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Example of recent press release on endorsement of Howard Dean

Vol. 2, No. 1--Pre-Summit, January 2005

Press Release

Utah Democratic
Progressive Caucus
Endorses Dean for DNC Chair

December 29, 2004

The Utah Democratic Progressive Caucus (UDPC) is proud to announce its endorsement of Howard Dean in his campaign to serve as the next chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Throughout the month of December the UDPC has been polling members via phone and through the mail regarding a Dean bid to become the next DNC chair. After tallying the votes cast Dean received overwhelming support from approximately 9 out every 10 UDPC members participating in the vote.

Dean's consistent opposition to the war during his presidential campaign and recent expressions of support for women's reproductive rights makes Dean a natural choice for progressives here in Utah and around the nation. Dean's commitment to grassroots organizing and reducing Party reliance on special interest money are also valued by our membership given our support for campaign finance and electoral reform.

"We don't need another party chair constantly looking for ways to soften our position in response to the demagoguery coming from the right," says UDPC co-chair Laura Bonham. "We have been trying that every election at least sense 1994 and it has gotten us nowhere. Dean's willingness to say what he means and mean what he says is appreciated by progressives."

UDPC co-chair Craig Axford agrees. "Now is not the time for Democrats to go soft on issues like choice, war, Social Security or fiscal responsibility. Instead of debating how to make our message more appealing to voters not likely to vote for us anyway, we need principled leadership willing to stand up for and articulate our values."

The UDPC encourages Utah's National Committee members Donald Dunn, Nancy Jane Woodside, Helen Langan and Bill Orton to support Howard Dean when they cast their votes for the next DNC Chair in February. In addition, we will be requesting our membership contact these individuals to request they support Dean.

If you would like additional information regarding the UDPC's endorsement of Howard Dean in his bid for DNC chair, please contact Craig Axford at (801)--------- or Laura Bonham at (435)---------. Thank you.

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