As a loyal Southern Democrat, I've always fought the idea that we could "write-off" the South and be a viable party. Southern Democrats built this party. We are the ones who fought for the little guys during the New Deal.

Reading Governor Dean's latest speech made me remember that:

We cannot be a Party that seeks the presidency by running an 18-state campaign. We cannot be a party that cedes a single state, a single District, a single precinct, nor should we cede a single voter.

As many of the candidates supported by my organization Democracy for America showed -- people in places that we've too long ignored are hungry for an alternative; they're hungry for new ideas and new candidates, and they're willing to elect Democrats.

Read the rest of it.

To be honest, I was worried although I think Dean would be the best choice for DNC chair, that the animus of others might imperil his ability to lead. After reading this speech, that doubt has been fully erased. Having the DNC chairman be committed to winning every single race is a conviction in and of itself.

Arguments over why the d-trip and the DNC didn't help local candidates more pervaded many discussions I had this cycle. The depth of our bench was the issue: if we had only two or three good campaigners in a state, obviously the money would only go to them. By running in every race, we build up a reserve of people who are great for the party. We build up a reserve of volunteers as well.

In short, we rebuild the party.

Not by changing direction, but by focusing on our core beliefs: Providing health care for all. Giving people a fair chance to get ahead. Helping the middle class. Telling the American people the truth. Having open government. Cracking down on corruption.

Time to keep fighting.