Dean's surge poses challenges for him

[Freddie Stubbs]

HOPKINGTON (AP) - Raising $7.5 million for his Internet-fueled campaign was the easy part. Now Democrat Howard Dean says he must urgently expand his presidential bid, broaden his message and soften the rough edges of his personality.

Although two of his rivals, John Kerry and John Edwards, have collected more money overall, and others have put more cash in reserve, Dean's fund-raising haul from April to June has shaken up a race that now has three distinct tiers of candidates - but no front-runners.

His foes for the Democratic nomination are sharpening their rhetoric as Dean tries to ensure his momentum doesn't outstrip a relatively immature campaign based in Burlington, Vt.

"We're learning as we go along," the former Vermont governor said between stops in New Hampshire that drew large crowds and tested his acknowledged lack of patience.

more: http://www.theunionleader.com/prez_show.html?article=23628

1. Could he have peaked too soon? n/t

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[Egnever]

2. He hasnt even begun to peak!

crowds keep growing everywhere he goes. He has just begun to get name recognition. i read somewhere he is listed as being somewhere arround #4000 in search frequency on google his nearest competitor including bush holding somewhere arround # 20,000 pluss.

These are all indications of growing support not a leveling off.