Kucinich Gets Kiss, Endorsement

Democratic Hopeful's Blind Date Says She'll Vote For Him

(AP)  A much-watched first date ended with kisses on the cheek and a promise to stay in touch.

"Gina, we'll talk," Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich told Gina Marie Santore after the two had breakfast Thursday with a gaggle of reporters and photographers nearby. The New Jersey woman beat out about 80 other contenders for a date with the twice-divorced Ohio congressman in a contest on a political Web site.

Asked if there would be a second date, Santore said, "I guess we're going to have to consult the schedulers."

But she said she "absolutely" endorses the liberal Kucinich, whose standing in polls puts him near the bottom of the nine-member Democratic field.

Kucinich used that to poke fun at former Vice President Al Gore's much heralded endorsement of the Democratic front-runner, Howard Dean.

Santore's backing, he said, is "much more significant and based on actual discussion."

The two met in the lobby of the downtown Holiday Inn. He wore a suit; she, a red sweater.

The 57-year-old vegetarian took his date to an unlikely venue: the Kansas City Steakhouse in the hotel.

The two laughed at reporters filming them through the window. They ate oatmeal and discovered they are both the children of truck drivers.

Santore, 34, said she is a lifelong Democrat. During breakfast, the two talked about health care, medical malpractice and prescription drugs, she said.

The contest for a potential first lady for the Ohio congressman began at a forum in Manchester last month when Kucinich was asked what his first lady would either do or be like.

"As a bachelor I get a chance to fantasize about my first lady ... and I certainly want a dynamic, outspoken woman who was fearless in her desire for peace in the world and for universal, single-payer health care and a full employment economy," Kucinich said. "And if you are out there, call me."

James Pindell of Politicsnh.com took it from there, setting up the contest. Pindell said 20,000 people voted for their favorite contestant, and Santore won a little more than 51 percent.

Kucinich called her to set up Thursday's date.

Santore, who lives in Maple Shade, N.J., arrived Wednesday and went to a Concord bar that night. She said she works as a confidential aide to the Camden County sheriff in southern New Jersey.

She said she was attracted to Kucinich because she finds his views "intoxicating."

Santore said she likes Kucinich's stance on health care (he favors a single-payer universal health-care system) and his plans for the economy.

"I thought it was great," she said after the date.

Kucinich also was impressed.

"She represents American women who are deeply concerned with politics," he said. "She's so smart ... she's so knowledgeable."

The future of the relationship is uncertain, however. Santore said she lives with her boyfriend, Robert, in New Jersey.

"He's not too sure about all of it," she said.

Lifestyle differences also could be an issue.

"He may be a vegan, but as long as he drinks, it's OK," Santore said Wednesday night.

He doesn't, his campaign said Thursday.