Dean blames party "skullduggery" for Hackett leaving race.

Dean blames party's "skullduggery" for withdrawal of popular Ohio Senate candidate

"MIAMI Democratic party chair Howard Dean says he's not happy that Iraqi war veteran Paul Hackett is dropping out of the race for U-S Senate in Ohio.

Dean told a student audience in Miami that "some skulduggery in Washington" improperly led to Hackett's decision to end his bid. And he said Democrats will have a tough time winning if similar things happen to others.

Hackett was vying with Ohio congressman Sherrod Brown for the Democratic nomination. He said that Hackett was a "great candidate," and that a primary in Ohio wouldn't have hurt the party. Hackett says he's ending his eleven-month political career."

National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, center, signs autographs as he meets with supporters after speaking Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, at Florida International University in Miami. Dean called on the United States to reach out to Latin America with programs that encourage trade and reduce poverty. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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