A bishop's run for president kicks off with small campaign rally [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Source: International Herald Tribune

A bishop's run for president kicks off with small campaign rally
The Associated Press
Published: August 6, 2007

ASUNCION, Paraguay: A Catholic bishop who resigned to run for president has formally launched his campaign for an April 2008 election, but only some 200 people showed up at his campaign kickoff.

Fernando Lugo, who is challenging six decades of one-party rule in Paraguay, was cheered Sunday by a small crowd Sunday in Villa Hayes, a town west of Asuncion.

Lugo, who resigned as bishop in December to avoid Paraguay's constitutional ban on clergy seeking office, has the support of Paraguay's main opposition party, the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, and a host of peasant, labor and social groups.
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Nonetheless, Lugo gained significant organizational support when he agreed in June to accept a running mate from the Radical Liberals, which have spent decades challenging Colorado rule and can help finance and mount a nationwide campaign.
(snip)

Like many Paraguayans, Lugo blames the Colorados for the struggling economy, rampant corruption and politics that favor rich elites in the landlocked, agrarian nation.


Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/06/america/LA-POL-Paraguay-Bishop-for-President.php

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