Presidential hopeful slated to speak at Menger

The event already happened, but here was some local coverage in Texas:

Early handicappers in the 2004 presidential race have dubbed Gov. Howard Dean, a Democratic contender from Vermont, as a long-shot, liberal policy wonk.
But the five-term governor, who is to speak in San Antonio on Saturday, rejects being stereotyped.

"I'm much more conservative than President Bush is when it comes to money," Dean said by phone last week. He added that in his campaigns for governor, he has always enjoyed the support of the National Rifle Association.

Dean, a physician, is the only Democratic candidate for president who so far has officially filed to run against President Bush. He is to address the San Antonio Stonewall Democrats, a coalition of gay and lesbian political activists....

State Democratic Party Chairman Molly Beth Malcolm invited Dean to the Texas convention. But even two years from the presidential race, she is careful not to tip her hand.

"The Democrats have a great pool of talent for the presidential race. It's exciting," she said. "Dean is a doctor, and he was certainly what the doctor ordered for Vermont."

Dean says his presidential platform will be built around two core issues — health insurance for all Americans and a balanced budget.

He also brags that he has twice cut income taxes for Vermont residents.

"Most Democrats want a candidate who will behave like a Democrat on issues, and I don't mean radical left," Dean said. "We've balanced the budget; we've reduced the debt."

...Like other Democratic leaders, Dean raises questions about a possible invasion of Iraq, but does not oppose such a move if there is proof it is warranted.

But he thinks Bush has a big-picture problem that overshadows the debate over Iraq and the fight against terrorism.

"His foreign and economic policy has not been conducted with any long-range thinking. He says we should stay away from nation building, and that is exactly wrong," Dean said, countering that the United States should strive to create stable democracies when possible.