(Columbia-AP) June 29, 2005 - Howard Dean was a no-show for a state Democratic Party fund raiser on Wedneday after bad weather in Philadelphia kept the Democratic National Committee chairman grounded.

State DNC executive director Lachlan McIntosh says $5000 in donations had already come in for the event. The event was expected to raise at least $15,000 more. The party has sent out a note saying it will refund the money.

Dean's absence didn't stop state Republicans from screaming all the way to the bank. The state GOP meanwhile held a Dean scream contest in anticipation of Dean's arrival. State GOP executive director Scott Malyerck says the party raised $22,000 in contributions in response to Dean's planned visit.

Posted 7:01pm by BrettWitt