Cheney might control national politics and foreign policy -everything you see- , but daily-to-day matters like if a Walmart can be built in your town or how safe your neighborhood is or affordable housing laws, gun control, etc. are decided at the local level.  And for many Americans, these are more pressing matters than USAttorney-Gate...  

And the big plan Dean has -basically modelled after the GOP's rise to power- is that these local politicians can start out in the ward or town board and work their way up to Congress.  It's called a "farm team" - like in sports.  Minor leagues->Major Leagues.  

Can a non-squillionaire win?  It's certainly difficult.  I bet not simply because of fundraising, but having friends on boards of networks, or having no qualms about taking money from Big Pharma, etc.  But if it puts anything into perspective, Obama, in his race for Senator, ran against a self-funded millionaire in the Primary.  The millionaire lost...  

"Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.