Argentina's First Lady heads to presidential race

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BUENOS AIRES, July 3 (AFP): Argentina's powerful First Lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, 54, heads to the October 28 presidential election as the clear favorite to replace her husband, Nestor Kirchner, as head of state.
"We are in the presence of a phenomenal candidate," Interior Minister Anibal Fernandez said Monday, after authorities confirmed Senator Cristina Kirchner will run for the presidency.
"She will win in the first round by a very important margin," the minister said.
Voter intention polls give Cristina Kirchner between 46 and 48 percent, and an approval rating or 61 percent, far ahead of any other candidate.
Official word of her candidacy followed months of speculation as to whether she or her husband-who also has strong popularity ratings-would be the governing coalition's candidate in the October elections.