The Hill News

President Obama could be a stronger candidate in 2012 if he faces a serious primary challenge, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) said Thursday.

In an interview on C-SPAN, Kucinich said that he was sure Obama would win the nomination, but that a strong challenge could benefit him.

"I think primaries can have the opportunity of raising the issues and making the Democratic candidate a stronger candidate," Kucinich said. "I think it's safe to predict that President Obama will be the nominee of the Democratic Party, but he could be a stronger nominee if he receives a strong challenge in the primary."

Kucinich did not say who that potential challenger might be. Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) has been mentioned as a possible 2012 challenger but he has said he does not want to run. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)'s name has come up as well, but like Feingold, he has said he is not interested.

Kucinich has had to think about his own reelect! ion prospects lately. Ohio’s loss of a congressional seat in the last Census redistricting could cause him to lose his seat.