Dean thanks backers in Conn.

NEW HAVEN -- The "body man" who had served as his assistant was no longer by Howard Dean's side, and the folksy children's tie that his presidential advisers used to abhor was back. But little else was different last night as Dean returned to the political spotlight with a fiery speech thanking his supporters.

Taking the stage with his anthem of "We Can" blaring once again from the speakers, the former Vermont governor urged a crowd of more than 500 people to stay involved in politics even though he had ended his active candidacy for president eight days earlier. He also announced a March 18 speech in which he will outline the movement he hopes will take the place of his campaign organization, "Dean for America."

"We know that you all need a break. You've worked like crazy for a year to change this country. But isn't eight days enough of a break?" the onetime Democratic front-runner said with a huge smile. "You have revitalized politics, and a lot of times people give up when their candidate doesn't win, and they say, `OK, that's all I can do.' They go into hibernation. You can't afford to do that because we are fortunate enough to live in a country where politics really matters. And politics, from now on, is going to be ours."

Dean offered few details other than to say his group will engage in grass-roots democracy, support candidates "who tell the truth," fight special interests, and push for progressive policies such as universal health insurance, early childhood development, and equal rights.

"We want every single American who supported Dean for America to stay involved, to stay together, to stay with the Democratic Party, and to support the Democratic nominee," he said. "As I have said before, I urge my supporters not to be tempted by well-meaning, and even well-qualified, third party candidates. What we are trying to do here is send George Bush back to Crawford, Texas, and that is what we have to do."

Dean traveled to Connecticut at the invitation of his brother Jim, who said he should thank supporters who had worked on his behalf but never got the opportunity to vote for him. The state holds its primary on Tuesday.

Dean would not respond to questions from the news media after his speech.

Glen Johnson can be reached at johnson@globe.com.