Kucinich makes trip to Corvallis
Originally published in the .: Corvallis Gazette-Times
Kucinich makes trip to Corvallis
Candidate looks to influence party platform
By BENNETT HALL
Gazette-Times business editor
Even though John Kerry has the Democratic presidential nomination sown up, rival candidate Dennis Kucinich plans to campaign in Corvallis this weekend in a bid to nudge the party's platform in a more progressive direction.
According to a member of Kucinich's local campaign committee, the Ohio congressman will make two appearances here: 9 p.m. Saturday at the Old World Deli, 341 S.W. Second St.; and 9 a.m. Sunday at Burton's Sunnybrook Restaurant, 119 S.W. Third St.
Kucinich's Corvallis layover will be part of a whistlestop swing through Oregon set to begin Friday night in Portland. He also plans appearances in Salem, Eugene, Roseburg, Ashland and Medford and will continue to campaign here up until the primary election.
"He will be returning in April and May," said LoErna Simpson, one of three supporters on Kucinich's Corvallis campaign steering committee.
"We're not certain of the dates, but he's making Oregon a priority of his campaign. By getting delegates in the primary, those delegates can influence the Democratic platform at the convention."
Oregon's presidential primary is scheduled for May 18, but Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, already has more than enough delegates to ensure his nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Boston this July.
"He already acknowledges that Kerry is the candidate," said Simpson.
She said Kucinich is staying in the race to promote his platform of universal health care, job creation, fair trade and a lower defense budget. In addition, she said, "he opposes the Patriot Act, and he believes in an exit strategy for the Iraqi occupation."
Simpson said she is expecting a strong turnout for both events, which were promoted during Saturday's peace rally in Corvallis and at last Thursday's meeting of the Benton County Democrats. She said she already has 60 reservations for Kucinich's appearance Sunday at Burton's, where a breakfast buffet will be available. To reserve a spot, call Simpson at 753-7341.
No reservation is needed for Saturday's event.
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