Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, whose innovative 2004 presidential bid redefined how campaigns are run, will give a talk titled “Does Obamacare Have a Future?” as part of the James Marsh Professor-at-Large Program on Monday, April 7 at 3 p.m. in North Lounge, Billings .

Dean, who served as the 79th governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003, was the front-runner for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination before bowing out to eventual winner Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, now secretary of state. Dean’s campaign, however, was viewed as groundbreaking due it’s pioneering use of internet-based fundraising and grassroots organizing, methods he used in 2004 to found Democracy for America, a progressive political action committee.  

Dean’s implementation of the fifty-state strategy as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009 is often credited with delivering major Democratic victories in the 2006 congressional elections and the 2008 presidential election. Dean, who is a doctor, got his start in politics by serving in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1983 to 1986, followed by two terms as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1991.

The goal of the James Marsh Professors-at-Large Program is to bring outstanding individuals to campus of international distinction in the arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences and applied fields. There will be a reception immediately following the lecture at 4:30 p.m. in Billings' Great Hall.

Information: (802) 656-3186.