Howard Dean an honorary Western Democrat DNC

Dean was in Denver recently to speak to supporters in advanced of the 2008 convention being held there.  Because this man was really the final decision-maker in the whole process, I move that Howard Dean becomes an honory Western Democrat.  In fact, his policy positions would probably resonate well out here (fiscal responsibility, social libertarianism) and along with his plain-spoken character he pretty much embodies the principles (well, maybe except for the wealthy east coaster thing...but hey).

Here's the man in his own words:

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Thursday that holding the Democratic National Convention in Denver will show the nation that the West has a road map for Democrats to win the White House next year.

"This is going to be the beginning of a new America," Dean told an overflow rally of supporters at the Denver Convention Center.

Dean said Democratic gains in the West show that voters want politicians to focus on collaboration and values. He said those values include fairness, honesty and a system of government for all Americans, not just a chosen few.

It seemed like his speech resonated well with people in attendence (and are connected):

Julia Hicks, former vice chairwoman of the Colorado Democratic Party, said she was moved by Dean's speech and that Dean was right about his support for Western values that have allowed Democrats to make steady progress in the region, picking up governorships from Montana to Arizona in recent years and in Colorado in November. The party also has gained House seats and made significant inroads in state legislatures.

She said Democrats in the West want to focus on problems, not divisive social issues, and that many regional Democrats are moderates who support gun rights, taking away issues traditionally considered Republican standards.

"People in the West are independent. They march to their own drummer," Hicks said.

We've been talking about this for a long time but there MUST be a westerner on the ticket in 2008.  If the party wants to reform the electoral battlefield and WIN in 2008, they'll probably be a lot of cowboy boots at that convention.

rat

Landon Mascareñaz | April 15, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Howard Dean an honorary Western Democrat DNC

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