Feb 27 2004
Fight on for Democrats
NEW HAVEN — In the midst of bellowing chants of support, former presidential hopeful Howard Dean told his Connecticut supporters Thursday the state’s fight for a Democratic presidency is far from over.
“The only way to beat George W. Bush in 2004 is to follow the path you have shown,” Dean said after wholeheartedly thanking about 400 campaign volunteers and supporters for their loyalty during his fight for the presidency.
The Democrat’s lavish praise and fiery challenge rang from inside the ballroom at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale during his first public appearance since abandoning his race for the presidential candidacy on Feb. 18.
Dean visited the Elm City mostly because his Connecticut supporters and brother, Jim Dean of Fairfield, were the “genesis of his campaign,” said Susan Wallace, spokeswoman for the volunteer group, Connecticut for Dean.
“The support for (Dean) has been really strong here,” said Wallace.
Using that to his advantage, Dean shouted to supporters for 15 minutes to move forward with the grass-roots organization to secure the Democratic presidential win, with or without him on the ballot.
“All over America there are people that want this country restored and want a Democratic Party that is going to stand up for them,” Dean said.
In order to make that happen, Dean said his supporters must march forward with their “grass-roots ideas and bring new people in politics,” including those who will “stand up for the truth.”
He characterized truths as universal health care, investment in early childhood education, fiscal responsibility, campaign finance reform and strengthening foreign relations.
“We want every single American who supports Dean to stay involved and support the Democratic Party,” he said to an eruption of applause.
