Roemer's parting remarks...

[J. J.]

Roemer was satisfied with the status quo.  He was a pro-life Terry McAuliffe.  Ill admit Dean is a gamble, but he is a gamble I am willing to take. 

The "status quo" was two presidential elections where the losing candidate was within striking distance of winning.  The gamble is that the electorate is fairly liberal, too liberal to elect a candidate like Bill Clinton.