Kucinich has 72 delegates I just heard - Now Is the Time!

[happynewyear]

Dennis is off to Boston with 72 delegates I just heard. He was hoping to have 50 and he has exceeded his hopes!

They are asking for donations to the Kucinich campaign now. I'll be contributing again, as now is the time!! :D

http://www.kucinich.us

[gate of the sun]

1. congratulations

to all of us hopeful folks, who helped give this man delegates.

[MAlibdem]

2. Ok...i don't care if the man wants to continue to campaign...

but soliciting donations from people who could donate to kerry is counter-productive.

tho i acknowledge that there are some people who would donate to dk and not jk...

[mike_c]

9. personally, I wouldn't donate to John Kerry, but...

...I'll work my ass off for Dennis Kucinich!

[qwertyMike]

3. Doesn't he look like that Kung Fu guy

from Kill Bill 2

Carradine?

[goodhue]

43. Kucinich and Carradine have the same birthday -- October 8th.

[goodhue]

54. "If you plant fear, fear will grow." - Caine

[Cronus Protagonist]

4. What, exactly, will your donation to Kucinich buy you?

Let it be known, if it isn't already, that I'm a big DK supporter. I'm wondering what results you expect from your donation. I might send him a few more bucks if I thought it would make a difference.

BLAME BUSH FIRST!

Click here for "BLAME BUSH FIRST", and other fair and balanced yet stunning buttons, magnets and stickers

[happynewyear]

10. they are trying to get enough $ together for the convention

Dennis wants to send 40 people to the convention in Boston in July and they don't have enough for all of them to go.

Hell, I'd go myself if I could make it!

Thanks everyone, and I'm sure Dennis thanks you too! :D

[goodhue]

26. They are planning a lot of acitivities for Boston

Not just for Kucinich delegates but for all delegates and non-delegates alike. Some really great events. But money is scarce.

http://www.kucinich.us/convention/convention_why_go.php

Convention Schedule
The Democratic National Convention: July 26-29 Boston

The Kucinich Campaign will play an important role both inside and outside the Convention in an effort to unify the party around true Democratic principles.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich is in a unique position as a Democratic candidate—with Delegates from around the country—to be the voice inside the Convention on issues such as universal health care, fair trade, the repeal of the PATRIOT Act, and an end to the Iraq occupation. At the same time, the Kucinich Campaign will participate in and facilitate an inclusive dialogue outside the Convention. The Campaign aims to engage as many people as possible in the Boston Social Forum, the Convention process, and other activities such as workshops, peace vigils and street events to be held throughout the week.

The Campaign will distribute a daily newspaper to the 4000+ Delegates inviting them to the progressive action going on outside of the Convention.

Boston Social Forum: July 23-25 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Hosted by a coalition of Boston area, progressive community organizations, non-profits, and unions; this forum will bring together thousands of progressive leaders from around the country and the world to discuss the possibilities for positive change.

This will be an opportunity for progressives to exchange information, form alliances, and network with one another in order to push our movements forward. Dennis Kucinich will be an active participant, and the public is invited to any of their workshops, cultural events, plenary sessions, and convocations of the entire forum.

"Veterans Address the Nation": July 23 (Friday evening)

Hosted by Veterans for Peace at Historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, this event will feature Boston City Councilors Felix Arroyo and Chuck Turner, Daniel Ellsberg, Howard Zinn and Dennis Kucinich, as well as veterans from WWII through the present. See: VeteransForPeace.org

Rally on the Boston Common: July 25th (Sunday Afternoon)

Kucinich, along with other leaders in the peace and justice movement, will speak at a rally and concert hosted by a coalition of progressive organizations in the Boston Common.

Boston Neighborhood Events: July 25th (Sunday evening)

The Democratic Party will be hosting parties for delegates on Sunday. Simultaneously, a coalition of Boston-based organizations, groups, and individuals will be hosting their own "people's parties" in neighborhoods around the city. The parties will address issues facing local communities in fun and creative ways. Congressperson Kucinich hopes to attend at least one of these parties and celebrity Kucinich endorsers are also expected to attend. All Kucinich supporters are invited to attend.

