"Today I announce that I am running for the presidency," Dean told about 2,500 supporters in Burlington, Vermont.

"You have the power," the Democratic presidential hopeful said, urging voters to oust President George W. Bush and rid Washington of special interest.

Dean accused Bush of dividing Americans, creating a "chain of insurmountable debt" and promoting tax cuts "designed to destroy Social Security, Medicare, our public schools and our public services through starvation and privatization."

Dean argued that Bush's foreign policies have alienated allies much like the ancient Roman empire once did.

"There is a fundamental difference between the defense of our nation and the doctrine of pre-emptive war espoused by this administration," Dean said.

"I speak for a new American century and a new generation of Americans," he said.

Dean, 54, actually began his campaign months ago, but he staged a formal announcement to draw attention and money to his long-shot bid.

Nine Democratic contenders have joined in the race for the White House. The other eight contenders are Senators Bob Graham of Florida, John Edwards of North Carolina, John Kerry of Massachusetts, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, Representatives Dick Gephardt of Missouri and Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, and the Reverend Al Sharpton, a political activist from New York.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2003)