New York Democratic leaders back Dean

[ProudToBeLiberal]

By MARC HUMBERT
AP Political Writer

February 2, 2005, 3:58 PM EST


ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York's Democratic Party leaders, with a possible 2008 White House run by their own Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the wings, threw their support behind Howard Dean's surging campaign to become the party's new national chairman.

"As I said to Howard Dean in our phone conversation, I am very delighted to be endorsing him, a native New Yorker, for the position," state party Chairman Herman Farrell said Wednesday. "Howard Dean understands the importance of supporting state parties and strengthening the grass roots of our party. I look forward to working with him as we prepare for the critical elections to come in New York state."

The New York-born Dean, the former Vermont governor who lost a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination last year, has surged to the front in recent days in the race to become national party chairman.

New York's backing for Dean comes as state party leaders gear up for the New York City mayor's race this year in which they try to unseat Republican Michael Bloomberg. In 2006, Democrats will try to take back the governor's mansion and re-elect Clinton.

more...http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--dean-newyork0202feb02,0,6672245.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

[WI_DEM]

1. these races will be Dean's top priority as DNC Chair in '05

NY Mayor
NJ and Va Governorship
and continuing to gain ground in state leg races.

[Debi]

2. So, how many states is that for Dean?

:kick:

[jswordy]

3. I dunno, but his critics here are kinda quiet lately.

I never thought he had a chance to win, but it kinda looks like he might. YOU GO, DOC!

[aquart]

4. Go Denny Farrell!

Went to school with his kid.

[NYCGirl]

5. Great! That's the one I was waiting for. NT

[cal04]

7. Me too. I'm so glad.

:bounce:

[David Zephyr]

6. Kick.