In Dean, some backers see hope for Texas' ailing Democratic Party

[stickdog]

http://www.statesman.com/asection/content/auto/epaper/editions/monday/news_f3943b9f374352670099.html

Dean's grass roots growing in Texas

By Ken Herman
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Monday, August 25, 2003

On a Saturday morning in April, Glen Maxey, based at a folding table stocked with Howard Dean campaign materials, worked the hallway near the hotel conference room where the State Democratic Executive Committee was meeting.

On that day, long before Dean's campaign became the buzz of the presidential race, Maxey had the twinkling eye of a man convinced he was on the leading edge of a wave. The next step for Maxey was convincing other folks.

Four months later, with Dean due in Austin and San Antonio this evening, Maxey, former state legislator and longtime Democratic party operative, sees a mission accomplished.

"I've got an army," Maxey, Dean's Texas coordinator, proclaimed buoyantly at the keyboard of the computer that holds the information about the thousands of Texans signed on for the effort to support Dean.

[jamesinca]

1. I think the entire country, not just TX

I think the entire U.S. sees hope for the Dems with Dean out there. If he wins the primary or not, he is definitely getting it stirred up and making it exciting.

[FlashHarry]

2. Did you guys listen to the Dean interview on TX ClearChannel radio?

Somebody here posted it. It was basically two self-confessed 'conservative Republican' radio hosts (redundant, I know) who interviewed HD. And let me tell you, the LOVED him. It was almost like a 15-minute campaign commercial.

On edit here's the thread.

[w13rd0]

3. I'm telling you...

...these "small businessman Republicans" LOVE what he's had to say about small businesses. It really resonates with them, moreso than any of the fruit gone rotten Bush has promised and not delivered on...

[duid12]

4. health care/small business

>>I'm telling you these "small businessman Republicans" LOVE what he's had to say about small businesses

Just addressing the out-of-control health care costs/problem in this country would attract plenty of small business supporters...ask a small business people what is more of a problem for them...being able to deduct a $100,000 SUV on your tax return as a business expense, or being able to hire more people without the HUGE cost of providing decent health care for their employees?

[jamesinca]

5. That is an issue of his

He wants to make health care almost free for the small business. That is a big almost, but he really is looking to cut the cost of it. Of course Kenny Boy lay will have to pony up the difference. Since I don't really care about Ken Lay, it sounds like a very viable option.

[Frances]

6. I have tried to understand why

my gut tells me that Dean will win some (maybe not enough) Southern white male votes. I think it's because Dean is seen as a strong man. In other words, Dean's thick neck could be an asset in my native South.

After 9/11, I heard many Democratic men and women in Maryland (where I lived for almost 30 years)tell me that they want a president who will make them feel safe. People thought Bush would do that, but now that Iraq is chaotic they are looking for another leader. Maybe Dean/Clark would be the best ticket. Of course, we will need to win by a large margin to actually get into the White House.

[moondust]

7. Guns and capital punishment.

Gateways to Texas.

[sham]

8. sad but true

Unfortunately, so is a woman's right to choose, and that one issue will probably be enough to sink the Dem here. I am working on my freeper brother-in-law though. Guns are his big issue, but Dean's stance on capital punishment will also be attractive to him.