Chile's Bachelet launches presidential campaign
Apr 13, 6:07 PM EDT
Chile's Bachelet launches presidential campaign
By LUIS ANDRES HENAO
Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- Former President Michelle Bachelet formally launched her campaign for November's presidential election Saturday, saying she would use a second term to reform taxes and education and to fight Chile's huge income inequality.
Bachelet, 62, begins her campaign for the Nov. 17 election as the front-runner in polls after leaving office four years ago with soaring popularity ratings. She was unable to seek immediate re-election because Chile's constitution bans consecutive terms.
But she conceded many issues were left unsolved during her presidency, key among them education reform and the sharp income inequality that has marred the country's economic growth.
"Combatting inequality is what gives us a purpose to be here. It's the fine print that affects millions of consumers who are in debt. It's the salary gap between men and women and the inability of workers to negotiate collectively," the moderate Socialist Party member told a cheering crowd of about 5,000 people at the Caupolican theater in downtown Santiago.
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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LT_CHILE_BACHELET?SECTION=HOME&SITE=AP&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
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We need her back on board!
