It's Down to Roemer

Donnie Fowler has done the math. A blogger on MyDD, who opposed Dean for the presidential nomination tells us, "Why I support Howard Dean for DNC head."

''Congratulations to Dean''

Kos warns us not to celebrate too early. If you want comments there are 172, so far.

Bulgegate: The Final Word

Just in case you forgot how the Rovians don't play fair: "On Thursday, just three days after that first exposé, the paper was set to run a second, perhaps more explosive piece, exposing how George W. Bush had worn an electronic cueing device in his ear and probably cheated during the presidential debates. That the story hadn’t gotten more serious treatment in the mainstream press was largely thanks to a well-organized media effort by the Bush White House and the Bush/Cheney campaign to label those who attempted to investigate the bulge as "conspiracy buffs."-from the story on the Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting site.

Let's Make It Unanimous (UPDATED)

Simon says he's out: "Activist Simon Rosenberg abandoned his bid for Democratic National Committee chairman on Friday and backed front-runner Howard Dean, moving the former presidential candidate closer to capturing the party title."-from the AP story in the Washington Post. Reuters has this roundup on the race, "Dean Poised to Be New Democratic Party Chief": "The resurgence of Dean, an early and fierce critic of President Bush during the Democratic primary campaign, comes three months after many Democrats said the November results showed the party needed a more moderate approach that could broaden its appeal in the South, Midwest and Mountain States. But Dean wooed party insiders with an aggressive campaign that promised to pump up state-based operations, energize the party's grass roots and build an army of small donors similar to the one that aided his presidential bid. "He just ran a great campaign," Rosenberg said. "They won this thing. It was not in any way handed to him." As for Fowler, "He says he will stay in the race until the Feb. 12 vote, although many Democrats expect him to call it quits before then. "We are still committed to staying in the race, we are getting a lot of private commitments," said Jamal Simmons, a Fowler spokesman. "For now, our supporters still want him in."

''It's Over: Dean has the Votes''

According to a post on MyDD. They have names. Lots of comments, too.

''The Outsiders''

"The DNC chair race has exposed deep fissures within the Democratic Party. Some of these are ideological, but the real story of the race is the diffusion of power away from Washington and to new people and entities that have rushed to fill the power vacuum at the top of the party."-from the periodical I try to ignore, The New Republic. But this commentary by Ryan Lizza is worth a read for its skewed description of the changing of the guard at the DNC and what this tells us about the current state of the Democratic Party.

''Dean It Is''

"What's going on here is not an ideological struggle, it is a partisan struggle, more about style than substance. Dean is trying to make the party more partisan, not more liberal. And he came to prominence not because of any special political gift, but because he gave a voice to many voters' concerns about the Iraq War when most other elected Democrats were afraid to. It wasn't about liberalism or conservatism, it was about speaking up rather than meekly going along in a calculated effort to preserve political capital."-from the post on The Kosa File.

Patty Poses with FDR

Do you want to look at Patty Murray in a picture with four other Senators in dark overcoats?

''... a day of free coffee and cake''

MONTPELIER –"Winning the Democratic nomination for president proved a touch much for former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, but it seems increasingly apparent that becoming chairman of the Democratic National Committee should be a piece of cake. It is with that in mind that the folks over at "The Howard BEAN: A Café For America" plan to celebrate Dean's looming appointment with a day of free coffee and cake a week from Sunday "In the unlikely event that Mr. Dean is not selected, we will be commiserating with a day of free tea and sympathy," says café owner Patrick Mullikin. Regular readers may recall The Howard BEAN Café, which is located at Riverwalk Records on State Street in Montpelier, opened Election Day 2004. The name was the product of a contest and the café has since become the meeting place for Central Vermont Democracy for America MeetUp."-from the story, 'A cake-walk?,' in today's Times Argus (VT).

''Some Dems nervous as Dean resurges''

USA Today captures the conventional wisdom in a plastic bottle. Bonus link: If you need something to explain about Kos, now you've got "Taking Kos Seriously," for those unfamiliar with the reigning king of the progressive blogosphere.

''Open Letter Regarding Election Reform''

John Conyers has sent an email detailing his six-point package of reforms.

Everybody Loves a Winner

"I think those of us Lefties who opposed Dean for president on issue grounds are well positioned to say a year later what a good choice he is likely to be as party chairman. He'll probably never forgive those of us who didn't support his presidential candidacy, but the truth is that it's his own suitability and the support of former opponents that is making his second act possible."-from Thomas Oliphant's column in today's Boston Globe, "A year later, Dean fits leadership role." For those of us who need some Iowa healing: "Iowans back Dean for DNC chairman."

''The door is shut. This thing is done. Put the fork in it''

The quote is from Donna Brazile, Gore's 2000 campaign manager, and not a Deaniac. Another Washington player checks in: "Robert Farmer, a veteran fund-raiser of four presidential campaigns and treasurer of the Kerry-Edwards campaign last year, said Dean had the kind of high public profile that made him indispensable. "He has a particular national stature that when Howard Dean calls, he's going to get his phone calls returned, and that's very important for the chairman," Farmer said. "Howard Dean is going to do just fine with the donor community."-from the article tonight out of the Knight-Ridder Washington bureau. Tom DeLay takes a swipe at Dean, but you'll have to read the article to see the ex-exterminator's wisdom.

''Dean from the Ashes''

The Progressive Magazine's editor, Matthew Rothschild, says "Howard Dean is back. It looks like it’s a done deal that Dean will become the new head of the Democratic National Committee. Republican operatives are crowing, and the mainstream pundits are cluck-clucking. They all think Dean’s a disaster for the Dems. But not me." From the Detroit Free Press, we get UAW endorses Howard Dean for Democratic chair." and the AP gives us New York Democratic leaders back Dean. Update: I forgot the link to the Progressive article. I plead sleep deprivation. I also messed up the New York leaders link: here it is.

''Liberal voices turning up the volume on the radio''

Today, the P-I's Joel Connelly tunes into "Big Eddie" Schultz on Seattle's Air America station, AM1090, KPTK: "Why has Schultz succeeded while other liberal voices have croaked? The answer is similar to why Limbaugh took off on the right: Unlike some super-serious liberals, Schultz has a sense of humor, and knows how to inform AND entertain. "I'm not prepared to be governor of New York," he joked. "I'm a radio guy; I do a radio show. A radio show is entertainment. You need to move it along. When does a politician move anything along?" While touting Schultz, Connelly also quotes John Carlson, so as to remain "fair and balanced," I suppose.

