Idea of Dean’s chairmanship excites party

[ProudToBeLiberal]

Idea of Dean’s chairmanship excites party

Published Sunday, February 6, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) - Howard Dean’s bid for chairmanship of the Democratic Party has tapped into members’ hunger for a fighter who can recruit new supporters, raise plenty of money and inspire enthusiasm in a party out of power.

Now he’s on the cusp of leading a party that once rallied behind his presidential bid, only to abandon him a year ago when the voting started in Iowa.

"He gave the Democratic Party its swagger back," said Kathy Sullivan, chairwoman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, reminiscing about Dean’s willingness to challenge President George W. Bush. "He reminded them that they should not act like a beaten dog."

Still, some Democrats worry about the image Dean projects: anti-war Northeastern liberal from Vermont, the state that led the way on civil unions for gays. Amid all the talk of values, Democrats wonder whether Dean would be an albatross as they try to make inroads with conservative-leaning voters in the South and Midwest.

more at...http://www.columbiatribune.com/2005/Feb/20050206News034.asp