Question regarding one of the Reservations I have on Dean for DNC Chair

[cindyw]

My understanding of the DNC Chair job is that it is mainly a CFO style position. The chair is the face of the organization, but mainly he or she is the money raiser/money spender. They make decisions on where the party should invest. I know many think the job will affect Dem party policy, but I think it does only in how the party invests in candidates.

So here is is my question. I did not pay much attention to Dean because he was not my candidate. I was very impressed with how the campaign raised money. Small donations over time really added up. The Kerry campaign obviously continued with it and I think the DNC picked up on the strategy. But here is my concern. Can anyone tell me what happened at the end of the campaign? It was my understanding that the campaign blew the money. When it cam time to fight back against Kerry's surge and subsequent win, the money was not there. Who was responsible for making the decisions on how to spend the money? I worry that if the campaign is any indication of how he will run the organization we would be in a worse position than has been left in a financial manner. If you show me that Dean was not the one who planned poorly financially that would suffice.

If you are a Dean supporter and are thinking of answering me by attacking other candidates, I am not interested, nor am I attacking Dean here. This is my honest concern about his stewardship of the DNC, which is at it's core a fundraising organization and a money spending organization. If you intend to attack me back off.

[janx]

1. Dean is very good with money. Check out Vermont.

It's one of the only states in these dark fiscal days that isn't in the red, and this is largely due to Dean's efforts during his five terms as governor there.

I heard the talking heads asking this same question today, so I guess you're not alone.

The Dean campaign, like most of the others, realized that whoever won Iowa would most likely go on to win the nomination. So they invested the campaign money heavily in that effort.

After Iowa, the campaign was still bringing money in.

And now that DFA has been formed, money continues to be forthcoming.

[illflem]

4. Could be wrong but isn't Vermont

the only state that doesn't require that they operate in the black?

[janx]

6. Right. The state doesn't officially require it. But Dean required

it. ;-)

[DebJ]

39. hey is that how you get a balanced budget? ha ha

[cindyw]

5. I didn't watch the talking heads today.

And I know that Dean has always been good at bringing in money, my concern is on the spending I suppose. But don't you think that the money issues cam up just before Iowa. In the days when Kerry surged, there was not the money to do a last minute fight.

[BlueInRed]

2. I don't know all the details

but it was my understanding that Trippi was responsible for the spending problems and it was part of why he left the campaign. I remember discussions of Dean being very upset when he discovered the problem.

I'm sure someone else can give a blow by blow of the situation.

I had the same concern about money, as Dean's fiscally responsible policies in Vermont were one of his main draws for me (initially). I would say that Vermont is also an example of his monetary stewardship, regardless of what happened with the campaign money. And in Vermont, he seems to have performed admirably and extremely responsibly with money. And I have satisfied myself he will never let what happened to his campaign money repeat itself.

[chascarrillo]

7. I remember something along the same lines...

... regarding Trippi's responsibility. Unfortunately, I'm hazy on the details. Hopefully someone can post details on this (or correct my memory if I've slipped up).

[cindyw]

10. If it was Trippi, I would be interested in seeing the evidence or

an article that alludes to that. This is my main concern now.

[Dr.Phool]

11. Trippi blew a lot of money

By trying to run a 50 state campaign before it was needed, and was out of money to get the message out in Iowa and N.H.

[kerrygoddess]

32. Many said that was also Dean's concept

Many said that was also Dean's concept, to run a 50 state campaign.

He certainly talked about it frequently and it seemed as though he spoke from the heart on that. If that were the case, then the over spending would not have been solely at the hands of Trippi.

[blm]

3. I think he'll do well....

7. Actually, I think Dean will do well in that area. Much like he did as
governor. I think the campaign momentum swept him up way too much and he wasn't paying attention to the financial dealings, leaving it to others as any candidate would.

I think if some of his supporters would back off and STOP attacking other Democrats they would give Dean the room he needs to attain the chairmanship AND succeed in working with ALL factions of the Democratic party.

[cindyw]

8. Your right in the second comment.

But I think it is a small number of people who did the same thing during the campaign. They appear to be more people because they are all over the place. It is unfortunate.