''Dean looks sure to lead Democrats''

Mr. Nagourney & Co. has spoken: "Howard Dean has emerged as the all-but-assured new leader of the Democratic National Committee, after one of his main rivals quit the race and Democrats streamed to announce their support of a man whose presidential campaign collapsed one year ago"-from the story in the NY Times, via the International Herald Tribune.

''Now Howard Dean''

A local devoted Deaniac pointed out this good review, by Jerome Armstrong on MyDD, of Dean's place in the Democratic political arena: "Why Howard Dean? Because, as I'll briefly touch upon below, he's come out of the ideological battles of the 1990's within the Democratic Party, and has engaged the partisan battle of this decade. At different times in his political career, he's been firmly identified as 'one of ours' by the fiscally conservative democrats; 'one of ours' by the DLC-like moderate ideologues; 'one of ours' by the liberal social Democrats, and today, 'one of ours' by the partisan reform Democrats of the netroots and grassroots. Dean is the Democrat that is most able to unify the Democratic Party at this time."

''Dean Dominates DNC Chief Race''

That's CBS talking, not me, repeating the AP story tonight. MyDD says, "We Won--What's Next?" My sources say: "Keep your fingers crossed."

''Call to Action Forum''-Progressive Democratic Caucuses

I have been asked to post something Saturday's meeting at the Labor Temple. I would have gone myself, but had to pay the rent. This post is from horsesass.org: "The turnout was amazing. Even though Rep. Jim McDermott was a featured speaker, I didn’t really expect more than 100 people. There must have been at least 500. The audience overflowed out of the main auditorium at the Labor Temple, into adjoining rooms where they could watch on closed-circuit TV." You have to scroll down.

''I think the race is over''

Ron Brownstein, in his LA Times story this morning, quotes California Democratic Party Chair Art Torres: ""People in the Beltway are finally getting it that a lot of the [party] communities around the country really want change in the DNC."

''Labor set to endorse DNC chair pick''

"Some Democrats who closely watch labor say they doubted labor would unite behind a Dean alternative with the front-runner surging ahead and labor facing its own internal power struggle."-from the AP story this morning.

The Tide Turns to Dean

"Leaders Back Dean to Head Democrats Nationally," is the way Mr. Nagourney of the New York Times adjusts to the new reality. The Hill calls a spade a spade: "Dean looks like a sure thing."

''Dean Wins Backing of State Democratic Chairs'' (UPDATED)

"Rival Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, dropped out of the chairman's race after the endorsement and also backed Dean. Webb's aide Cindy Brovski said, "Mathematically, it looks like Dean is going to win on the first ballot."- from the AP story in the Washington Post, so it must be true. Update: Ron Brownstein in the LA Times accounts for Dean's success begrudingly: "Some senior Democratic operatives say unease about a Dean chairmanship is widespread among congressional leaders and many governors. But almost none of those grumbling privately have expressed their concerns publicly — in part, some believe, because they fear crossing the ardent grass-roots, Internet-activist community still backing Dean." They don't want him but are afraid of his disciples. See, they are still the wusses we have been saying they are. The story was written before Dean won the party chair endorsement later in the day.

''Dean at DNC would cost Dems''

When Bob Novack takes you on, you must be doing something right!

''There They Go Again''

As noted below, the Executive Committee of the Association of State Democratic Chairs endorsed Donnie Fowler by a vote of 8 to 6. The TIME story (posted below) pitched this as a "snag" in Dean's campaign for the DNC Chair. The AP story calls it a "detour." Mr. Adam Nagourney, who is employed by the New York Times, elevates this vote to "Dean Rival Gains Strength in Bid for Chairman." They have a nice photo of Donnie, as well. This post on MyDD drills deeper into this vote and turns up this factoid: Paul Berendt is a Vice-President of this group and "publically endorsed Howard Dean 2 weeks ago, just before the State Chair election in Washington. Berendt was able to overcome Greg Rodriquez precisely because he backed Dean. I just made a few calls to Washington St., and talked with someone close to Berendt, whom told me that "yes, he's sticking to Dean". There are lots of comments and more blogger blather with these posts as well.

''If Democratic Party lurches left, it may fare worse''

Joel Connelly, the P-I columnist writes some good stuff, but when I asked him if it was fair to say he wasn't a "liberal/progressive," he agreed with my description. His Monday column predicts failure for Democrats if they follow the path of Howard Dean. He quotes Congressman Adam Smith at length. "Lurch: to lean or pitch suddenly to one side." I've tried in the past to convince Connelly that this description did not fit Howard Dean, but he has resisted my persuasion, preferring to accept the mainstream media mantra about him.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

The New York Times used to be a good newspaper. If you need more evidence that it isn't, here's "Seven Candidates Scramble to Lead the Party That Lost." The P-I has "Howard Dean rallies supporters in N.Y." courtesy of AP. TIME magazine says "Fowler 1, Dean 0: The former Vermont governor's candidacy to lead the DNC hits a snag."

''If Democratic Party lurches left, it may fare worse''

Joel Connelly, the P-I columnist writes some good stuff, but when I asked him if it was fair to say he wasn't a "liberal/progressive," he agreed it was. His Monday column predicts failure for Democrats if they follow the path of Howard Dean. He quotes Congressman Adam Smith at length. "Lurch: to lean or pitch suddenly to one side." I've tried in the past to convince Connelly that this description did not fit Howard Dean, but he has resisted my persuasion, preferring to accept the mainstream media mantra about him.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

The New York Times used to be a good newspaper. If you need more evidence that it isn't, here's "Seven Candidates Scramble to Lead the Party That Lost." The P-I has "Howard Dean rallies supporters in N.Y." courtesy of AP. TIME magazine says "Fowler 1, Dean 0: The former Vermont governor's candidacy to lead the DNC hits a snag."

Two More Views: Eastern Regional DNC

Thank God we have the Boston Globe to remind us that when things seem to be going well, there is always somebody willing bring us down to their view of reality: "A 'stop-Dean' effort arises at DNC forum: A replay of the 2004 Iowa caucuses unfolded in New York this weekend at a meeting to preview candidates to lead the Democratic Party; six men appealed to voters in an attempt to bend or to bypass the seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of support behind a Green Mountain doctor named Howard Dean." On the other hand, a fresh-faced blogger named "sneemteam" has this on MyDD: "Which brings me to Dean. I've seen him several times in person, and today for the first time I got to meet him in person. He looked wonderful, relaxed and cheerful. His speech was by far the best today. The past two years have matured him, and he really brings it all; charm, humor, charisma as well as intelligence and a real understanding of what needs to be done. He was the only one who I felt gave real details of what he would do as chair." sneemteam said many nice things about the other candidates as well.

