Dean campaign contributed $50,000 to Florida state party

Money raises Dean profile at gathering of Democrats

BY PETER WALLSTEN AND LESLEY CLARK

All nine Democratic presidential candidates are hoping to captivate thousands of Florida Democrats at the party's state convention this weekend, but former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has ensured himself the starring role.

It has little to do with his standing in the state's polls or his Florida fan base and everything to do with his fat campaign war chest.

For a $50,000 contribution to the state party, Dean and his supporters will be allowed to blanket the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World with receptions, rallies, information tables, even activist training seminars.

It's a deal that has prompted grumbling from some of his rivals, who have not enjoyed Dean's fundraising success and declined to pony up the cash requested by state Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/politics/7412592.htm

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