The Daily Vidette - News
Issue: 12/8/03
Dr. Patch Adams comes in support of Kucinich
By Tyler Geng
It is not every day that the City of Bloomington gets to host two well- known people, but the opportunity will be here Tuesday.
Celebrity and humanitarian Dr. Patch Adams will be at the Chateau in Bloomington with democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich to focus on "revitalizing healthcare, revitalizing America."
Kucinich will also be discussing his campaign stance and certain social issues, Illinois Fundraising and event Coordinator Melody Justus said.
Adams' life story was made public in the 1999 film "Patch Adams." Adams, played by actor Robin Williams, was a doctor struggling with the system and its rules.
At the risk of his loosing his career, Adams decided to create his own "system."
"He is very funny, knowledgeable, kind, and outspoken. It has been a pleasure to work with him," Justus said.
Patch Adams has fully endorsed Kucinich and will be speaking on his behalf at the 90-minute presentation.
This is the first time Adams has ever fully endorsed any candidate, Justus said.
Opening for the event will be David Gill. Gill will be running a campaign for the 2004 elections for Congress in the 15th district in Illinois, media coordinator for Central Illinois Debbie Dehm said.
His presentation will also be in support of Kucinich's plan.
The event is mainly a fundraiser for Kucinich's campaign, but is also an opportunity for Kucinich to advertise his 10-point plan.
After the speeches, there will be an auction, Justus said.
"I got involved because I really believe in Dennis' platform, and I feel that he is the only candidate that speaks from the heart and for the people," Dehm said.
Currently, Kucinich is serving as a U.S. congressman from Ohio. He will enter the 2004 race with eight other democrats.
Kucinich is the only candidate to propose universal healthcare legislation, Justus said.
"Dennis is a very blue-collar candidate and is willing to work for the working people," Dehm said.
Although this is the first major fundraiser in Bloomington for Kucinich, there will be others, Justus said.
After Tuesday's event, Kucinich will be headed to the University of Illinois in Chicago to meet with more of his supporters.
The peace marchers who have been marching across the country and will also be in Chicago that day to support the hopeful president elect, Dehm said.