By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dennis Kucinich campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday at an "Imagine America" rally at the University of Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER

OVER-THE-RHINE - On the same day Howard Dean ended his Democratic presidential campaign, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich - regarded by most political pundits as a long shot - vowed to stay in the race until the finish.

Kucinich spent Wednesday evening in Cincinnati as part of a two-day Ohio swing that included stops in Cleveland, Dayton and Yellow Springs. He did more than a half-dozen speeches and appearances, stopping off in Over-the-Rhine for a meet-and-greet.

Kucinich insisted he could overcome the front-runners - John Kerry and John Edwards - for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Kerry also swooped into Ohio Wednesday with appearances in Dayton and Columbus. Edwards, who ran a close second to Kerry in Wisconsin, will visit Ohio this weekend.

Kucinich jokingly likened his bid for the Democratic nomination to the popular TV series Survivor.

"Except in this one you've got to throw yourself off the island and I'm not leaving," Kucinich said, prompting a few chuckles from a crowd of about 40 supporters at Buddy's Place in Over-the-Rhine. "The trees will leave the island before I do."

Kucinich said Dean's exit would have no influence on his campaign. In fact, Kucinich said he would welcome Dean supporters into his camp.

"I can't be discouraged," he said. "Not too long ago we had a different front-runner. Two months from now, I could be the front-runner."

Kucinich needs to grab a significant number of delegates in the March 2 "Super Tuesday" primaries, of which Ohio is a part along with nine other states. In these contests more than a quarter of the total delegates will be at stake.

The 57-year-old Cleveland native said Ohio has the chance to change the outcome of the election. He said he was also optimistic that parts of California, Texas and Florida would show support.

"I'm Ohio's favorite son," Kucinich said. "Ohio needs me in this race. Saying I want Kucinich for president is saying (I) want Ohio to play a role in changing our country."

Kucinich told supporters during speeches in Over-the-Rhine and at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University about America's need for more affordable housing and jobs. He expressed his support for a universal, not-for-profit health-care system and a universal fund that would provide college tuition for all students.

Kucinich said discussions need to begin on reparations for African-Americans and Native Americans "so that we can heal the country" racially. He even touched on a plan to create a Department of Peace that would focus on making the principles of nonviolence a part of everyday work in America.

"Internationally, it would challenge the concept of war," he said

Email kaldridge@enquirer.com