About Howard Dean: Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean was the first Democrat in the race, filing papers with the Federal Election Commission on May 31, 2002. He gained momentum when he led the Democrats in fund raising through most of 2003. He was the front-runner going into the Iowa caucuses but the race tightened days before the January 19, 2004, contest. Dean's campaign never recovered from his third-place finish in Iowa. A day after finishing third in the February 17 Wisconsin primary, Dean ended his campaign, saying he was "no longer actively pursuing the presidency." Read full candidate profile >
Editor's note: This chart features brief summaries of candidates' viewpoints on some issues, based on their statements and records. Most candidates have offered more comprehensive explanations of their positions on these and other issues. More information may be found on their campaign Web sites.
Repeal Bush tax cuts; offer health care tax credit
Budget deficits
Steer the nation back toward a balanced budget
Job creation
Invest in job-creating infrastructure (roads, schools, etc.)
NOTE AG: Attorney General; ANWR: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; CAFÉ:
Standards that provide tax and other incentives for consumers to purchase
and alternative fuel vehicles; COPS: Community Oriented Policing Program;
DOMA: Defense of Marriage Act; GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered;
NCLB: No Child Left Behind; NMD: National Missile Defense.