Dean Ruled From the Fiscal Center in Vermont

"He told us that the No. 1 concern for Democrats was how we handled the public purse," said former state Rep. Dick McCormack. "In many ways, that defined his whole administration."

UCLA political science professor Richard Rosecrance: "The centrism that we have seen from him in Vermont is likely what we could expect from him as president."

The Vermont Constitution does not require a balanced budget. But starting with his determination to eradicate a $70-million deficit he inherited, Dean made economic stability his top priority. More than anything else, this focus on fiscal responsibility characterized his record.

Unlike the ideological presidential candidate who first distinguished himself by condemning the war in Iraq, Dean as governor was a pragmatist who ran his state with the blunt efficiency of a CEO. As a pro-business centrist, he was so out of step with the liberal Democratic majority in the Statehouse that he had to recruit a team of other legislative allies to make sure his budgetary goals would pass. To the consternation of many, he all but ignored issues such as civil unions for gays and lesbians as he steadfastly based decisions on the bottom line.

Dean also cut the state income tax twice, removed sales tax on most clothing, reduced long-term debt and established a rainy-day fund. Under Dean, Vermont's bond rating also rose to the AAA level, the highest in New England.

"Dean is a bulldog," he said. "He keeps after things. He is driven, and he knows just what he wants."