WASHINGTON -- Newly elected Democratic chairman Howard Dean said Saturday that he is ready to go work to put Democrats in power.

Earlier in the day, the Democratic National Committee elected Dean to replace outgoing chairman Terry McAuliffe.

The former presidential candidate and Vermont governor said it is "an extraordinary honor."

He said he is ready to go to work, and that if Democrats hope to win nationally, they've got win locally first.

"Today will be the beginning of the re-emergence of the Democratic Party," Dean said.

He said the process will begin with Democrats standing up for what they believe in.

Dean has promised to rebuild the state parties, take the offensive against Republicans, and better explain party positions on issues.

He said his first task will be working with Democrats in conservative states in the South and West. Dean said he will be spending a lot of time in so-called red states, to demonstrate that if you show up and take a stand, people won't be as skeptical about you.

Previous Stories:

• February 10, 2005: Howard Dean Pledges To Lead Democrats Back To Power
• January 31, 2005: Howard Dean Likely New Democratic Chairman