Critics in Vermont Rally Around Dean

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17514-2003Nov27.html
By Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 28, 2003; Page A02

They called themselves "the usual suspects." As a steadfast core of liberal Democratic politicians in Vermont, they spent more than a decade working closely, and often butting heads, with Howard Dean.

"I know there are a lot of people up here surprised that I am backing him, 'cause I was one of the group that did not just go along with everything he wanted us to do," said Democrat Cheryl Rivers, a former six-term state senator from Stockbridge, who warred with Dean over his plan to change Vermont's health care system early in his tenure as governor. "I am preparing to be frequently disappointed, as I always am. But I see what Howard did here and what he brings to the race, and I give him my full endorsement."

Dick McCormack, a self-described liberal Democrat and former state senator, said, "I look at the economy struggling in this country, and here's little Vermont riding out the storm. He should get a lot of credit for that."