even in so-called "red" states -- including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi. He knows what it is like to be involved at the local level and he know what it is like to run for national office, a perfect combination for a part y that needs to reconnect with its grassroots as well as be competitive at the national level.

###

Additional Endorsements from DNC Members

Released: Jan 27, 2005 12:44 PM

Yesterday, the following people publicly announced their support for Governor Howard Dean for Chair of the Democratic Party:

Mame Reiley, Chair of the DNC Women's Caucus and DNC Member from Virginia Endorses Governor Howard Dean for DNC Chair

Released: Jan 26, 2005 4:29 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2005

Dean Contacts: Fred Baldassaro, 917-686-5827
            Laura Gross, 802-318-6853

BURLINGTON, VT—Mame Reiley, Chair of the DNC Women's Caucus and DNC member from Virginia has endorsed Governor Howard Dean for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This endorsement adds to his broad, diverse, and growing list of support and is further proof that DNC voting members from several states across the country approve of his vision for the DNC.

"I am proud to announce today my support of Howard Dean for DNC Chair. Howard Dean is committed to protecting a woman's fundamental right to choose. Governor Dean supports pay equity for women. He supports quality health care and education for all Americans," Reiley said.

"Mame and I agree that if Democrats are going to beat back conservative politicians' attacks on our values, women must have a strong voice in the future of the Democratic Party and a seat at the table in the decision-making process," said Dean. "If I am elected chairman, women will," he added.

Dean is running for DNC Chair to build on the work his PAC, Democracy for America, (DFA) has been doing to elect Democrats to local and national offices. In addition to mobilizing grassroots support, DFA directly donated over $1 million for candidates across the country.

Dean continues to attend regional caucus meetings of the DNC membership across the country and will be traveling to New York City this weekend (Saturday, January 29) for the Eastern Regional Caucus.

Dean has been involved in all levels of the Democratic Party—including Chittenden County, (Vermont) Democratic Party chair. He has run successful campaigns for state legislature, lieutenant governor, and governor. He served as chair of both the National Governors' Association and the Democratic Governors' Association (DGA). And as chair of the DGA, he helped recruit nearly 20 governors that won—even in so-called "red" states—including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi. He knows what it is like to be involved at the local level and he know what it is like to run for national office, a perfect combination for a party that needs to reconnect with its grassroots as well as be competitive at the national level.

Gov. Howard Dean Announces Key Additional Support for DNC Race

Released: Jan 25, 2005 11:52 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2005

Building on the momentum Governor Howard Dean has gained in his bid for DNC Chair, today he announced additional support. This group includes voting members of the DNC, former chairs of the DNC, congressional members and an array of prominent Democratic leaders.

Supporters include:
Reverend Willie Barrow, DNC Member-at-Large
Don Beyer, Former Lt. Gov. of Virginia and Chairman, Kerry-Edwards Virginia Victory '04
Alma Arrington Brown, philanthropist and wife of former DNC Chair Ron Brown
Joseph Cari, Jr., Former DNC National Finance Chair
Yolanda Caraway, DNC Member-at-Large
Martha Dixon, Arkansas DNC Committeewoman
Bob Farmer, Former DNC Treasurer and Finance Chair of the Kerry-Edwards campaign
Hon. Yvonne A. Gates, Chair of the DNC Black Caucus
Steve Grossman, Former DNC National Chair
Hon. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.)
Ben Johnson, DNC Deputy Chair
Wanda Lockridge, Chair of the District of Columbia State Committee
Hon. Gloria Molina, DNC Vice-Chair
Minyon Moore, DNC Member-at-Large
Mirian Saez, DNC Member-at-Large
Hon. Diane Watson (D-Calif.), DNC Member-at-Large
David Wilhelm, Former DNC National Chair

"I appreciate the continued momentum this group brings to our campaign," said Dean. "This broad coalition of leaders brings a wealth of insight and experience from all factions of the Democratic Party and I am honored to have their support."

Dean continues to attend regional caucus meetings of the DNC membership across the country and will be traveling to New York City this weekend (Saturday, January 29) for the Eastern Regional Caucus.

Contacts: Freddy Baldassaro, 917-686-5827
               Laura Gross, 802-318-6853

GOV. HOWARD DEAN HOSTS NATIONWIDE HOUSE PARTIES ON INAUGURATION DAY THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2005

Released: Jan 19, 2005 3:12 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2005
Contact: Laura Gross, 802-318-6853
Fred Baldassaro, 917-686-5827

BURLINGTON, VT—While Republicans in Washington, DC are spending millions of dollars at fancy inaugural balls, sponsored by corporations and millionaires; Gov. Howard Dean will host a small dollar, grassroots fundraiser in Burlington. He will also participate in a conference call with approximately 100 other house parties throughout the country after the event.

After all, Democrats have something to celebrate too. By endorsing and supporting candidates at all levels of government, Dean's PAC, Democracy for America (DFA), helped elect Democrats throughout the country with great success, including two new U.S. senators, three new governors and nine state legislative chambers are now in Democratic control. And, 15 of the people Dean and DFA endorsed never ran for office before and won.

WHO: Gov. Howard Dean, comedian Jason P. Lorber and musical guest, Name.

