It is with great sadness that I must write that Dennis Kucinich, the House's liberal lion from Ohio, lost his primary tonight against Rep. Marcy Kaptur, after redistricting forced the two against each other.
This is truly a great loss for the progressive cause. Rep. Kucinich is one of the bravest, most principled politicians on Capitol Hill. Though I am sure many of you are aware of him, I think it is absolutely necessary to highlight some of his boldest positions and accomplishments.
-As mayor of Cleveland, he took on big banks in a fight that temporarily stalled his political career. He refused to sell the city's publicly owned electric company (Muni Light) to the banks, even after big business tried to strong-arm him into sale by unnecessarily forcing Cleveland into default. Kucinich held his ground, though, at the cost of his mayoralty. He lost the next election in a landslide, but eventually, he was redeemed: The Cleveland City Council honored him in 1998 for refusing to sell the Muni Light, claiming he saved the city $195 million from 1985-1995 alone by his selfless act of political courage.
-Kucinich has been unrivaled in his defense of civil liberties. He voted against the USA PATRIOT Act and has constantly been a lonely voice expressing concern for Americans' freedom since 9/11, most recently criticizing the Obama Administration for authorizing the assassination of US citizens.
-Kucinich is one of the staunchest anti-war members of Congress. He has led the fight to remove US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, and has been an outspoken critic of both wars, once introducing articles of impeachment against Vice President Cheney and President Bush for their lies which helped 'justify' invading Iraq. Kucinich also is doing his best to calm the war drums which are now sounding against Iran.
-Kucinich has a great economic/social safety net voting record. He has fought to defend the middle class against top-down class warfare, and has never abandoned important programs like Medicaid and Social Security. He always advocates for fairer tax rates, a single payer health care system, and worker rights.
To be fair, Rep. Kaptur isn't horrible, but it is sad to see a progressive as staunch as Kucinich go down. We've already lost Russ Feingold, and in 2013 Capitol Hill will be without people like Kucinich or Barney Frank. I fear what will happen with this vacuum of liberalism.
No matter what happens though, it is sad to see Kucinich voted out.