Harold Ickes, Former Clinton White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Democratic Activist, Endorses Dean

Released: Jan 31, 2005 1:46 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2005

Gov. Dean Contacts: Fred Baldassaro, 917-686-5827
Laura Gross, 802-318-6853

Harold Ickes, former Clinton White House Deputy Chief of Staff has endorsed Governor Howard Dean for Chairman of the Democratic Party. Ickes' support is a welcome addition to the growing list of endorsements that Governor Dean is receiving. The Democratic activist’s backing also reflects the momentum building around Howard Dean's DNC Chair candidacy.

"Today I announce my support for Howard Dean for DNC Chair, said Ickes. "In addition to be a great fundraiser with a wealth of political experience, Governor Dean is tireless and he’s tough – two qualities we need from our party leader if we are going to beat the Republicans in the coming years," he added.

"I appreciate Harold's support and if elected DNC Chair, look forward to working with him to make the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory in America," said Governor Dean.

Dean is running for DNC Chair to build on the work his PAC, Democracy for America, (DFA) has been doing to elect Democrats to local and national offices. In addition to mobilizing grassroots support, DFA directly donated over $1 million for candidates across the country.

This past weekend, Governor attended the final DNC regional caucus meeting in New York City, where he met with DNC members of the Eastern Region.

Dean has been involved in all levels of the Democratic Party – including Chittenden County, (Vermont) Democratic Party chair. He has run successful campaigns for state legislature, lieutenant governor, and governor. He served as chair of both the National Governors' Association and the Democratic Governors' Association (DGA). And as chair of the DGA, he helped recruit nearly 20 governors that won -- even in so-called "red" states -- including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi. He knows what it is like to be involved at the local level and he know what it is like to run for national office, a perfect combination for a part y that needs to reconnect with its grassroots as well as be competitive at the national level.

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