This is public display of strong support for Howard Dean to remain Chairman of the Democratic Party. Ben Smith at Politico believes Dean may be on the way out via Obama's Campaign. That would be a HUGE Mistake.
One unknown: Will Howard Dean stay? Obama's camp has operated from the start as though a large chunk of Dean's original base -- the "Netroots" -- were irrelevant, and Obama has built an online juggernaut that dwarfs what's left of of Dean for America, Democracy for America. Obama also likes control, and though Dean has generally avoided being a distraction, he's not Obama's guy.
But Dean also has a new base: The state party officials who love his 50 state program, which has given them cash and paid for something like 200 field organizers around the country. They want Dean to stay, and will fight to keep him.
"The Obama campaign is aware of the affection that many state chairs have for Governor Dean," Brian Melendez, the Minnesota Democratic chairman told me the other day.
Melendez also said he wasn't sure Dean would want to stay, but he and other chairs would clearly like him to.
- I take issue with Ben Smith's Characterization. I do believe that Barack Obama has embraced the netroots. Look no further than this website and the often contributions by Barack's Bloggers to prove this point. The Netroots were really vitalized by Howard Dean and certainly have proven to be a powerful echo chamber, oppo-resource and fundraising base. We are a power center that Obama has and McCain doesn't. Unseating Howard Dean would be an insult to thousands of Netroots activists like myself who were brought online by Howard Dean.
- Howard Dean is only just getting started. He laid the groundwork for everything Obama has built. From the 50 State Strategy to the Online Fundraising Bats to Joe Trippi's Dream of Million Online Donors, it's all now Obama's Backbone. Howard Dean has similar plans for the DNC. And he should be allowed to serve a long term there because he's a very effective inside leader.
- Howard Dean went to bat for Obama in Nevada. Never forget that he stepped in when the Clinton people were threatening Law Suits... He earned his Obama-wings that day
- The DNC Is adaptable and Howard Dean is a Worker... Note today's new policy which we should all applaud
On Good Morning America Thursday, ABC News' Chief Washington Correspondent George Stephanopoulos reported "the Democratic National Committee will no longer accept contributions from federal lobbyists, will no longer take contributions from PACs" in keeping with Obama's well-publicized policy.
If you want/support Howard Dean for DNC Chair another term, Please, vote in the poll, rec this diary, and write a letter today to both the DNC and the Obama campaign.
Lastly, today's a good day to make a Donation to the DNC in Howard's Name.