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Posted on 11/16/2001 2:17:14 PM PST by Clara Lou

The only way to the White House is through the South, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee said while on campus Thursday.
More than 60 people gathered in the upper chamber of Phi Kappa Hall to hear Terry McAuliffe speak at a rally sponsored by the UGA Young Democrats.
His speech was titled "Taking Back the South," a sentiment Young Democrats officers said was McAuliffe's goal when he accepted the chairman position.
"His objective when he became chairman was to regain Southern seats, and while doing that, to try and highlight what Democrats have accomplished in the South," said Mara Gassman, Young Democrats president.
McAuliffe said, "Last Tuesday (election day), we had, percentage-wise, the greatest night in Democratic history. I'm having the time of my life."
But Thursday, McAuliffe was quick to say no votes could be taken for granted in the 2004 presidential election.
McAuliffe said he has been focusing on Hispanic and women's issues. He also said the Democratic Party must return to home-grown political strategies.
"We've got to take this party back to the grassroots, get people energized," he said.
Before his speech, McAuliffe met outside Phi Kappa with several College Republicans who peacefully protested the rally.
"I had them take their picture with me," he said.
One of them, Jared Thomas, a senior from Alpharetta, said the College Republicans welcomed the chairman to campus.
"We just want to let him know the values of the Democratic party are out of touch with the values of the South," he said.
The rally ended with a battle cry from McAuliffe.
"In 2004 we show ol' George Bush the door, and then I get to retire," he said.

Come and take this, Terry.

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