My Favorite Vegan: In Support of Dennis Kucinich

My senior year in high-school I caucused for Dennis Kucinich. Even then I could recognize that he was a bit idealistic, and although I thought it was weird how insanely hot his wife was (and is), his positions of peace and equality still resonate today. 2008 didn't make him president, but now it's possible that 2012 will strip him of his House seat altogether. The recent redistricting of Ohio forces Kucinich into direct opposition with fellow Democrat Marcy Kaptur for the same seat. Kaptur's posse of celebrity endorsers include Tom Hanks and Bob Dole, while Shirley MacLaine and Sean Penn have been speaking out in support of Kucinich.

Super rich hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has also been by Kucinich's side as he campaigns in Ohio in preparation for the Super Tuesday fight. Simmons writes an progressive but not un-true note on Kucinich's role in "The Battle for a Compassionate America":

While we watch the Republicans try to drag our country further and further to the Right, there is no other congress member who fights for a more compassionate America than Dennis. He wants everyone to have healthcare, affordable higher education and quality, sustainable jobs. During his entire political career, he has been a champion for peace and a powerful anti-war activist. He has shown compassion for the planet and all of the animals that inhabit it. He has stood up for the gay community and other under-served communities who often times are forgotten about on the House floor. He has always protected the rights of African-Americans and Latinos, even when it wasn't in his best "political interests." Dennis Kucinich is the People's Congressman. He cannot be bought and sold by any special interest group or any lobbying firm. He goes to work everyday for the people of his district and of this great nation. He has never taken for granted the rights he was given, as he has always fought for the rights of everyone.