WHAT: Burlington House Party

WHEN: Thursday, January 20, 2005; 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST. Gov. Dean is expected to speak at 6:20

WHERE: Sheraton Burlington, Vt. – Emerald Ballroom; 870 Williston Road

WHO: Gov. Howard Dean

WHAT: 100 House Parties all over the country via conference call

WHEN: Eastern U.S.: 7:00 EST

WHERE: Find the house party in your community: www.democracyforamerica.com/houseparties

# # #

Oklahoma, Mississippi and Utah Democratic Party Leadership Join Florida in Endorsing Gov. Howard Dean for DNC Chair

Released: Jan 18, 2005 5:51 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2005
*Contacts are listed at the bottom

Oklahoma, Mississippi and Utah Democratic Party Leadership Join Florida in Endorsing Gov. Howard Dean for DNC Chair

Governor Howard Dean was endorsed today by several state Democratic Party chairs and vice chairs, adding to his broad, diverse and growing list of support both among the members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The list of voting DNC state party chairs and vice-chairs supporting Governor Dean include:

Florida: Chairman Scott Maddox, Vice-Chairwoman Diane Glasser
Mississippi: Chairman Wayne Dowdy
Oklahoma: Chairman Jay Parmley
Utah: Vice-Chairwoman Nancy Woodside
Washington: Chairman Paul Berendt
Vermont: Chairman Peter Mallary

This list of supporters signifies that people in every region of the country approve of Dean's vision and structure that he wants to bring to the DNC.

"The support of these influential chairs and vice chairs from all parts of the country and across the political spectrum means a lot to me." Dean said, "They are part of my overall strategy for Democrats to be involved in every race in every town, city and precinct. I am looking forward to working with them to ensure my election as the next Chairman of the DNC."

Dean is running for DNC Chair to build on the work his PAC, Democracy for America, (DFA) has been doing to elect Democrats to local and national offices. In addition to mobilizing grassroots support, DFA directly donated over $1 million for candidates across the country.

Gov. Dean continues to attend regional caucus meetings of the DNC membership across the country and will be traveling to those meetings for the next two weeks. This weekend (January 22), he will be in Sacramento to meet with the Western Regional Caucus and the following weekend (January 29) he will be in New York City to meet with the Northern Regional Caucus.

# # #

Dean Contacts: Freddy Baldassaro, 917-686-5827; Laura Gross, 802-318-6853
Oklahoma State Party: Jay Parmley, 405-427-3366
Florida State Party: Allie Merzer, 850-222-3411
Miss. State Party: Wayne Dowdy or Keelan Sanders, 601-969-2913
Utah State Party: Arlyn Bradshaw, 801-328-1212
Washington State Party: Paul Berendt, 206-583-0664
Vermont State Party: 802-229-1763

# # #

Gov. Howard Dean Visits St. Louis

Released: Jan 14, 2005 3:05 PM

Friday, January 14, 2005
5:00 PM Gov. Dean hosts rally with supporters
Renaissance Hotel
9801 Natural Bridge Road, Concourse Ballroom Lobby; St. Louis

Saturday, January 15, 2005
11:00 AM Gov. Dean attends DNC Regional Meeting
Hilton Hotel
10330 Natural Bridge Road; St. Louis

Gov. Howard Dean is Running for DNC Chair

Released: Jan 11, 2005 5:10 PM

As I have traveled across our country, I have talked to thousands of people who are working for change in their own communities about the power of politics to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. Every group I have spoken to, I encouraged them to stand up for what they believe and to get involved in the electoral process – because the only sure way to make a difference is to step up and run for office yourself.

Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for the Chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee.

The Democratic Party needs a vibrant, forward-thinking, long-term presence in every single state and we must be willing to contest every race at every level. We will only win when we show up and fight for the issues important to all of us.

Another integral part of our strategy must be cultivating the party's grassroots. Our long term success depends on all of us taking an active role in our party and in the political process, by volunteering, going door to door and taking the Democratic message into every community, and by organizing at the local level. After all, new ideas and new leaders don't come from consultants; they come from communities.

As important as organization is, it alone can no longer win us elections. Offering a new choice means making 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. 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. We must say what we mean -- and mean real change when we say it.

But most of all, together, we have to rebuild the American community. We will never succeed by treating our nation as a collection of separate regions or separate groups. There are no red states or blues states, only American states. And we must talk to the people in all of these states as members of one community.

That word -- 'values' -- has lately become a codeword for appeasement of the right-wing fringe. But when political calculations make us soften our opposition to bigotry, or sign on to policies that add to the burden of ordinary Americans, we have abandoned our true values.

We cannot let that happen. And we cannot just mouth the words. Our party must speak plainly and our agenda must clearly 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. 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.

With your help, this past election season, Democracy for America, already started creating the kind of organization the Democratic Party can be. This past election cycle, we endorsed over 100 candidates at all levels of government -- from school board to U.S. Senate. We contributed almost a million dollars to nearly 750 candidates around the country and raised millions of dollars for many more candidates.

Together, we helped elect a Democratic governor in Montana, a Democratic mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah and an African American woman to the bench in Alabama. Fifteen of the candidates we endorsed had never run for office before -- and won.

I also have experience building and managing a local party organization. My career started as Democratic Party chair in Chittenden County, Vermont. I then ran successful campaigns: for state legislature, lieutenant governor and then governor. In my 11-year tenure as governor, I balanced the state's budget every year.

I served as chair of both the National Governors' Association and the Democratic Governors' Association (DGA). And as chair of the DGA, I helped recruit nearly 20 governors that won -- even in states like Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi.

All of these experiences have only reaffirmed what I know to be true. There is only one party that speaks to the hopes and dreams of all Americans. It is the party you have already given so much to. It is the Democratic Party.

We can win elections only by standing up for what we believe. Thank you.