Kucinich First in SoCal Straw Poll

Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich

With the California State Primary less than three weeks away, Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich claimed first place in the straw poll at a presidential forum composed of four democratic clubs in Los Angeles.

Over 200 members of the West LA, Westchester, LAX, and Loyola Marymount Democratic Clubs participated on Monday night, Jan. 14, at Loyola Marymount University.

Debate organizer Cara Robin and Sharon Jimenez.

Sharon Jimenez, of Icon Imaging PR, represented Kucinich at the forum. The debate was lively and, at times, heated, as the audience received strong presentations from all the candidate proxies. Jimenez reports, "I think Kucinich came in first in the voting because it is now clear to so many Californians that he is speaking the truth, and he is a fighter … he campaigned in Michigan, fearlessly challenging the stripping of delegate votes in the state by the DNC—that's a fighting Democrat!"

Jimenez is the wife of Bob Jimenez, Communications Director for California State Senator Ron Calderon. Cara Robin, chair of The West LA Democratic Club, organized the debate.

Kucinich with LA City Councilman Bill Rosendahl

Kucinich took first place in the first round of voting at the Palisades Democratic Presidential Forum at the Pacific Palisades Women's Club on the same evening. L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl represented Dennis Kucinich at the event. Kucinich ultimately claimed second place after three votes in which Obama and Clinton supporters got behind Edwards.

Rosendahl noted very strong support for Kucinich among Palisades Democrats, saying "I received a great response when I announced that Dennis Kucinich had won the court challenge against NBC to be included in the presidential debate. Obviously, Democrats want to hear from Kucinich!" Rosendahl represents the LAX/Palisades/Westside district.