Kucinich says NH results aren't make or break for him
Originally published in PoliticsNH
Kucinich says NH results aren't make or break for him
By KEVIN FORD
For PoliticsNH.com
MANCHESTER Jan. 27 – U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich is feeling relaxed and confident going into this evening’s primary, enjoying the moment but keeping his eyes on the bigger prize. “This is the second step in a 50-state race,” said Kucinich. “Right now I’m just waiting to get these results, and then it’s onto the next one.”
Kucinich said that for some candidates, tonight may make or break their candidacy. For him, it’s just another stop along the way. And regardless of the results in New Hampshire , or any other states’ primaries, he’s determined to go to July’s convention in Boston .
“I think this nomination’s wide open,” said the Congressman optimistically. “I think the votes will be split up and it will be determined at the convention.”
Kucinich acknowledged that many of the New Hampshire voters he’s spoken with are concerned primarily with “electability.” But he insisted that shouldn’t keep Granite Staters from voting for him.
“Who’s electable changes from day to day,” said Kucinich. “Everyone has a different idea of what’s electable.”
Kucinich continued to set himself apart from his opponents, saying he was the only one to openly question President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq . He said new admissions from the White House that inspectors may never find such weapons proved him right. And he predicts that as the campaign continues on up to July’s convention, the issue will become more critical for candidates to address.
“It may not be the issue or the matter which is most in demand at this moment,” said Kucinich, “but by the time we get to the convention, I believe it will be a singular qualification. No one’s credibility on that is higher than mine.”
Yet he also insisted that he’s not a one issue candidate. He said the war is connected to other concerns he’s talked about, like cuts in education, health care, housing grants, and veteran’s benefits, as well as low job growth.
“The war is what will propel my candidacy at the convention,” said Kucinich. “All the other issues will make sure I stay there.”
As he prepared to return to his headquarters to watch the primary results, Kucinich said that there was an ethical reason for his campaign. “This candidacy flows from an integrity,” said Kucinich, “from a realization that America should connect with the highest aspirations of people. That’s where this campaign has real power.”
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