a further indication of the increasingly libertarian bent of the Democratic Party:
Dean: West Fertile Ground for Democrats
By SARAH COOKE
The Associated Press
Saturday, June 4, 2005; 11:23 PM
HELENA, Mont. -- The Rocky Mountain West, long a Republican stronghold, is fertile ground for Democrats hoping to take back Congress and the White House in coming years, Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean told supporters here Saturday.
Democrats have more in common with Westerners than the GOP, the former Vermont governor said.
They appreciate the free-spirited, independent thinking that dominate states like Montana, and understand the wish for a balanced budget and a strong military, as well as treating soldiers well when they get home, something Dean said the Bush administration has neglected.
"I think we're going to have a very appealing message in the Rocky Mountain West," he said. "We want to be everywhere. We don't think just because George Bush won this state by a lot of votes means that Montana is going to be a Republican state forever.
"I think our values are more consistent with Montana values than Republican values are."
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Nothing like sue-happy lawyers hiring a foul-mouthed physician to brag about taking Marlboro Country away from the GOP. Still, stranger things have been said. e.g., the Connecticut Cowboy's famous "Mission Accomplished!" bravado. Youze guys still not having second thoughts about Dean, eh? amazing. Gotta admire the kid's spunk, though.
