http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/10-03/10-25-03/a01sr431.htmNEW BEDFORD -- Everyone knows former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has unexpectedly shot to the lead over Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kerry in the battle to win the New Hampshire primary.
But now Gov. Dean is taking on the Massachusetts senator in his home state.
The former five-term governor has successfully lured away former New Bedford Mayor John K. Bullard from the Kerry side.
Mr. Bullard, who gave a $1,000 contribution to Sen. Kerry last year, said he has become convinced that Gov. Dean would make the strongest candidate against President Bush in the final election.
"In an age of people being handled, Howard Dean is his own guy," he said. "His positions are what he thinks. He says what he means and he does what he says, and people are comfortable with that."