''The DNC Eastern Regional Caucus''

From Kos: "Howard Dean, in the five minutes he had to speak, made me fall in love all over again. I have no doubt that he, too, gets it. I don't think anyone here needs me to tell them more about Dean." Lots of comments, a photo and a poll, too. Sunday's Washington Post casts a glance from the Beltway in "Dean's Past as Prologue to DNC Future": "As Howard Dean campaigns here for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, his supporters feel an eerie echo of his campaign a year ago for the Democratic presidential nomination. There are some parallels," Jimmy Dean, the candidate's brother, says of the comparison to Dean's 2004 campaign. "It has crossed people's minds." But there are reasons for Dean to be hopeful that history will not repeat itself. So far, party insiders see little sign that the anti-Dean forces are uniting behind an alternative candidate...This year's contest particularly suits Dean. In the past, party leaders were tapped by sitting presidents, or ran discreet campaigns among party elders. This time, the seven candidates are vying for votes on a nationwide dog-and-pony show, a series of public debates climaxing in Saturday's session in New York. It has showcased the ideological rifts in the party and opened the way for the type of retail politics in which Dean specializes." This AP story offers a wrap-up of the day's events: "Dean, Others 'Audition' for DNC Chairman."

''Sen. Barbara Boxer Steps Into Spotlight''

"Sen. Barbara Boxer has always spoken up, but the California Democrat seems to have gotten a lot louder lately. Her opposition to Condoleezza Rice's secretary of state nomination was so combative that it was parodied on Saturday Night Live. That came on the heels of her decision to sign onto a House member's complaint about Ohio voting problems, forcing Congress to debate them before certifying President Bush's re-election victory."- from the AP story, currently #1 Most Viewed on Yahoo news.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"Harold Ickes, a leading Democratic activist and former aide to President Clinton, said Friday he is backing Howard Dean to be chairman of the Democratic National Committee -- giving a powerful boost to the front-runner.-from the CNN story, "Former Clinton aide backs Dean for party chair." Salon has "Howard Dean or anybody but?" tonight: "The two leading candidates to head the Democratic National Committee are a former congressman who cozied up to George W. Bush in his last run for reelection -- and still lost -- and a failed presidential candidate who so frightens some conservative Democrats that they may go Republican if he is elected chairman."

''PLEASE BE NICE TO DOCTOR RICE''

"Until last week, I thought the party's official spokesmen were Al Franken and Jon Stewart. (It was nice to see that John Kerry was still alive and back from wherever he was while the man he almost defeated was busy declaring war on the New Deal and the rest of the world.) This is not the old days, when there was a draft and war was more personal than reality television, and when wars were paid for by supplemental taxes rather than deferred debt. Should we not talk about those things? Torture, for instance. Would that be unpatriotic? Or, dare I say it, impolite? That's really the charge against Boxer, representing a military-heavy state providing more than a quarter of the war's cannon fodder: that she was not nice to the impressive Doctor Rice, our Condi of the many degrees, to say nothing of piano-playing, ice-skating and speaking Russian. "Bad form," as Karl Rove, the president's political sidekick, said the other day to a network reporter who had the temerity to ask about battle casualties. Bad manners.-"from Richard Reeves' op-ed Friday night.

''Alberto Gonzales is Not Fit to be Attorney General''

454 Weblogs can't be wrong: "Daily Kos Statement Opposing the Confirmation of Alberto Gonzales."

Dean the Uniter: The Sequel

"Democrats competing to lead their national party are battling for the role of "the anti-Dean," the alternative candidate to front-runner Howard Dean. Few disagree that Dean, the former Vermont governor who was presidential front-runner for the Democrats throughout 2003, has surged into the early lead with about three-dozen endorsements from Democratic National Committee members."-from the AP story, "Dems Vying to Lead National Party Battle."

''Don't miss your chance to see Howard Dean at the Paramount!''

"Foolproof presents former Governor Howard Dean in "Now What?"--The first annual benefit for American Voices, Sunday March 6 - 7:30 PM, Paramount Theatre. Dr. Howard Dean will headline the first annual benefit for Foolproof's American Voices. Dr. Dean and special guests Sherman Alexie, Rep. Jim McDermott and more to be announced will answer the question, Now What? On the Future of America. Purchase your tickets online today."
Orchestra seating $75
1st&2nd Mezzanine $45
3rd Mezzanine $25

''From the Office of Senator Cantwell'' (UPDATED)

"Thank you for previously contacting me regarding the nomination of Justice Alberto Gonzales to the position of Attorney General of the United States. After carefully listening to Judge Gonzales during his Senate confirmation hearings and reading his responses to questions, I have decided to oppose his confirmation."-from the email I received this morning and here's the official announcement Update: Maria's announcement is attracting national media attention. Ed Schultz just said she will be a live guest on his show today, sometime before 3PM, Pacific Time. It's on AM 1090, the local Air America outlet, now. You can listen online here. Update: The only notice of Cantwell's vote that Google finds for me is in The Olympian,"Cantwell to vote against Gonzales nomination." I don't know why there isn't more buzz on this in the local press. Do you? Update: Once again, a faithful reader shows me the error of my ways. Here's a Cantwell Gonzales story, in the P-I, online: "Cantwell to vote against confirmation of Gonzales."

''A Call To Action''

"Join Congressman McDermott and other experts in discussing 3 urgent and strategic issues needing action: Social Security, Elections and Taxes."-from Progressive Democratic Caucuses of Washington. Here's a flyer: "Sunday, January 30, 1:00-3:00 PM-(Doors open 12:45)-Seattle Labor Temple,2800 1st Ave - 1st & Clay- $5 donation suggested for room rental."

''MoveOn steps into DNC Chair contest''

From the LA Times, via The Smirking Chimp: "The move is expected to help chairman candidate Howard Dean, who finished first in a 2003 straw poll of MoveOn members during his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Since the election, MoveOn has come under fire from some Democratic centrists, who accuse it of pushing the party too far to the left, especially on foreign policy and national security issues. But several Democratic leaders contacted Tuesday welcomed its involvement in the DNC race as an opportunity to strengthen links between the party structure and local activists."

''The Wrong Attorney General''

Even the New York Times has now spoken out on this issue. Will our Senators do the same?

