12:35 PM PST on Saturday, March 27, 2004

By SARAH LINN, Associated Press Writer

Long-shot presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich on Friday called on Oregonians to set a new agenda for the Democratic party.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, speaks to supporters at a rally in Portland. (AP Photo)

The four-term Ohio congressman spoke Friday evening at Lincoln High School, launching four days of campaigning in the state in advance of the May 18 primary.

"You have the ability to set a new agenda for our party and our nation," Kucinich told hundreds of enthusiastic backers seated on gymnasium bleachers and folding chairs.

"The field is now clear for the Democrats to make a change," said Kucinich, the only remaining challenger to John Kerry for the Democratic presidential nomination. "Unless we show we really stand for something, the people aren't going to come out and vote."

Kucinich touched on most of the issues that have marked his presidential race -- including peace, universal health care and fair trade. He called for turning Iraq over to the United Nations and bringing U.S. troops home, and urged lawmakers to repeal the federal Patriot Act, aimed at combating terrorism by giving more powers to investigators.

But Kucinich skirted the issue of his own candidacy, pausing only to criticize what he sees as centrism in the presidential race.

"Eventually, the differences will get harmonized and people will be asked to choose Pepsi and Coca-Cola," he said, citing similarities between Kerry and Republican President George Bush.

Kucinich supporters acknowledged that their candidate is unlikely to wrest the nomination away from Kerry. But they say the Ohio Democrat could still influence how Democrats handle policy.

"He's not bought by corporate America, so of course he's not going to win," said Melinda Mentrum, attending the speech with her husband, Bayard. The Portland couple sported matching blue "Elect Dennis Kucinich" T-shirts sprinkled with white stars.

Bayard Mentrum said that Kucinich speaks for progressive Democrats whose voices are sometimes stifled by party interests.

"When somebody talks about education for all, health care for all, it's not radical," he said. "People just aren't used to hearing that."

Others praised the candidate for staying in the presidential race, saying the move demonstrates his courage and integrity.

"He's not really someone who would mess the voters' minds," said Julia Robert, there with her friend Molly McCray. The girls, both 16, attend Portland's Madison High School and said they're looking forward to being able to vote.

Kucinich has said that he'll remain in the race until the Democratic convention in July. He's also seeking re-election to his House seat.

National campaign staffer Mari Engelhardt said that Kucinich expects a strong response in Oregon, generally viewed as progressive.

"Oregon is a very-independent minded state," Engelhardt said, noting that the state gave then-Green Party nominee Ralph Nader five percent of the vote in 2000.

This year, Kucinich shares the Oregon primary ballot with Kerry and perennial contender Lyndon LaRouche. Nader backers hope next month to qualify the independent for the November ballot.

Kucinich planned two more events in Portland on Saturday before heading to Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Roseburg, Medford and Ashland.