‘Deaniacs’ watch Iowa returns at Triumph Brewing.
By: Jennifer Potash
When New Jersey Democrats vote in a presidential primary this year, it will be in a season far removed from the current wintry mix of wind and ice.
The Garden State shares last-primary-in-the-nation status with Montana both hold primaries on June 8.
But neither the cold weather nor New Jersey’s late primary has deterred many residents, including some of the state’s most prominent political leaders, from already backing candidates.
Local so-called "Deaniacs," supporters of presidential candidate Howard Dean, gathered Monday to watch the Iowa caucuses, the first test in the presidential primary process.
At Triumph Brewery, pitchers of beer flowed freely and trays of appetizers were quickly downed as the Deaniacs handicapped the results.
A clear wave of disappointment swept the room when early results had Dr. Dean, a physician and former Vermont governor, in third place and 20 percentage points down.
But an interview with Dr. Dean by CNN’s Larry King raised spirits and supporters took a more positive spin on the loss.
"It’s pretty clear to me we’re not going to win in Iowa tonight," said Mike Beson, the coordinator for Dr. Dean’s New Jersey campaign as he gave a pep talk to the roughly 50 supporters. "But it doesn’t mean the campaign is over it’s not."
Andrew Koontz, newest member of the Princeton Borough Council, said Dr. Dean did quite well considering he was the subject of "insolent attacks by seven angry candidates."
On the other hand, Dr. Dean, when he was an up-and-coming candidate, did benefit from the harsher spotlight on then-frontrunner Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Mr. Koontz said.
Sen. Kerry won the Iowa caucuses, followed by Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.). Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who has a sizable New Jersey following, did not compete in the Iowa caucuses.
Mr. Koontz said he was confident Mr. Dean would pull out a victory in next week’s New Hampshire primary.
John Rooney of Bridgewater, a Dean backer for about six months, insisted Dr. Dean is still the "best candidate to defeat President Bush in November."
Diane and Philip Winder of Princeton Township met Dr. Dean at a Renaissance Weekend, a nonpartisan, family retreat seeking to build bridges among innovative leaders from diverse fields. The weekends gained popularity during the Clinton administration, as the president attended the events.
"I was very impressed," Mr. Winder said. "He answered questions in great detail and he didn’t talk down (to participants)."
Ms. Winder said Dr. Dean’s staunch opposition to the war in Iraq impressed her most about his candidacy.
The event drew local politicians such as former Princeton Borough Mayor Marvin Reed and Jenny Crumiller, who recently lost a bid for the vacant Princeton Borough Council seat. Ms. Crumiller hosted Dr. Dean at her residence for a fund-raising event in September.