Dean Lands in Jackson Friday

Just received an e-mail from Mike Gierau, chairman of the Wyoming Democratic Party, inviting me to a reception with the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Howard Dean. This "Democratic Grassroots Appreciation Reception" will be held on Friday, Nov. 17, 11-11:45 a.m., at the Snake River Lodge and Spa in Teton Village near Jackson.

Dean was the architect of the Democratic National Committee’s 50-State Strategy that carried the House, the Senate, and several governorships for the Dems. Dean’s strategy came with 1,000 votes of carrying the Wyoming U.S. House seat for Gary Trauner. He aided the fight by providing enough money so that the Wyoming Democrats could hire and organizer and a PR person, positions that really mattered during the campaign.

It’s a bit funny, though, that Dean received a much chillier reception back in the summer when he came to Jackson. He was in town for some sort of think-tank confab, or maybe he was just taking a vacation, but Trauner and every other Dem sprinted away from the DNC chair. They were afraid that the Republicans could make hay out of it, come up with even more negative ads.

Now it’s all sweetness and light. I wish I could attend but Jackson is 430 miles one way, and that’s a bit far, even to meet Howard Dean. It was a tough campaign – and Dean does get a lot of credit for its successes – but I’ll just have to admire him from afar.

However, if you’re interested in attending, here are the details: "While this event is closed to the press, all members of the public are welcome to attend. Due to space limitations, however, you must RSVP in advance with your name, address, and phone number. Please RSVP by Thursday: 307-739-8683."