DNC race update

Wellington Webb has decided to drop out of the race and endorse Howard Dean:

Webb, a former three-term Denver mayor, pulled out of contention immediately after an influential group of state Democratic Party chairpeople overwhelming supported Dean, a 2004 presidential candidate who promises to rally the "Democratic wing of the Democratic Party."

Also today, Colorado Democratic Chairman Chris Gates backed Dean after stumping for Webb for more than a month.

"Howard Dean has been a thoughtful advocate for progressive change, both as governor of Vermont and as a candidate for president. And I think he'll make a great national party chair," Gates said.

I'm beginning to think Dean is the guy that's going to win, and I wouldn't be upset with that. And before you tag me as one of the Dean guys, I never really supported him as a Presidential candidate even as friends pushed me had to do so.

That disclaimer aside, I think he, Rosenberg and Frost all bring elements necessary for future victory to the table, and the first challenge for any of them will be to defend themselves from their critics.

Dean and Rosenberg, I think, will face calls from Republicans that the Democratic party is moving farther to the left. All I would need to hear as a Democrat is that we as a part stand for what we stand for, and that all Americans benefit from Democratic principles. For too long, the party has apologized for believing what it does, and it needs to stop. Looking pathetic in the face of criticism concedes that the other side is right. And if the party is to go anywhere in the future, that needs to stop.

*UPDATE* I posted too soon, I guess:

The Association of State Democratic Chairs endorsed Dean during a national conference call. Dean got 56 votes, followed by Democratic activist Donnie Fowler with 21 votes. Other candidates had support in single digits. The state chairs ignored a recommendation made Sunday by the executive committee to back Fowler and supported Dean.

"If all of our members vote for him, that will be half of what he needs to win the chairman's job," said Mark Brewer, chairman of the Association of State Democratic Chairs, who noted the total membership of chairs and vice chairs is 112. "We're asking all of our state chairs and vice chairs to follow our endorsements. And we think they will."

The state chairs endorsed Dean, a former Vermont governor, because they thought he was best suited to help the state and local parties rebuild, Brewer said.

Dean revolutionized Democratic politics in the 2004 presidential campaign through his use of the Internet and his skills at fund raising, organizing and energizing new voters.

"Strengthening the state parties is a central part of our plan to make the Democratic party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory," said Dean. "If elected DNC chair, we will make this vision a reality."