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Dean speaks at Raleigh headquarters

Howard Dean Democratic National Committee head Howard Dean said North Carolina will not be ignored.

Speaking in front of a crowd of about 100 at the state Democratic headquarters in Raleigh this morning, the former Vermont governor said that the party will reach out "to a lot of people that we haven't reached out to in a long time."

"The Democratic Party has changed a lot in 30 years, and so has the South," he said. "There is no reason for us ever to pass over a state anywhere."

The 15-minute speech was part of a "Register for Change" tour to boost presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama as well as gubernatorial nominee Beverly Perdue and Senate nominee Kay Hagan.

Touring the state in a biodiesel-fueled bus, Dean will also make stops in Greensboro and Charlotte today, aimed at signing up volunteers for voter registration efforts here.

The chairman of the Republican National Committee is expected to come in the next few weeks.

Dean, who has led a "50-state strategy" aimed at building the party around the country, told reporters afterward that the party will have a "significant effort" in North Carolina, but he would not give specifics.

"I think you'll see us play here heavily," he said.

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Re: Dean speaks at Raleigh headquarters

Submitted by mbrock49 on July 25, 2008 - 11:11pm.

I was thrilled to see Gov. Dean in person, and the hear his words firsthand. I am disappointed that your paper decides to use this occasion to showcase a handful of protestors rather than featuring the event as witnessed by most of the over 100 people who went to support Sen. Obama and the DNC.
The bus was a nice touch, too.

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Re: Dean speaks at Raleigh headquarters

Submitted by FFC1304 on July 25, 2008 - 7:43pm.

'Only' 100 NC democrackkks showed up to greet the DNC chairperson? (chairscreecher)

Where's the love and support of their 'leader'?

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Re: Dean speaks at Raleigh headquarters

Submitted by piperscot on July 25, 2008 - 2:03pm.

I am so confused about your comments to look at the finance reports. The North Carolina Republican Party has raised more money than the NC DP from individuals. For a party that is trying to distance itself from lobbyists and PACs, how do you explain the NC DP accepting $1,461,935.87 from PAC's while the NCGOP only received $337,591.84. That is almost 5 times as much. It would seem that the Republicans are supported by the voters (who do donate) while the Democrats are supported by PACs. Is that too simple a view?

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Re: Dean speaks at Raleigh headquarters

Submitted by jjsmith2 on July 25, 2008 - 11:07am.

That proves to me that the NC GOP is one of the worst run organizations out there. Just look at the finance reports and you'll see that North Carolina republicans are lagging behind in fundraising and cash on hand. Yet, the executive committee feels the need to put together shoddy ads that do not focus on any issues and further waste money.

the NC GOP would have been smart to listen to Bob Orr in the primary and save its money.

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