Dennis J. Kucinich
| Dennis J. Kucinich | ||
 | ||
| U.S. House, Ohio, District 10 | ||
| Retired Representative | ||
| In office | ||
| 1997-2013 | ||
| Party | Democratic | |
| Predecessor | Martin R. Hoke | |
| Elections and appointments | ||
| Last election | March 6, 2012 | |
| First elected | November 5, 1996 | |
| Term limits | N/A | |
| Prior offices | ||
| Ohio State Senate | ||
| 1994-1996 | ||
| Cleveland City Council, | ||
| 1970-1975, 1981-1982 | ||
| Mayor, City of Cleveland | ||
| 1977-1979 | ||
| Education | ||
| Bachelor's | Speech Communications, Case Western Reserve University, 1973 | |
| Master's | Speech Communications, Case Western Reserve University, 1974 | |
| Personal | ||
| Birthday | October 8, 1946 | |
| Place of birth | Cleveland, Ohio | |
| Net worth | $384,502 | |
| Religion | Roman Catholic | |
| Websites | ||
| Office website | ||
| Campaign website | ||
Contents |
Due to redistricting, Kucinich ran against Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Graham Veysey for the Democratic Party nomination in Ohio's 9th District. Kaptur defeated Kucinich, meaning the 112th session was Kucinich's last session in Congress.[1]
Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Kucinich was a "far-left Democrat".[2]
Career
- 1973: Graduated from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- 1969-1973, 1983: Served as a member of the Cleveland, Ohio, City Council
- 1975: Served as Clerk of Courts, Cleveland, Ohio
- 1977-1979: Served as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio
- 1995-1996: Served as a member of the Ohio State Senate
- 1997-2013: U.S Representative from Ohio
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2011-2012
Kucinich served on the following committees:[3]
- Education and the Workforce
- Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
- Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
- Oversight and Government Reform
- Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending Ranking Member
Issues
Campaign themes
On his 2012 campaign website, Kucinich outlined his policy platform and campaign themes. The following are selections from his platform:
- Jobs and the Economy: "We have a critical opportunity to create jobs and restore our crumbling infrastructure in the creation of a new WPA - rebuilding America's roads, bridges, water systems, sewer systems, mass transit systems, hospitals, universities, libraries and more with an eco-sustainable focus. In the WGA, Works Green Administration, government will become an engine for sustainability and environmental restoration. We can create millions of new jobs incentivizing the designing, engineering, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of millions of wind and solar micro-technologies and insulation in tens of millions of American homes, businesses and industries, reducing our utility bills, our environmental impact and our reliance on carbon and nuclear-based energy."
- War or Peace: "Dennis led the effort in challenging the Bush Administration's march toward war in Iraq and its policy of invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. He organized a strongly bipartisan effort to try to stop the unconstitutional, unwanted, expensive war of choice in Libya. Of all the Democratic and Republican attempts to end the war, Dennis’ amendment got the most votes, coming within a handful of votes from passing."
- Campaign Finance Reform: "The great challenge before us today is whether we can maintain a government of the people, by the people and for the people, or whether we will timidly accept the economic, social, and political consequences of a government of the corporations, by the corporations, and for the corporations... To save our democracy, we must turn to the document that established it. Let us renew the Constitution by amending it, requiring public financing to redeem from the perishable fires of corporate control an imperishable government of the people, by the people, and for the people."
Specific votes
Fiscal Cliff
Kucinich voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257/167 vote on January 1, 2013.[4]
Debates
February 4, 2012
On Saturday, February 4, candidates Kaptur, Kucinich, Veysey, and Kraus participated in a debate held at Sandusky's Ebenezer Baptist Church. The debate was hosted by the NAACP. Coverage of the debate can be found here.
February 13, 2012
On Monday, February 13, Democratic candidates Kaptur, Kucinich, and Veysey participated in a debate for Time Warner Cable's Northeast Ohio Network. Coverage of the debate can be found here.
February 20, 2012
On Monday, February 20, Democratic candidates Kaptur, Kucinich, and Veysey participated in a debate hosted by the City Club of Cleveland. Coverage of the debate can be found here. Full audio of the debate can be found here.
February 22, 2012
On Wednesday, Democratic candidates Kaptur, Kucinich, and Veysey participated in a debate hosted by the Coalition for Hispanic/Latino Issues & Progress (CHIP). Full video of the debate can be found here.
February 23, 2012
On Thursday, February 23, the Sandusky Register hosted a debate featuring the District 9 Democratic candidates. Full video of the debate can be found here.
Polls
| District 9 Democratic Primary | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response | American Public Polling February 20 – 27, 2012 | Average | |||||||||||||
| Marcy Kaptur | 39% | 39% | |||||||||||||
| Dennis J. Kucinich | 35% | 35% | |||||||||||||
| Graham Veysey | 10% | 10% | |||||||||||||
| Undecided | 16% | 16% | |||||||||||||
| Number polled | 200 | 200 | |||||||||||||
| Margin of error | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org | |||||||||||||||
Primary endorsements
Political positions
Recent votes in Congress
The website Open Congress tracks each representative's Congressional votes. Dennis Kucinich's most recent votes can be found here.
Public statement fact checking
The website PolitiFact fact checks statements made by and about each representative. Dennis Kucinich's profile can be found here.
Campaign Media
Elections
2012
Due to redistricting, Kucinich ran in the 2012 election for Ohio's 9th Congressional District. Kucinich lost to fellow incumbent Rep. Marcy Kaptur in the Democratic Party primary on March 6, 2012.[5]
| U.S. House, Ohio's 9th Congressional District Democratic Primary, 2012 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Marcy Kaptur Incumbent |
56.2% | 42,902 |
| Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent | 40% | 30,564 |
| Graham Vesysey | 3.8% | 2,900 |
| Total Votes | 76,366 | |
Primary news
Politico: Top 5 ugliest battles
Politico has named the 9th District primary race one of the five ugliest in the nation. Also named were IL-16, PA-12, CA-30, and NJ-9.[6]
Kaptur ad implies Kucinich cozy with Dimora
Kaptur has released a radio ad citing Kucinich's praise for former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora. Dimora is currently facing federal racketeering charges. Kucinich has called the ad, "despicable in its dishonesty and innuendo." Further coverage of the ad can be found here.
Kucinich accuses Kaptur of sign theft
Kucinich has accused the Kaptur campaign of an "aggressive, illegal sign removal operation" targeting his supporter's yard signs. Kaptur's campaign has called the allegations, "silly." Further coverage of the sign allegations can be found here.
2010
On November 2, 2010, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Peter J. Corrigan and Jeff Goggins in the general election.[7]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
53.1% | 101,343 | |
| Republican | Peter J. Corrigan | 43.9% | 83,809 | |
| Libertarian | Jeff Goggins | 3.1% | 5,874 | |
| Total Votes | 191,026 | |||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Jim Trakas and Paul Conroy in the general election.[8]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2008 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
57% | 157,268 | |
| Republican | Jim Trakas | 39.1% | 107,918 | |
| Libertarian | Paul Conroy | 3.9% | 10,623 | |
| Total Votes | 275,809 | |||
2006
On November 7, 2006, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Michael D. Dovilla in the general election.[9]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2006 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
66.4% | 138,393 | |
| Republican | Michael D. Dovilla | 33.6% | 69,996 | |
| Total Votes | 208,389 | |||
2004
On November 2, 2004, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Edward Fitzpatrick Herman and Barbara Anne Ferris in the general election.[10]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2004 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
60% | 172,406 | |
| Republican | Michael D. Dovilla | 33.6% | 96,463 | |
| Independent | Barbara Anne Ferris | 6.4% | 18,343 | |
| Total Votes | 287,212 | |||
2002
On November 5, 2002, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Jon A. Heben and Judy Locy in the general election.[11]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2002 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
74.1% | 129,997 | |
| Republican | Jon A. Heben | 23.8% | 41,778 | |
| Independent | Judy Locy | 2.1% | 3,761 | |
| Total Votes | 175,536 | |||
2000
On November 7, 2000, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Bill Smith and Ron Petrie in the general election.[12]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
75% | 167,063 | |
| Republican | Bill Smith | 22% | 48,930 | |
| Libertarian | Ron Petrie | 3% | 6,762 | |
| Total Votes | 222,755 | |||
1998
On November 3, 1998, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Joe Slovenec in the general election.[13]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 1998 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
66.8% | 110,552 | |
| Republican | Joe Slovenec | 33.2% | 55,015 | |
| Total Votes | 165,567 | |||
1996
On November 5, 1996, Kucinich won election to the United States House of Representatives. He defeated Martin R. Hoke and Robert B. Iverson in the general election.[14]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 1996 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Dennis J. Kucinich Incumbent |
49.1% | 110,723 | |
| Republican | Martin R. Hoke | 46.3% | 104,546 | |
