n a conference call later today, Greg Sargent reports that former DNC Chairman Howard Dean "will make a surprise announcement, unveiling a major new health care campaign that will gear up his political operation to pressure the White House and Congress to preserve a public insurance option as part of health care reform."

"Supporters of Dean -- a former doctor who has been looking for a meaningful way of impacting the coming health care reform push -- were furious with Obama aides for not giving Dean a health care-related spot in the administration. This new project to push Obama and Congress towards a public option is Dean's post-DNC solution, and his political operation could have a real impact on the coming health care debate."

Today's announcement is keyed to the fifth anniversary of Democracy for America, which debuted during Dean's 2004 campaign as Dean for America