Kucinich preaches message
Originally published in the Statesman Journal
Kucinich preaches message
KOBBI R. BLAIR / Statesman Journal
The Democratic presidential candidate brings his progressive agenda to a church in Salem.
SHAWN DAY
Statesman Journal
March 28, 2004
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich knows that he probably will not be the Democratic nominee for president, but that didn't keep him from lobbying for votes Saturday at a Salem church.
"My candidacy is about creating a context, a message for the Democratic Party that is so compelling that people will be lining up to vote," Kucinich told about 350 supporters crowded into the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 5090 Center St. NE.
"If we can bring progressive principles to this party, there's a possibility of very powerful change in this country … and Oregon can be part of that."
The candidate delivered a speech outlining his plans for peace, universal health care and more jobs for Americans, and then fielded questions about topics including affordable education, the war on terrorism and Ralph Nader's independent run for president.
Kucinich also called on Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's national security adviser, to testify before the commission investigating events leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. And he condemned Bush's decision to invade Iraq.
Oregon voters will choose among Kucinich, Sen. John Kerry and Lyndon LaRouche to be the state's Democratic presidential nominee in the May 18 primary.
Saturday's meeting was part of Kucinich's four-day campaign tour through the state and was organized by Oregon for Kucinich 2004.
Kucinich's campaign rented the church building, the Rev. Rick Davis said, adding that his congregation did not endorse Kucinich or any candidate for president.
"It's important that all voices be heard," Davis said. "We really cherish diversity of religious and political beliefs."
Canby resident Kevin Furey said that he agreed with most of Kucinich's ideas and was pleased to see the candidate remain in the race, although Kerry likely will be the Democratic nominee.
Kucinich's "message is to move the party more to the left," Furey said. "The Democratic Party has become dangerously close to the Republican Party in recent elections."
Kate VanUmmersen, a sales representative from Brooks, described herself as a longtime Kucinich supporter as she opened her checkbook near the end of the meeting to make a campaign donation.
"I'm thrilled that he came and that he's not dropping out because he has really important things to say on some subjects that won't be brought up by other candidates," she said. "His entire platform I feel is really important."
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