Howard Dean kicks off voter registration drive


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SALT LAKE CITY— Utah Democrats are working to make in-roads against the Republican majority, and their secret weapon is a former Democratic presidential candidate who is in town to kick off a statewide voter registration drive.

Howard Dean, also a former governor of Vermont, visited Salt Lake Community College Monday for a rally intended to lay the groundwork for future Democratic election victories in Utah.

"My favorite proverb is 'the longest journey starts with a single step,' " Dean said. "I don't know if it's going to take you two months, two years or 20 years to turn this state into a blue state, but I know it's never going to happen unless you take the step, and you've already made some very big steps," Dean said, citing the success Corroon, his cousin, had as Salt Lake County mayor after a long string of Republicans held the position.

Dean joined state leadership in urging Democrats to "stop being intimidated by stereotypes on both sides" and start talking to their friends and family about Democratic ideals and goals. This includes members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said.

"If you look at teachings of the LDS, there is no reason that 98 percent of them should be voting Republican," Dean said, drawing another rousing round of applause. "They look out for the people who need to be looked out for. They are supporting each other. … So what's not to like about this? Isn't this the same as what the Democratic Party does?"

Dean recounted another point Lyon made in his presentation, seeing an opportunity for growth with Latinos, who are more likely to vote Democrat. Lyon urged the group to help change the electorate by registering more voters rather than focusing on swaying people who already turn out to the polls.

Voter turnout in Utah has been low in the past few election cycles at around 30 percent, so Democrats may be hoping to recruit those who are disinterested or disenfranchised.

In a state where the Republican Party dominates, they said this rally isn't about telling people how to vote; it's about empowering them to participate.

"There are no close races," said Jim Debakis, Utah Democrat Party chairman. "They're either stocked with republicans or stocked with democrats, and consequently people feel as though there's no real reason to vote."

It has been a challenge to change that mindset, and Dean said some states are passing laws to prevent voter fraud, which some say actually discourage voter participation. Utah's laws aren't as restrictive as some.

Being oblivious could be costly, Dean said to young potential voters.


Keep doing what you're doing, but you've got to vote,

–Howard Dean


"Keep doing what you're doing, but you've got to vote," Dean said. "They may not be able to help you a lot in Washington, but they can hurt you."

Dean also had plans to meet with younger Democrats in Ogden Monday, and again on Tuesday with a fundraiser at a Salt Lake brew pub.

There is some speculation that Dean will make another bid for president in 2016.

While in Utah, Dean also took a few moments to tour Welfare Square with the Chairman of the Democratic Party and a few General Authorities from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Contributing: McKenzie Romero

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