Dennis Kucinich officially announces run for Ohio governor

Updated 10:57 AM; Posted 9:43 AM



By Seth A. Richardson, cleveland.com

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS - Capping off two weeks of turnover and upheaval in the gubernatorial race, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich on Wednesday announced he would run for governor in a crowded Democratic primary.

Months of speculation surrounded Kucinich's name, who in 2017 said he was considering a run. He becomes the fifth Democrat to seek the nomination to succeed outgoing term-limited Republican Gov. John Kasich.

Kucinich, a longtime progressive and populist, struck much of the same tone he is famous for, calling for the people to "take back" their government.

"This is the moment when the people must take back their government," Kucinich said during his announcement at the Middleburg Heights Community Center. "This is the moment when there must be a shift of power from an uncaring, unresponsive state government in Columbus to where the power of 'We the People' is claimed and expressed with strength, with experience and with fearlessness."

Kucinich, who is from Cleveland, has deep roots in Northeast Ohio, a Democratic stronghold that plays an outsized role in the primaries. A former mayor of Cleveland, he served in Congress from 1997 to 2013, during which he ran for president in both 2004 and 2008.

After redistricting in 2010, Kucinich lost his congressional race to U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat from Toledo, when the two were remapped into the same district.

Kucinich also invoked his time as mayor, recapping the famed story of how he refused to sell Municipal Light to private interests.

"The same person, battle scars and all, is before you today, with a wealth of experience, no less ready to stand up, to speak out, to take on corrupt interests on behalf of the people of Ohio, ready to be the voice that bridges left and right, a clear voice unafraid to call things like I see them," Kucinich said.

Kucinich, before outlining a progressive platform that includes infrastructure spending, broadband internet expansion, increasing the minimum wage to $12.50, broadening access to health care and expanding public transportation, said the current condition of state government was corrupt and in the hands of business interests.

"The state has given away billions in tax breaks while destroying programs essential for health and education," he said. "You cannot have communities where some people are living in third-world conditions unless the politics of the state itself reflects or tolerates deep corruption."

Kucinich's speech energized the crowd, who frequently broke out in cheers and even chants of "Dennis! Dennis!"

Kucinich caps off a packed Democratic field that includes former federal consumer watchdog Richard Cordray, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, former state Rep. Connie Pillich and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill.

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper said Kucinich had reached out to the party to provide vetting materials to allow him to appear in party-sponsored forums and debates.

Like Cordray, Kucinich brings national name recognition to the Ohio governor's race. And while Cordray has support from high-profile Democrats across the country, Kucinich also has wide-ranging connections in political circles, setting up a battle between the two for the nomination - and a chance to take on likely GOP nominee, Attorney General Mike DeWine.

Kucinich's base includes the progressive wing of the party, but he could have crossover appeal with Ohioans who voted for both Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, who both won the state in their respective elections.

In the past, Kucinich has advocated for universal health care and against free trade, two messages that could resound with 2018 voters.

However, Kucinich is also known for his quirks during his time in office and since as a contributor on Fox News.

His support of Trump on some matters could prove costly. Kucinich has both come to the defense of Gen. Mike Flynn - who recently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about contacts with Russia - and said Trump was under attack from the "deep state" - forces within the government - who are trying to undermine the president.

Kucinich and fellow candidate Pillich have yet to announce running mates. The filing deadline to run for office in Ohio is Feb. 7.

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index....ially_ann.html