Convention Days: Monday – Thursday, July 26-29

The Kucinich Campaign is allying with various social justice groups and organizations to coordinate diverse events around different themes and issues not currently reflected in the Democratic Party. There will be workshops, speakers, and street actions intended to raise awareness. Workshops will promote dialogue amongst delegates and activists. "Street actions" will target MA-based issues (and sites), drawing connections to national and international issues. On Wednesday & Thursday, the week's events will culminate in a Progressive Summit to dialogue and organize with activists about how to develop a stronger Progressive Movement; and a Progressive Democrats Convention, which will determine how to continue the work of the Kucinich state campaigns under a broad umbrella to form an ongoing progressive campaign inside the Democratic Party.

Day 1, Monday: Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, Justice

On Monday, July 26th, the Kucinich Campaign will host a workshop with the theme "Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, Justice" in the early afternoon (exact time/place TBA). Dennis Kucinich, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. James J. Zogby will be featured speakers.

This workshop will lead into a street action focusing on the offences against our civil liberties that have occurred in recent history.

Day 2, Tuesday: Peace and Prosperity
The Department of Peace & Universal Single-Payer Health Care

On Tuesday, the campaign will participate in a teach-in at Faneuil Hall where opinion leaders will speak on diverse topics throughout the morning. In the afternoon, the Campaign will host a workshop centered on the Department of Peace. Dennis Kucinich and several foreign diplomats are the featured speakers. The workshop will discuss Kucinich's proposed legislation and Department of Peace campaigns in other nations.

At night, a street action is being planned to support a Universal Healthcare system. The event will focus on Boston-specific healthcare struggles and make connections to national concerns. Patch Adams will be our special guest.

Day 3, Wednesday: Building Progressive Alliances
Empowering the base, Targeting issues, Working for change

Wednesday afternoon, there will be a Progressive Summit to dialogue with a diverse group of activists to plan how to move forward a stronger Progressive Movement.

At night, a street action is being planned targeting the opening of a Boston-based "BioSafety Level 4 Lab" in order to emphasize the need to redirect or national priorities from military and violence to peace and non-violence.

Day 4, Thursday: Moving Forward from Boston
Creating Change from Within the Party

On Thursday, the week's events will culminate in a Progressive Democratic Convention, moderated by Convention Coordinator Tim Carpenter and invited guests Dennis Kucinich and Kevin Spidel. Spidel served as Political Field Director for the Kucinich Campaign. The Progressive Convention will unite around core progressive issues and determine a plan to unite nationwide progressive campaigns under a broad umbrella to continue to make change in the Democratic Party.

On Thursday night, there will be a nationwide candlelight vigil to call for regime change in the US and end the occupation in Iraq in 2005.

Thursday Evening: Kucinich Campaign Reception

The Kucinich Campaign will hold a reception Thursday night (8:00 pm-1:00 a.m.) where Kucinich Campaign staff and supporters will be joined by the Delegates after the Convention. We will view a 25-minute documentary, "The Kucinich story," with footage from throughout the campaign.

The Campaign still needs money in order to fund the Boston office, buy supplies, and pay staff salaries. Please contribute to make this effort possible.

Contribute online or by phone toll-free at 866-413-3664

http://www.kucinich.us/contribute.php

[2Design]

5. wouldn't it be nice if he got a position in kerry admin - maybe VP

Would be nice to see this guy in kerry admin? He has brought momentum with him and could bring along most if not all of nadar voters and a lot of other.....

I originally was for Dean, then Edwards, then .....but this man could be that quiet subtle one for kerry....with Dean a head of Health CAre and Edwards in some lawyer capacity.....maybe Clark for Defense....gephardt for fairness and gay rights....since he is supportive of his daughter...

[mike_c]

6. Dennis Kucinch is going to rock the DNC....

His speech will likely be one of the convention's high points. He has such incredible courage and determination-- to have stuck with the campaign so that he can bring his message to the convention, when it was only about winning or losing for all the others. DK is awesome. I hope to live long enough to see President Kucinich bring America back to its ideals.

[happynewyear]

11. Wow, I hope so too

Dennis has a very important message that must be heard. He will go to the convention and hopefully his campaign will be able to go with him. He has a series of petitions that are out for various things, like revoke NAFTA and the WTO. U.S. out of Iraq; U.N. in. Health care for all Americans (single payer system). The list goes on and on. Be sure to check out his recently updated website.

http://www.kucinich.us

[Scottie72]

17. I plan on taping his speach!

DK is the man!

