The Kucinich Kunundrum

I have been watching with some bemusement lately the fuss over Dennis Kucinich and the “possibility” that he may decide to seek a congressional seat from our state if and when it comes to pass that his current district in Ohio is lost to the same redistricting scheme that will have our own state gaining a seat in Congress. Just yesterday, Everett Herald columnist Jerry Cornfield wrote (again) about the subject; citing the number of appearances the liberal congressman has been making in our state (specifically in our 1st CD) recently. Of particular interest to me was this all too familiar bit of “rhetoric as accepted party doctrine”.

“Scott Ballinger of Woodway said the fuss surrounding Kucinich is good because it helps "trumpet the fact that Washington Democrats are liberal Democrats"

But he wouldn't welcome him as a candidate.

"I think there's kind of a carpetbagger aspect to him coming," he said. "And I'm not sure Kucinich is good for the 1st Congressional District."

State Democratic Party chairman Dwight Pelz has expressed similar concerns in publicly opposing a Kucinich bid. He's also said the Ohioan's politics put him too far left to win in a suburban district, which is what the 1st and 10th will almost certainly be after redistricting.”

There seems to be a tendency for folks to acknowledge on one hand the liberal activists in the state while on the other hand reminding them (us) that electing liberals is just one step too far. In this case, the overriding sentiment amongst the state’s punditocracy and political “leadership” seems to be, “Thanks for stopping by but don’t let the door hit you on your way out.” Take, for example, the May 12 ditty from the PI’s Joel Connelly, subtly titled “Stay Home, Dennis Kucinich.”

After referring to Kucinich as “…a vegan who dishes up red meat to audiences of aging peaceniks” Connelly says, “Here's two words of advice for "Dennis the Menace" : Stay Home!” He then went on to illuminate Kucinich’s appeal in the state.

“Kucinich went nowhere as a presidential candidate in 2004 and 2008. He went to court, unsuccessfully, to get included in debates. But he developed a small, fervent following, nowhere more fervent than in this state's loony left.”

And “loony left’ we must be because we seem to keep falling for the nonsense that would have us believe that there is a place for us in this state’s Democratic Party.



Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue