On Saturday, February 7, Governor Howard Dean and AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee had a candid and wide-ranging discussion about the presidential campaign and their shared commitment to beat President Bush in November.

"We agree that the most important priority for America's working families is to defeat George W. Bush," McEntee said. "We will continue to work together to unify the Democratic Party to do just that."

Governor Dean added, "We will continue to advance a progressive agenda for this nation — one that takes our country back from the special interests and empowers the American people. We will carry a strong positive message throughout the rest of this campaign."

According to McEntee, "Howard Dean has broken new ground in conducting presidential campaigns. He has brought new people into the political process, including people who were disillusioned with politics. The Governor's unprecedented ability to mobilize grassroots supporters to raise record-breaking sums of money demonstrates that Democrats can raise the money to beat Bush."

While AFSCME has ended its activities on behalf of the Dean campaign and is shifting its focus and resources to the general election, Governor Dean reiterated his commitment to remain in the race through the Wisconsin primary and to keep the voices of America's working families at the forefront of our national dialogue.

Governor Dean said, "Since my days as Governor of Vermont I have always advocated for the well-being of public service employees who are on the front lines of solving the critical problems facing our nation. AFSCME and its members are a tireless and effective part of the political process and will continue to play a leading role in this election."

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  American Federation of State, County
  and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
  1625 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
  Telephone (202) 429-1145
  Fax (202) 429-1120