Democrats could look to Dean's 'New Federalism' [View All]

[Larkspur]

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/bfpnews/editorial/3000h.htm

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Dean was often perceived as the liberal "anti-war" candidate who provided unvarnished critiques of President Bush. Much commentary also focused on the style of his campaign -- populist speeches with sleeves rolled up, Internet fund-raising prowess, and persuading new voters to become involved in the political process. These were certainly important aspects of Dean's campaign, but they did not capture the essence of what he was communicating.

His campaign was actually about a host of issues most voters never heard about during the primary campaigns: a balanced budget, repealed federal mandates, and a new twist on states' rights. Whether by accident or design, Dean was taking a page from the Republicans' "new federalism" message of the 1970s and '80s. By advocating repeal of unfunded mandates, encouraging local participation, and allowing states to apply their own solutions, Dr. Dean could have the prescription for what ails the Democrats -- and that could seize the mantle of federalism so prized by conservatives.

Together, Dean's positions amount to an interesting and potentially groundbreaking new strategy for Democrats. His instinct to reach out to frustrated voters tired of interference from a federal government that overreaches on social issues, but ignores pocketbook issues is on target. What Dean articulated was an approach that said, in essence: The federal government must be responsible for a few big-ticket items like the social safety net and national defense. Beyond that, the states and individuals should have an important role in how to tackle local issues. It sounds positively Clintonesque.

With Republicans increasingly enamored of big, centralized government, it's up to the Democrats to harness the power of the 50 "laboratories of democracy" at their disposal. From budgets to ballot initiatives, a "new federalism" message could resonate with many voters in the heartland and beyond.
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Throughout Howard Dean's campaign he was a risk-taker who took on party orthodoxy, while exhorting crowds with his catch phrase: "You have the power." A people-powered effort that flouts conventional wisdom, allows for local creativity, and works to remove federal barriers to local success would be one way for Howard Dean to turn his catch phrase into a legacy and help revitalize democracy, and Democrats, in America.