Party president visits Oklahoma

By Mary Joseph, NEWS 9

Democratic party president Howard Dean told a group of Oklahomans on Monday he expects the party will select a nominee by midsummer.

Dean visited Teamsters Union Hall to raise money, energize party loyalists and grow the Oklahoma Democratic base.  Dean also took the opportunity to take a few shots at the Republican candidate, John McCain.

"We've had eight years of a President who says one thing and does something else to get elected," Dean said. "We need someone who will stand up for principals, and John McCain is not that person." 

Dean said he's not concerned his party has yet to choose McCain's competitor.

"We've got the first woman running, the first African American running. Both viable, both good candidates," said Will Irwin, co-chair of East Central University Young Democrats. "I think it's good for democracy."

The former Vermont governor said he does not want an internal Democratic battle to be waged at the party convention in August.  Dean said he prefers the nomination to happen by midsummer.

Dean plans on leaving the state Tuesday.