Democrats snub Dean at Louisiana event

Leading La. Democrats no-shows for Dean
By ADAM NOSSITERAssociated Press Writer
June 30, 2005

Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean urged members of his party to "stand up for what you believe in" at a lightly-attended fundraiser Thursday night, but none of Louisiana's leading Democrats was there for the message - not Gov. Kathleen Blanco or Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, or even the chairman of the state party, Jim Bernhard.

Dean afterwards attributed the absences to "schedules," but his selection as DNC chairman earlier this year was opposed by many conservative Democrats, and they continue to express dismay over the Vermont governor's tough words for the party in power.

The no-shows underscored the challenge Dean faces in "red" states - particularly as it concerns what he calls Democrats' "50-state strategy" of fighting for every state, and rebuilding grassroots parties, partly by doling out national funds to the local branches and insisting they hire additional staff. He's already given more than $1 million to the state parties.

In a press release, state Republicans mocked the DNC chairman, welcoming him to Louisiana and saying he was "the best thing to happen to the Republican Party since Jimmy Carter."

Anticipating the Democratic no-shows, party chairman Roger Villere Jr. said in a statement: "I can't understand why Louisiana Democrats would want to be seen with Howard Dean, but I certainly hope they continue to do so."

Dean gave no ground in a brief but fiery speech, pleasing a partisan crowd gathered in an old twine factory here with attacks on President Bush, who he said was "petulant," and "did not tell the truth" on Iraq, and accusing him of turning a deaf ear to those who disagreed with him. >>>continued

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050630/APN/506301290&cachetime=3&template=dateline