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02/19/2006:

"Mexico leftist takes message to conservative north"

MONTERREY, Mexico (Reuters) - The front-runner in Mexico's election race pitched his message of leftist reform to roaring crowds in the conservative north on Saturday, an area where he needs to win support if he is to become president.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told followers in the industrial city of Monterrey he would transform Mexico after two decades of free-market reforms that moved it closer to the United States but widened the gap between rich and poor.

"This state is an example of hard work and development ... and is the industrial center of our country," the popular former mayor of Mexico City said to cheers from a crowd of about 10,000 mainly working-class supporters packed into a city square.

"Together we can transform Mexico," he said to chants of "Long live Mexico."

Monterrey is Mexico's third-largest city and an economic powerhouse just a three-hour drive south of Texas. It is home to companies that include the world's No. 3 cement maker, Cemex, and brewer and bottling giant Femsa.

While Lopez Obrador has won over many in central and southern Mexico with promises that include more social benefits for the poor, cash handouts to the elderly and an anti-corruption campaign, analysts say that convincing pragmatic, prosperous northerners will prove key to victory in the July 2 election.

"Monterrey is one place in Mexico where the U.S.-style free-market model has worked well for people, so it's going to be a tough sell," political consultant Pedro Gonzalez told Reuters.

"But while he's not likely to win in the north, the votes he garners there could prove decisive in the election," he added.

A poll this week showed Lopez Obrador had a lead of 4.6 points over his nearest rival, Felipe Calderon, of the ruling National Action Party. Roberto Madrazo of the once-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party was 10 points off the lead.
boston.com