Argentina's Nestor Kirchner developed a reputation as a sharp-tongued leader who did not hesitate to upbraid company executives, opposition leaders and journalists as president.
Now, he's looking to showcase a softer side as he returns to the campaign trail -- this time as a candidate for Congress.
His high-profile candidacy has taken center stage in Argentina's June 28th congressional elections.
Kirchner was succeeded by his wife, President Cristina Fernandez, who is struggling to hold on to a congressional majority by her faction of the ruling Peronist Party.
The former leader's bid for Congress is aimed at strengthening the left-leaning government's electoral chances, and in recent days he's been campaigning in poor and working-class urban areas in Buenos Aires province, the country's most populous region. It is considered the government's bastion of support.
