Howard Dean Says NH Primary is Important & Florida "Won't Count"

In a video taped exchange with Victory NH's Primary Defenders, DNC Chairman, Howard Dean defended the Democratic National Committee's Primary Calendar while conceding that while New Hampshire's First in the Nation Primary is still critical to the presidential race, Florida's unilateral decision to move their primary up to January 29th, has "essentially converted their Primary to a straw poll."

(PRWEB) June 13, 2007 -- In an exchange with Victory NH's Primary Defenders, DNC Chairman, Howard Dean defended the Democratic National Committee's Primary Calendar while conceding that while New Hampshire's First in the Nation Primary is still critical to the presidential race, Florida's unilateral decision to move their primary up to January 29th, has "essentially converted their Primary to a straw poll."
When asked what he would do to any state that would try to leap-frog New Hampshire, Dean replied:

"Florida is a good example of that. They didn't leap-frog it but they broke the thing and their Primary essentially won't count. Anybody who campaigns in Florida is ineligible for delegates."

To watch the video of the full exchange, visit:

www.victorynh.com/video-gallery-dean.htm

The Primary Defenders presented Dean with a bound collection of over 1200 petitions (signed by citizens from across New Hampshire), asking Dean to give the current candidates the same "chance to be heard" that he had as a candidate.

The collection also included quotes of support from each of the Democratic presidential candidates; former President, Bill Clinton; and even Dean himself who said in 2003:

"I'm absolutely committed to New Hampshire having the first primary - it's the only way that candidates with no money but with strong backing have any chance at all."

The Protect Our Primary campaign is led by more than 200 "Primary Defenders" - students from 20 high schools and colleges across New Hampshire, who regularly engage and enlist the support of presidential candidates in helping to protect New Hampshire's traditional first in the nation role.

Their website, www.Protect OurPrimary.com , currently features hundreds of photos with the candidates wearing the group's Protect Our Primary stickers, along with quotes, commentaries (from Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Newt Gingrich), and video endorsements from the presidential candidates, members of the media, and former presidents.

"Victory NH is pleased that Governor Dean continues to support New Hampshire's rightful first in the nation role, and hopes that he continues to support us as other states continue to 'flirt' with the possibility of usurping that role, said Harry Levine, Co- Founder of Victory NH. "Needless to say, the Primary Defenders will be watching."

For more information about Victory NH & The Protect Our Primary campaign, contact:

Harry Levine
Co-Founder
Victory NH
email: hlevine(@)victorynh.com
phone: 603-624-8253

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