[Guaranteed]

12. That didn't start this time around until

some DLC assholes started attacking Dean. We just hit back.

[cindyw]

18. It doesn't help if you are the one doing it.

The most effective way to win support for your own candidate is not to attack the other persons candidate. It is to defend your own. On the Kerry forum, it was a policy of the mods that attacks on Dean in response to attacks on Kerry were not only wrong, but ineffective. They simply served to further divide Dems, but they turned people off to Kerry.

If you want people to like Dean, then sell him. Defend him. "Hitting back" with attacks may feel good, but it does not help within the party, nor does it help Dean. Save that style of politicing for Repubs. An arguement for the same could be made here, but let's worry about Dem unity first.

[BlueInRed]

9. Agreed on the attack issue

I know we all have one or two democrats that are our personal pet peeves, but I do think there is a point where attacks and counterattacks on fellow Democrats achieve the opposite of what they are intended to do. Instead of convincing people of error, they simply cement their opposition and turn off the undecideds.

I only wish we were as good at attacking Republicans....

[Ninga]

13. Dean moved immediately by turning Dean for America

into Democracy for America, and monies that flowed in during his run for the nomination were turned over to the new organization and then funneled to grassroots candidates.

Dean is resilient, Dean is smart, Dean is tough, and Dean understands how the Republicans operate.

[cindyw]

19. So tell me what the DFA is accomplishing.

[NYCGirl]

24. Here's just some of what DFA has accomplished:

At the local and state level, Democracy for America and Gov. Howard Dean have reason to celebrate this year's election results. Many DFA-endorsed Dean Dozen and DFA-supported candidates won elections at all levels of government, throughout the country.

One of the two new Democratic United States senators was a "Dean Dozen" candidate—Barack Obama (D-Ill.). Obama and the other new Democratic senator, Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), received contributions from DFA.

One "Dean Dozen" candidate won her race for Congress, Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and DFA contributed to five of the fourteen incoming freshman Democratic Members of Congress.

Some of the notable non-federal success stories include:

Both of the new Democratic governors are "Dean Dozen" candidates: John Lynch (D-NH) and Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.)

Two "Dean Dozen" candidates won their mayoral race: Peter Corroon was elected as mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah and Tom Potter was elected as mayor of Portland, Ore.

Democracy for America contributed more than $600,000 to 634 candidates for non-federal office. 319 of those candidates won—a 50% win-loss record.

"Dean Dozen" candidates were elected to state legislatures in 16 states. Candidates for legislature who received Democracy for America contributions, but were not part of the "Dean Dozen," were elected in an additional 12 states.

Democracy for America played a large role in regaining several legislative chambers for the Democrats, including: the Colorado House and Senate, the North Carolina House, the Oregon Senate, the Vermont House and the Washington Senate. DFA also helped secure a tie in the Iowa Senate.

"Dean Dozen" candidates were elected to the bench in Alabama and Georgia.

"Dean Dozen" candidates also won races for soil & water commission, supervisor of elections, township clerk, county commission and constable.

Governor Dean commented on the election results:
"The Dean Dozen candidates and the hundreds of other candidates that Democracy for America supported are the future of the Democratic Party. Win or lose, these fiscally responsible, socially progressive citizens fought to take our country back and helped spread the message that to change America, Democrats must compete everywhere, including the red states."

Throughout the months leading up to the election, Governor Dean attended press conferences, fundraisers and campaign rallies, to help spread the DFA message and raise campaign funds for 50 candidates in 26 states. Many of you—our supporters—volunteered and financially supported these candidates as well and your actions were invaluable.

DFA has raised over $5 million since we became an organization in March 2004. We have donated money to 748 candidates throughout the country—in 46 states and at every level of government. We believe that Democrats will return to national prominence very soon. DFA will continue to endorse and support candidates and train campaign workers and volunteers in 2005 and beyond.

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/005524.html

[cali]

26. i'm a little surprised that you don't know what DFA

has been doing. During the past election cycle DFA supported over 90 candidates at various levels. These were the so-called Dean dozen. (Obviously a misnomer) Approximately a third of them were elected. In Vermont we took back the legislature. In Montana, a dem was elected Governor. These are just two examples. Testimonies to the effectiveness of this help, written by candidates can be found on the DFA website. DFA helped raise a substantial amount of money for the recount in the Washington State recount. DFA works with the grassroots on strategy and supporting candidates.

