DNC Chairman Howard Dean continues his travels through the southern United States seeking votes for the candidate whose nomination as the Democratic contender he has always welcomed. In Raleigh N.C., Dr. Dean emphasized registering new and undecided voters - a strategy that probably makes sense, since Dr. Dean has made it clear that he believes that his preferred candidate does not need Clinton Democrats to win in November.

Yet at another stop in N.C., Dr. Dean tried the tired but timeless trick of trying to eat his cake and have it too. A friend who had a chance to speak with Dr. Dean told him that the Senator Clinton's delegates are very anxious about the convention and that they need reassurances from the DNC as to how the convention will be conducted. Dr. Dean replied similarly as he has on other recent occasions when asked similar questions. According to the friend, Dr. Dean stated that the rules are clear and that the DNC will follow them. Then, Dr. Dean repeated his line that the "rumors" to the contrary are being spread by "McCain people" and followed that up by saying that if "Hillary wants her name placed in nomination with a roll call vote, then she can have it."

Dr. Dean, I for one (and I know that I am far from the only one), have said over and over that I am in no way shape or form a "McCain person". Not only have I been attempting to contact you as an individual rank and file Democrat for months, but I have gone to great lengths to form, with co-founder, Marc Rubin, The Denver Group, precisely to reach you through the mass media since all other efforts to get your attention have failed.

Telling people one on one that "if Senator Clinton wants her name in nomination, she can have it" is a far cry from treating her with the equal respect you have treated Senator Obama. When you are ready, Dr. Dean, to really show respect for Senator Clinton and your fellow Democrats (that would be me, among others, Dr. Dean, not some vaguely referenced "McCain person"), you will publicly announce that you want and hope that Senator Clinton will in fact make it clear that she is willing to seek the nomination. It remains Senator Clinton's prerogative to do so or not as she sees fit. But it is your responsibility, Dr. Dean, as the party leader preaching unity to actually create the conditions under which real unity, the type that leads to a Democrat winning the White House this year, can come about. For further information, Dr. Dean, check out The Denver Group. We've been trying to reach you, sir, precisely because we would prefer to see a Democrat win this year.