Big News from Howard Dean

[Clarkie1]

My 2 cents -
I really like what Dean is attempting to do here. I donated $$$ to the Democratic National Committee when Dean became chairman, and I wish I had more $$$ to donate. It might be helpful if the DNC gave suggestions for other ways to support/volunteer/etc. besides giving money. I know I will be actively campaigning for the Democratic house candidate in my district www.jerrymcnerney.org. This race has been identified as the best chance to defeat a Republican incumbent in the state of California - Woohoo! Unfortunately, we came up a little short in 04' with our local House race, but I think with the name recognition here now and the base of support we have a really strong chance in 06'. I am writing letters to the Editor asking why Republican incumbent is not standing up to Delay and demanding integrity in government, etc. We all need to be thinking NOW what we can do, not wait until right before the election. Dean is absolutely right!

Dear xxxx,

Every four years, a few months before the presidential election, the Democratic Party puts staff and resources on the ground in a few battleground states ... and then they're gone. After November the whole operation disappears.

Then, four years later, we do the same thing all over again.

That hasn't worked. And I ran for chairman on a promise to do it another way.

So a few days ago I met with the state party chairs, and we made a decision together. For the first time ever we're going to build for the future by putting staff and resources on the ground early -- starting in 2005, not 2008. The first four states: North Dakota, Missouri, North Carolina and West Virginia.

How soon the next 46 states get moving depends on you -- can you make a contribution now?

http://www.democrats.org/50states

You mandated a party built from the ground up, and that's exactly what we're going to do.

The half-million dollars we're investing in these first four states will pay for professional organizers -- the key staff who will develop skills and help build a permanent network of Democrats at the grassroots level.

But we cannot stop here. It's your party, and it will only grow with your help:

http://www.democrats.org/50states

I am personally dedicated to making sure that every single state has the resources and infrastructure to compete at every level of office.

To do that, we need a Democratic Party that commits to a long-term presence in every state, every region, and every community.

I can't wait to announce that we're moving into the next group of states -- but the timetable is up to you. Your $100 contribution grows the Democratic Party faster, and will immediately make us more competitive:

http://www.democrats.org/50states

The Republican Party isn't waiting. They have been building for years, and every day that slips by means another opportunity missed.

This is your time. This is your challenge. Let's get to work -- together.

Thank you.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
Chairman, Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- Please tell every Democrat you know -- no matter where they live -- that together we're building a truly national Democratic Party. Ask them to join us now: www.democrats.org/join.

[Eric J in MN]

1. I donated to the Democratic Party tonight (nt)

nt

[barbaraann]

2. Me, too.

n/t

[shance]

3. You hit the nail on the head.

The DNC and other organizations need to have other ways for Democrats to donate, namely their time and or skills.

The real building of a party or organization happens when we come together not when we send a check and never know where it goes.

I know the money is necessary, however the Democrats greatest strength is our numbers and not our amount of assets. We need to better utilize the strengths we do have and invest more in them.

[Eloriel]

7. It's really not an either/or proposition

What you say is true, but the money is needed as well.

I also want to say this: of ALL the campaign solicitations anyone may have received in the past, THIS TIME the guy on the sending end really means it. Any money you donate really will go to the intended purpose. This isn't one of those lame, let's use some fine-sounding rhetoric, this is Howard Dean and this is for real. So donate. :D

[imenja]

4. I really like what you say here

"It might be helpful if the DNC gave suggestions for other ways to support/volunteer/etc. besides giving money." I agree entirely. It's time to start organizing now, and the DNC can help us do that.

[Eric J in MN]

5. kick

kick

[Nikki Stone 1]

6. I'll be sending a check

Way to go Dr. Dean!

[FogerRox]

8. what-- I volunteer 30 to 40 hrs a week and now you want friggin money----

>wink<