Press Release: Dennis Kucinich to Speak on Influence of Money in U.S. Foreign Policy with Independent Congressional Candidate Mike Klein at UF
Press Release from Mike Klein for Congress Campaign:
Kucinich Comes To Gainesville: Who Does American Foreign Policy Serve?
Former congressman joins Independent veteran Mike Klein as peace, American interests, and the influence of money on foreign policy take center stage
Former Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is coming to Gainesville for a national conversation about war, peace, and who really shapes American foreign policy.
Two decades after Kucinich brought his vision for a Department of Peace to Florida, that vision remains as relevant as ever. Mike Klein, West Point graduate, Army Ranger, Desert Storm veteran, and Independent candidate for Congress in Florida’s 3rd District, has pledged to advance Kucinich’s vision in Congress as part of his Strength Through Peace agenda.
Klein, who is endorsed by Independent Veterans of America, is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Kat Cammack. Klein argues that American foreign policy should be driven by the security and economic interests of the American people, not political parties, major donors, or foreign interests.
“Veterans understand the cost of war,” Klein said. “Strength is not measured by how quickly we reach for military power. It is measured by the confidence to lead, the wisdom to negotiate, and the courage to pursue peace. Dennis Kucinich had the vision to give peace a seat at the table in Washington. I want to help make that vision a reality.”
The event comes at a moment of profound political change among voters nationwide. A June CNN poll found 47% of Americans identify as Independent, compared with 27% as Democrats and 26% as Republicans, the highest level CNN has recorded in more than a decade.
The Gainesville event is co-sponsored by the newly formed College Independents at the University of Florida. As a generation coming of age amid war, rising national debt, and economic uncertainty, they will inherit the consequences of the choices Washington makes today at home and across the world.
For Klein, the question ultimately comes down to whose interests America serves.
“A strong nation does not allow donors or foreign interests to choose its battles,” Klein said. “American lives and American wealth should never be committed without a clear American interest. We can defend this country, pursue peace, and lead the world on our own terms. That is Strength Through Peace.”
Dennis Kucinich & Mike Klein in Gainesville
Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Reitz Union, University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Co-sponsored by College Independents at the University of Florida
About Mike Klein:
Mike Klein is a fifth-generation Floridian, the president of the West Point Society of Gainesville, a Desert Storm combat veteran, and the proud father of two Gators. He is also the Chairman & Co-Founder of Warrior Centric Health, a company working to improve the quality of healthcare for the military and veteran community. Now, he is running as an Independent for Congress in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District. His campaign is built on the foundational conviction that corruption is the greatest threat to our nation, so we must get money out of politics. More information about his campaign is available at mikeklein4congress.com.
For media inquiries and RSVPs, contact:
Anna Westbrook
Communications Director
Mike Klein for Congress
