Quite impressive, considering Kucinich has only been financing his campaign with small grassroots contributions, and is organized in all 50 states; all by refusing soft money contributions from the pharmaceutical companies, NRA and other corporate machines. President Bush, Sen. John Kerry and Dr. (former Gov.) Howard Dean have all refused FEC matching funds. Therefore, they do not have to abide FEC rules, including spending limits and extensive audits and financial reports which require proof that funds were spent for legitimate campaign purposes.
I Want My DJK!
The man who branded a fledgling cable station into a cultural icon with commercials shouting "I want my MTV" is the also the creator for Dennis Kucinich's TV ad campaign.
The legendary George Lois has written, directed and produced nine 15 and 30 second TV ads which will start running in Iowa, New Hampshire and Washington DC starting Jan 4, 2004. The nine TV ads include the voice of movie star, film producer, activist, and United Nations Peace Messenger Danny Glover, an official Kucinich endorser who is campaigning heavily for the candidate in East L.A. Lois, who calls Kucinich "The mighty-might from Cleveland, Ohio," also designed a collection of posters for the campaign. The New York Times Magazine Nov. 30th 2003 issue displays the ad with the headline, "The Eyes That See Through the Lies."
"(Lois) is a terrific friend of this historic campaign and we are delighted to be co-working in this way with such a creative genius," said Kucinich National Campaign Manager Dorthy Maver.
Lois is more than an 'ad man' He is a marketing and development visionary. He has launched famous and successful consumer campaigns for MTV, Tommy Hilfiger and ESPN. He also created and developed VH 1?, the concept of low-fat frozen gourmet foods (Lean Cuisine) and the concept of the 10-minute oil-change (Jiffy Lube).
His roots in politics are deep and sucessful as well. Lois created the winning campaigns of Senators Jacob Javits, Robert Kennedy, Hugh Scott, and Warren Magnuson and ran the ad campaign that helped free former middleweight boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. "I see Dennis Kucinich as a shorter Abraham Lincoln, elected as a member of the House directly to the Presidency, and becoming with his passionate no-nonsense, visionary belief in the future of mankind, yet another savior of our nation: Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Kucinich!" said Lois in a recent public statement. "Dennis Kucinich is today's Seabiscuit - rather short, knobby knees, an oatmeal lover, but a winner with the heart and guts of a champion."
To preview one of the TV ads or to view the posters visit http://kucinich.us
You're Invited
Democratic Presidential Candidate, Cleveland's own Congressman Dennis Kucinich invites you to a New Year's Eve party.
The alcohol-free web-a-thon party will be broadcasted live on http://kucinich.us from 10PM on Wed 12/31 New Year's Eve until 3AM on Thu 1/1/2004 at the national campaign office at 11808 Lorain Ave on the 1st floor, near W. 117 and south of the I-90 W. 117th exit.
The event is free, family-friendly and a great opportunity for locals to meet or re-acquaint themselves with Kucinich.
Food and refreshments will be available, though guests are most welcome to show off their heritage to Dennis and to the thousands of webviewers by bringing their favorite ethnic dish. National Office Informational Resource Leatrice Tolls said that the campaign is paticulary interested in tasting what Cleveland vegans and vegetarians are noshing on, but kelbasi and other ethnic staples will be welcome (and eaten!).
Tolls also encourages all musicians, artists and poets to perform and show the nation Cleveland's cultural diversity. "If we could have a drum circle, that would be great."
For more information, please visit http://kucinich.us or call the national office at (216) 889-2004, Toll-Free: (866) 413-3664
Michelle Shocked
Special thanks from the Kucinich Campaign, Beachland Ballroom and Cool Cleveland? for the full house at the Michelle Shocked benefit. As of Monday, Tolls said the office was still counting, but estimates the benefit raised $5,000 to $6,000.
Sources: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,106687,00.html http://www.kucinich.us/news.php http://www.kucinich.us/pressreleases/pr_122303.php http://www.adweek.com/aw/national/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2057504
phone interview with Dorthy Maver 12.29.03 From Cool Cleveland contributor Charlene Coates (:divend:)