Howard Dean backs Rybak’s campaign for governor

Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor turned presidential candidate turned head of the Democratic National Committee, announced today that he's supporting Democrat R.T. Rybak's campaign for governor. Rybak's campaign manager, Tina Smith, said Dean contacted Rybak's campaign to see how he could help. Rybak, the mayor of Minneapolis, was chair of Dean for president campaign in Minnesota.

The campaign will send out an e-mail to supporters tomorrow that includes a link to this video message:

"I've known R.T. for years, Dean said in the video message. "His record as Mayor shows he'll be a great Governor. He's shown that he doesn't just talk about progressive change, he knows how to deliver creating jobs, setting the right priorities and making government work again for the people it's supposed to represent.

R.T. is the kind of progressive who will make sure that the decisions he has to make at the State Capitol, which won't be popular and won't be easy, do not hurt the most vulnerable people in our society."

Dean's endorsement could bring some support among DFL delegates interested in health care (Dean is a former doctor) and those who supported Dean's 50 state strategy as DNC Chair.

But it could also open an avenue for criticism. Expect the MNGOP to raise the Dean scream in a reply to the endorsement announcement.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.