Ex-Kirchner Ally Betting on Underdog Candidate in Argentine Vote
- Senator Miguel Pichetto backs former minister Roberto Lavagna
- Goal is to unite moderate Peronists before June 22 deadline
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A long-time backer of former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is now racing to rally support around an alternative presidential candidate before an upcoming deadline.
Senator Miguel Angel Pichetto, 68, said his goal is to unite moderates in the Peronist party behind former minister Roberto Lavagna before June 22, the legal cutoff date to announce candidates for October’s election. While Kirchner is poised to get about 30 percent of the vote, that percentage is both "a floor and a ceiling" because of her polarizing tactics and deeply loyal base, he said.