Lefty Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s decision to remain in Ohio is as big a disappointment for Washington Republicans as it is a relief for the leader of the state Democratic Party.
Kucinich made pretty clear he is staying put because Republicans in his state aren’t eliminating his congressional seat as he expected.
Back in May Washington State Republican Party Chairman Kirby Wilbur told Politico he “would love to have Kucinich on the ballot out here. We welcome him with open arms. He is so far left, I could beat him with any Republican candidate.”
Today, Wilbur, tongue somewhat firmly in cheek, called on Kucinich to reconsider:
“On behalf of the Republican Party here in Washington State, let me express our regrets and disappointment over Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s decision to stay in Ohio to run for re-election rather than move here.
“We were so looking forward to him coming here. His radical left-wing beliefs and general kookiness fit in so well with the mainstream of the Washington State Democratic Party, it would have been a match made in heaven and an easy Republican victory.”
Meanwhile, for months state Democratic Party chairman Dwight Pelz has openly opposed a Kucinich relocation, worried it could wreck the party’s chances of winning open seats in the 1st and new 10th congressional districts.
Democratic Party spokeswoman Reesa Kosoff was clearly upbeat today in responding to his decision and Wilbur’s statement.
“We are thrilled that the good people of northern Ohio will once again get to decide whether to send Dennis Kucinich back to Congress.
“How amusing, though, that the Washington State Republicans pinned their electoral hopes and dreams on an Ohio congressman making the leap to the West Coast. If that was their campaign strategy, I think Democrats in Washington are going to have yet another banner year in 2012.”
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