LAS VEGAS–In a friendly take-over that was expected, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean just welcomed to the DNC Paul Tewes, the chief of the Obama DNC team.
Dean talks about his 50-state organizing strategy in his statement; ironically–since Obama comes from Illinois–Dean really has been running a 49-state strategy. Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-Chicago), the chief of the Democratic Party of Illinois, wants nothing to do with the DNC state program.
From the DNC
Washington, DC Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement, welcoming the Obama team as we transition to the general election campaign:
Over the last three years, the DNC staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Democratic Party is strong in all 50 states and that we communicate our values to Americans across the country. The DNC and the Obama Campaign are now working together to continue this effort. Im pleased to welcome Paul Tewes from the Obama Campaign who will help lead our team here at the DNC and ensure a smooth transition to our general election efforts. We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us. On everything from the war in Iraq, to privatizing Social Security, to making the disastrous Bush tax cuts permanent, John McCain has made it clear that he is more interested in continuing the policies of the past rather than facing America’s future. Working together, I am confident we will elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States and begin the process of rebuilding our great country.
With the conclusion of the last primaries and caucuses Tuesday, weve marked the end of an extraordinary primary season and a long and hard fought race between two formidable and historic candidates who have made our Democratic Party proud. Our Party was very fortunate to have so many exceptional candidates in this race from the beginning. While the extended contest presented some challenges, those were significantly outweighed by the overwhelming enthusiasm and energy it generated across the country with more than 35 million people coming out to support our candidates. In every part of the country, Americans women, men, Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, LGBT Americans, young people, veterans, students and retires, Democrats, Independents and even Republicans came out to support our two outstanding candidates and the values we share.
I congratulate both candidates, and thank them for their commitment not only to our Party but to our country we all love and serve. This has been a transformative election for the Democratic Party in no small part because of these two extraordinary candidates, the historic nature of both campaigns, and the passion, intellect and dedication they brought to the campaign trail every day.