Condi Vote: 13 Say "NO" (UPDATED)

Barbara Boxer, Ted Kennedy, Carl Levin, Robert Byrd, John Kerry, Jim Jeffords, Jack Reed, Dick Durbin, Mark Dayton, Daniel Akaka, Evan Bayh, Frank Lautenberg, Tom Harkin. This is the most "no" votes since Henry Kissinger. He received 7. Update: John Nichols does his usual good job in, "Boxer Rebellion Spreads," from The Online Beat, on TheNation.com: "Give Barbara Boxer credit for sparking the most engaged debate that the Senate has yet seen over the Bush Administration lies that led the United States into the quagmire that is Iraq." Update: "the highest number of votes against a secretary of state nominee since Henry Clay took the office in 1825, under President John Quincy Adams."-from this story in the P-I, via wire services.

''DNC Chair vote map & related amendment''

"Here's a state-by-state map (made by the NDN staff) of the votes for DNC Chair, according to the DNC members residence: Notice that DC/Maryland (39) has as much voting power combined as does the Florida/Texas/Ohio (39) block of DNC members, and more combined than California."-from MyDD.

Kos: ''Boxer the new Wellstone''

Maybe. She might also be the new Clinton, or Howard Dean, for that matter. Read it all here.

''JIM CROW RETURNS TO THE VOTING BOOTH''

That was the headline Greg Palast and Jesse Jackson gave this commentary in the email I received today from Palast. The P-I gave it, "Black voters in United States disproportionally disenfranchised." But, hey, at least they published it.

Condi Debate: The Video

Here are some highlights of Tuesday's US Senate blather: Barbara Boxer and Mark Dayton.

''Making Dean's List''

Dan Balz, one of the top Beltway pundits, writes about the horse race in Wednesday's Washington Post: "Dean is using endorsements strategically to convey breadth of support. Last week he announced that he has support from state party leaders in almost every region, including the South and Southwest. Still, several prominent DNC members said they believe the race for party chairman remains an open battle. Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer said in an interview Monday that he believes talk of Dean's momentum is overstated, and Donna Brazile, campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000, left a voice-mail message saying, "This . . . thing ain't over." Party officials and strategists said former representative Martin Frost of Texas appears to be Dean's principal competition but cautioned that the field is fluid." I think the Beltway crowd is still nervous about Dean, don't you? Meanwhile, "MoveOn.org Joining DNC Chair Battle," is from MyDD. The Hill has, "Big labor weighs in on DNC." The article says they haven't made any decision yet, so the headline is puzzling.

''DNC Chair CattleCall''

Good roundup with an emphasis on the ABD movement. Lots of comments, too, from MyDD. Don't overlook this link at the bottom about what happened in the Iowa primary and how the media played a part. Unbelievably, it's from the Washington Times. Update: The AP has this one out tonight and it's getting a lot of distribution: "Dean wins endorsement of key blacks."

Voting Stories

"Revote? If Florida and Ohio go first," from Seattle author Paul Loeb and "Vote machine maker settles over her whistle-blower suit," about Bev Harris are in today's P-I.

Condi, Part 2 (UPDATED)

C-Span is covering the Senate debate today, starting at 6:45 AM, here. Scroll down on the Crooks and Liars site and watch "Boxer/Condi SNL skit!" from "Saturday Night Live." The P-I has this from today's New York Times: "'Honeymoon over,' Senate Democrats say." They just pushed the Condi debate until 7:45. Update: If you need any motivation to oppose the Gonzales nomination, Lisa Rein's site has plenty, in various media formats. It's 8:48 and Teddy Kennedy is ripping Condi a new one on C-SPAN. Go down to the "Live Feeds" button and pick your player for C-SPAN 2. 8:52, Mark Dayton (D-MN) is up now: "The lying must stop now." 9:02, it's Carl Levin's turn. Updated: 9:22, noted MODERATE Democrat Evan Bayh is up, announcing his opposition to Condi. Patty and Maria, can you hear him now?? 9:54, they are re-running Condi's testimony last week, while the Senate is in recess until 11:30 Pacific time. 12:11, Senator Byrd is having at it. Update: Senator Byrd is having at it. From Moveon.org: "Senate Democrats have signaled their willingness to hold her accountable for these mistakes -- they've delayed her confirmation by a week for more intense questioning. And senators Barbara Boxer and John Kerry have already announced that they're voting against her confirmation. Please call your senators, listed below, and urge them to join Boxer and Kerry in opposing Dr. Rice's confirmation.
Senator Patty Murray: 202-224-2621 and Senator Maria Cantwell: 202-224-3441.
After you make your call, please click here, to let us know you called." Update: 12:51 PM, Barbara Boxer is up now. 3:07 PM, Jack Reed of Rhode Island just wrapped up his comments in opposition to Condi.

''Agitation Time''

The good people at the Columbus Free Press provide the only media account of the Progressive Democrats National Conference last weekend.

''From the Ground Up''

Truthout is sending out Dean's syndicated column this week.

''DNC update''

"I was at the Sacramento meeting of the DNC candidates this past weekend, and the sentiment of the DNC members at the meeting (western states) was fairly strong Dean, with a lot of secondary consideration for Frost and Rosenberg.-Kos on his blog this afternoon. And Salon has this today, "Why Dean should take charge." by Mark Hertsgaard.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

More blogging and extensive comments from the Sacramento DNC meeting over the weekend, from MyDD: here and here and here.

''Gregoire: Bush Shortchanging the States'' (UPDATED)

"OLYMPIA, Wash. -- America's newest governor, Democrat Christine Gregoire of Washington, chided President Bush on Saturday for shortchanging the states and urged the former Texas governor to remember their financial needs. The Democratic Governors' Association picked Gregoire to respond to President Bush's weekly radio address to the nation. She took office on Jan. 12 after winning by just 129 votes out of 2.9 million cast. Her Republican rival wants the courts to overturn the election and order a revote."-from the AP story. I didn't see it in our Sunday paper, did you? Update: Full disclosure: Bob Shields let me know that this story was in both of our dailies on Saturday. This is what happens when you get a new day job.

''Watch Keynotes of PDA Summit on C-SPAN-2!''

That would be Progressive Democrats of America, Monday morning, Jan. 24, at 5:36 a.m. Pacific Time on C-SPAN-2. If you happen to watch, you and I may be the only people in Seattle tuning in.

''Who Will Be the Next Alpha Democrat?''

