Dean says no worries if primary fight continues

Democratic National Committee chief Howard Dean said this afternoon that while he would like a nominee soon and wants to avoid a brokered convention, he does not believe the nomination battle is hurting the party's prospects.

"Would like a nominee? Yes," Dean said on MSNBC. But, he said, "it's up to the voters."

Dean disputed reports that in a meeting last week with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, they discussed how to end the primary campaign.

"The tone of the meeting was how we keep this party together as we go forward," Dean said.

Asked whether Clinton's attacks on Obama plays into the hands of likely Republican John McCain, Dean said the primary campaign is a "tea party" compared to what will happen in the general election.

The former Vermont governor expressed confidence, saying the party has "two very strong candidates" and far more enthusiasm, evidenced by the far higher turnouts on the Democratic side.