Democracy for America, the nationwide grassroots political organization that grew out of Howard Dean's campaign for President, has endorsed Mayor R.T. Rybak. The Democracy for America endorsement followed Rybak's endorsement by Democracy for Minnesota, whose members voted overwhelmingly for Rybak after screening both candidates.
"Mayor R.T. Rybak has demonstrated that you can lead an American city with innovation, progressive values and strong fiscal management. He has vision, energy and is a rising star of the Democratic Party," commented Dean on April 17th after hearing of the local chapter's endorsement.
Mayor Rybak was the first big city Mayor in the country to 
endorse Gov. Dean. "Gov. Dean and I both demonstrated that you can lead a government with progressive values and strong management." the Mayor said. "I also share his respect for grassroots democracy and am proud my campaigns have brought many new people into the Democratic Party." Gov. Dean and Mayor Rybak appeared together at a Dean Rally in Minneapolis on February 12, 2004.
