Gary Kucinich hopes to join Dennis in Congress"I’m coming to Congress to put an end to this war"

There was a mix of anxiety and anticipation in the Kucinich household Easter morning as the Strongsville family waited for a call from their eldest son.

I was so overjoyed when I heard him. We just love him and miss him so much,'' Gary Kucinich said, recalling the phone call from his 19-year-old son, Gary Jr., a U.S. Marine stationed in Iraq. Despite the joy, the call was bittersweet for the elder Kucinich, a Democratic candidate in the 13th Congressional District primary who has made ending the war in Iraq the cornerstone of his campaign.I’m sending a message to Bush to bring my son and all the troops home as quickly as possible,’’ said Kucinich, 55, a former staff sergeant retired from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Since declaring as a candidate, Kucinich — the younger brother of outspoken Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland — has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops in 90 days.

We must get out of Iraq and get out now. It is totally unfair to allow our troops to remain in the cross hairs of a civil war,'' said Kucinich, who said that the war in Iraq isquickly disintegrating.’’

It has spiraled into a civil war and our troops are caught in the crossfire. It is time that we get the U.N. in and the U.S. out,'' Kucinich said. This week Kucinich was walking the neighborhoods of Akron planting his campaign signs -- declaring his opposition to the war -- in front lawns. Last month he marched with more than 150 protesters in downtown Akron -- from the Akron-Summit County Public Library to the Federal Building -- chanting anti-war slogans and beating drums and pots and pans to express their displeasure. High price of war Kucinich said that while he is well aware of the numerous problems facing the 13th District, from jobs to health care, he stressed thatall of the other issues are tied into the war.’’ He said the nearly $2 trillion already spent on the war is money that could have been spent meeting needs in the United States.

Consider the ways that money could be better spent right here in this nation -- health care, education, jobs,'' he said.We wouldn’t have to worry about the shortfall in Social Security... but because we decided to go to war, money that could be spent at home is being spent over there.

If the people of the 13th send me to Congress, I'm going to work to cut off funding for the war. If the funding is cut, Bush will have no choice but to bring the troops home,'' Kucinich said. If the people of the 13th District do send Kucinich to Capitol Hill, he would join his brother. And it won't be the first time the Kucinich boys would have worked together in office. In the 1970s, he served on Cleveland City Council when his brother, Dennis, was the so-calledboy mayor’’ of the city.

We are the only brother team to serve in Cleveland (in that capacity),'' said Gary Kucinich, who was a councilman for eight years and later, from 1990 to 1993, served on the Cleveland school board.Dennis and I would be a strong team in Congress working on behalf of the people of Northeast Ohio,’’ he said. They will be able to count on us to represent their best interest.... There is no question that it would be exciting to work with my brother.'' Plenty of competition But to join his brother in Congress, Kucinich will first have to win the Democratic primary, which boasts a total of eight candidates: Kucinich, Betty Sutton of Chardon, Tom Sawyer of Akron, Capri Cafaro of Sheffield, John Wolfe of Akron, Michael Lyons of Richfield, Norbert Dennerll Jr. of Westlake, and Bill Grace of Elyria. Five Republicans also are seeking the seat: Paul Burtzlaff of Avon Lake, C.J. DeLorean of Medina, David McGrew of Akron, Craig Foltin of Lorain and Joe Ortega III of Strongsville. Kucinich, a sales manager for an auto dealer, said that what will make him stand out from the crowded field, besides his recognizable name, is his stance on health care.I’m the only candidate speaking out about universal health care,’’ he said. We are talking about 46 million Americans without health care. That is unacceptable.'' Kucinich said his plan would establish a program modeled on Medicare, but would be for all regardless of age and would rely on payroll taxes on employers and employees. Kucinich, who was a Teamster and autoworker, said he will be a strong voice for working people.I grew up in Cleveland in an area not unlike Akron. I understand tough times.... I can best articulate the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people of the 13th District,’’ he said.

A self-described hard worker, Kucinich, who is married and the father of four boys, said he is an avid reader.

I read everything I can get my hands on. I have my former eighth-grade teacher, Sister Delores Ann, to thank for that. She gave me the best advice I ever had -- `Don't let a day go by without reading,' '' Kucinich said. In the days before the May 2 primary, Kucinich said he will be working hard meeting voters.I’m sending a strong message to Bush that I am coming and he better get ready,’’ he said. ``I’m coming to Congress to put an end to this war.’’
http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/14415143.htm

also see
Kucinich’s brother running for Congress

http://garykucinich.us/