Kucinich makes strong showing near Iron Range in Minnesota
Originally published in the Star Tribune
DFL: Duluth Kucinich makes strong showing near Iron Range
Published March 3, 2004
Last updated: March 3, 2004 at 12:14 AM
DULUTH -- "I have no doubt Saddam Hussein was an evil man, but I don't think he was a threat to us," Kathy Grosh said.
Grosh, 51, a math teacher, turned out Tuesday night with her husband, an operating engineer, to vote for Dennis Kucinich at her DFL precinct caucus at Duluth Central High School.
Room 131 was a hotbed for Kucinich, where the vote was 16 for the Ohio congressman, 17 for U.S. Sen. John Kerry and 8 for U.S. Sen. John Edwards. Even some of the Kerry supporters said that in their hearts they preferred Kucinich, but that they were looking for a candidate they believe could defeat President Bush.
Ida Rukavina, 25, who was wearing a Kucinich button and was helping count the ballots, let out a little cheer when the results were totaled.
Rukavina, the daughter of Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, said she wasn't surprised, because Kucinich was the only candidate to visit the Iron Range. He also spoke in Duluth. Rukavina said she supports Kucinich because he favors single-payer health coverage and opposes the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Only six people showed up for the caucus in Precinct 22 two years ago, she said, compared with more than 40 on Tuesday night. Some were newcomers; others had not shown up for a caucus in years.
Caucus attendees, in interviews, talked about subjects that included union rights, health care and environmental issues. But the single issue mentioned most often was Iraq.
"I think it's just the worst situation we have ever been in, worse than the U.S.-Cuban missile crisis," said Sue Brown, 62, a Kerry supporter.
"We should have waited for the U.N. [to act before invading Iraq] and now we are stuck," said Maureen Booth, chairwoman of the caucus meeting and a Kerry supporter. "It's a mess."
Booth, 73, a retired teacher and advertising saleswoman, said it was no surprise to her that Kucinich got a lot of votes in her precinct. "I know these people," she said. "They are the more progressive wing of the party. ... I like Kucinich, too, but he hasn't a chance ... of winning. ... As I get older, I get more practical."
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