The Root | TheRoot.com
Skip Navigation
register | forgot password?
Login
Cancel

Blog Title

  •  

Authors

Melissa Harris-Lacewell
 
Melissa Harris-Lacewell is Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University. 
 
Marc Lamont Hill
 
Marc Lamont Hill is Assistant Professor of Urban Education and American Studies at Temple University. 

Categories

Links

Archives

See All from May
Previous
May 2008
Next
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
Full Post
Posted Friday, May 02, 2008 8:50 AM

Remember All Politics is Local [Response]

Marc Lamont Hill
Melissa,

For me, the most important non-presidential race to watch comes from Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, where incumbent US Representative Dennis Kucinich is facing a serious challenge.

Since taking office in 1998, Kucinich has been one of the most consistent and principled voices in the Congress. From his persistent opposition to the Iraq war to his uniform challenge to free trade, Kucinich has consistently forced his Democratic colleagues to live up to their progressive promise. Although he was shunned by the mainstream media, Kucinich played a significant role in the 2008 Democratic primary, forcing the mainstream (read: corporate) candidates to answer tough questions about critical issues. More than any politician that I've ever encountered, Kucinich is sincere, ethical, committed, and unwavering in his advocacy for Left-wing values.

Unfortunately, while Kucinich was operating on the national scene, local opponents were plotting on his Congressional seat. By the beginning of 2008, four well-funded candidates attempted to unseat Kucinich in Democratic primary by painting him as an absentee congressman. Although Kucinich was able to defeat them through a twelfth hour fund raising effort, the battle is not over. In November, he will be facing former Republican State Representative Jim Trakas in another close contest.

A Kucinich loss will have a devastating impact on the city of Cleveland, the state of Ohio, and the entire nation. If we truly care about the future of a Left-wing movement, we must aid his re-election.

Can I count on your help?

  • Email This Post
  • Print This Post
Permalink: http://blogs.theroot.com/blogs/downfromthetower/archive/2008/05/02/remember-all-politics-is-local-response.aspx
You must be a registered user to comment.  Click here to register.  Already a user?  Click here to login.

Member Comments

Posted By: Iraq » Remember All Politics is Local [Response] (May 2, 2008 at 10:42 AM)

PingBack from http://iraq.tedtheblog.info/?p=32737

Report Abuse
Posted By: BradinTokyo (May 7, 2008 at 6:43 AM)

From a Libertarian with Regan Republican inclinations I second the call on Democrats to rush to the aid of Representative Kucinich.  His loss in the upcoming election would be the kind of loss of diversity we do not need.  Day in and day out all across America you hear people talk about diversity but I rarely feel are they refering to the kind of diversity Representative Kucinich brings to the table.  Dumping cash contributions on presidential contenders is great but don't forget there are other important people who are also running for office this fall.

Report Abuse
Posted By: MrsJones (May 8, 2008 at 8:43 AM)

Interesting post and something I should have been more aware of considering Cleveland is my hometown. (Kucinich was mayor when I was very young.)  He definately has gotten my respect as a congressman for the reasons you've given.  I'll have to send him some $

Report Abuse