I believe DK is going to keep the left wing in the party come November. He will throw his full support behind JK.

[malatesta1137]

7. now it's time for WHAT?

another 4 years of Bush? wake up, America is not ready for Kucinich. Isn't having Nader around enough to divide the left? it's too late now, let's just stay behind Kerry, PLEASE!

[no name no slogan]

12. How does Dennis divide the left?

Unlike Nader, Dennis has stated, REPEATEDLY, that he will support the eventual nominee, whoever it is.

Right now, he's running to make sure that certain issues get addressed-- especially those that are now "off the table" because Kerry and Bush's positions are so similar.

Kerry has said that he'll supposedly have "most" US forces out of Iraq by 2008. Kucinich, OTOH, has a plan for getting them out ASAP-- a position now supported by a majority of Iraqis, BTW.

Kucinich is also fighting for a single-payer, universal healthcare system that covers EVERYONE. Kerry believes in a hodgepodge of public/private plans that will provide medical "insurance" (NOT healthcare) to 93% of the population.

Dennis Kucinich believes in holding the Pentagon accountable for the $1 trillion it is currently "missing". He'll cut out Star Wars and other unnecessary weapons programs, so that the weapons budget will be reduced by 15%. These funds will then be redirected toward rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure: fixing our schools, hiring enough teachers, providing a quality public education for everyone, repairing our roads, investing in alternative fuels, etc.

John Kerry wants to keep the bloated Pentagon budget as it is, and wants to increase the size of our armed forces by 40,000 so we can continue to keep the American war machine on wartime footing indefinately.

Dennis Kucinich would also use the 15% Pentagon reduction to provide a fully funded, pre-K through college public education for each and every person who wants it and do the work. John Kerry will increase funding and make more financial aid available for college, but still won't make a college degree attainable by those who simply can't afford it.

Even though Kucinich's issues are different from Kerry's in many respects, he will support Kerry in the general election. In 2000, he campaigned like mad for Gore in Ohio, even though Nader was in the race.

Kucinich is a loyal Democrat and supports the party, even though certain people in the party wish he wasn't there. He gives voice to the working people of this nation, not just the middle class and the wealthy. He knows what it's like to be poor, having twice lived in a car as a young boy.

For many people, he's probably the sole reason they'll vote for Kerry this year. If you truly want to defang Nader, listen to Kucinich. For many disenfranchised, he's the only Democrat who truly matters anymore.

[malatesta1137]

14. wrong again

You write 'Unlike Nader, Dennis has stated, REPEATEDLY, that he will support the eventual nominee, whoever it is.'

SO WHY DOESN'T HE? NOW? 'eventual' nominee? Is there anyone that still thinks Kerry will NOT be the nominee? Why isn't Kucinich supporting him NOW?

Your long post just proves my point of Kucinich dividing the left, by pointing out the advantages of Dennis and Kerry's weaknesses.

It seems to me that he might just be on another Nader-like ego trip to promote himself.

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[malatesta1137]

18. not blasting, just using common sense

all Nader or Kucinich can do this late in the game is divide the left, and the only beneficiaries are Bush and their (Dennis' and Nader's) gigantic egos.

[goodhue]

24. equating Kucinich to Nader makes no sense

Kucinich has said repeatedly that he will support the nominee after the convention. He will be playing tug of war with Nader to try to keep progressives in the party. It will be to Kerry's benefit.

[malatesta1137]

33. after the onvention is not enough

Dennis will be weakening Kerry until then.

[goodhue]

34. In what respect is Kucinich "weakening" Kerry?

Seriously, I don't have a clue as to what you refer.
Please explain specifically how Kucinich is weakening Kerry.

[malatesta1137]

56. by hmmm...

RUNNING against him?

[goodhue]

60. Kucinich is not running "against" Kerry.

http://www.kucinich.us/faq.php

With the nominee pretty much a done deal, why is Kucinich still in the race?

