Novak on Dean

It's probably no surprise that Dean hasn't changed his wacko stripes since taking over the DNC. Robert Novak writes that what has been something of a surprise is how much of a fund-raising failure Dean has been so far:

http://www.suntimes.com/output/novak/cst-edt-novak19.html

According to Novak:

Dean's deficiencies as face and voice of the Democratic Party were supposed to be overcome by his legendary prowess, evident by his run for president, raising funds in small packages. That so far has proved a grievous disappointment. First-quarter figures show the DNC received only $13 million from individuals, compared with $32 million raised by the Republican National Committee. Overall figures were $34.2 million by the RNC, $16.7 million by the DNC.

In Dean's defense, only part of the DNC's fundraising difficulties can be blamed on Dean. Certain of the DNC's fundraising difficulties arise out of McCain-Feingold, which cut into the advantage Dems traditionally held among big donors. Whereas the GOP has generally relied on a larger number of smaller donations, the DNC has enjoyed an advantage in larger donations. Thus, in shutting out the "big money," McCain-Feingold disproportionately affected the DNC. The appointment of Dean was supposed to help the DNC expand contributions by smaller donors. Apparently, it's not working out so well so far. What Novak doesn't address is how the DNC was doing prior to Dean's appointment compared to how it is doing now. For all I know, the numbers Novak cites may be a 200% improvement over prior performance.