Crashing and burning:

Democrat Howard Dean shook up his faltering bid for the White House on Wednesday, replacing his campaign manager with a longtime associate of former Vice President Al Gore.

In a further sign of distress, the one-time front-runner implemented cost-cutting measures as he looked ahead to a series of costly primaries and caucuses, asking staff to defer their paychecks for two weeks.

"Governor Dean asked Roy Neel to join the campaign as CEO and Joe Trippi resigned as campaign manager," said Tricia Enright, a campaign spokeswoman.

One source said the former Vermont governor offered Trippi a spot on the payroll as a senior adviser -- similar to the position Neel has held since Jan. 1 -- but he decided to quit rather than accept the demotion.

Kerry at least did it before any votes were cast.

Deans blog doesn't even know it's over for them.