Kucinich might move–to get re-elected
May 11th, 2011
04:54 PM ET
12 years ago

Kucinich might move–to get re-elected

(CNN)-Democratic Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich is willing to do almost anything to keep his congressional seat-even if it means leaving the state.

He opened a fundraising plea to supporters Wednesday saying, "I will not rule out a run elsewhere should my district be eliminated or radically altered."

Ohio will lose two congressional seats as a result of redistricting based on the results of the 2010 Census. As a result, a re-election for Kucinich is expected to be difficult, if his district remains at all.

And though he reassured voters that his "efforts and focus remain on representing my constituents in the 10th district," he also promises, "We're not going to quietly fade away, and let the corporate interests and status quo have its way."

"Instead, we're gearing up for a long and difficult campaign in 2012," Kucinich pledged, "Wherever that may be."

The congressman may seek his ninth term outside of Ohio's state lines since he's "been approached by supporters across the country-from Washington to Maine-to explore options outside Ohio should redistricting force me out of my current district."

But in the meantime, he's asking for donations of $25, $50, or $100 in an inclusive effort to fund his re-election campaign because "there's simply too much at stake for our voice to be eliminated."

Kucinich has been preparing for the consequences of redistricting in Ohio since December 2010 when he began writing appeals for support.

"We are going to have to prepare for a different kind of election, possibly in a different place because my district may be eliminated," he said. "We are going to have to organize in a different way, now. The question will remain: Where?"


Filed under: 2012 • Dennis Kucinich • Ohio • Redistricting
soundoff (7 Responses)
  1. Chas in Iowa

    That statement in itself tells a lot about Dennis. It doesn't matter who his constituents are as he doesn't make any effort to represent them. He represents his own self interest and has for years.

    May 11, 2011 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  2. D

    That's why he has been elected in a blue-collar district multiple times...

    May 11, 2011 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  3. Gorbashov - Long Beach, Ca.

    He represents the interests of hard-working middle class Americans, and always has!

    May 11, 2011 05:20 pm at 5:20 pm |
  4. B

    Oh please..

    Obama is smiling again because he will wind up being the Only adult standing in the room with all of the cranks on both sides.

    May 11, 2011 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |
  5. Dot

    "He represents his own self interest and has for years"

    Obviously you don't know anything about Dennis Kucinich, Chas in Iowa. As usual you're just interested in making negative, untrue comments which have no basis in reality at all.

    May 11, 2011 05:48 pm at 5:48 pm |
  6. Hryan from Ohio

    Pretending that Kuicinich actually represents his constituents is simply foolish. The man has done nothing to help his district, and in fact has caused nothing but problems for the Cleveland area as a mayor or Congressman. The fact that he will run to a new state if the district is eliminated as opposed to attempting to win in the newly formed district just proves this point.

    May 11, 2011 07:21 pm at 7:21 pm |
  7. Be careful what you wish for !

    I'm am a Democrat through and through but I just don't like Kucinich because he just reminds me too much of Joe Lieberman ! BTW Dennis your last tirade against our party boss didn't win you any friend's , you just made an fool out of yourself ! Good luck trying to get people to help you with your campaign ! You better do some heavy kissing up if you want us to help you ever again !

    May 11, 2011 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |