DAB’s reception for Governor Dean a resounding success

More than 30 DAB members and friends enjoyed an evening of spirited discussion with former DNC Chairman Governor Howard Dean Tuesday 31 March in Brussels. A 6-time governor of Vermont and a presidential primary candidate himself in 2004, Howard Dean is credited with the now-celebrated “50-state” strategy credited with bringing Democratic victory in 2008.  
In Brussels for the Global Progressive Forum which started 2 April, Governor Dean accepted our invitation to join us for this fund-raising reception held at the home of Meredith and Adolf Spangenberg.

Governor Dean met first with key donors and members of DAB Executive Committee then devoted more than an hour to a lively question and answer session with over 30 DAB members. For starters, he congratulated Democrats Abroad for the success of our internet primary last year. It had been tried in a few states in 2004 with mixed results, but this was the first really successful use of the internet for a primary election.

All subjects were on the table:

• Health care – President Obama’s plan is a good one, providing both private and public options for everyone. It’s not just that we have to provide health care to everyone, Our industry needs this to be competitive.
• Bipartisanship in Washington – Don’t count on it. The Republicans don’t seem to want it. Democrats have to be strong enough to push through their program over Republican resistance.
• First impressions – We have to start greeting our arriving visitors at airports like we used to, welcoming them. Our visa procedures for foreign students and foreign skilled workers have to lighten up. We’re losing out in attracting good foreign students to our universities.
• The European Union – It’s the most important development in government since the creation of our country, worth our attention and support.

DAB vice-chair Kevin Prager presented Governor Dean with a resolution on behalf of DA Germany, Austria and Belgium honoring him for his leadership in strategy and mobilizing our successful campaigns in both 2006 and 2008. And, from DAB, a book on Belgian beers which Governor Dean said he would pass on to his son.

Part of DAB’s program to raise its profile both among DAB members and with prominent administration officials, this reception raised more than $ 9,000 for DPCA. More than one-third of the contributions came from DA members and organization in other countries throughout the world
We hope to have more of these opportunities to meet more key players on the political stage in the coming months. Don’t miss the next one.