[dave29]

28. DFA

was responsible for getting several Democrats elected not only in "Blue" states, but red ones. DFA has helped to give momentum to his DNC candidacy by agressively promoting him to state Democratic chairs. DFA has brought grassroots participation (which is turning into a movement to rededicate the party to it's Democratic Principles, and focus like a laser on differentiating ourselves, in a positive way from the Republicans) to a whole new level never seen before in American Politics. DFA was responsible for giving John Kerry a fighting chance, monetarily against GWB. DFA has helped people connect in their local communities and create efficiencies and ideas they could never have hoped to tap into, being so detached from their base.

DFA runs under the principle, "if we want to win, we have to show up" which means getting good candidates, everywhere, for every position against the Republicans. It is the only winning philosophy, and Howard Dean is the only man with the ability to actually deliver on his promises, since he is willing to give power back to the people.

We live in a representative democracy, if we want to win, we have to represent ourselves, and make sure our voices are heard. Dean was an early recognizer of the voting machine problems, and has since made that a focus of DFA efforts as well.

[Casandra]

17. Dean Campaign

I do remember a comment from Dean in the beginning of his campaign. He said something to the effect of 'shining a light on Congress' and weeding out the 'vermen'. Does anyone remember this better? Anyway, it was at this point that the Dems <who knew he was referring to them> gathered together to defeat Dean! It was the 'insider Dems' who brought this guy down! (The Clinton group)

Trippi was the one who handled his campaign, brought in the money and as I understand it, delegated the money also.

We have a similar situation going on right now. The 'insider Dems' are trying everything they know how to STOP DEAN again! He is a 'wake up call' to the Dems that they don't want to hear!

[cali]

14. As a longtime VT resident

I can assure you that Dean was a very good steward of money. It is my understanding that during his campaign, many of the poor money decisions were made by Trippi. Dean addressed this question today with George Stephanopolis on This week.

Regarding the role of DNC chair, yes raising money is a large part of it, but so too is strategy. Dean has won difficult elections. He also served as chair of the Democratic Governors' Association, and reportedly did a good job in that position. Most of all Dean will be a good spokesman for the party. He has the ability to distill complex ideas into straightforward language, and he brings a contagious enthusiasm and excitement that helps motivate people. He's also become accomplished in front of the cameras.

[mahina]

15. He did the smartest thing I've seen in years- built a movement that is

designed to support other progressive candidates. He researched progressives and tuned his DFA to build awareness and financial support for people in communities all over this country. Two that I know of won against incumbents here in Hawaii! And others won in small races all over.

That was an inspired and very telling transition. He took what would be crushing defeat for most of us and made it work for progressive causes.

I loved him before that, but you know, that was really telling about his heart. He is all about what is best for the country. I love Howard Dean, we are luck he wants the job, and he will make all the difference in the world.
God bless you Howard!

[cindyw]

20. You have mentioned one aspect of Dean that I do like.

I would like the DNC to use more funds to support more progressive candidates. Thanks for mentioning a postive aspect of Dean possibilities within the DNC.

[mahina]

16. Sorry- all of that was to answer your question,

"Can anyone tell me what happened at the end of the campaign?"

[cindyw]

21. Sorry I meant the time from the January 2004 to Feb 2004

[mahina]

31. random DFA page

http://www.centralfloridafordean.com/DesktopDefault.aspx

local organizing. DFA gives people a way to participate and hook in to their community.
Not sure about your particular time frame there but this has been an ongoing effort, continuing now. I admire and appreciate that little piece of genius and determination to take responsibility to take our country back.

Now if only Hawaii DFA was as together, but our Hawaii for Dean team transitioned into working on state races and guess what? We kicked ass large!!!!
We smote!

So anyway that is what he did after the primary and it is continuing to make a giant difference.

The wisdom and perspective and personal character it took for him to separate the ego from the situation and see that we need an enduring organization, shake off the pain of loss and get right on with it, just makes me proud to have helped the man.

