Howard Dean Supports Congressman Jack Murtha

From DNC Chairman an Howard Dean, MD, an edited edition of his call for support of Congressman Jack Murtha and a strategy to reply to Murtha's critics.

Thousands of people have stepped up to challenge Republican leaders in their own backyard when they attack our veterans.

I saw the video of Republican Jean Schmidt calling decorated combat veteran and Democratic Congressman Jack Murtha a coward. I couldn't believe what I heard.

Immediately after her attack, you can hear something else on that tape. That is the House Democrats shouting her down and calling her to account for the attack. They ultimately forced her to retract her words.

We're putting billboards up in the hometown of any Republican leader trying to distract from their failed leadership by attacking a veteran's service.

The first target is Jean Schmidt -- and there are less the 24 hours left to make a contribution to put a billboard up right outside her district office in Portsmouth, Ohio. Will you contribute to kick start this effort?

https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/schmidtboard

Jean Schmidt is only the latest Republican leader to cross this line of civility and respect for our veterans -- it's time to say enough is enough.

Republican leaders use these tactics to distract people from the simple fact that they have lost credibility on national security and foreign policy.

They abandoned the hunt for Osama bin Laden. They manipulated intelligence to sell the war in Iraq, and failed to plan adequately for the war before it started. They destroyed the moral authority America built up over five decades of Democratic and Republican presidents, and they alienated the universal support for our cause after September 11th.

Americans deserve to hear an exit strategy in Iraq and a plan to restore our moral leadership in the world. And questioning the patriotism of those who demand these things is absolutely out of bounds.

Thank you for standing up.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

From The Democratic National Committee

Are you ready to build the Democratic Party? Do you want to be part of an organizing machine that competes in every precinct of every county in every state? Do you want to help Democrats win in 2006 and beyond?

On November 15, thousands of Democrats will gather around the country and take part in our National Organizing Kickoff. During this event, Democrats will gather in communities across America for a night of grassroots action. Governor Dean will host a conference call and brief everyone on the progress of the Democratic Party's 50-state strategy.

All you need to do is show up. Find an event in your community and signup to attend by visiting:
http://www.democrats.org/events/find

These meetings will be an incredible opportunity to become a leader of the Democratic Party in your neighborhood. In order to compete in every state we need leaders in every precinct. You demanded a party that works from the grassroots up -- now is your chance to be a part of that movement.

We cannot wait until the last minute to start organizing for 2006 -- we need to start now. It is vital that everyone who cares about the future of our party plays an active role in building it. Find an organizing meeting in your area and RSVP .

Don't pass up your chance to be a part of our 50-state strategy from the start. This is an event you don't want to miss.

Thank you,

Tom McMahonExecutive Director Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- Don't miss Governor Dean on NBC's 'Meet the Press' this Sunday -- check your local listings for the time in your area.