This candidate isn’t as sexy a choice as Barack Obama, but his progressive credentials are not sheerly based on hopes and dreams, either. Nor is this candidate as well known as Al Gore, who continues to tease us with his “I”m not running — but I might” Prince Hamlet routine. He does have, however, the best progressive credentials of any of the declared or likely candidates for the Democratic nomination. Who is he?
CLEVELAND (AP) – Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2004, said Monday he is planning another bid because his party isn’t pushing hard enough to end the Iraq war.
In a statement, Kucinich said he plans to formally announce his candidacy on Tuesday at Cleveland’s City Hall, where he served as mayor of his hometown in the 1970s.
The liberal, anti-war Ohio congressman said he was inspired to run because he disagrees with the way some of his fellow Democrats are handling the war, including approval of a proposal to spend $160 billion more on the conflict.
“Democrats were swept into power on Nov. 7 because of widespread voter discontent with the war in Iraq,” said Kucinich, 60. “Instead of heeding those concerns and responding with a strong and immediate change in policies and direction, the Democratic congressional leadership seems inclined to continue funding the perpetuation of the war.”
Right now, he’s got my vote. How about you?
