Democratic National Committee Chair: Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont and 2004 candidate for Democratic presidential nomination, is seen as outspoken, independent and liberal. As Vermont governor, he was regarded as moderate, especially in fiscal affairs.
Dean led Democrats in early fundraising of the 2004 campaign by generating $25 million in small donations over the internet. He is famously remembered for his enthusiastic yell on January 19, 2004 after losing the Iowa Democratic caucuses
Notability: In February 2005, Governor Dean became the new chair of the Democratic National Committee, succeeding Terry McAuliffe. As chair, he is lead strategist, spokesman and fundraiser for the party. He travels the country, meeting Democratic supporters, speaking and listening to them about issues and candidates.
Major Areas of Interest: Howard Dean is a fiscal moderate who always balanced his state's budget, and strongly believes in fiscal spending restraint. Despite his centrist views on many issues, Dean is best known for his opposition to the US plan to invade Iraq and related anti-war posture. He was also the nation's first governor to sign civil unions legislation into law.
Prior Experience: Howard Dean is a licensed physician who joined his wife, Dr. Judy Steinberg, in a family practice from 1981 to 1991. Dean's political career started with a 1981 campaign to build a local bike path. He was elected to Vermont House of Representatives in 1982 and Lt Governor in 1986. In 1991, while examining a patient, Dean got word that the Governor had died. Dean was elected to two five-year terms as governor, serving from 1991 to 2002.
Personal Data: -
Birth - November 17, 1948 in New York City
- Education - B.A. from Yale University, M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City
- Family - Married, two children
- Faith - Christian, Congregationalist
Interesting Personal Note: Howard Dean was born to a wealthy and prominent New York family. As a Yale undergradute, he had a reputation as a "party animal." After graduation, he's on record as saying he spent the year skiing, washing dishes, pouring concrete and drinking beer.
A defining moment in Dean's life was in 1974 when his older brother, Charles, a world traveler, was captured and killed by Laos guerillas.
Memorable Quotes: "We've not had one Republican president in 34 years balance the budget. You can't trust right-wing Republicans with your money."
"This country was the moral leader of the world until George Bush became president."
"The State of the Union may look rosy from the White House balcony or the suites of George Bush's wealthiest donors. But hardworking Americans will see through this president's efforts to wrap his radical agenda with a compassionate ribbon."
"Every day it becomes clearer that this was the wrong war at the wrong time."
"I supported the war in Afghanistan because 3,000 of our people were murdered and I thought we had a right to defend the people of the United States."
"I've always been endorsed by the National Rifle ASsociation."
"I think most people...would be very glad to pay the same taxes they paid when Bill Clinton was president, if only they could have the same economy they had when Bill Clinton was president."