| Independent | Robert B. Iverson | 4.6% | 10,415 | |
| Total Votes | 225,684 | |||
Campaign donors
2010
Kucinich won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Kucinich's campaign committee raised a total of $972,635 and spent $940,086.[15]
His top 5 contributors between 2009-2010 were:
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 10 Election, 2010 - Dennis J. Kucinich Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $972,635 |
| Total Spent | $940,086 |
| Total Raised by General Election Opponent | $330,571 |
| Total Spent by General Election Opponent | $321,808 |
| Top contributors to Dennis J. Kucinich's campaign committee | |
| Operating Engineers Union | $10,000 |
| United Food & Commercial Workers Union | $10,000 |
| United Steelworkers | $10,000 |
| American Assn for Justice | $7,500 |
| American Federation of Teachers | $7,500 |
| Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Retired | $64,160 |
| Public Sector Unions | $36,500 |
| Industrial Unions | $22,500 |
| Transportation Unions | $22,500 |
| Lawyers/Law Firms | $19,650 |
2008
Kucinich won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. During that re-election cycle, Kucinich's campaign committee raised a total of $2,408,616 and spent $2,430,560.[16]
His top 5 contributors between 2007-2008 were:
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 9 Election, 2006 - Dennis J. Kucinich Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $2,408,616 |
| Total Spent | $2,430,560 |
| Total Raised by General Election Opponent | 383,987 |
| Total Spent by General Election Opponent | 381,135 |
| Top contributors to Dennis J. Kucinich's campaign committee | |
| ActBlue | $59,517 |
| Laborers Union | $11,500 |
| Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union | $10,000 |
| National Assn of Realtors | $10,000 |
| National Education Assn | $10,000 |
| Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Retired | $379,666 |
| Democratic/Liberal | $256,457 |
| TV/Movies/Music | $106,507 |
| Education | $74,048 |
| Business Services | $64,495 |
2006
Kucinich won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006. During that re-election cycle, Kucinich's campaign committee raised a total of $634,745 and spent $621,699.[17]
His top 5 contributors between 2005-2006 were:
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 9 Election, 2006 - Dennis J. Kucinich Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $634,745 |
| Total Spent | $621,699 |
| Total Raised by General Election Opponent | 70,919 |
| Total Spent by General Election Opponent | 70,343 |
| Top contributors to Dennis J. Kucinich's campaign committee | |
| American Assn for Justice | $10,000 |
| American Fedn of St/Cnty/Munic Employees | $10,000 |
| American Postal Workers Union | $10,000 |
| Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union | $10,000 |
| National Assn of Realtors | $10,000 |
| Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Public Sector Unions | $50,000 |
| Industrial Unions | $43,500 |
| Lawyers/Law Firms | $35,550 |
| Building Trade Unions | $34,500 |
| Transportation Unions | $20,500 |
2004
Kucinich won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004. During that re-election cycle, Kucinich's campaign committee raised a total of $415,359 and spent $406,033.[18]
His top 5 contributors between 2003-2004 were:
| U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio Congressional District 9 Election, 2006 - Dennis J. Kucinich Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $415,359 |
| Total Spent | $406,033 |
| Total Raised by General Election Opponent | 298,972 |
| Total Spent by General Election Opponent | 296,336 |
| Top contributors to Dennis J. Kucinich's campaign committee | |
| Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union | $10,000 |
| National Education Assn | $10,000 |
| Schulman Schulman | $10,000 |
| United Auto Workers | $10,000 |
| United Food & Commercial Workers Union | $10,000 |
| Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Industrial Unions | $35,500 |
| Public Sector Unions | $35,500 |
| Building Trade Unions | $33,000 |
| Lawyers/Law Firms | $23,750 |
| Misc Unions | $17,500 |
Analysis
Congressional staff salaries
The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Kucinich paid his congressional staff a total of $1,179,923 in 2011. Overall, Ohio ranked 30th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[19]
Net worth
2011
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org - The Center for Responsive Politics, Kucinich's net worth as of 2011 was estimated between $251,005 to $518,000. That averages to $384,502, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic House members in 2011 of $5,107,874. His average net worth increased by 1047.66% from 2010.[20]
2010
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org - The Center for Responsive Politics, Kucinich's net worth as of 2010 was estimated between $4,007 to $63,000. This averages out to $33,503.50 which was lower than the average net worth of Democrats in 2010 of $4,465,875.[21]
