Kucinich Asks Supporters to Make Obama Their Second Choice

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jan 1, 2008 at 3:52 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 1, 2008 at 3:52 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Democrat Dennis Kucinich is asking his supporters to make rival Barack Obama their second choice if he doesn't meet a cutoff point for voting in Iowa's caucuses.

Kucinich, who has trailed at the bottom of polls among Democratic presidential hopefuls, seemed to concede a loss in the caucuses, saying his recommendation is for ``Iowa only,'' and that he wants to be the first choice of voters in next week's New Hampshire primary.

Obama's campaign also issued a statement Tuesday, thanking Kucinich for his recommendation.

In the statement, Obama says he and Kucinich both believe fundamental change is needed.

He says he and Kucinich have fought for some of the same priorities, including an end to the war in Iraq, reforming Washington and improving life for America's working families.

In 2004, Kucinich and John Edwards agreed to encourage their supporters to back each other if they weren't viable. The pact was credited for increasing the vote for Edwards, who scored a surprising second place finish.

Next Article For Cedar Rapids, Proposed State Aid Hinges on Local Tax Approval

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.