Bob Kerrey says no to stopping Dean

I think this qualifies as a non-endorsement endorsement.

WASHINGTON - A band of Democratic governors seemingly out to stop Howard Dean recently tried to draft Bob Kerrey into running for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee.

But the former Nebraska senator and governor said Tuesday that he has all but rejected their entreaties to join the contest.

It isn't wise, he said, to try to thwart the fiery former Vermont governor and presidential candidate. Dean is among a handful of Democrats campaigning for the post, which will be decided in a vote next month.

"It does feel like a 'stop Howard' effort," Kerrey said of the outreach by governors he declined to name. "I don't think that's a good idea - stopping anybody."