Jeffords deserves Dean’s support

It’s a rare moment of disagreement with my friend Poppy, but I’m glad to see Howard Dean support Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.) for re-election in ’06, even though Jeffords isn’t literally a Dem.

Poppy argues that the chairman of the DNC shouldn’t endorse non-Democrats. As a general rule, that’s hard to disagree with. But in this situation, context makes all the difference.

Jeffords left the Republican Party in 2001 and started caucusing immediately with Senate Democrats. He participates in weekly party meetings, he’s campaigned and raised money on behalf of Democratic candidates in Vermont and elsewhere, he’s attended state Dem gatherings, and he’s offered endorsements exclusively to Dems since his party switch. You’ve heard of DINOs (Democrats In Name Only)? Jeffords is the rare twist: He’s a Dem in everything but name.

Indeed, in Vermont, Jeffords has already earned the support of the state’s senior senator, Pat Leahy (D), and the state party apparatus. If Dems were running a candidate in this race, I’d agree that the DNC chair would be wrong to choose an independent over a Dem. But in this case, there won’t even be a Dem on the ballot. It will be Jeffords against a sure-to-lose Republican.

Given this, Dean’s support makes sense. As far as the party’s concerned, we want Jeffords to run and win next year, which is why it’s only natural for the DNC to endorse him.