Kucinich makes daylong dash through SLO County
Originally published by SanLuisObispo.com
2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Kucinich makes daylong dash through SLO County
Anti-war Democrat talks on marriage, Iran and Iraq during his five-stop visit
By Leslie Parrilla
Trailed by ardent supporters, Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich strode down Monterey Street on Saturday toward his next campaign stop: San Luis Obispo's reggae festival.
"California has the ability to pick the next president," he said. "We have a lot of supporters in this area."
As Kucinich clutched his wife Elizabeth's hand, he struggled to keep pace with the brisk pack as it headed to the music festival in Mission Plaza.
He and his wife explained how their conspicuous contrast in age, background, initial political affiliation and heritage have had no impact on their unified vision for the country. And that if Kucinich were elected president, his wife would be a major player as a political consultant.
"We talk over everything," said Kucinich, 60, leaving little room between the pair on the cramped sidewalk. "Just on the way over here (we were talking) about the importance of making sure that we engage people and create hope."
Elizabeth Kucinich, 29, originally from the United Kingdom, said her husband "makes the decisions because he's the candidate," but together they do the research and discuss the issues.
"She will be a significant person as a partner in the White House," Kucinich said. "We work together. ...We share a common vision of America."
That vision beamed from both of them as they addressed a group of about 100 supporters clustered in front of the county courthouse clapping and cheering. Even a dog barked incessantly after one of the candidate's booming comments about taking back America.
"And all of God's creatures agree," Kucinich added.
Questions from the crowd included how to reverse a political creep toward war with Iran and how to bring the troops home from Iraq.
"Iran does not have weapons capability with respect to nuclear weapons," Kucinich responded.
"They're doing the same thing. They're running the same play," he said of the White House's actions with Iran that he believes mimic those that led to war with Iraq.
The congressman from Ohio and former mayor of Cleveland said he's campaigning in this predominantly conservative county as part of his effort to win over the state from top to bottom.
Progressive Democrats of San Luis Obispo County organized the visit Saturday for five stops: the Templeton Farmers Market, Atascadero Sunken Gardens, a breakfast fundraiser in San Luis Obispo, the courthouse, and Mission Plaza at the reggae festival.
Kucinich wrapped up his speech at Mission Plaza with comments on the necessity of adopting universal, nonprofit health care and the importance of demanding that the U.S. pull troops out of Iraq.
"It doesn't take a vote. It doesn't take legislation. ...Bring the troops home now," he said.
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