The British Labour Party, stuck in the doldrums in the polls thanks to voter fatigue -- if not anger -- with its leader Prime Minister Tony Blair, is turning to former Vermont governor and current Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean for help.

According to a story in the Nov. 11 on-line Guardian (to read the full story click HERE) the Labourites have invited Dean to visit the British isles next month to share with them his expertise on grassroots politics, Internet organizing and essentially how to rebuild a tattered party infrastructure.

Seems like Dean is starting to get some credit for his 50-state strategy for rebuilding the Democratic Party. It wasn't so long ago that party leaders were fuming over his stubborn insistence on sticking with his long-term strategy rather than give in and use the DNC's money and muscle exclusively in "battleground" states where the races are traditionally close.

Dean's strategy looks like a stroke of genius now, given how victories in previously blood-red states like Indiana, Nebraska and Montana helped the party take over control of both the House and Senate, as well as a majority of the governorships in the 50 states.

Looks like Dean is going to be part of national (and international) politics for the long term, doesn't it.

-- Sam Hemingway