Dean Vows to Continue Presidential Bid Despite Defeat in Wisconsin

As the Democratic presidential primary campaigns intensify, Vermont Governor Howard Dean faced mounting pressure to drop out after a dismal showing in Wisconsin, with his campaign chairman deserting him and several senior aides expected to leave once the votes are counted. However, Dean defied the odds, vowing to press on with his bid for the presidency, even as his party's top contenders, Senators John Kerry and John Edwards, begin contemplating the contours of a two-man race. With polls showing Kerry poised to roll up another victory in Wisconsin, Edwards asserted that he would not quit the race and was now looking forward to a two-way contest with Kerry going into a heavy schedule of primaries in early March.

Key Takeaways:

• Howard Dean vowed to continue his presidential bid despite a potential defeat in Wisconsin, despite his campaign chairman's defection and several senior aides expected to leave.
• Senators John Kerry and John Edwards began contemplating the contours of a two-man race, with Edwards asserting that he would not quit the race and would focus on distinguishing himself from Kerry on issues such as the North American Free Trade Agreement.
• Kerry prepared for a coast-to-coast tour of states voting on March 2, while Edwards vowed to campaign in every state voting that day, focusing particularly on New York, Georgia, and Ohio.
• Edwards's communications director, David Ginsberg, said that Edwards could still compete effectively even if Dean stuck around, noting that the Edwards message was "getting through" and was not dependent on who else was in the race.
• Dean encountered reminders throughout his campaign stops in Wisconsin that this could be the final day of his candidacy, with some aides suggesting that he might keep his name on the ballot but significantly cut back his public schedule.
• Dean's aides expect him to use his e-mail list to raise money for other Democrats and possibly turn out for occasional events, maintaining some level of influence in the election.
• The quick campaign schedule designed by Democratic leaders to produce an early nominee has created momentum for candidates who win Iowa and New Hampshire, making it difficult for others to catch up.

Statistics:

• 370: the number of delegates at stake in California, the state with the highest number of delegates.
• 700,000: the number of people that Dean might be able to deliver to the nominee, but is reluctant to do so as he wants to maintain some level of influence and autonomy.
• March 2: the day when several states will hold primaries, and when Kerry and Edwards will begin focusing on the contests.

Sources:

• "Kerry and Edwards Set Stage for Two-Way Race"
• "Dean Plans to Keep Campaign Alive, but Decline Awaits"
• "Edwards Message Getting Through, Aides Say"
• "Kerry's Nafta Vote Could Hurt Him in Wisconsin"