(2003-12-30) -- Karl Rove, political advisor to President George Bush, today pleaded with Democrat National Committee (DNC) chairman Terry McAuliffe to protect Howard Dean from attacks by his Democrat presidential rivals.

"It's time for the DNC to rally around the presumptive nominee," said Mr. Rove. "Howard Dean is the only candidate who has garnered the support of the major labor unions and the famous itinerant professor Al Gore. Terry McAuliffe must prevent Dean's bitter rivals from scuttling his nomination. O, please, Terry...please, please."