Dean folks, help candidate from Volusia County, FL. Really activist.

[madfloridian]

If you can give him a hand on letter-writing, please do. Here is the email from him this morning. This is the county with the 20,000 votes for Gore that disappeared. He is doing well. Since Dean is working so hard for the party, even having the guts to go on Hardball at 9 tonight, support him a little. He was a marine who had to tell people their kids had died in Iraq, and it broke his heart. To the ones who don't care for Dean, could you just please butt out of it unless you can say something nice. He is working to take back congress, and is now no threat to anyone. I don't think we should let a Repub talk like that about any of our former candidates. Especially in Florida where they think they rule it all.

SNIP..."Dear Supporter,

First, I want to thank each and every one of you for your tremendous show of
support. Since the endorsement from Gov. Dean and Democracy for America, we
have had over 25,000 hits on the website and have raised over $1,500
nationwide!

Now, as Dean supporters, we all are well aware of the importance of an
endorsement the magnitude of Democracy for America. From the earned media,
to the fund raising, to the formal training of local supporters and
volunteers, the endorsement can be priceless. Moreover, being endorsed by
a person with the character and integrity of Gov. Dean is something that
should be held in high regard. Well, apparently my opponent doesn't feel
that the endorsement is anything to write home about. In fact, he has
actually ridiculed Gov. Dean and Democracy for America! The
following column is from the July 4th edition of the Orlando Sentinel:

"Candidate lands help from Dean"
By Kevin P. Connolly | Sentinel Staff Writer

Dana Rasch is jazzed about getting the nod from Democracy for America, the
political organization founded by former Democratic presidential candidate
Howard Dean. Rasch, who worked on Dean's campaign after leaving the Marines,
is running as a Democrat for the District 26 seat held by DeLand Republican
Pat Patterson. Dean's group highlights 12 people every two weeks it
considers "common-sense candidates who are fiscally responsible and socially
progressive." Rasch is one of four candidates in Florida who have earned the
recognition since the "Dean Dozen" list began in May.

"All endorsements not the same"
Patterson's sarcastic reaction to Rasch making the Dean Dozen list:
"Woo-hoo!" The state Representative added: "I don't think the Democrats were
that impressed with Howard Dean, so I don't know what kind of endorsement
that is." Zing.

This is not a joke! Perhaps, Representative Patterson doesn't realize that
Gov. Dean raised $50 million dollars in a year off the inter-net. Perhaps,
he doesn't realize that he went from several hundred supporters to several
hundred thousand supporters within a couple of months. Perhaps, he doesn't
realize that Dean supporters should never be scoffed at or underestimated!
And, he obviously does not realize the political reality of Gov. Dean's
tireless efforts to keep the Democratic Party united so we can win at all
levels this November!

Those were definitely the words of a nervous incumbent. And he has a reason
to be worried, here are some of the major accomplishments over just the past
couple weeks:

--Qualified by the petition method and saved $3,000; my opponent failed in
this endeavor and will be paying the filing fee!
--Endorsed by the United Auto Workers and I.B.E.W!
--This weekend we will be opening an office in Ormond Beach and will soon
have an office located in downtown DeLand giving us full coverage of the
entire district that was built for a Republican with lots of money!

Three months ago, the state party showed little intention of getting
involved in this race. Now, they are finding it hard to ignore what we've
done through a people powered effort! I need your help to continue the
momentum we have built up. What we can do right now is write e-mails to
Kevin Connolly, the reporter who wrote the column above in the Orlando
Sentinel. Let's let him
know just how strong the support for Democracy for America is and that we
don't appreciate an elected official attempting to ridicule Governor Howard
Dean and his efforts. Kevin Connolly's e-mail address is
[e-mail]. Please send him a quick e-mail in support of
DFA and Gov. Dean. I've already sent mine. I hope you will join me.

Again, thanks, I could not have come this far without your support. From day
one, this has not been my campaign...but our campaign. Through your efforts,
we will, at all levels, return the power to the people.

Thanks for the continued support!

Dana
Dana Rasch for State Representative, Dist. 26
A Real Leader
P.O. Box 740178
Orange City, Florida 32774
www.DanaRasch2004.com
[e-mail]
386-774-2959

[flpoljunkie]

1. Terrific! Did not know that Rasch was named one of the Dean Dozen.

Dana Rasch is a fine candidate, and I urge everyone here at DU to contribute to his campaign; I have.

[madfloridian]

2. Thanks, he is good about writing and keeping in touch with donors.

I have been so impressed with his enthusiasm. Thanks for the interest. Our 4 Florida folks are doing well.

[janx]

4. DFA is doing very well, and Dana is one rising star, if you

will excuse the cliche. DFA is working!

I love it!

[janx]

3. MF, this isn't just for Deaniacs--promote this guy everywhere!

I'm familiar with his bio on Democracy for America, and if this isn't where it starts, I don't know the starting point at all!

He is magnificent, brave, and very wise. He deserves to be promoted everywhere, and that's no doubt why he is being promoted by Democracy for America.

I will write a letter.

[madfloridian]

5. Thanks! I am going to compose mine tomorrow.

Our Republicans here are so snide and arrogant. Our state is in bad trouble, and they seem proud of it. I really like this guy.

[madfloridian]

6. Janx, here is my letter.

"Woo-Hoo? That representative sounds a little out of touch to me, both
about our party in general and about Howard Dean's dozen. My husband and I
are working with and donating to various Dean Dozen throughout the country.
We are especially impressed with Dana Rasch. Can you imagine as a marine,
having to tell people of the death of their son or daughter in an
unnecessary war?

Dana is doing quite well, as are many other Dean Dozen. One good thing
about this is our awareness of important candidates throughout the country
as well as our own state.

Methinks Rep. Patterson is sounding a little fearful, knowing that his party
is no longer invulnerable in Florida. Even Adam Putnam in District 12 is
sending us emails now, though he is still voting with Bush 100%. He is now
realizing that he is just might have some problems this time....that he
won't be coasting to victory.

Give Rep. Patterson our regards, and tell him never never discount Howard
Dean or his supporters."

Name
Dean and Rasch supporters.