When someone asks me what kind of Democrat I am, the answer is all to clear for me. I simply state that I am a Wellstonian, Gore and Dean Democrat. The late Senator Paul Wellstone did not care who you were, but he worked tirelessly to make sure that the government you deserved was delivered. He wanted everyone on board his Green Bus. He saw us as being one America and not a divided America and I think that is why Senator Paul Harkin at the memorial service for Senator Wellstone called him the "soul of the senate." He spoke up where others failed at doing so.

While I am a New York State resident, Paul Wellstone was my senator because he spoke to me and my issues. In my opinion, we need many more souls in the senate. If I had to choose but one right now, it would be Senator Byrd for his courage in speaking out against George W. Bush on several occasions.

During the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles when Vice President Al Gore said to the masses, "I will fight for you! Are you with me?" Those words were what I wanted to hear coming from a candidate where I poured my heart and soul into his campaign which in reality was our campaign. I remember crying when I heard him say those words, Governor Dean. I remember all too clearly saying, "I know you will Mr. Gore and I am with you all the way!"

I remember just how proud I was of him when he fought for 37 days to make sure that every vote was counted in the state of Florida. He knew who his constituents were and they were people like you and me. His campaign was something to marvel at and where he did excite so many and no, I am not one of those who believe he was stiff and wooden. This country deserves leaders just like Al Gore and it angers me when they will settle for lesser elected officials or ones who will seek to shred the Constitution. The Constitution is the very foundation that this country was built upon.

When some have stated erroneously that he did not try hard enough to become president, I immediately reply using this statement, "One man can fight a battle, but he needs an army to win the war. And America did not come to Al Gore's side to become such an army."--Mary MacElveen: March 28, 2003. I would like to know where America's collective outrage at voter fraud was, Governor Dean. Perhaps America has only America to blame for accepting such fraud. One only has to look at the way the citizens of the Ukraine have recently acted to look for inspiration and I wonder why can't Americans react in the same light? They have clearly shown us up when it comes to citizen participation. That is because many in that country can remember being ruled and not governed.

America has settled for complacency, Governor Dean and to me that is unacceptable. Now why do I include you as being what kind of Democrat I am? The answer is simple, Governor Dean, you brought something to the table that many thirsted for within our party. A return to the core beliefs many of us share. The party of FDR, Harry Truman and JFK. You wanted all of us involved in taking our country back. You were making inroads into states that for a very long time no Democrat dared to spend time in. I am talking of the southern states where your message was being heard. You were clearly reaching out to the other side.

You also told me and many like me that we have the power to take back our country and that is something that many like me needed to hear especially when we saw our country stolen right from underneath us in the 2000 presidential race.

Both you and Mr. Gore also chose to go up against a man I see very much a tyrant and his name is George W. Bush. Both of you spoke out against all of his policies and actions. You were both targeted for doing so, but in my opinion when people are targeted, it means that they are saying what needs to be said and are on the right track. Keep on pounding the bully pulpit with sleeves rolled up, Gov. Dean. Both of you were leading and still lead with your convictions and that is something America does crave and thirst for. At least I think so and hope so.

While you and Mr. Gore led, others cowered and acquiesced what power they had and became Republican lite and we must as a party reject that at every turn or we shall at some point fade into the annals of American history. If we have not reached that point already. While wanting my country back, I want the party of the people back, Governor Dean. I am so tired of the DLC and the DNC dictating at times to the party faithful and I want new leadership and when you need me, I am here.

When America given a choice between two candidates where both sound the same, in my opinion, Americans will stick with what they know instead of changing horses in mid stream. Also in my opinion sameness breeds apathy. After all, why bother being excited by a candidate that sounds just like the man or woman you are trying to beat?

In closing, Governor Dean whatever road you choose to travel whether it be taking charge of the DNC or running again for President in 2008, know that I along with many others are with you. We too are ready to roll up our sleeves and get the job done for the American people.

Sincerely and With Deep Respect,
Mary MacElveen
Sound Beach, NY 11789