Democracy for New Mexico: We Did It! The Dean DNC Era Begins

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Saturday, February 12, 2005

We Did It! The Dean DNC Era Begins

From : Amid joyous cheers, Governor Dean was nominated for Chair of the Democratic National Committee by Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.

After a moving video tribute to Governor Dean from DNC Members, a few DNC members added their voices of support to the nomination. Like Jay Parmley, Chair of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party, who offered the reasons why he supports Governor Dean for Chair—"he knows what it takes to lead and he knows what it takes to win."

Alexandra Gallardo Rooker, Vice-Chair of the California Democratic Party, DNC Hispanic Caucus member, said, "My friend, Howard Dean, is a proud democrat... reminds me of how great a Party we are."

The nomination was brought to a vote by acclamation. The "ayes" thundered through the ballroom, there was not a nay to be heard. Governor Dean was named the new Chair of the Democratic National Committee to a standing ovation and cheers of "Howard Dean!"

Congratulations to newly-elected Chair of the DNC, Howard Dean!

“There are a lot of people in this city who are afraid I’m going to be very unorthodox — and I am,” Howard Dean told supporters Friday at a meeting of the Democratic National Committee in Washington.

And Dean has a for us as he moves to his new job:

From Governor Dean

In less than a year you have built a national political powerhouse that helped shape the national debate and supported good candidates across the country. And you have built dozens of grassroots organizations that work for change locally.

There's still a lot of work to do -- DFA and other like-minded organizations face huge challenges as we take on a Republican infrastructure built up with billions of dollars and decades of experience.

But just look at how far we have come. So many of you have grown as leaders and as citizens in such a short time. Your hard work and faith in democracy are beginning to fundamentally shift the balance of political power in this country.

I want to introduce to you two people who will help you continue that work -- and take DFA to the next level.

First let me introduce my brother, Jim Dean -- the new Chair of Democracy for America. Jim has been a tireless supporter of the grassroots, and many of you have met him at events around the country.

Like many of you, he wasn?t very political until recently. He was drawn into political life because of his deep concern for the credibility of our political process.

He believes in protecting every vote and protecting our democracy from corruption like Tom DeLay?s money-for-influence machine. Most importantly he believes in amplifying your role in our political process.

Like Jim, Tom Hughes -- the new Executive Director -- has spent the last several months as one of the primary networkers for the DFA grassroots. Many of you already know Tom -- those of you who don't will soon know his energy, enthusiasm and passion for the people of this organization.

DFA will continue to be your place to support socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates. That process will soon be gearing up -- you will be an important part of it. And you will hear more from Jim and Tom soon about how DFA can help your local organization.

I look forward to continuing our conversation about the future of our party and our country in my new role at the DNC. You will see less of me in this space for a while, but this organization is in good hands -- yours.

You have taught me so much -- about our country, about our democracy, about the hope and determination of our people. Change is possible. And you have the power to make it happen -- you already have.

Thank you,
Howard

February 12, 2005 at 11:18 AM in Democratic Party, DFA | Permalink