Venezuelan Opposition Parties Back Governor in Race Against Chavez
Fox News
CARACAS, Venezuela — Several opposition candidates threw their support behind a popular state governor as their top choice to challenge Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in December, calling off their primary election.
The pullout of eight candidates Wednesday prompted the cancellation of Sunday's vote and cleared the way for Zulia state Gov. Manuel Rosales to face Chavez, who was first elected in 1998 and is seeking a third term that would keep him in office through 2012.
"I will be the president of all Venezuelans regardless of their differences," Rosales told a cheering crowd, referring to complaints that Chavez has polarized society, stoking divisions between his poor supporters and wealthier opponents.
Rosales, 54, accused Chavez of overspending on a military buildup and pledged that if elected on Dec. 3, he would use Venezuela's oil wealth to help the poor and improve education and health care.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Several opposition candidates threw their support behind a popular state governor as their top choice to challenge Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in December, calling off their primary election.
The pullout of eight candidates Wednesday prompted the cancellation of Sunday's vote and cleared the way for Zulia state Gov. Manuel Rosales to face Chavez, who was first elected in 1998 and is seeking a third term that would keep him in office through 2012.
"I will be the president of all Venezuelans regardless of their differences," Rosales told a cheering crowd, referring to complaints that Chavez has polarized society, stoking divisions between his poor supporters and wealthier opponents.
Rosales, 54, accused Chavez of overspending on a military buildup and pledged that if elected on Dec. 3, he would use Venezuela's oil wealth to help the poor and improve education and health care.
posted by Andy W. Rogers | 7:32 PM
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