Kucinich wants to know if he should move to WA State [View all]

[eridani]

http://action.kucinich.us/page/s/washington-state-survey

Letter from Citizens for Kucinich
http://kucinich.us/washington-citizens-kucinich

This is what I said--

Yes, but not this year. You would need to move out here and establish yourself locally first. There are a number of progressive causes to work on for both you and Elizabeth (the local food movement is very strong here, and would provide connections to rural progressives--essential in a state like WA with a strong urban/rural divide.)

There would be many opportunities for lecturing, and possibly hosting a progressive radio show. After local people get the idea you really mean to stay, the "carpetbagger" tag would go away. You should consider it a permanent move--you may not win your first try. You would be starting over in all senses. The centrist establishment types won't like it no matter what--but there are also large numbers of people who have given up on electoral politics as hopeless who could be mobilized. There are lots of local Occupy groups.

You will have to consider a lifetime's worth of personal and political ties in the Cleveland area also. Making those kinds of connections here is going to take time. In Des Moines, you talked about movement building, and you should consider a potential move here in that light.

This is what his 2008 state campaign coordinator said--

"But not until 2014...because I am very close to the political scene here in the NW corner of WA State and there is strong opposition to your candidacy at this time. If Dennis and Elizabeth would settle in the NW Corner, both could build good, strong support by doing public appearances, holding meetings to discuss issues, teaching courses at a regional university, writing a book or some major articles, getting to know regional members of the media, and building a base that would be sustainable. It would be so good if Dennis didn't have to face strong opposition every two years.

Of course, many people are urging Dennis to run now; but they do not realize what he would be facing by running BEFORE building a strong base of support. The Kuciniches are not as well known -- really known -- as some might believe. Do this right and it will be a good "investment" long-term.

NOW -- IF Jim McDermott retires this year, then I would LOVE to see Dennis file to fill that spot. It is such a Progressive district that we would likely have Dennis as our representative for a very long time into the future. Besides, I live in the 7th and would really love to have Dennis as my representative in DC. It would be ideal!"

PS -- Please encourage Dennis and Elizabeth to move here, become much better known and appreciated, and lay the groundwork for a 2014 run from WA state. It would take two years of serious effort to build strong support, cultivate their strengths and be able to dispel the many fallacies that the mainstream, corporate media have created about Dennis. We definitely need more Progressives and there is none better than Dennis, IMHO, but failure in 2012 would be a major setback to what could be the continuation of a positive career. Your pushing him might lead to a disaster that would be highly regrettable.

Rebecca

The Alliance for Democracy
Pacific Northwest Council Representative
www.TheAllianceForDemocracy.org