US presidential race gains momentum in June

Washington, Jun 5: US presidential race seems to have gained momentum in June, with about half dozen candidates, including Hillary Clinton, either announcing or launching their campaign about year-and-a-half away from the November 2016 elections.

Yesterday, the former Texas Governor, Rick Perry, announced his decision to seek the Republican Party's nomination for the 2016 elections.

Same day, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush went on the social media that he would make his announcement in this regard on June 15.

Clinton, who has already announced her candidacy, would formally launch her campaign from New York on June 13. On June 24, Bobby Jindal is expected to make history by becoming the first Indian-American politician to enter the race for presidential elections. Jindal is the two-term Governor of Louisiana.

On June 1, the US Senator from South Carolina, Lindsay Graham announced his decision to run for the 2016 presidential election. Soon after announcing his decision to enter the presidential race for the second term, Perry announced his team– which included Indian-American Avik Roy as his senior advisor.

Most of the Republican candidates have been using the presidential campaign to criticise US President Barack Obama. Perry said he is running for president to create real jobs, to raise wages, to create opportunity for all.

"To give every citizen a stake in this country. To restore hope, real hope to forgotten Americans, millions of middle class families who have given up hope of getting ahead, millions of workers who have given up hope of finding a job," Perry said.

The Washington Post said both Bush, 62, and Rick Perry, 65, are younger than Clinton, 67, but they are not of the "next generation" of new leaders that some Republicans want.

Both Republicans will need to show energy, vigour, technological sophistication and recast the GOP's image if they are to paint Clinton as past her sell date, the daily wrote.

PTI