Texans go to NH, Iowa To Support Dean

The Dean campaign called the Texans let loose in Iowa and New Hampshire during the weekend "Dean's Texas Rangers," a play on the "Ranger" designation given to Republican supporters who gather at least $200,000 in donations.

"I'm completely amazed to be here," said Richard Davis, a 62-year-old computer programmer. "I expected to sort of coast through the Bush presidency, sort of benignly opposed."

More than 140 Texans came to New Hampshire to recruit supporters door-to-door. A few hundred more flew to Iowa on chartered flights, courtesy of the campaign, to persuade caucus voters there to support the former Vermont governor.

Karen Hicks, the campaign's New Hampshire director, said the volunteers were expected to knock on as many as 20,000 doors during the weekend just in New Hampshire.

Margot Dimond, a media relations worker for Rice University, was among the crowd. She said she likes Dean's positive message and wants to help him win in the primary.

"A sense of community is missing right now. People are divided," Dimond said. "I hope that's what he can (fix). I care very much about this country."