National Journal vote ratings
- See also: National Journal vote ratings
2012
Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of congress voted in the previous year. Kucinich ranked 72nd in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.[22]
2011
Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of congress voted in the previous year. Kucinich was tied with one other member of the U.S. House of Representatives ranking 43rd in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.[23]
Percentage voting with party
The website Open Congress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus. According to the website, Dennis J. Kucinich voted with the Democratic Party 89.4% of the time, which ranked 150 among the 192 House Democratic members in November 2011.[24]
Personal
Kucinich was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1946. Kucinich was the oldest of seven children. He attended Catholic school for his primary and secondary education. He attended Case Western Reserve University, graduating in 1973 with a BA in Speech Communication and in 1974 with an MA in the same field. In 1977, Kucinich was elected mayor of Cleveland and served until 1979. He served as a member of the Ohio State Senate from 1995-1996 and as a member of the US House from 1997 until 2013.[25][26]
Kucinich has been married three times and is currently married to Elizabeth Kucinich. Prior to his present marriage, he was also married to Helen Kucinich and Sandra Lee McCarthy. He has one daughter, Jacqueline Kucinich. Jaqueline was born to Kucinich and Sandra Lee McCarthy.[27]
Additional reading
- The Hill, "Dem Reps. Kaptur and Kucinich face off in primary under presidential shadow," March 6, 2012
- Talking Points Memo, "Ohio’s Democratic Civil War Gets Ugly," March 5, 2012
- The News Messenger, "Kaptur, Kucinich battle for Ohio's northern border," March 5, 2012
- Toledo Blade, "Democratic hopefuls storm Toledo for votes," March 4, 2012
- Sandusky Register, "Tuesday primary anything but dull," March 4, 2012
- Fox 8, "Ohio Dems Make Final Push for 9th District Spot," March 4, 2012
- The Washington Examiner, "Kucinich faces war over earmarks in Ohio 9," March 2, 2012
- WatchDog.org, "Ohio’s 9th District race draws body blows in waning days," March 1, 2012
- WNWO, "Dennis Kucinich: The primary interview," March 1, 2012 (Video interview)
- Plain Dealer, "Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Dennis Kucinich hit campaign trail with Hispanic colleagues," February 27, 2012
- Toledo Blade, "Reports show Kaptur holding lead in funding," February 27, 2012
- Washington Examiner, "Kucinich, Kaptur contest heats up," February 26, 2012
- Lakewood Observer, "Dennis Kucinich," February 21, 2012 (Candidate profile)
External links
- Social media:
- Biographies:
- Political profiles:
- Financial:
- Interest group ratings:
- Issue positions:
- Public statements:
- Voting record:
- Media appearances:
- Media coverage:
References
- ↑ Ohio Secretary of State "Unofficial election results," Accessed March 6, 2012
- ↑ Gov Track "Kucinich" Accessed May 15, 2012
- ↑ Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich, Proudly Serving Ohio's 10th District "Biography"
- ↑ U.S. House "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff" Accessed January 4, 2013.
- ↑ Ohio Secretary of State "Unofficial election results," Accessed March 6, 2012
- ↑ Politico, "Congress 2012: The 5 ugliest member vs. member battles," February 27, 2012
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996"
- ↑ Open Secrets "Dennis J. Kucinich 2010 Election Cycle," Accessed November 16, 2011
- ↑ Open Secrets "Dennis J. Kucinich 2008 Election Cycle," Accessed February 29, 2012
- ↑ Open Secrets "Dennis J. Kucinich 2006 Election Cycle," Accessed February 29, 2012
- ↑ Open Secrets "Dennis J. Kucinich 2004 Election Cycle," Accessed February 29, 2012
- ↑ LegiStorm, "Dennis J. Kucinich," Accessed September 25, 2012
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org "Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), 2011," accessed February 22, 2013
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Ohio), 2010," Accessed September 25, 2012
- ↑ National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," March 7, 2013
- ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," February 23, 2012
- ↑ Open Congress "Voting With Party"
- ↑ Kucinich campaign site, "About," Accessed February 22, 2012
- ↑ Kucinich Official House Site, "Biography," Accessed February 22, 2012
- ↑ About.com, "Elizabeth Harper and Dennis Kucinich Marriage Profile," Accessed February 22, 2012
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Martin R. Hoke |
U.S. House of Representatives - Ohio, District 10 1997–2013 |
Succeeded by Mike Tuner (R) |
| Preceded by ' |
Ohio State Senate 1994-1996 |
Succeeded by ' |
| Preceded by ' |
Cleveland City Council 1970-1975, 1981-1982 |
Succeeded by ' |
| Preceded by ' |
Mayor, City of Cleveland 1977-1979 |
Succeeded by ' |
| |||||||||||||
