(2004-02-05) -- While many political candidates promise big benefits if they are elected, Democrat presidential hopeful Howard Dean today sent an email to supporters proposing an economic development grant which he plans to deliver next week to certain Wisconsin businesses.

"I propose that we transfer $700,000 from the bank accounts of hundreds of Dean supporters nationwide into the accounts of a handful of media companies throughout Wisconsin," said Mr. Dean. "This is not just a last desperate burst of self-aggrandizement from a man who will soon repose in the shadow of Michael Dukakis -- it's an opportunity for citizens to give back to the entertainment companies that have given so much to them. And it's a final, fitting flourish from a campaign which has helped average Americans pour $40 million dollars into the beleaguered media, advertising, airline and political consulting industries."