CNN:

WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Howard Dean's prominence among the nine Democrats running for president is largely attributable to his campaign's early embrace of the Internet for organizing supporters and raising money.

Dr. Dean, a former governor of Vermont, has generated more money and attention online than any other candidate, through direct appeals and a growing base of supporters who are hooking up on a Web site called Meetup.com, which enables people with like interests to connect and meet.

The efforts have vaulted Dr. Dean into the top tier of candidates trying to build momentum for the first primaries, more than six months away.

But with the other leading Democrats turning to the Internet to seek contributions and some, including Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, gaining favor on Meetup.com, it is not certain that Dr. Dean's Internet advantage will continue.