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Dean Picks Up Pallone Endorsement

Veteran Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.) on Monday endorsed former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean for president, becoming the third House Democrat to do so.

Pallone, an eight-term Member who heads the House Democrats’ message effort, announced his support for Dean in his home state. He joins Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) in endorsing the former governor, who also has the backing of the Vermont’s two Senators, Patrick Leahy (D) and Jim Jeffords (I).

“I’m inspired by Governor Dean’s ability to both energize the Democratic base and expand the electorate by galvanizing many Americans who have felt left out of the Democratic process,” Pallone said in announcing his endorsement.

Jeff Carroll, a spokesman for Pallone, said his boss will work with the two other House Democrats to rally additional support for Dean in the chamber. Pallone also will assist the governor with his presidential message and with New Jersey voters, he said.

Carroll said that while Dean was governor he and Pallone forged a relationship based on their positions on key issues such as health care and the environment. Dean also spoke to the New Jersey Democratic Party in June.

“He’s worked closely with the governor over the years and feels he’d be really great for the country,” said Carroll.

Several of the presidential hopefuls have been working to shore up endorsements from House Members, including Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), who has captured 31.

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