Dean shares No. 2 spot in Democratic race, poll shows

Former Vermont governor Howard Dean, riding a blitz of media publicity and talk show buzz, has surged into the top tier of 2004 Democratic presidential candidates, a USA/TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll shows.

In 10 days, Dean has climbed from fourth place to a tie for second, passing a highly touted rival, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts.

Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, who was Al Gore's running mate in 2000, leads the Democrat pack. Dean and Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt tie for second. Kerry is next, dropping 3 points in 10 days.

Analysts say Lieberman's lead in the national poll is largely a result of his being better known than the other candidates. But even his lead has slipped.