As the show leaves California and moves to New York, the press takes notes: "As former presidential hopeful Howard Dean delivered his pitch in Sacramento on Saturday in his bid for Democratic National Committee chairman, the lights unexpectedly dimmed. "Karl Rove evidently controls the lighting board in here," Dean said."-from "Democrats audition 7 to lead party," in the Sacramento Bee. "Handicapping the race is nearly impossible, given the small electorate and the one-on-one nature of the campaign, conducted mostly over the telephone and in private meetings. But most observers agree that Dean is the front-runner by dint of his considerable name recognition and his wide grass-roots support, with others vying to emerge as the most viable alternative."-from the LA Times story.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"Ever since the early days of the 2004 presidential campaign, the country doctor from the State of Ben & Jerry has been the agitating principal of a confused, fratricidal and essentially leaderless party. Then, as now, Dean inspired an outside-the-Beltway, Net-based crusade whose shock troops adored his social progressivism and his fearless opposition to war in Iraq. Then, as now, a party establishment—based in Congress, governors' mansions and Georgetown salons—viewed him as a loudmouthed lefty whose visibility would ruin the Democratic brand in Red States."-from Howard Fineman's "Now Playing: 'Anybody But Dean, Part 2'," in Newsweek. From "Dean blasts GOP in bid to chair Democratic Party," in the San Francisco Chronicle: "Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, aggressively seeking to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, urged his fellow Democrats on Saturday to appeal to voters not as "mini-Republicans,'' but as "the party of centrists" dedicated to bringing "America back to a reasonable central moral position in the world. "We balance budgets; they don't. We stand up for job opportunities,'' said Dean, who received standing ovations from many of the 600 Democrats gathered at the Radisson hotel. He urged Democrats to "speak with conviction'' and give the party base reasons to vote for their candidates "other than that we don't like the president.'' conchis also gives us some extended blogging from Sacramento's festivities today, on MyDD. Extensive comments, are there, as well.

''Tim Eyman and Dino Rossi: Friends and Allies''

You may be thinking, "duh", but here it is in black and white. Actually, it's red and blue with a buff background, from this Special Report from Permanent Defense.

''Barbara Boxer takes center stage''

This article, in today's Sacramento Bee, tells us some more about our new best friend in the US Senate.

DNC Candidates Meet in Sacramento Today (UPDATED)

"If Democrats could clone (Bush presidential adviser) Karl Rove, they would jump at the opportunity -- as long as they could give him an ideology transplant,'' said political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe. "The question is: Do you want someone to raise a ton of money under the new campaign finance laws, or do you want a great communicator?''-from the column in today's San Francisco Chronicle. Update: Kos goes after Roemer for his association with a right-wing think tank. The comments below the post continue the bashing. The AP wire has this new post from Sacramento from the DNC Regional meeting today: "My attitude is that they are going to run those ads anyway, so why not go down and stand up for what you believe in?" Dean said. "How are we going to convince people in Mississippi that their economic interests are the same as ours if we don't show up? It is incredibly insulting to people." JollyBuddah is blogging "Live from Sacramento" for MyDD. Also on MyDD, Chris Bowers takes issue with those who want to look at Democratic party issues as a right-left question: "Trying to create an ideological battle among Democrats makes perfect sense, actually. For the Noise Machine to succeed, and to continue to push the nation to the right, people need to believe that there is no Noise Machine. As long as people are told the race for chair is about ideology, and not reform, the Noise Machine remains invisible, and conservatism triumphs."-from the post, "Noise Machine Pushing Ideology Into Race For Chair."

''Dean bounces back in race to lead Democrats''

"The former Vermont governor failed to resuscitate his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. But now he is waging a new campaign, to become chairman of the Democratic party. To the surprise of many, he has emerged as frontrunner in a crowded field."-from the story in the Financial Times (UK).

Inauguration Day 2005-Seattle Rally Photos

Many thanks to Dina Lydia for these photos as well as my sign and props.

Progressive Democrats of America Meeting this Weekend in DC

The Seattle P-I says the PDA is "an offshoot of Howard Dean's presidential campaign." In any case, they are "Blog'in live from the PDA."

''Senator Boxer, 1 hour; Senator Kerry, 20 minutes''

The Democratic leadership in the Senate has drawn up an agreement with the Republican leadership for the speaking time of Democratic senators on Condi's confirmation...As follows: "Ordered, That on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate proceed to executive session for consideration of the nomination of Condoleezza Rice, of California, to be Secretary of State; provided further, that there be 9 hours of debate equally divided between the Majority Leader and the Democratic Leader or their designees; provided further, that the debate time under the control of the Democratic Leader be divided as follows: Senator Byrd, 1 hour; Senator Boxer, 1 hour; Senator Reed, 30 minutes; Senator Durbin, 30 minutes; Senator Kerry, 20 minutes; Senator Levin, 15 minutes; Senator Kennedy, 15 minutes; Senator Lieberman, 10 minutes; Senator Corzine, 10 minutes; Senator Salazar, 10 minutes; Senator Feinstein, 10 minutes; and Senator Biden, 20 minutes (from the time of Senator Lugar). Ordered further, That on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, when the Senate resumes consideration of the nomination, there be 4 minutes of debate equally divided between the Majority Leader and the Democratic Leader or their designees; provided further, that following debate the Senate proceed to a vote on the confirmation on the nomination with no intervening action or debate and that following the vote the President be immediately notified of the Senate’s action."-from the RAW STORY article.

From Olympia: ''Broken Promises''

From John Gideon of Voters Unite: "This bill (HB 1025)is totally unsatisfactory and, in fact, removes the promises of a voter verified paper ballot before 1 Jan. 2006. We had promises from the Secretary of State and both houses of the legislature last year and those promises are about to be broken. Now, a few "techie" representatives from both parties have written HB-1025 which moves the date for a possible paper ballot back to 1 Jan. 2007. However, the bill also gives the option of using more software to take the place of the promised paper ballot. So we will now be asked to accept touch-screen voting machines with more software on them. More software; less transparency; more "smoke and mirrors". HB-1025 also has a restricted audit requirement that nearly makes the possible paper ballot worthless. This legislation is not acceptable. There will, hopefully, be better legislation written in the Senate. I have been talking to members of the Senate about this. We must get the House bill killed or changed and we need your help: Ask them to tell their representative that only a voter verified
paper ballot required on or before 1 Jan. 2006 is acceptable. Ask them to tell their representative that more software is not an acceptable replacement for a voter verified paper ballot. And, ask them to insist on more stringent audit requirements using the paper ballot. Please ask people to call the committee chairwoman, Kathy Haigh and tell her. Ask them to call their representatives. Ask them to call
the writers of the bill, Rep. Morris and Nixon. If they know people in Rep. Morris or Nixon's districts (San Juans and Western Whatcom County for Rep. Morris and Carnation/Duval area for Nixon) contact those voters and ask them to contact those representatives. Also, anyone who can go to Olympia next Wed. should attend this
meeting. It is at 1:30PM in House Hearing Room D."
Haigh, Kathy (360) 786-7966 Committee Chair
Morris, Jeff (360) 786-7970 Bill co-sponsor
Nixon, Toby (360) 786-7878 Bill co-sponsor
Shabro, Jan (360) 786-7866 Committee member
Sump, Bob (360) 786-7908 Committee member
Miloscia, Mark (360) 786-7898 Committee member
McDermott, Joe (360) 786-7952 Committee member
Hunt, Sam (360) 786-7992 Committee member
Green, Tami (360) 786-7958 Committee member
Clements, Jim (360) 786-7856 Committee member

''Do You Suffer News Fatigue?''

