Kucinich remains undeterred
Originally published in the Des Moines Register
Kucinich remains undeterred as campaign lags He dismisses use of TV ads, focuses on grass-roots organizing
By LYNN OKAMOTO
Register Staff Writer
11/12/2003
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich acknowledged Tuesday that he's a long shot in the 2004 race for president, but said he isn't planning any major changes in his campaign strategy or staff.
"Obviously, my campaign is seen as being way back in the pack right now," Kucinich, an Ohio congressman, said in a meeting with reporters and editors of The Des Moines Register.
"But you know what?" he said. "Some people are starting to say they like the fact that I'm a long shot, and that's why they're backing me.
"They want to create a surprise, and I think my campaign is in a position to be the surprise of the 2004 primary in Iowa."
Campaigns for Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, the Rev. Al Sharpton of New York and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman have had recent shake-ups as polls have shown them trailing such candidates as former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and Missouri Congressman Dick Gephardt.
A Register poll taken last week showed Kucinich has made no headway since July. He is supported by 3 percent of likely Iowa caucus participants.
But Kucinich was undeterred Tuesday, saying he just isn't getting enough media coverage. He repeated his calls for universal health care, canceling the North American Free Trade Agreement and withdrawing from the World Trade Organization.
"We keep expanding in Iowa," he said. "I'm in Iowa to stay. Unlike the other candidates, we've put all of our money into building a grass-roots organization, so that's what I've got. We have operations now in at least a half-dozen cities in this state. Our campaign's on the move."
Kucinich is one of four candidates who have yet to run any television ads, and he doesn't plan to. He said grass-roots organizing is the most productive use of campaign dollars.
Campaign finance records show Kucinich has raised $3.4 million this year, ranking third from last among nine candidates.
The Ohio congressman is seeking a fifth term in 2004, at the same time he's running for president.
Critics say he's alienated some of his Cleveland supporters with positions he's taken on the presidential campaign trail, such as switching his position on abortion. But Kucinich said he's confident of his hometown's support.
"My political career in Cleveland goes back 36 years," he said. "I take care of people in my district. My presence in Cleveland is felt in a way that perhaps no public official in the area is felt, at the neighborhood level."
Kucinich made several appearances Tuesday around Des Moines. He will return Thursday to campaign in Davenport and will be in Iowa City on Friday; Waterloo, Grinnell and Des Moines on Saturday; and Ames, Newton and Cedar Rapids on Sunday.
Subscribe to this blog's feed