'Chronicle' Should Have Endorsed Kucinich

Dear Editor,
   I was disappointed to read that "the Chronicle declines to endorse in the [presidential] primary race" ["Endorsements," News, Feb. 20]. Kucinich may not be a "charismatic standard-bearer," but, as you yourself noted, "None of the other candidates – no, not even hard-charging Howard Dean – are as consistently progressive on the issues as is Kucinich."
   The Democratic Party has long taken its progressive wing for granted. In my opinion, the worst thing progressives could do right now is jump on the Kerry (or Edwards) bandwagon. Voting for ex-candidate pseudo-progressive Dean would be only marginally better.
   There will be plenty of time to settle for Anybody but Bush in November. The remaining primaries and caucuses are the time to send a loud and clear message about our vision for the future. The more Kucinich delegates there are at the Democratic Convention, the more influence progressives can wield over the Democratic candidate, platform, and (we hope) administration.