Following the campaign, September 11
From Karin Caifa:
SEIU ENDORSEMENT RACE: A SNUB?
After a warm reception from the Service Employees’ International Union on Monday night, the Kucinich campaign was hoping for good news regarding the candidate’s shot at the endorsement. But a press release from the organization on Wednesday showed that in a post-conference survey Kucinich was not among the top three contenders — Dean, Edwards and Gephardt — that the members in attendance preferred.
Deputy communications director David Swanson was perplexed and questioned the SEIU survey process, asking why the union did not release the vote tally. “After reading (SEIU president) Andy Stern’s press release I know no more than I did before. I would be shocked if Dennis didn’t do well in the voting,” Swanson said. “I would love to see how much the union leadership is listening to the rank-and-file.”
SEIU spokeswoman Tara Howard responded by saying that using the term “frontrunner” for Dean, Edwards and Gephardt is “misleading.”
“According to the survey of 1,500 members, these were the ones that stood out the most,” she said. “It does not reflect the ongoing polling that’s been going on the last few months.”
Howard also noted that as long as candidates meet the requirements the SEIU has set forth, including a written health care reform plan and a commitment to workers’ rights, they’ll be considered for the endorsement.
“Congressman Kucinich has always been dedicated to workers’ rights and has put forth a comprehensive health care plan and how he plans to pay for it,” Howard added. “We’re going to keep talking to our members and hopefully be ready to give an endorsement by the beginning of November.”
ZOGBY IOWA POLL
Despite several visits to the state in the month of August, Kucinich’s poll numbers went down from the previous poll. Kucinich came in at just 2% in the Zogby poll out today, from 3% in April.
The good news is that he outpolled Sen. Bob Graham, Carol Moseley Braun and the Rev. Al Sharpton and possible candidate Wesley Clark. Kucinich came in sixth behind Sen. Joe Lieberman, who was at 4%.
The campaign insists it’s still “evolving” and several supporters say that the Kucinich movement is taking place outside mainstream media coverage and polls.
STATEMENT ON 9/11 ANNIVERSARY
Kucinich released the following statement from Washington:
“On this sad day, I join with my fellow citizens in remembering and honoring the thousands of innocent victims who lost their lives in the tragic attacks two years ago today. Today, we also celebrate the lives of the brave firefighters, policemen and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to others.
“As we reflect on the two turbulent years since 9/11 we, as a nation, must come together to move forward, and in the name of those who lost their lives, advance the principles of freedom, courage and bravery that are the hallmarks of our nation. It is through these principles that our nation will find strength and security.
“Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives.”
HOW TO THROW A HOUSE PARTY
The Kucinich camp is gearing up for nationwide fundraising house parties on the International Day of Peace, September 21. According to communications director Jeff Cohen, between 750 and 1,000 people have signed up to host the parties and the campaign expects to mobilize “more volunteer energy than any other campaign event so far.” Kucinich will be in Los Angeles that day.
The campaign Web site includes a comprehensive how-to on hosting a party, including ordering your party kit with a video, bumper stickers and the Kucinich trading cards I mentioned last week. It also reviews fundraising guidelines for those not intimately familiar with FEC procedures.
Party throwers are also being encouraged to lobby their hometown officials for an Official Day of Peace Proclamation in the hopes of drumming up media support. “When a Proclamation is issued, you have a local news story for media coverage and letters to the Editor, highlighting our wish for peace and Dennis Kucinich’s candidacy. When hundreds of Kucinich supporters fax a copy of their Proclamation to the Kucinich Peace Day Campaign a major national news story is created.”
AND BRING YOUR VISA…
Because, according to their Web site, when making your donations, the Kucinich campaign doesn’t take American Express.
MORE MONEY: $57 = HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS
In another fundraising effort, the campaign is encouraging folks nationwide to contribute $57 to the campaign in honor of the congressman’s 57th birthday. Since Kucinich’s birthday isn’t until October 8, it’ll be an early present, but a present he’ll get before the end of the FEC’s third fundraising quarter on Sept. 30.
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