Dennis Kucinich is aware that John Kerry has the 2,161 delegates needed for the Democratic nomination. "While the question of who is going to be the nominee may be a foregone conclusion," Kucinich says, "what we stand for as a party is yet to be determined.” It's no longer a question of who is going to run against George Bush; the question is what do we stand for as a party? The Democratic Party needs to create a platform that is consistent with the broad-based aspirations of millions of Americans -- a platform based on principles of peace and universal health care, a platform that eliminates unfair trade policies that are costing us millions of jobs while diminishing workers' rights and environmental protections everywhere, and a platform that puts an end to the USA PATRIOT Act and provides for the protection of civil liberties. The Democratic Party has to be able to reach people who may otherwise be disaffected, and the Kucinich campaign reaches out to the broadest group of people and says, "Look, stay inside the Democratic Party and direct it toward change."

Why is Kucinich going on to the Convention?

Congressman Kucinich has publicly stated that he will support the nominee -- after the convention. Until then, he has promised to continue to give voice to those who long for issues that are not currently being addressed by the frontrunner.

Congressman Kucinich remains committed to being the voice for progressive democrats and all who care about issues such as single-payer universal health care, jobs and trade policies, the war in Iraq, the Patriot Act, and the need for a Department of Peace. Our Party must continue to debate these issues.

The Democratic Party needs every vote it can rally to defeat George W. Bush in November. We must stand for something that represents the values and the practical aspirations of American citizens. Kucinich provides the opportunity to work for these changes within the party. Without Kucinich in the race, many of our supporters would abandon the Democratic Party, risking a repeat of the disastrous 2000 election.

[cyclezealot]

62. W/O Kucinich upholding Progressive stands

You would not have to worry about the likes of me offending the party hacks who demand all step into line..Because, I would just be a part of the apathetic crowd who struggle to wake up election day and wonder if the process is worth my time.

[TrueAmerican]

8. So what?

He and his supporters will not hold the Democratic Party hostage! Forget about it.

[no name no slogan]

13. Who said anything about "holding the Democratic Party hostage"?

Certainly not Dennis! He, like his delegates, wants the Democratic party to stay true to its roots as the party of working people, civil rights, effective government, and sane foreign policy.

How is reminding the party VIPs what this party should stand for holding it hostage?
:shrug:

[malatesta1137]

20. Dennis' version of

'Democratic roots' is out of touch with the American reality of today. As much as I myself agree with him in some issues, his approach is a dream. He should drop out, stop thinking about only himself and support Kerry.

[Desertrose]

27. thank you for again speaking for *all* democrats-NOT

You are off base my friend. The Democratic Roots are alive & well .....in spite of the centrist branches & leaves. What the hell do you think supports all the centrist BS? Its all the people who are not affected by the crap our corporate candiates propose & pass term after term.

His appraoch is a dream, you are right...a good dream after a long nightmare.

You don't speak for me and you don't speak for a lot of us out here, so get off this thing about his *ego trip* ...that one always makes me laugh... and his supporting Kerry. The man has said he will support him. He stands by his word which is more than many do- including Kerry.


Give me a break.

DK :yourock:

Peace
DR

[malatesta1137]

31. So to defend Kucinich

you just accused Kerry of not standing by his word. And people still ask how Dennis could be possibly dividing the left.

[Desertrose]

40. no.....actually Kerry's word has nothing to do with DK

Don't lay that trip on Kucinich.

Kerry either does or doesn't stand by his word irregardless of anyone else.

I personally think he is the worst choice the dems could have made.
He is as tied in to corps & big money as any repub. You think he is gonna side against them when push comes to shove? Get real.
You think he wants to f**k up the nice big Pentagon war machine? I don't think so.

So...what IS he gonna do for us? well if we are real good little dems & vote him in...we may get a few crumbs tossed our way, thats about it.

I do not need to defend Kucinich...but I can't say the same about Kerry.

Now before too much steam comes outta your ears...I will grit my teeth, swallow the bile and vote Kerry come Nov. .....but I don't expect anything real different to come of it other than getting that freakin' nutjob cowboy outta the WH...but you do know, there is a life beyond * and what are we gonna do as a country then,huh?? It'll be the same old big biz as usual.

Makes me sad when we could've changed things....and people wonder why so many don't vote...well, nothing to vote for...always the lesser of two evils which still gives us .......evil.

