Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Files for Presidential Candidacy in Utah

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has successfully filed with Utah's elections office, marking the first step in his challenging endeavor to secure a spot on the presidential ballot in every state, according to CNN.

Utah holds particular significance for the RFK Jr. campaign, the initial state where his name will appear on the ballot.

The campaign aims for a nationwide presence, harboring optimism that Kennedy could make history as the only independent presidential candidate to win an election since the founding of the Democratic and Republican parties.

In Utah, RFK Jr. expressed gratitude to his campaign staff and volunteers for collecting the 1,000 signatures required for independent candidates to file for ballot access.

The Salt Lake County Clerk's office verified the signatures, meeting the state's stringent requirements.

Kennedy acknowledged the state's Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who faced a lawsuit from the campaign seeking an extension of the filing deadline.

Although the state moved the deadline to March, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the volunteers for meeting the original deadline despite challenging weather conditions.

RFK Jr.'s Campaign Momentum and Potential Impact

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s successful filing in Utah signals that his campaign is gaining momentum as the country enters the presidential election year, per Fox News.

This could complicate the race for President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, which is evident in recent polls indicating significant support for Kennedy, drawing from both major party candidates.

A Fox News poll released before Christmas showed Kennedy securing 14% support, with Trump at 41% and Biden at 37%.

Including RFK Jr. in another poll led to an increased lead for Trump over Biden from 2% to 5%, with Kennedy garnering 16% support.

Kennedy initially launched a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination but transitioned to an independent candidate in October after the Democratic National Committee declined primary debates.

As the scion of the renowned Kennedy family, he departed from the Democratic Party and embraced an independent bid.

Notably, RFK Jr. has gained attention for promoting public health conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Navigating RFK Jr.'s Political Landscape and Potential Spoiler Role

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s alignment with influential figures on the far right while emphasizing his environmentalist background reflects his strategy to play the middle ground in a polarized political climate.

The question of whether he could play spoiler for the eventual Democratic and Republican nominees arises as he attracts support from diverse political spheres, France 24 reports.

While it remains unlikely for an independent candidate to win the presidency, they can impact the significant candidates by diverting support in key states.

RFK Jr.'s success in Utah prompts uncertainty about how many states he will qualify for ballot access, considering varying requirements nationwide.

To overcome these challenges, the super PAC American Values 2024, supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has pledged up to $15 million to aid in securing ballot access in pivotal states.

This financial backing played a crucial role in Kennedy's legal victory in Utah, where a lawsuit pushed back the state's candidate filing deadline.

Notably, RKK Jr.'s anti-vaccine organization is involved in a lawsuit against several news organizations, including The Associated Press, alleging antitrust violations for combating misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.

While Kennedy distanced himself from the organization upon announcing his presidential run, he remains listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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