I told you Politico could have gotten a meaner quote about Dennis Kucinich from Washington State Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz than the one they got from the Washington State Republican Party Chair Kirby Wilbur.
Here’s what Pelz just told us when we asked him about the possibility of U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) picking up and moving here to run for congress if he’s ultimately redistricted out of his seat in Ohio.
As Chair of the State Democratic Party, I am alarmed at the spoiler role Rep. Kucinich could play should he run for office in Washington, such as in the 1st or the new 10th CD.
Both of these Districts are likely to tilt towards our party, but a Kucinich candidacy could allow the Republicans to pick up a blue district in congress.
As Drew Carey would say, ‘Cleveland Rocks.’ Stay there, Dennis.
UPDATE:
However, Kucinich called Pelz later this afternoon and Pelz reports they had a “very respectful conversation.” Kucinich called, Pelz says, “to open lines of communication.” Kucinich said he understood that Pelz had concerns about holding the 1st and 10th swing districts and that he would definitely talk to Pelz before making any decision.
Pelz says he told Kucinich point blank that “it was problematic for a sitting Ohio congressman to come and run in Washington” and for that reason he had “concerns about his electibility.”
Kucinich is coming to Washington this weekend and asked Pelz if they could meet. Pelz, however, will be out of town.
