Dean's ex-leader in Ohio irks faithful with defection

[maddezmom]

The decision by the former coordinator of Howard Dean's Ohio campaign to endorse Sen. John Edwards for president and bring along as many "Deaniacs" as he can has stirred a hornet's nest in Dean's loyalist camp.


"I am being realistic," said former coordinator Steve Chaffin, a Marion lawyer who, like many Dean activists, volunteered his services. "Howard Dean is not going to get 15 percent in Ohio. We are not going to get one delegate."

So, Chaffin was at rallies over the weekend for Edwards, a North Carolina Democrat, in Cleveland and at Ohio State University. His comment in Cleveland that Dean volunteers would begin this week cam paigning for Edwards infuriated some in Ohio who are still committed to the former Vermont governor.

Cincinnatian Bill Bridges, who succeeded Chaffin as coordinator, said Dean's supporters are still together and want to give him as much leverage as possible at the Democratic National Convention this summer so he can influence the party's platform.

~snip~

more:http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1077724521318170.xml

[eeyore]

1. Good...

Political idealism will only get you so far. At some point it becomes much more important to try to influence the tone of those still in the race. I understand being committed to Dean's message, but anyone who wants to have their voice heard had better get on board. The train is leaving and Dr. Dean's not on it - for better or worse.

[BL_Zebub]

3. Definitely for worse

But I understand your point.

On one horn, there's the issue of getting more Dean delegates, as he is still on the ballot in most if not all states. This increases our voice at the convention. On the other horn, many (including this Devil) believe that Edwards is far more likely to listen to that voice than Kerry's Internationalist House of Waffles is. Which would mean Edwards needs the votes to take the nomination.

One HELL of a dillema, isn't it? :evilfrown:

[liberalnurse]

4. Yes it is.......

I really want to try and keep my wits about the whole thing....Keep focused......

[redqueen]

5. Kerry's Internationalist House of Waffles

Man, that's funny. :7

Just had to savor that while we still can! :scared:

[BL_Zebub]

7. You have my unholy permission to use it freely - spread it around

I won't even charge my usual fee of your soul. :evilgrin:

[liberalnurse]

2. Steve is a friend of mine.....

We worked hard on the Dean Campaign. I too joined the Edwards Camp so that we actually get a Democratic Nominee who can beat *bush. Plus, it give me experience with campaigns in Ohio.


Anybody but kerry is my motto.

[mouse7]

6. Well, I've worked with Steve and wasn't impressed.

I found him unable to handle stress very well and be prone to blow-ups and bad dedisions because of that.