Peace
DR

[malatesta1137]

57. Not laying on Dennis

laying on you.

you wrote 'He stands by his word which is more than many do- including Kerry.'

Dennis is dividing the left by the doings of supporters like you, who are casting doubt on Kerry this late in the game. Your doubts only make Bush stronger.

[el_gato]

28. total crap, at least Dennis is standing up for Truth and Justice

instead of being a servant of the elitist corporate machine

He's in this to keep the real issues on the table.

I can't stand the "just get in line and shut up" crowd.

[malatesta1137]

32. you can't stand?

support Kucinich then, and Bush will win.

Kerry IS the nominee, he isn't perfect but every progressive force should be behind him. Dennis is being counter-productive. He should support Kerry NOW, not after the convention.

[goodhue]

37. Supporting Kucinich now does not mean Bush will win in November.

It's not a logical proposition.

[malatesta1137]

58. Supporting Kucinich or Nader is the same thing.

and Bush wins. It's just that simple.

[goodhue]

61. Kucinich is a democrat, Nader is not.

It's just that simple. Since Kucinich will not be on the ballot in November, supporting his campaign does not mean a Bush win.

[kimchi]

44. His approach is a dream?

That is really strange, ya know? I mean, he's sooooooooooo out of touch that everytime he speaks the audience goes WILD with clapping. I don't think he is out of touch at all. He is the ONLY candidate who puts the welfare of the people before money and politics.

No one else stands up for the working people like Dennis. He isn't bought by big corporations or PACs. Someone needs to stop dreaming, but it damn sure isn't Dennis.

[sandnsea]

15. Out of 4,000?

Isn't there over 4,000 delegates for the convention? I don't see how much good 72 delegates is going to do. :shrug:

[malatesta1137]

19. exactly

THANK YOU

[mr715]

21. Hey wait

Remember... All delegates of Dennis Kucinich can walk on water, turn water into wine, and make people speak in tongues.

No matter what logic you use, among Kucinich supporters, 1 vote beats 4000+.

It helps justify their politics which would revolutionize the American system, transforming it into diet socialism (without red meat) despite the fact the American public likes things the way they are now. With capitalism.

Look. For Kucinich, coming in 4th is a victory. So it makes sense that 72 delegates it worth applauding.

For all you Kucinich supporters - please understand this. There are more undecided delegates than Kucinich delegates. For all his idealism, for all his intellect, and for all his passion, he sucked in the primaries and thats that.


M

[goodhue]

29. "undecided delegates"?

Not certain exactly who you are referring to.

The breakdown of the delegate votes is as follows:

* 3062 Base delegate votes (2279 district delegate votes and 783 at-large delegate votes)
* 458 Pledged PLEOs (meaning a total of 3520 delegate votes to be determined by either a primary or a caucus/convention system in each state or other jurisdiction)
* 802 Unpledged delegate votes (720 Unpledged PLEOs and 82 Unpledged "add-on"s)

TOTAL: 4322 delegate votes.

Of the 3520 total pledged PLEOs, base district-level and at-large delegates, NONE are undecided. By definition they had to pledge for a particular primary candidate in order to be selected.

Of the 802 unpledged delegates, by definition they were not required to pledge to particular primary candidate; although like all delegates (even Kucinich delegates like myself) they were required to pledge support for the eventual nominee.

In reality, most of the unpledged delegates (aka super delegates) are PLEOs. The 82 add-ons very likely support Kerry. I know that here in MN the two add-ons elected at the state convention were strong Kerry supporters. Indeed, it was their strong support of Kerry that found them nominated for the add-on spots.

Check out the green papers for more basic info about DNC delegates:
http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P04/D.phtml

As for walking on water, I save that for special events.

[no name no slogan]

30. Blather, rinse, repeat

It helps justify their politics which would revolutionize the American system, transforming it into diet socialism (without red meat) despite the fact the American public likes things the way they are now. With capitalism.

Since when has Dennis Kucinich said he is a socialist? Please find that statement for me, because it's the first I've ever heard of it.

Dennis has nothing against capitalism-- neither do most of his supporters. Indeed, he favors a healthy capitalist economy, with vigorous competition among many competitors-- a far cry from the mostly-oligarchical state corporatism that's practiced in America these days.

