KUCINICH TOUTS SPIRITUAL SIDE OF CANDIDACY

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Dennis Kucinich, a champion for down-to-earth issues
such as blue-collar jobs and the beleaguered steel industry, is showing his
spiritual side as he courts supporters in his bid for the Democratic
presidential nomination.

Peace activists, New Age gurus, and people who practice alternative
religions. are among Mr. Kucinich's donors - many of them attracted to the
Ohio congressman's stand on less-than-mainstream issues such as a call for
a cabinet-level Department of Peace and his support for medical marijuana.

"I have a holistic view of the world," he explained. "I see the world as
interconnected and interdependent and that leaves no room for war." Mr.
Kucinich's legislation to establish a Department of Peace and ban the use
of weapons in space hasn't won widespread congressional sup-port, but those
proposals are a cornerstone of his campaign.

"We need a message of peace. It's not about backing down. It's not about
rhetoric. It's about a way of life," said Chris Griscom, a spiritual
adviser who's been a close friend and supporter of Mr. Kucinich for nearly
24 years.

Mr. Kucinich headlined a rally called "Imagine America" in Santa Cruz,
Calif. this week with lifestyle guru Marianne Williamson and healthy living
author John Robbins, a political donor who is national co--chairman of the
congressman's campaign.

Ms. Williamson, a close friend and political donor of Mr. Kucinich, founded
the Global Renaissance Alliance, which teaches peace activists and others
how to lobby their congressmen to support the Department of Peace bill.

Several of his speeches, such as "Spirit and Stardust," " A Prayer for
America," and "The Soul of the Worker," have been posted on dozens of Web
sites created by his supporters.

Mr. Kucinich, who is one of nine candidates competing for the Democratic
nomination, has said he will decide in June whether to, remain in the race.