When Dean took over the DNC in 2005, barely a year after his infamous scream helped knock him out of the 2004 presidential race, he quickly began hiring staff and building ground operations in every state -- really every local district -- even those that were overwhelmingly Republican. Many Democrats privately and publicly denounced him for wasting resources in places that would never vote Democratic. Paul Begala, a long-time Democratic consultant, was famously quoted by Sam Stein as accusing Dean of "just hiring a bunch of staff people to wander around Utah and Mississippi and pick their nose." Shouting matches were reported in 2006 between Dean and the Democrats in charge of the congressional campaign efforts over where to use limited resources.
Dean stuck to his guns and it helped Democrats take control of Congress in 2006, but it really started to pay off this year, when Democrats won three special House elections in strongly leaning GOP districts in Mississippi, Illinois and Louisiana. Many pundits were surprised, but Dean wasn't among them. Nor is he surprised now that Democratic House and Senate challengers are competitive in usually red states and districts in South Carolina, North Carolina, Nebraska, Mississippi, Alaska and many others.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
To be sure, the 50-state strategy picked up a lot of steam from the prevailing political winds -- disillusionment with Bush and the war in Iraq, the weakening of the Republican "brand" and the economic crisis. It also helped a lot that it dovetailed so well with Obama's effort to put several red states in play, to say nothing of the benefits from Obama's huge supply of money and volunteers. But wind at your back doesn't mean much if you don't have a sail. Dean should get credit for creating a structure that Obama and congressional Democrats could take advantage of. Dean also did a lot to modernize voter databases and bring the DNC into the modern digital age, building on efforts begun by his predecessor Terry McAuliffe.
What's more, no matter what happens on Election Day, the structure is in place to stay for a while. Democrats have proven that they can get elected almost anywhere. So anyone in the future who suggests backing away from the concept, which Dean always envisioned as a permanent infrastructure of the party, will run into real resistance.
-
Here's What You'd Have If You Invested $1,000 Into Qualcomm Stock 20 Years AgoQualcomm stock has been a big disappointment for truly long-term investors.
-
Stocks Extend Win Streak on Black Friday: Stock Market TodayThe main indexes notched wins in Friday's shortened session, with the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average closing higher on the month.
-
Kiplinger's 2020 Election ForecastPolitics For nearly a century, The Kiplinger Letter has forecasted the outcome of presidential elections to keep readers informed of what's coming and what it means for them. Here's our call for 2020.
-
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect BusinessesBusiness Costs & Regulation Corporations would enjoy a lower flat tax rate while individual owners of pass-throughs would also see a lower rate, but with more complex terms.
-
The Long Slog in Congress After Comey
Politics Trump's firing of the FBI director ruffled congressional feathers, but not enough to spur an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
-
Trump’s Tax Reform Plan Faces Tough ChallengesPolitics A one-page outline isn't enough to satisfy a Congress interested in the details — and protecting constituents.
-
Trump's Agenda and ChallengesPolitics What lies ahead for the President-Elect.
-
Clinton on Track to Win 2016 Presidential Election
Politics Trump can win the White House, but faces an uphill climb.
-
New Overtime Rules Will Hit Businesses This YearBusiness Costs & Regulation A change in salary threshold will make more workers eligible for extra pay.
-
Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race
Politics Trump will get a bounce after the Republican convention, but Clinton is poised to regain ground.