"Sick of dour headlines? Too much Bush and war and death and homophobia and Bush? You are not alone."-from today's column in the San Francisco Chronicle by Mark Morford. I have noticed a decline in my page hits for the last couple of days and have been searching for an explanation. Non-excutive summary: "Much to the GOP's delight, liberals and progressives across the land seem to be off their game right now, not reading as much and not following the media as closely and not really questioning the snide BushCo agenda that aggressively, barely able to tolerate even the slightest glimpse of Bush without a spiritual and physical gag, a karmic acid reflux, a sucker punch in the intellectual gut." The link is to The Smirking Chimp, where I found this, because the first comment is also very much worth reading.

''Dean appears at un-auguration to counter Bush inauguration''

"BURLINGTON, Vt. Former Governor Howard Dean addressed about 250 supporters last night at a Burlington event his political organization billed an "Un-auguration" to counter the inauguration of President George Bush."-from the AP story. The Washington Post discovers some old news: "Dean leading endorsements for DNC chair." From the Wall Street Journal: Howard Dean is fighting "a tarnished image in bid for Democratic chairmanship. Just 27% of party backers view the Vermont ex-governor positively, down from 48% a year ago. But he's less of a lightning rod for Republicans than during his presidential bid; 37% view him negatively, down from 58% in January 2004." They are making you pay to read the whole story, so I don't know what "party backers" means to the WSJ. I picked up the quote from Political Wire. His headline: "Dean Battles Image Problem."

''Dean a Frontrunner for DNC Chairman''

From NPR yesterday. The reporter is Mara Liasson. This combination makes me nervous.

''Nightline blew it on Voting Issues''

The poster, "Lisa in Los Angeles," was a database manager in Burlington for the Dean campaign; formerly lived in Seattle and now lives in L.A.

''Inaugural Protest'' Live on C-SPAN-2 NOW (UPDATED)

Online here. Update: Don't call me a conspiracy theorist, yet, but "there is a problem" with the C-SPAN 2 online feed.

Air America's Rob Glaser: ''Nov. 2...Good for Air America''

Full disclosure quote: "What happened on Nov. 2 may have been bad for America but it sure was good for Air America," says Rob Glaser, chairman of Air America.-from today's article in the Wall Street Journal, "Radio's Bush-Bashing Air America Is Back in Fighting Form." Hurry up and read it before they make you pay for the priviledge. As you probably know, Glaser's day job is as the big cheese at our own tech-biz, Real Networks

''Rallies planned to protest inauguration''

We're talkin' today in Seattle, people. The P-I puts it on page one of the Local News section. I can't find anything in the Seattle Times.

It's Called Leadership

The New York Times, usually tepid, timid and gutless, acknowledges Barbara Boxer's outspoken questioning of Condi Rice "may have helped persuade the Democrats to demand on Wednesday a debate on the nomination on the Senate floor as well, which would delay the confirmation vote until next week."-from the story, "Boxer Is Loudest Voice of Opposition to Rice Nomination." It's called fighting back, too!

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"More Dean DNC endorsements:" more commentary from Kos. The LA Weekly gives us "Is the Doctor In? Howard Dean and the fight for the DNC’s soul."

''THUNDER Democracy FESTIVAL''

"Saturday, January 22nd 1-8:30 PM---- What to do when you're blue! Come join Seattle THUNDER'S Democracy Festival for workshops, music and great food and find ways to determine the progressive agenda. Learn how to reach across political boundaries. Understand how the the other half thinks. Come to this ground breaking event and become part of the progressive reinvention! "-all the poop and the program here.

''Dean gaining early momentum in DNC race''

"Howard Dean's hard-charging race to head the Democratic National Committee is gaining early momentum that recalls the streaking start of his 2004 presidential campaign."-from the AP story in the P-I and elsewhere. I get it: "Dean Flame-Out, The Sequel."

Secretary of State Confirmation Hearing (UPDATED)

It's on C-SPAN online, right now, if you have the stomach for it. Update: Highlight reel of the Condi-Barbara encounter (video). The Senator kicks ass. USA Today covers it, newpaper style. Update: Free Speech Zone uses the same words to describe Boxer's performance, but presents a greater body of evidence. Update: Boxer and Kerry (gasp) are the only "no" votes.

''DNC to choose whether Dean is past or future'' (UPDATED)

"While George and Laura Bush are rushing from parade to parties to balls on Thursday, with most of official Washington joining them in the traditional bipartisan display of unity, Howard Dean will be cohosting ''un-inauguration" house parties of disgusted Democrats across the country, collecting money to oppose Bush's policies."-from today's Boston Globe. Update: "Florida Dems Back Dean," from MyDD. The news came from the New York Times article, of the same name. Update: Kos seems to have a real big problem with Frost's "trying to hide the fact he's a Democrat." He also doesn't care for Frost's recent campaign ad and his message that seems to "trumpet the Bush endorsement to Dallas voters." The AP has this story out tonight covering the DNC candidates as they visit our nation's mayors in DC. More endorsements: "Oklahoma, Mississippi and Utah Endorse Dean."-from MyDD.

