|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 8 February 2004 |
 |
|
 |
World |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Dean raises nearly $1 million for Wisconsin battle MILWAUKEE, Feb 6 (Reuters) Democratic White House hopeful Howard Dean scrambled on Friday to avoid a knockout punch in the Feb. 17 Wisconsin primary as his campaign reported raising nearly $1 million to finance what could be his final stand. The money, far more than what Dean had sought in an e-mail plea the day before, will pay for campaign advertisements in Wisconsin where state Democrats are set to have their say on who challenges Republican President George W. Bush. "We see this as a show of strength from our supporters who clearly want the campaign to go on," said Dean spokeswoman Tricia Enright. Late on Friday, the campaign said it had taken in $986,232 from 14,519 contributors since Dean's appeal, making it one of the best two-day periods ever for the former Vermont governor's fund-raising operation. Dean also indicated on Friday that he might be open to being the party's vice presidential nominee. Asked by a local radio station if he would accept the vice presidential nomination, Dean said, "I would to the extent do anything I could to get rid of President Bush. I'll do whatever is best for the party." With many high-ranking political and labor backers increasingly nervous about Dean's nine straight loses in state contests, Dean said on Thursday his campaign would be over unless he wins in Wisconsin. In his fund-raising plea, Dean, who spent $40 million on a gamble that he could wrap up the Democratic presidential nomination with early victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, asked supporters for $50 contributions so he could raise $700,000 by Sunday to pay for advertising in Wisconsin. The success of the drive, using the technique of Internet fund-raising that the campaign pioneered, prompted Dean's aides to double their target to $1.4 million. A number of Democratic backers say Dean deserves credit in helping shape the 2004 campaign and in being the first Democrat to challenge Bush, particularly on the war in Iraq. Another contribution would be knowing when to bow out of the race, they said. Rep. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, chairman of the Democratic caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives and one of three dozen members of Congress who have endorsed Dean, told Reuters: "He needs a win." Between now and the Wisconsin primary, Dean is expected to take hits in several other state contests. But he hopes to do well enough to build momentum for Wisconsin. Dean had scheduled a campaign event on Friday at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin, but heavy snow forced a cancellation. As his campaign arranged a meeting with health care workers, he met privately with educators and did radio interviews. He also visited a coffee shop where he touted his plans on matters from health care to trade. "I encourage you to please stay in the race," Christian Bartley, who owns his own consulting firm, told Dean. "If you want me to stay in the race, you have to vote for me," Dean replied. Bartley smiled and later told reporters he was undecided. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
