Dean at Dem fundraiser in Virgin Islands..1st ever visit from Dem chair.

[madfloridian]

Tomorrow Dean is at a fundraiser with the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands. 300 tickets already sold, more at a cheaper rate being printed.

http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17591738

ST. THOMAS - The V.I. Democratic Party is poised to make history on Friday.

For the first time since the territory's Democrats organized, the party's national chairman will be visiting the Virgin Islands.

Howard Dean, a former governor of Vermont and a 2004 presidential candidate, will be the special guest at a "Unity Luncheon" to raise money for the territory's Democrats at noon Friday at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef and Morningstar Beach Resort.

Money from the fundraiser will go toward setting up a permanent party headquarters on St. Thomas and assisting candidates in the coming election, Benjamin said. The party hopes to have two more fundraisers featuring high-profile Democrats this year - one in August and one closer to the general election.

The article says several top Democrats will be attending with him, but it does not specify.

[rockymountaindem]

1. Cool

When I went to the Virgin Islands, I couldn't believe the poverty. I was ashamed that we could let our countrymen live like that, even if it is "some tropical island". Maybe this is a sign of new interest in that place's problems by mainlanders. I hope so.

[Hippo_Tron]

2. The thing people don't understand about the 50 state strategy is the money

Critics will attack this saying that the Virgin Islands doesn't even vote in federal elections. But consider the fact that these people have probably never been visisted by a major democratic party figure. Dean knows that these people will be very excited that the democratic party is paying attention to them and as a result they will contribute money to the DNC to help other Democrats nationally.

Dean knows that spending money in all 50 states will result in fundraising in all 50 states. Even though Utah isn't competative in a presidential election like Ohio is, a $100 donation to the DNC from a Utah Democrat is just as good as a $100 donation to the DNC from a Ohio Democrat. There's still plenty of people that are willing to contribute financially in every state if we just show them that we care about them.

[justinaforjustice]

3. Governor Dean is Doing Great Things for the Dem Party

Governor Dean spoke at the Hawaii State Democratic Convention in 2004 and brought down the house with overwhelming applause. He really cares about human beings and is a very effective, passionate speaker. I'm sure that his appearance in the Virgin Islands will energize the local party there and raise money for both the locals and the DNC. Dean's strategy of building the party in all fifty states is really benefiting Hawaii, where he has funded positions for three full-time workers.

I'm sorry that Dean has promised not to run for president in 2008. He will make a great president, perhaps in 2012....