BTW your pic of Kerry/Edwards fam makes me so sad. I still haven't taken my K/E sticker off my car. Any news of Elizabeth's health? Sending her prayers every day.

Aloha!

[cindyw]

33. I think the K/E sticker will stay. As for that photo, I printed it out,

and put it in to a collage of memorabilia and proudly displayed it in my living room. After all, some people put pictures of the president in their house. Kerry and Edwards have earned a place on my wall.

[drkedjr]

23. By the end of the Campaign

Trippi was all over NH and at one fund raiser for McKim Mitchell, Trip was so into himself, I couldn't really evaluate what he was
saying and if it made any difference to the Kerry campaign.

[Politiclo8]

22. l saw Dean on the ABC talking head show today.................

......and he understands that the Democrats need to get the money to the grassroots. The problem right now is that the DCL holds the purse strings and therefore they control the party.
Dean understands that the Rethugs have an excellent organizational apparatus and Dean understands that the Dems need one as good if not better if than the Rethugs have if Dems want to win.

I can't understand why the Democrats haven't realized this already.
If you look at it this way, the Rethugs control the media,have many many think tanks and right wing religious organizations that are constantly churning out direct mailers millions and millions of Amercians and Bush only won the popular vote by 2% and only won Ohio and the electoral vote by just over 100K votes so the Dems need to find new voters especially among single women and minorities and forget about those married white women who vote against their own interests.

[cindyw]

25. If, as you say, the DLC holds the purse strings, why will Dean being the

head of the DNC change anything.

[dave29]

29. Because the DLC

has up until this moment, held the leadership of the DNC.

[kerrygoddess]

30. The DLC and the DNC are two separate entities!

Does Dean understand that unity means standing behind all factions of the Democratic Party and building a strong coalition between them?

[NYCGirl]

35. You can bet the farm he does! NT

[kerrygoddess]

36. I don't see or hear that from Dean

He wants to move farther left and that will hurt us. People need to realize that there are more moderates in this country then liberals.

[NYCGirl]

37. Many of the Dean Dozen candidates were moderates.

Seems to me he walks the walk.

Edited to add: He doesn't want to move the party to the left, he just doesn't want it going any more to the right. There's a difference.

[newblewtoo]

38. "Many of the Dean Dozen candidates were moderates."

I love your comment "He doesn't want to move the party to the left, he just doesn't want it going any more to the right. There's a difference."

More people need to know this about Dean. He has been painted as a wild leftist by Rove and the MSM.

[AmerDem]

27. Dean as Governor handled money wisely.

Trippi and others managed the funds for Dean's campaign. Dean is more centrist but with the corrupt MSM and repuke talking points used exclusively to tag Democrats many think Dean was and is a "far leftwing liberal madman"...pure BS!

The last thing repukes want is a guy like Dean to take over an important position like head of the DNC. The repukes have trapped the current leaders of our party by making liberal a bad name and forcing them to become more repuke like. Dean goes directly against that by speaking up on their historically bad money management and offering ideology and position in stark contrast to the repuke agenda. This is what the repuke party fears the most.

[NYCGirl]

34. Here's what Dr. Dean had to say on the subject just today:

Stephanopoulos: Let me turn back to some of the other concerns that have been raised about your candidacy. One of them is that a lot of Democrats look back on your Presidential campaign, saw that you raised $50 million and then wondered what happened to it. Here's a clip from Knight Ridder—it said, "Dean's campaign raised a Democratic record $50 million, but he spent it as fast as it came in. They invested in expensive gimmicks such as Vermont chocolates for supporters and elaborate four-color fliers. After Iowa, only about $3 million was left." If you're going to be running the DNC, you're going to be running a $300 million enterprise. How do you convince Democrats you can manage that money?

Dean: First of all, we've obviously changed around the management team that we had in the campaign, we're not doing those kinds of things. Second, when I was governor, I was once rated (as shocking to me as it was to them), the fourth most fiscally conservative governor in the country by the Cato Institute—not exactly known as a great supporter of liberals. I would say that I have a long track record of fiscal responsibility. Terry McAuliffe has left the DNC in fantastic shape, fiscally. I went to visit with them, I'm convinced there are very good fiscal controls over there and that we will spend our money wisely.

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