MIXED NEWS FROM BURLINGTON, VT

The bad news for Dean: the large AFSCME union withdrew its endorsement of Dean. The union's endorsement of Dean last November was a major coup for his insurgent campaign, as it (along with SEIU's endorsement) ensured Dean had enough votes to deny the AFL-CIO endorsement to then-rival Dick Gephardt. In some good news, SEIU -- the largest individual labor union in the nation -- indicated Saturday it was prepared to stick with Dean for as long as he remains in the race. The Painter's union (IUPAT) is also sticking with Dean. In some good news for Dean, his campaign quickly raised over $1.1 million online over the past two days -- money largely earmarked for TV spots and more staffing in Wisconsin. And -- in an interesting twist -- Dean told reporters Saturday that he would be willing to accept the VP spot on the ticket this year. "Obviously, I'm running for president, but whatever's best is what I'll do. Anything," said Dean. "Let me say that if John Kerry is the nominee I'm going to support him. Second of all, if John Kerry were the nominee, I'd advise him not to pick me [for VP] because you don't need two people from New England on the ticket [but] I will do whatever I can to beat George Bush.

el - This is obvious. What is remarkable is that reporters sense a story out of it because here is a candidate telling the truth. I hadn't linked to Politics1 News before and I see no permalink yet.