Appearing on the covers of TIME and Newsweek, all eyes were on Howard Dean as he mounted an influential campaign as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. Governor Dean's campaign helped focus the Democratic debate on important issues like health care and the creation of jobs. He was successful in mobilizing voters historically apathetic toward the political process with his message of revitalizing democracy and returning power to ordinary Americans.

Dean used the Internet in a way no presidential candidate has before. His revolutionary concept organized his supporters with a "blog" and an online fundraising Web site, which helped generate an immense grassroots support base. Championing the "$100 Revolution," Dean transformed political fundraising and raised over $41 million in total, much of which came from first-time donors who gave small amounts of money.

As Governor of Vermont, working with lawmakers, prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement, Governor Dean cracked down on violent crime in Vermont and ensured that violent felons spend time behind bars. He fought to protect family farms, increased the number of women and minorities in judgeships and other prominent positions, cracked down on domestic violence, and put Vermont in the forefront for child support collections.

Howard Dean, M.D. is a physician who previously shared a medical practice with his wife, Dr. Judith Steinberg Dean. He received his B.A. from Yale University in 1971 and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City in 1978. Upon completing his residency at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, he went on to practice internal medicine in Shelburne, Vermont. He was elected lieutenant governor of Vermont in 1986 and was reelected in 1988 and 1990. He became governor upon the death of Governor Richard A. Snelling on August 14, 1991. Elected to a full term in November 1992, he was reelected in November 1994, November 1996, November 1998, and November 2000. He was a past chairman of the National Governors Association, the Democratic Governors' Association, and the New England Governors' Conference.

NOTE: Bio is as it appeared in the Forum program from October 6, 2004.