Inauguration Day 2005

Seattle's Capitol Hill will have it's own activities that involve Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University, as well as the surrounding community. Then the focus will turn to the events downtown. From an earlier post: From Dina Lydia: "I am making original signs, some with props and costumes, for two major political rallies in Seattle next week, Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration Day (see details below). I think rallies should be fun as well as serious--that will encourage people to participate. The type of signs I make can be seen here. I obviously can't carry all of these signs myself! I need volunteers to help make statements at the rallies. The signs/costumes get a lot of attention, and some good photo-ops for the media. One idea I had was to have someone dressed as Lady Liberty (ideally not a guy) to represent the 34Dems or West Seattle, since we have the statue at Alki Beach. I can also help anyone make a sign with the name of their neighborhood, or the group they wish to represent, for the I-Day Rally "call-out" event onstage. For those who cannot attend the rallies, but wish to make a statement, I have some bright red posters from NION to put in your window on I-Day. They read: "Not my President! NO!" Those wishing to participate with me, please call Dina 206-517-8033 or dinalydia@yahoo.com. INAUGURAL DAY PROTEST RALLY--sponsored by "Not in Our Name" Project and A.N.S.W.E.R (Act Now Stop War End Racism, seattle@internationalanswer.org- (206) 568-1661)-- Thursday, Jan. 20, 2 PM- Westlake Park, 4th and Pine in downtown Seattle. The rally will converge at the Federal Building for the A.N.S.W.E.R event by 5 PM.

''Such differences demand an explanation.'' (UPDATED)

"I am a statistician. When I testified about electoral tampering in Martin County, Florida, in November 2000, I focused exclusively on the fact that the number of disputed ballots would have changed the outcome. That was shortsighted. As U.S. newspapers have written about the Ukraine, an election's outcome may be less important than how it was conducted. Democratic elections must be verifiably fair. Snohomish County, Washington, also used non-verifiable touch screen voting in all precincts (polling locations) on election day 2004. Among about 100,000 touch screen votes in the famously close governor's race, Republican candidate Rossi had an 8,000 vote advantage; while among about 200,000 paper (absentee) ballots, Democrat Gregoire had 2,000 more votes. Some voters spoke of the touch screen machine changing their vote. Countywide, there were 19 formally reported instances of machine switching; every one favored the Republican. Could these be random errors, equally likely to go either way, like tosses of a fair coin? Well, fair coins just don't come up the same 19 times in a row! However, Rossi did not have a "touch screen advantage" everywhere. Among 90 precincts with no reported machine problems (vote switching, machine freeze-ups, or repairs within two weeks of the election), 44 had touch screen vote counts more favorable to Rossi than paper ballots, while 46 had a touch screen advantage for Gregoire. However, among the precincts with reported voting machine problems, Rossi had a touch screen advantage in 56 out of 58 (96.6%)."-from the article by Arlene S. Ash, Ph.D. on truthout.org. Yesterday, a certain Senator from Massachussetts boldly revealed the following: "Thousands of people were suppressed in their efforts to vote. Voting machines were distributed in uneven ways...In Democratic districts, it took people four, five, 11 hours to vote, while Republicans [went] through in 10 minutes. Same voting machines, same process, our America..." Update: "Reed, who said 20 of the state's 39 counties had problems, cautioned lawmakers not to expect perfection in a state with 3 million voters and the inevitability of a small error rate by "human beings working their hearts out. This is a very, very human process."-from Tuesday's P-I story, "Senate panel hears of vote woes" covering yesterday's Senate committee hearing in Olympia. I'm hearing a prediction of modest reform, at best, in this report.

Daily Kos: ''Frost's strong support for President Bush''

He's got the goods here: "Former Texas Rep. Martin Frost is shaping up to be Howard Dean's toughest competition for the DNC chair, garnering the second largest number of voters in a recent unscientific poll of DNC members by the National Journal. But a Democrat who ran his race by demonizing Ted Kennedy and sucking up to Republicans has no place anywhere near the DNC chairmanship."

from www.seattlefordean.com and www.howieinseattle.com

''Howard Dean: He Still Has The Power''

From Tuesday's Washington Post story: "The audience is rapt whenever Dean speaks. Slimmer and more rested-looking than you remember him, Dean is the former rock star in a field of "American Idol" contestants. His rhetoric follows closely on the "You have the power" theme that marked his presidential campaign. "I'm not much of a Zen person," Dean says, "but I've learned that the best way to gain power is to give it away. People ask me, 'Why are you doing this?' " Dean says Friday night at a rally of 400 supporters at another airport hotel here. "They say, 'You ran for president, and now you want to do this?' "It's about reform," Dean says, answering his question. He mentions the successes of his grass-roots organization -- Democracy for America. He mentions the money its members raised, the winning candidates they supported and how he can apply this energy to the central party apparatus." Consumer Warning: This is another Beltway hatchet job on Dean, but it's high profile tells me they think he has a chance to win the DNC Chair job.

''We won't be silent''---Tuesday, January 28, 2005

"I'd like to begin by welcoming Dr. Rice to this committee hearing. It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies."-from "Opening Statement of Senator Barbara Boxer--Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.: Why did the United States go to war in Iraq based on misleading -- if not false and fraudulent -- evidence? Why did we divert valuable resources and intelligence personnel to Iraq, taking them away from Afghanistan and the pursuit of Osama bin Laden? Why did Dr. Rice mislead the American people into thinking there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida before September 11th?" If you agree that we must hold Condoleezza Rice accountable for her decisions, I urge you to stand with Senator Boxer, myself, and millions of Americans. Sign Senator Boxer's petition here, so she can take your voice with her to the committee room and the floor of the Senate in the pursuit of the truth from Condoleezza Rice.

''We won't be silent''---Tuesday, January 28, 2005

"I'd like to begin by welcoming Dr. Rice to this committee hearing. It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies."-from "Opening Statement of Senator Barbara Boxer--Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.: Why did the United States go to war in Iraq based on misleading -- if not false and fraudulent -- evidence? Why did we divert valuable resources and intelligence personnel to Iraq, taking them away from Afghanistan and the pursuit of Osama bin Laden? Why did Dr. Rice mislead the American people into thinking there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida before September 11th?" If you agree that we must hold Condoleezza Rice accountable for her decisions, I urge you to stand with Senator Boxer, myself, and millions of Americans. Sign Senator Boxer's petition here, so she can take your voice with her to the committee room and the floor of the Senate in the pursuit of the truth from Condoleezza Rice.