And I'm still trying to figure out where you get the idea that Americans like things "as they are". What about the fact that GWBush won election with about 17% of the possible vote total? Same goes with Clinton, too. I would hardly call 17% a mandate by any stretch of the imagination.

I still find it amazing that, even though Dennis will not be the nominee, you expend so much energy deriding him and his supporters. If he's not such a big deal, why waste your time? Do you honestly think that you're winning any more support for Kerry that way?

:shrug:

[mr715]

35. More from Matt!

Competition is good. Government shouldnt enforce it, in my opinion.

As I've stated before, just cause Starbucks succeeds doesnt make it evil. Maybe its superior. If it is, it doesnt need to compete because it has the market. When people are not satisifed, then competition reemerges.

Single payer healthcare is socialism. It also will not work.

As for the American public liking things as they are...

Most people dont vote not because they are too lazy, too busy watching Oprah, in between protests / smoking up. Or maybe they are happy with the way things are and dont wanna enforce change.

We operate within a system. As I've stated before, its totally ridiculous to make a point of counting delegates.

If Kucinich had 10x as many delegates, it wouldnt make a difference.

The reason I spend time making these posts is because I have had no one offer me a solid reason for doing this garbage. HE ISNT THE MESSIAH. Hes a politician. And just cause hes a loser (in terms of the primaries) doesnt make him superior to the winner.

He has focus groups like everyone else. He raises money like everyone else. He makes mistakes like everyone else. What he is doing now is a big, big mistake.

I've not been on this board very long, but I remember when Clark stood behind Kerry, all the Clark supporters followed suit. Kucinich wants to be the "anti-Nader" for Kerry? Well, do something. Say "I am supporting John Kerry for President because ..."

Not this half-assed "I support the nominee" crap. Its cognitive dissonance which only reinforces the notion that hes successful in the primaries.

BTW - none of my post is directly solely at you. I'm very frustrated that I have to keep posting the same stuff, so I may come off as angrier than I am.

The democratic party has its first chance in decades to present a united front against a defeatable president. Please, please don't complicate matters. We can elect people in 2006.

[goodhue]

38. "I'm very frustrated that I have to keep posting the same stuff"

It is frustrating to witness as well. Perhaps you might consider refraining, particularly as I don't see how it possibly helps your cause any.

[mr715]

39. As is the case with politics

Whats best for us isnt always what we do.

Like me watching Fox.

But I'll never post another thing if no one beats the dead horse that is Kucinich's campaign.

Fair trade? Somehow I think I'll still be posting

[goodhue]

41. Dead or alive, the horse is going to Boston.

And stop watching Fox already. It increases frequency of misperceptions. See http://www.alternet.org/story/16892

[mr715]

42. Heh

I'm well aware. But its like lookin at a car wreck. I just can't get enough of HANNITY

Heheh



M

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. Yay, Dennis!

[ACK]

23. Good deal Kucinich is not about dividing the left

Unless I missed something the man is intent on trying to move the party platform more to the left.

That is a good thing.

_

[Protected]

45. Re: Good deal Kucinich is not about dividing the left

If this election is all about the "undecided voters," moving farther to the left probably isn't a good thing.

[ACK]

46. Don't buy that at all -- too few undecided voters

You have to energize your base.

You have to convince people you are right.

Clinton did not win because he was a fence-sitter that people considered to have very little conviction (even if this was untrue).

He won despite this because he was very charasmatic.

This is where the DLC gets it wrong. You have to moderate on the big three wussy issues. The issue that Repukes love to use to make you look wimpy or wussy.

1) Gun Control 2) Death Penalty 3) Military spending (lip service only since Clinton cut back the defense budget and still won)

Otherwise you can get very liberal in your stances. After all, that is where most of America is at. The majority of Americans want a Universal Healthcare Program for example. Mondale once said that according to polls Americans agreed with 95% of the Democratic platform. This is when the party according to the DLC anyway was far too much to left. Why did he lose?

He had no understanding of how to manipulate the media, act charasmatic, or convince people that the left is right.

That is why.

_

[no name no slogan]

47. What about the 50% who DON'T VOTE

Instead of fighting over the fickle 5% of the electorate who makes up the so-called "swing vote", why not go fishing for a fraction of the 50% of people who DON'T VOTE.

