Dean Response to Massachusetts and Washington State Primaries

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the results of the primaries in Massachusetts and Washington state:

"On both shores, the lesson from the strong turnout in last night's primaries in Massachusetts and Washington state is that Democrats are energized and committed to providing the American people the change in direction they deserve."

"In Massachusetts, by running a positive, grassroots campaign, Deval Patrick captured the imagination of Democrats across the state and is poised to become the Bay State's first Democratic governor in 16 years. His commitment to building a statewide grassroots campaign and the strong desire for change in Massachusetts helped boost turnout by more than 20 percent over the 2002 gubernatorial primary. As Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under President Clinton, Deval demonstrated a commitment to equality and opportunity for all. Together with Lieutenant Governor candidate Tim Murray, he'll bring that same commitment to state government and provide a new direction for Massachusetts by ending 16 years of failed Republican leadership on Beacon Hill."

"In Washington state, Senator Maria Cantwell is well on her way to being re-elected because voters know she fights every single day to put Washingtonians first and bring a new direction to our nation's capital. From her strong environmental record, her willingness to stand up for Washington state families, and her commitment to holding President Bush accountable and changing the course from a failed strategy in Iraq, Senator Cantwell is providing the strong Democratic leadership we need all across America. That vision is the reason Senator Cantwell drew more than 100,000 more votes last night than her Republican opponent."

"Together with Darcy Burner, who also drew more primary voters than the incumbent Bush Republican she is going to defeat this November in the 8th Congressional District, and the rest of the Democratic delegation, Washington State Democrats are going to bring the American people a new direction that puts Washingtonians first."