''We won't be silent''---Tuesday, January 28, 2005

"I'd like to begin by welcoming Dr. Rice to this committee hearing. It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies."-from "Opening Statement of Senator Barbara Boxer--Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.: Why did the United States go to war in Iraq based on misleading -- if not false and fraudulent -- evidence? Why did we divert valuable resources and intelligence personnel to Iraq, taking them away from Afghanistan and the pursuit of Osama bin Laden? Why did Dr. Rice mislead the American people into thinking there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida before September 11th?" If you agree that we must hold Condoleezza Rice accountable for her decisions, I urge you to stand with Senator Boxer, myself, and millions of Americans. Sign Senator Boxer's petition here, so she can take your voice with her to the committee room and the floor of the Senate in the pursuit of the truth from Condoleezza Rice.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"The fact is, this giddy circle of pseudojournalists are worried that Dean is going to put the focus of the party outside of the District of Columbia, leveraging the lessons of 21st century grassroots organizing, the Western strategy (Colorado and Wyoming may have voted "red" at the federal level, but they vote "blue" at the state level), and the need to out-Röve Röve when you have a candidate who's as big a disaster for the nation and a failure in everything he has done as is the Chimperor."-from "This Week" on Pundit Pap from the American Politics Journal site, (scroll down) on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" Sunday show.

''We still have much to overcome.''

On MLK Day, Joel Connelly in today's P-I does what he does so well: a lesson in local political history. And then he brings it up to date with a dog's eye look at one Seattle neighborhood. The P-I has this list of MLK related events today and later this week. So does the Seattle Times, as well as this special section. Update: "It is 37 years since the legendary civil rights activist was shot. But in Ohio, New Mexico and around the US, the battle for the ability of all Americans to vote, and to have those vote fairly counted, has never been hotter."-from the Columbus (OH) Free Press: "In the Shadow of Dr. King, counting the vote remains a civil rights issue."

''As an Ethics Expert, Zephyr Blows''

I have resisted, until now, the temptation to wade into the putrid waters of this overflowing cesspool, but I have to agree with Political Wire that this post from Workbench "makes the most sense." Here's an appetizer: "Zephyr Teachout's recklessly false claim to have paid them "explicitly to buy their airtime," subsequently acknowledged to be untrue, was manna from heaven for the politics-is-war crowd."

''Midwest DNC meeting''

Two views, compare and contrast: the AP story online tonight in the P-I or the blogsphere version, from MyDD.

''While the GOP rants, Gregoire gets to work''

A very sensible fellow and no self-identified liberal, let alone progressive, Joel Connelly in the P-I puts our local Rovian blowhards right where they belong on the political spectrum: in the dumpster of Evergreen state political history.

Presidential Inauguration 2005 (UPDATED)

I am in the information gathering mode for ideas and events locally and nationally for January 20, 2005. Got any? thanks: howardfordean@yahoo. com. Update: From Dina Lydia: "I am making original signs, some with props and costumes, for two major political rallies in Seattle next week, Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration Day (see details below). I think rallies should be fun as well as serious--that will encourage people to participate. The type of signs I make can be seen here. I obviously can't carry all of these signs myself! I need volunteers to help make statements at the rallies. The signs/costumes get a lot of attention, and some good photo-ops for the media. One idea I had was to have someone dressed as Lady Liberty (ideally not a guy) to represent the 34Dems or West Seattle, since we have the statue at Alki Beach. I can also help anyone make a sign with the name of their neighborhood, or the group they wish to represent, for the I-Day Rally "call-out" event onstage. For those who cannot attend the rallies, but wish to make a statement, I have some bright red posters from NION to put in your window on I-Day. They read: "Not my President! NO!" Those wishing to participate with me, please call Dina 206-517-8033 or dinalydia@yahoo.com. Martin Luther King Annual March and Rally (I'm told this is the biggest in the nation): Monday, Jan 17-Workshops 9:30-10:45 Rally 11-Noon-Garfield Teen Life Center and Garfield High School, 23rd & Jefferson More Info: Call Central Area Motivation Program 206-812-4940. INAUGURAL DAY PROTEST RALLY--sponsored by "Not in Our Name" Project and A.N.S.W.E.R (Act Now Stop War End Racism, seattle@internationalanswer.org- (206) 568-1661)-- Thursday, Jan. 20, 2 PM- Westlake Park, 4th and Pine in downtown Seattle. The rally will converge at the Federal Building for the A.N.S.W.E.R event by 5 PM.

''Dean is Leading Choice for Democrats''

From Political Wire: "To guage the leaders in the race for Democratic Party chairman, The Hotline surveyed the entire DNC membership this week and received responses from 187 members, a 42% response rate. Every member was contacted at least three times in what was termed as "about as scientific of a survey that can be conducted of the DNC."

''Conyers to Justice Department: Investigate Ohio"

They should, but they won't.

''Why Trippi is Dead Wrong about Dean''

Zackpunk puts a few more nails in Trippi's coffin, on Kos.

Howard Dean blogPAC Conference Call: audio

I had a chance to hear the audio of Wednesday's Dean conference call, from AMERICAblog and it's defnitely worth a listen.

''Dean Bloggers Under Fire''

This post on "Political Wire" sums it up, though it's on MyDD and Kos, if you want to get all lathered up. Another case of the left eating their young. Somebody who re-branded herself with the name Zephyr Teachout is now crapping all over Howard Dean's name. And I thought she endorsed him for DNC Chair. She and Trippi should get married and embarass themselves together forever.

''RIGHT MESSAGE''

"By Driving Media Coverage, Republicans Increase Possibility of Revote"-from Sandeep Kaushik's article today in The Stranger. He's nailed it this time. Through effective wordsmithing and convincing lies and distortions, abetted by a lazy and gullible media, Evergreen state Rovians are winning the message battle as they lose the war. That is not to say the Democrats and Gregoire are without some blame in this game. Dean's new emphasis on "framing" is, I think, a recognition of this state of affairs nationally.

''Attend the DNC Regional Caucuses, blog about them right here.''

The headline is from MyDD, but I made the same offer myself yesterday. He says he'll give you an "official" press pass. Me too. Someone should tell him, however, that a lot of folks think bloggers aren't the press. By the way, the Sacramento meeting is the only one open to the public, according to the well informed gossip class. I really agree with him on one thing in his post: the last sentence.

Adam Smith Sees the Light (KINDA)

"We told you yesterday afternoon that The New Republic's Ryan Lizza had something in the works and here it is. In Lizza's new piece about the Dems' get-tough stance on opposing President Bush's Social Security phase-out bill, he sat down with Fainthearted Faction member Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, who told him ... "Social Security is a safety net. That's what it's there for. It's there to be the safest portion of your portfolio. It's a guaranteed benefit for a reason, and, for that reason, I don't support private accounts ... I think there is broad consensus among New Democrats that you must not privatize the system." Make that, ex-Fainthearted Faction member Rep. Adam Smith of Washington."-from Talking Points Memo. Update: I have been reminded that Adam has only seen some of the light, not all of it. He is not supporting Dean for DNC Chair.