Those people generally don't vote for a reason: there's no candidate who speaks out on their issues, so they don't bother to vote.

Paul Wellstone used this strategy to great success in 1990 & 1996, and would have won with it in 2002, too. So have many other elected officials, from school board to US Senator.

You can bust your ass trying to woo that 5% by becoming Republican-Lite, or you can go for the non-voters who are largely sympathetic with the Democrats, but don't go out to vote. It does take much to give them something to vote for.

[goodhue]

25. Yes, Indeed

The count is actually 70 I believe.
http://www.kucinich.us/convention/convention_faq.php#national
Possibly could pick up more in Texas this weekend.

I'm lucky to be one of them. :headbang:

[PepSky]

48. None in Texas

I'm a delegate to the convention tomorrow and the papers I have seen indicate the ONLY delegates that can be sent from any senate district can either be kerry (or in a few cases edwards). It is unlikely any other candidate will get 15% for at-large delegates, but I'd imagine it's possible... unlikely though from what I've heard.

[goodhue]

49. Kucinich is speaking to the convention at 11 am.

I believe that at-large national delegates in Texas are to be allocated to presidential contenders based on the presidential preference of the delegates at the State Convention as a whole. Unlike the district delegates, results of the March 9th primary are not binding. At least that is my understanding of Texas delegate selection plan. So although perhaps not highly probably, it is nonetheless possible that over 15% of the state delegates might support Kucinich.

See the Green Papers for explication . . .
http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P04/TX-D.phtml#0619

[NoPasaran]

50. He's speaking Saturday

Delegates will be chosen Friday in senatorial district caucuses. And our only choice is for Kerry delegates (or in a few districts Edwards). So Dennis may fire things up on Saturday but he will get no delegates.

Dean delegate signing in for Kerry.

[goodhue]

53. Texas National Delegate Selection Plan

I would encourage you to read the Texas National Delegate Selection Plan prior to attending the convention. It is available here:

http://tdp.virtual.polycot.com/files/convention/2004NDS.pdf

As it explains, Texas effectively uses a hybrid system.

The 127 senatorial district level delegates and 21 alternates will be apportioned in accordance with the results of the March 9 presidential preference primary. Kucinich will not be eligible to receive any of these delegates. These are the delegates that will be elected Friday at senatorial district caucuses. Cf. pp. 7-8 of delegate selection plan.

In contrast, the 43 at-large delegates and 6 at-large alternates will in fact be elected Saturday as provided in the plan. These delegates will be allocated according to the division of presidential preferences among delegates participating in the state convention. Unlike the senatorial district level delegates elected Friday, these delegates are not apportioned in accordance with the March 9 presidential preference primary. Cf. pp. 10-11 of delegate selection plan.

So, if over 15% of the delegates participating in the convention indicate a preference for Kucinich, then Kucinich would receive at- large delegates. In practice, perhaps this process will be constrained by party machinations, but the delegate selection plan clearly provides by its plain language that at-large delegates are apportioned by division of the delegates participating in the state convention. I believe this will occur after Dennis speaks, and that his speech could very well have an impact on the division.

In short, your statement applies to the senatorial district level delegates but not to the at-large delegates.

[NoPasaran]

55. Tilt at windmills as you wish

I doubt he will get any delegates.

[goodhue]

59. I agree it is unlikely.

But it is nonetheless possible.

However, I realize now that his speech will have no effect.

The "division" will based on sign-ins the day before when picking up credentials, not on determining preferences on Saturday (by vote or by walking subcaucus).
See http://tdp.virtual.polycot.com/files/convention/04delegate.pdf

So Kucinich would need to get 15% of the delegates to sign in as Kucinich delegates on Friday. I have no idea whether this is realistic since I've no idea how active the volunteers have been in Texas. But if 6,000 folks are actually showing up that would require 900 Kucinich delegates, which I acknowledge seems highly unlikely.

[happynewyear]

51. wow, great news!

He's late in the race admittedly, but he's on a run now at the very end. I'm enjoying every second of it! :D

Thank you for your efforts!

:dem: :kick:

[rbnyc]

36. I just gave another 10 bucks.

Wish it could be more.

[happynewyear]

52. every person makes a difference!

Please remember that and I thank you! :D

:dem: :kick: