Kaptur defeats Kucinich, wins Democratic primary in newly-drawn 9th District

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Dennis Kucinich is out and Marcy Kaptur has captured the Democratic primary in the new 9th District, according to data analysis from cleveland.com

Kaptur, the longest serving women in Congress, has apparently won the Democratic primary.

According to The official Ohio Secretary of State site, Kaptur had won four of the five counties -- except for Cuyahoga -- although not all of the ballots have been counted in the five-county district.

But based on the vote totals around 11:15 p.m., even a big win in Cuyahoga County would not be enough for Kucinich to overtake Kaptur.

Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/kucinich-kaptur_wins_democrati.html

[FLAprogressive]

1. God it just plain sucks that it came to that.....both are fighters for the working class. Stupid ass

Rethug redistricting.

[limpyhobbler]

2. yep

sucks.

[coldbeer]

65. reddy kilowatt and dorothy fuldheim (sp)

Dennis has always been my hero. He has always been on the side against big money. The GOP had to redistrict to get rid of him. He was never in my district nor was Kaptor. I always get a Republican even though I vote democratic. Kaptor brought abortion to the forefront a few years ago and for that reason I do like like her as well as her fellow Catholic Kucinich. Keep religion out of politics!!!

[Freddie Stubbs]

3. He can go back to his old plan of running for Congress in Washington state

[pnwmom]

16. No, thanks. WA state has plenty of its own progressive candidates

and politicians.

We don't need to import them from Ohio.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

17. Over on the red side there is a shortage of progressives. n/t

[chknltl]

23. Tacoma or Seattle

He would make a fine replacement for Norm Dicks in the sixth district. Norm recently announced his retirement, he will be missed by me because he is my congressman and has helped me personally . OTOH Dennis Kuccinich would be a good one to go up against Dave Reichert over in Seattle. I recall that Darcy Burner gave him a good race but came up a bit short . I liked Burner a lot actually but maybe Kuccinich could give Reichert a better fight this time.

[WestSeattle2]

78. I think Dave Reichert would win that race in a landslide. The only district Kucinich could

win reasonably easy, is Jim McDermott's, in my opinion. Washington has a reputation of being liberal, but outside the island of Seattle it's not. Bellevue and the Eastside is becoming more moderate; but Seattle is primarily surrounded by conservative districts. I really can't see Kucinich winning here. I think he realized that too; he left.

[pnwmom]

96. Reichert has been redistricted away from Bellevue. He'll be in a strong Republican area.

And Adam Smith, a progressive Democrat, will be representing an area stretching from Tacoma to Bellevue (which includes some of Reichert's old territory).

Darcy Burner will be running against another strong progressive candidate, Suzan DelBene, in a district north and east of Bellevue (along with a large field of other candidates).

We don't need Kucinich to save the day in these districts. I don't know who will be running to replace Norm Dicks, but I suspect that there are excellent LOCAL Dems already in the race.

[sulphurdunn]

41. I was born and raised in Washington.

Last edited Wed Mar 7, 2012, 02:02 PM - Edit history (1)

We didn't import people like politicians, bankers, real estate developers and other ditzes who call Puget Sound "The Puget Sound" from Ohio. We got 'em from California. Has something changed?

[eridani]

21. No. And I say that as someone who would like to see that happen

Local Dems will almost certainly decide that someone who loses his own district, where he has roots dating back to the mid 60s, isn't going to be able to win starting from scratch.

[harmonicon]

79. It wasn't "his own district"

It was a new district strategically drawn to include both sitting congressmen so that at least one of them would lose their seat.

[eridani]

99. True, but subtlties like that are usually lost on the average voter

The new district of course contained more of Kaptur's old turf that that of Kucinich. I understand that the precints mainly went for their old represenatives.

[Tx4obama]

4. Kaptur is a progressive too and has been in Congress longer than Kucinich.

Marcy Kaptur BIO

Marcia Carolyn "Marcy" Kaptur (born June 17, 1946) is the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 9th congressional district, serving since 1983. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district, anchored by the city of Toledo, includes all of Ottawa and Erie counties, and part of Lucas and Lorain counties.

Serving her fourteenth term in the House of Representatives, Kaptur is the most senior member of Ohio's congressional delegation, and is the longest-serving woman in the House, and the second longest-serving ever after Edith Rogers; in the Congress, she is currently tied for the third longest-serving woman with Senator Barbara Boxer, behind Senators Barbara Mikulski and Olympia Snowe. She ranks 25th out of 435 members in seniority and serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

<SNIP>

MORE here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcy_Kaptur

On the issues (their records)

Kaptur: http://house.ontheissues.org/OH/Marcy_Kaptur.htm

Kuncinich: http://house.ontheissues.org/OH/Dennis_Kucinich.htm

[Arctic Dave]

5. Jean Quan is a progressive too.

Some actually walk the walk better than others.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

6. She was great in Michael Moore's film

I like them both, but I think I would have voted for her had I been the district.

[BlueCaliDem]

9. Kaptur is pro-life, voted 30% by Naral

DK was more progressive.

I thought Kaptur was a progressive, too, but then I started reading that her voting record shows she's more conservative.

[sweetloukillbot]

14. Isn't Kucinich pro-life as well?

Thought I heard that here - that he's a devout Catholic and votes pro-life.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

15. He was...until he ran for president in 2004

then he became slightly pro-choice.

[Recursion]

58. He changed his position on that, but fairly recently (nt)

[mzmolly]

27. Kaptur earned a 70 percent score in NARAL Pro-Choice America's 2011 Congressional Record on Choice.

Source > http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/elections/2012/voter-guide/kaptur-marcy.html

[Ken Burch]

19. Whatever.

Basically, the establishment got what it wanted tonight.

[WCGreen]

46. I really don't think the "establishment" was all that concerned about getting rid of Kucinich..

You would be surprised how establishment friendly DK is.

Most of his posturing was about causes that excite the base but have little to no chance of getting passed and signed into law.

He was the best City Council member in Congress in that he focused a lot of time on constituent service. It's what he did best and I think the district and the whole area on the west side of Cleveland will miss having someone who is willing to fight to get someone a denied visa, or to get medicare or any of the other thousands of ways a congressperson can help a constituent.

He tiltled at windmills more often than not even though he new he couldn't win. Often it was the perception that DK was doing something that no one else would even think about doing that was what made him so beloved the people in his district.

There was no way that Cleveland could keep two congressional reps because of redistricting and the fact Ohio lost 2 congressional seats.

Don't count DK out yet. He will probably run for City Council or State Rep again.

[Ikonoklast]

51. Mayor, re-dux? I'm not sure that is 'sexy' enough for him, though.

Just a thought.

You are correct in that the only real reason he got re-elected in his district is that all the while he was running for national office, his level of constituent services was probably one of the best of any congressperson, and he delivered.

[WCGreen]

139. He couldn't get elected mayor because Frank Jackson is doing a bang up job

in a city that has massive financial problems to deal with...

[RoccoR5955]

73. Kucinich made people aware that there is a different way than the status quo.

That's a big thing, and then to work for it. Not a lot of people would do that. It takes someone of conviction, like Dennis to do this. Always stand up for the little guy, and never give in to the corporate elite. I live in NY, but he's my voice as well. I am quite disappointed that we have lost such an essential LIBERAL voice. This country is going further to the right, and I really do not like it. I will keep trying to get back to a place where the people have more of a voice and more rights than corporations.
Yeah, the establishment wanted to get rid of him, as well as a few others. My congressman, who was also quite liberal, Maurice Hinchey, is retiring, and his seat will more than likely have a conservative incumbent. My mission is to throw the bass turd out, and get another LIBERAL in.

[kenfrequed]

127. It depends upon what you mean.

If you mean the democratic establishment the third way democrats would have been more than happy to do away with him.

If you mean the establishment as the consensus of economic-political power then he was a dissenting voice that many of the powerful would be happier not to have in the vast political landscape but I suppose to talk about the establishment like it is a monolithic, anthropomorhism is problemetic though. It is more like a mood or consensus in that manner.

The fact of the matter is that everytime we do away with a progressive or left wing democrat that it moves the entire dialouge one step closer to the right. Without Kucinich some other democrat will be considered 'the most liberal democrat in congress.' Who is replacing Paul Wellstone or Ted Kennedy? Thankfully we still have Bernie Sanders for the moment.

[WCGreen]

140. Since Kaptur and Dennis are pretty close in their approach to government...

It was a pretty easy outcome for the republicans who, once again because of short sighted planning on the part of the state party, controlled the process.

[ellie]

62. I'm from Toledo

and Marcy Kaptur has done a lot for her district. She is a strong pro labor voice. In the past, I have been very disappointed with her stand on abortion, but a 70% rating from NARAL is better than a 0% rating.

[awoke_in_2003]

89. yes, and because of gerrymandering...

we can't have both of them.

[rsmith6621]

7. Dennis Could Always Come Back To Washington state.

......the 6th is open and the new 10th.

[iandhr]

12. That would not look good.

First he looses in his home state and then he moves to another state for the sole purpose of running for office?

[Bucky]

52. That's been going on since 1789

Carpetbagging is part of American politics and has given us great Congressmen like Robert Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. In most democracies, it's considered the norm.

[pnwmom]

112. Thanks, anyway. WA state grows its own progressives.

We don't need to import them from Ohio.

Besides, he announced he'll be serving out his term , which ends in January 2013. So he won't be running anywhere here.

[pnwmom]

111. Come back? He's not a Washingtonian.

And he's already ruled it out. Redistricting made things even harder for him than they would have been.

[DesertRat]

8. Crap

[BlueCaliDem]

10. Although I don't always agree with him, I'd preferred Dennis Kucinich to Kaptur.

He's more progressive than she is. She talks like a progressive but she votes like a Repub-lite.

This is why the Repubs redistricted to include a larger part of her district rather than Kucinich's.

This really, really sucks.

[Brettongarcia]

30. Bad choice for Democrats. Kucinich was a person of worldwide reputation; Kaptur is nobody

We just swapped HIM for ... HER ?!?! That's like trading the ace of spades, for a 2 of hearts.

Kaptur should have stepped down.

I'll never forget your small-minded selfishness, Ms. Kaptur.

[onenote]

33. Apparently the voters in the district felt otherwise.

Shouldn't you be attacking them, not her? No one held a gun to their heads and made them vote for Kaptur over Kucinich.

[IamK]

34. Kucinich did little for his district... In Ohio, its all about the economy...n/t

[Kolesar]

39. ^ Low content post ... eom

[Auggie]

48. +1

[Ikonoklast]

53. Kaptur brought more money back to her district than any other Ohio Democratic congressperson.

Kucininch, not so much.

This is important, and voters remember who brings home the bacon.

[krawhitham]

37. That was the whole problem

Kaptur voted for her area's best interest, while Kucinich voted for what would get him the most press

[IamK]

43. 100% correct... n/t

[Brettongarcia]

90. Nope: Kucinch dramatized Liberal issues on the world stage AND better than anyone alive

In a disinterested, informational, objective way.

Kaptur? Stuffed her own face, and her followers, with bacon.

Wrong choice Ohio!

[SadPanda]

101. Huh?

So basically you're saying it's better for your Congressman to do a lot of grandstanding while not doing much for his own consitutients but it's bad to bring back all kinds of funding that actually helps the people they are representing?

[Brettongarcia]

103. I AM saying it is better to intellectually clarify and publicize an ideal ... than stuff your face

Yes indeed. I am saying that.

People are fed, not just by PORK alone. But also by intellectual clarification.

While by the way? Dennis was serving the whole world.

Can the district get past its own immediate greedy interests? And go with a congressman that is helping the whole world?

Is it better to help a district in a petty way? Or help the whole world, learn an ideal?

But in any case? Dennis is in fact probably moving on to better things; and probably a better district, soon enough.

[onenote]

105. I'm not sure what district you think Dennis will soon be moving on to, but if he doesn't take care

of his constituents he won't last wherever that district is.

The odd thing about your post is that it ignores the fact that for all of his playing on the national stage, from what I've read, DK was very constituent oriented.

[Brettongarcia]

106. So petty self-interest is king?

No sacrifice for the greater good?

[onenote]

107. not sure who you are responding to

since I said nothing of the sort. I merely pointed out the fact, which from what I understand DK well understood, that constituent service is important.

[Brettongarcia]

109. Glad to hear you feel DK was responsive to his district

[pnwmom]

114. He can continue "serving the whole world" outside of Congress.

He can write and speak anywhere. With his high profile, he doesn't need to be a Representative to get attention.

Rep. Kaptur's voters shouldn't be accused of "immediate greedy interests" simply because they liked the job she was doing and wanted her to continue.

[Brettongarcia]

121. Likely in fact, Kucinich will be moving on to much better things

Better than being a mere representative of a dictrict in the MidWest, often Republican state of Ohio.

In fact? He has long since moved on.

At times, Ohio looks much too MidWest/Republican for its own good; a little too close to the unenlightened anti-intellectualism of Penn coal-mining, Santorum country. Or the raw capitalist merchantilism, and ward-porkification, of Chicago and Detroit.

Ohio often goes Republican in elections.

[pnwmom]

113. The people of OH care about how he represents them,

not about how famous he is worldwide.

[Brettongarcia]

120. You ARE represented, when Liberal ideas, in support of minorities, are broadcast to the whole world

Last edited Thu Mar 8, 2012, 04:05 AM - Edit history (1)

[Fearless]

11. Look out for the new Current spring line up next year...

I'll put ten to one on him getting a show.

[southerncrone]

13. Crying.

[Rowdyboy]

18. A good Democrat won, a good Democrat lost...

Thats how it is when we let "THEM" control redistricting.

[eridani]

22. The most essential point made this evening, IMO n/t

[mzmolly]

26. Yes indeed.

[Blue_Tires]

54. +1

[Tumbulu]

77. I agree (nt)

[Ken Burch]

20. I knew you'd be gloating that the progressive lost.

Remember, though, this was only due to gerrymandering by the 'pugs.

[cstanleytech]

25. The gerrymandering is repugnant regardless who does it.

And it cheats the people and makes for bad government in the end imo because you get elected officials who have a vested interest in catering purely to a specific group of people rather than doing their best for everyone.

[Ken Burch]

28. I wasn't saying gerrymandering was ok if Dems did it.

n/t.

[Brettongarcia]

93. Dems revised districts to fit anti-discrim. ruling of SCOTUS; but Repubs are "gerrymandering"

Currently in Texas in fact, the Supreme Court challenge to recent Republican supermajority redistricting, is brought by LULAC, or Latin-American voters.

[cstanleytech]

110. Sorry but even some dems have been guilty of it and not always because

they had a higher moral standard when they have done it, the only saving grace is the number of times the dems have done it have been rare where as its done pretty often it seems by the republicans and the republicans arent shy about it at all.
After all look at the shenanigans they are trying to pull in Texas just this year alone with their gerrymandering.

[Kingofalldems]

75. OP loves to start in-house fighting--been doing it for years

[fascisthunter]

100. and fairly conservative

[Freddie Stubbs]

125. Nope. I am a middle of the road voter

[kenfrequed]

128. i'm sorry but no.

No one can actually seriously make that claim. In fact it is a nonsensical claim based on the idea that there is a mythical thing called 'the center.' There is no actual 'center' nor is there truly such a thing as 'a moderate.' Both of these are media born constructs that depict an imaginary point between a collection of issues that do not apply.

One can be 'moderate' about a particular issue one cannot truly be 'a moderate' because moderate describes a position and if there is no position put forth it is an absolutely meaningless mess.

[Freddie Stubbs]

143. If a person is a moderate about many issues, they are a moderate

[Kingofalldems]

145. You call being pro Wal Mart and anti-union moderate?

[Freddie Stubbs]

148. I am not anti-union

[kenfrequed]

146. No, I am but a longstanding misuse is still a misuse.

There is no such thing as a moderate. You can state which issues you 'moderate' on only as a relative state between approximate positions. You cannot declare you are a moderate as it has no inherent or even approximate meaning. Just because people say it all the time does not make it a meaningful statement.

Democrats are supposed to have a finer understanding of policy than this and it troubles me that people use such meaningless terms to describe their positions.

Politics is not a study in Nicomachean ethics and there are innumerable issues where there is no proper 'mean' or 'in-between' position. This makes terms like 'moderate' utterly without meaning and completely inadequate. In fact assuming the mantle of 'moderate' actually does more harm to the adherent as no one can really ascertain what their positions are.

[Freddie Stubbs]

147. If that is true, then there are no liberals or conservatives

[kenfrequed]

151. Disagreed.

Those two actually have something resembling ideologies. Though they are flexible and can shift and sometimes have additional caveats and descriptors they represent particular viewpoints on what adherants to those ideas believe in. Though they too are a bit nebulous there is at least a discussion that can occur as to what is or is not considered to effectively fit in those brackets.

A notional point in between them does not contain a philosophy, set positions, or anything that would indicate an over-arching ideology.

Once again: No, you cannot be a "moderate." You may have moderate views on particular issues as they occur contextually between two stated positions but you cannot simply be a moderate.

[fascisthunter]

133. sure... the middle of wall street

[Freddie Stubbs]

144. I do not work on Wall Street

[Freddie Stubbs]

126. What fight? This is a settled issue. Ms. Kaptur is the nominee and every good Democrat should

support her.

[kenfrequed]

141. Hmm... interesting.

I noticed that pattern as well.

[Freddie Stubbs]

124. Both candidates are progressive. One was able to convince voters that she was more effective

[Ken Burch]

134. Thing is, she actually hasn't been any more effective, that I know of.

Any bills she did get passed were watered-down, and watered-down wins AREN'T effectiveness. They aren't anything at all.

[Freddie Stubbs]

142. In an economically depressed area, voters often want someone who can 'bring home the bacon'

Despite serving in Congress for almost 16 years, Mr. Kucinich has not gotten himself appointed to any committees that are helpful in bring resources to his district.

Ms. Kaptur serves on the Budget Committee and Appropriations Committee. She has a good shot at being the top Democrat on Appropriations in the next Congress.

[Ken Burch]

150. At least that's a respectfully-phrased argument.

Thank you for not stooping to the nightclub-heckler level of the other anti-Kucinich posters on that.

[pnwmom]

131. You could as easily have said, "the progressive won."

The problem was that two progressives were forced to run against each other.

[Ken Burch]

136. The less-progressive one won, though

And, while I like Ms. Kaptur, she had no claim to inherent superiority as a Congressmember. She's been obedient to the MIC on war issues.

[pnwmom]

137. Depends on whether women's issues are important to you, I guess.

Kucinich was Johnny-come-lately on choice issues.

[Ken Burch]

138. Kaptur never stopped being anti-choice

It's enough that Dennis came around. Kaptur never did.

And, while I support women's issues, they weren't worth settling for somebody like Clinton, Gore, Edwards or Kerry, all of whom were to Dennis' right on everything ELSE.

Peace is also a women's issue. So is workers' rights. So is stopping globalization. Women's issues aren't just about reproduction.

[cstanleytech]

24. Perhaps Kucinich should look at running for senator or maybe even governor?

[Ikonoklast]

32. Dennis can't win a statewide seat in Ohio.

His relationship with Ohio Democrats is the same as his relationship with the Congressional Democratic caucas; it isn't exactly the best as Dennis doesn't play well with others.

He gets little support outside of his district in Ohio from voters.

Most of the money he raises to run for any office in this state comes from outside of Ohio, which is telling. If you can't garner excitement in your own back yard, from your own people, you have a problem.

I'm willing to bet he drops the pretense of being a Democrat and finally declares himself a Green, as he is now no longer beholden to anyone except himself.

[Brettongarcia]

130. Yup: probably become a Green. Or? Work for the UN, etc.. Or? Independent commentator

[IamK]

36. Kucinich as very little support INSIDE ohio..... n/t

[JennyCait]

29. Spam deleted by OKNancy (MIR Team)

[PuffedMica]

31. Dennis Kucinich is now available to fill a position in President Obama’s next Administration

Dennis would perform well as the consumer czar or as a Home Mortgage Reform czar.

[Myrina]

56. Or Labor Secretary maybe?

[harun]

67. I'd like to see this but I don't see Obama picking many Progressives for his team.

[RoccoR5955]

74. Obama is NOT a even a progressive,

let alone a LIBERAL. He will not put Dennis in any part of his administration. Personally, I would like to see Kucinich head up the newly formed (hopefully) Department of Peace, but it ain't gonna happen!

[think]

84. When progressives get as much appeasement as Repubs get from Obama

I'll be a believer once again....

[kenfrequed]

129. I have noticed this too

We rarely get bones thrown our way when it comes time to assign cabinet positions.

[pnwmom]

115. No, he's a socialist and a commie.

[BlueCaliDem]

135. Heh . . .

OR, he's a radical Muslim fascist rightwinger!

[CountAllVotes]

35. damn!

[krawhitham]

38. She did not just win, she stomped him winning by 16.7 points

[Kolesar]

40. It wasn't his district anymore. Kaptur had plenty of loyal followers in Toledo who voted

This is not a good thing.

[RoccoR5955]

42. We just lost the MOST LIBERAL member of congress

in Kucinich. Even though I am in NY, I certainly did appreciate and agree with all of his views, and votes. Thanks for your loyal and dedicated service Dennis.

[Brettongarcia]

132. I second that.

By the way? Why hide behind the same mask as everyone else?

[liberal N proud]

44. We just have to make sure Marcy beats Joe the Plummer in November

I saw clip from Joe the Plummer speach last night and IMO that guy is not cut out for politics.

[RoccoR5955]

69. He's not cut out for plumbing either...

or he'd have a job! He's just a chronic complainer, who does nothing, and believes right wing propaganda. She will trounce him, but then again, so would anyone who has any idea of what politics is about.

[sunwyn]

45. This is so disappointing. As a progressive trapped in the 8th district,

Dennis was someone whose voice I could follow in Ohio.

[Octafish]

47. Chuck Todd smiled when he broke the news.

Perhaps his was more a smirk for his masters at Comcast.

[Freddie Stubbs]

50. Or perhaps he is a Marcy Kaptur fan

[INdemo]

55. No is probably a "Joe the Plummer" fan

Thinking the redistricting will help his guy

[Myrina]

57. +10

Bingo.

And it doesn't have to be redistricting for Plumber's Crack to win ... after all, there is still Diebold ...

[RZM]

76. It would have to be an overwhelming Republican year to unseat somebody like Kaptur

She's pretty safe. 2012 isn't shaping up to be an overwhelming Republican year. She'll win handily.

[dsc]

68. I have a better chance of winning the Boston Marathon

than Joe the plummer has of winning that district.

[RoccoR5955]

70. Yeah, and we'd all have a better chance of reaching to the moon

than that dope has in winning ANY election!

[Freddie Stubbs]

71. The district is overwhelmingly Democratic

[Joe Bacon]

59. Chuck U Todd Strikes Again

There is no Republican ass Chuck U won't kiss.

[Auggie]

49. So sorry to hear this. D.K. fought for all of us.

[deutsey]

60. Thanks for all your service, Dennis n/t

[a2liberal]

61. Replying to bookmark

This thread is really good for showing people's true colors...

[fascisthunter]

63. Yay... conservative democrats weeding out all real liberals

and destroying the party from within so they too can obey corporate masters over the people. Congrats...

[NorthCarolina]

66. Yep, pretty much....nt

[Freddie Stubbs]

72. Marcy Kaptur is not a conservative Democrat

[Ruby the Liberal]

87. Marcy? Produce tht note, anti-wall street Marcy?

[lonestarnot]

64. That sichiation sucks. Dennis will dust himself off and go back at it in another manner I'm sure.

He's not the type to throw in the towel on the progressive voice.

[jxnmsdemguy65]

80. I hate to see the loss of Kucinich from the congress ....

I really do.... Always felt the he was one of the very few members with any integrity... Very sad!

[davidthegnome]

81. Wow

I can't believe some are cheering Kucinich's defeat. I may not have always agreed with him, but I have always respected and admired his service to the progressive cause. He was one of the few democrats willing to tell the truth as he saw it. I don't know what to say other than... WTF? Is this really the democratic underground?

During the Bush years, he was a constant voice of opposition, one of the few on our side of the fence that was willing to stand up and fight for progressive ideals. I think he would have made a fine President as well.

I guess some are content now to throw him under the bus, but I sure as hell never will be. We need more like Kucinich.. I do not know Kaptur well enough to comment on what sort of politician or person she is. I have followed and supported Kucinich for years - she has very big shoes to fill.

[think]

85. +1

[Ruby the Liberal]

88. She is a bull dog against Wall Street.

A true liberal and a gem. It sickened me that we can't keep both of them. She is in my top 10 - and near the top because of her Kuchinich-like consistency. They were very good friends as well. This redistricting sucked ass.

[Wind Dancer]

98. Shocking, isn't it?

There's always been hatred for DK around here but recently, it is downright disgusting.

[pnwmom]

116. She doesn't need to fill his shoes; she's been filling her own for years.

Kucinich isn't the only progressive Dem in the U.S. or even in Ohio. And Marcy Kaptur has been serving her district well.

[El Supremo]

82. This just made my whole fucking day!

[RufusTFirefly]

83. Why is there only one Dennis Kucinich? Really. Think about it.

In a healthy democracy there should be hundreds in Congress like him.

[Ruby the Liberal]

86. 435 and we can't keep both of them?

This election made me nauseous from the get go. I would have been THRILLED for either of them to move into MY district.

There was no winner here. I am really happy Marcy gets to run (and keep her seat), but will truly miss Dennis.

[saras]

91. I hate (NOT) to rain on anyone's parade, especially a soggy one, but...

One group who is partially responsible, that the Democrats CAN do something about, is Democrats who support partisan districting schemes. Being in the majority, even thinking it's a permanent majority, isn't a good enough excuse.

Partisan districting is just a stupid idea. Period.

Let's fix it.

[Freddie Stubbs]

94. Mr. Kucinich for years benefited from partisan gerrymandering

His district was drawn is such a way that it was almost impossible for a Republican to be elected. So, perhaps he would not have had such a long run if it were not for partisan gerrymandering.

[rbnyc]

92. WHAT!!

My co-worker just told me. She had to say it three times, I couldn't even process it.

[BetterThanNoSN]

95. Its a shame...

Lest you forget it was Kucinich who had the balls to lodge the articles of impeachment against GWB. One by one the GOP has gotten rid of the most vocal members who call them out on their bullshit. Grayson, Weiner, Kucinich....meanwhile the GOP keeps their mean-spirited, ignorant fools in place. I do like Kaptur but not at the expense of Kucinich.

[DonCoquixote]

97. What keeps Dennis

from running for Senator or Governor?

[onenote]

102. Of Ohio?

Well, for starters, I don't think it would be very much appreciated if he ran against Sherrod Brown who is up for reelection this year (plus, the primary season is over).

He could run for Portman's Senate seat in 2016 or he could challenge Kasich (or whomever the repubs put up) in 2014.

But from everything I know about Ohio politics, saying that he would be a longshot in a statewide race is being kind. He'd probably be a longshot to get the Democratic nomination to run statewide.

[DonCoquixote]

104. I meant against the non brown one :)

Well, if he has to move, so be it...Heaven knows I would love him in Florida.

[Mark D.]

108. New Job for Dennis

I like both Dennis and Marcy. Both were great for the potential job. Now that he's out, if Obama is re-elected I have a suggestion here. Please get this to go viral, if anyone can do it, DU can do it, I think. Obama appoints him to new cabinet-level or 'Czar' position, in 2013. Running of the Department of Peace. Brilliant idea Dennis has for it. I'm being idealistic here. We've not heard the last of Dennis. He's got so much left he can do.

[RoccoR5955]

122. Obama will NEVER EVER go for it.

After all, he's about as progressive as Ronald Raygun. He'll never have a department of peace, because he wants the country to perpetually be at war. It's a jobs thing, you know. Too many industries in the military-industrial complex have given him and his people money. Higher ups in the military always hope for consulting jobs with military-industrial complex corporations.
In order for there to be a Department of Peace, we must first dismantle the military-industrial-prison-police complex.

[endless october]

117. very sad.

Kucinich was one of the good guys. i'm sorry to see him go.

[juajen]

118. Thank you, Dennis.

I can't even imagine the house without him.

[pam4water]

119. Wishes Kucinich the best is discussed by the people jeering him.

[RoccoR5955]

123. don't you mean disgusted? n/t

[chrisa]

149. I never liked Kucinich. I always thought he was an annoying fringe character.

Hopefully Kaptur is better.