Dennis Kucinich Announces End Of Campaign

Democratic Ohio Congressman Faces Competition In Primary For His House Seat

(AP)  Democrat Dennis Kucinich abandoned his presidential bid Friday to focus on a tough race for re-election to Congress.

Kucinich, speaking at a union hall, told supporters who chanted "Dennis, Dennis," that he would work to keep his campaign promises, not as president, but as a member of the U.S. House.

"I won't be president, but I can continue to fight for these important issues as the United States congressman representing the community that is first in my heart, Cleveland, Ohio," he said.

Kucinich made an urgent appeal on his Web site this week for congressional campaign contributions as "the only candidate who can't be bought - 'cause he's not for sale."

The six-term House member got only 1 percent of the vote in the New Hampshire presidential primary and was shut out in the Iowa caucuses.

Kucinich, 61, is facing four challengers in the Democratic congressional primary March 4. Rival Joe Cimperman has been critical of Kucinich for focusing too much time outside of his district while campaigning for president.

The Ohio congressman brought the same sense of idealism to his second run for president as he did in his first bid four years ago. He said he entered the race again because the Democratic Party wasn't pushing hard enough to end the Iraq war. His candidacy was supported by many Hollywood celebrities, including actor Sean Penn.

During his tenure in Congress, Kucinich has been one of the most outspoken liberals, opposing international trade agreements like the North America Free Trade Agreement and marching with protesters in Seattle during a meeting of the World Trade Organization.

As a presidential candidate, he has proposed a Department of Peace, backed universal health care and supported gay marriage. He also pushed for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney.

[prinzowhales]

This is a shame. Mr. Kucinich stood up for working Americans and while I certainly disagreed with his positions of firearms, I recognize him as a capable man of integrity. I hope that this is not the last we hear from him in the current campaign.

[extremophil]

a capable man of integrity....who sees flying saucers.

[candide777]

It really is a shame. If americans were not so truly stupid, this election would be Kucinich v. Ron Paul, the only two honest people from their respective parties. Too bad.

[x-legion-x]

LOL...was he in the race? I had more of a chance in winning the election than this nut did, and I didnt run.

[candide777]

LOL...was he in the race? I had more of a chance in winning the election than this nut did, and I didnt run.
Posted by X-Legion-X at 03:30 PM : Jan 25, 2008

Case in point, above -- americans are so afraid of supporting a "loser" that they accept any candidate the corporate media tells them to support.

[nmsuip]

I would''ve voted for him. His wife is a hottie. He must be doing something right...

[dcrum35]

About time this nutjob left the race.

[ringading3]

Kucinich is a weird little man, who did not have a snowball''s chance in hades. His name reminds me of a vegetable. I am tired of all this already.

[pollroller1]

OH NO!!! This means that we won''t get to see all of those great camera shots of his wife. ha ha ha ha

[joeshields56]

Well done good and faithful servant, Dennis Kucinich. You did your best. You were right on all the issues. Unfortunately being 5''5" and being kind of nerdy looking is not good enough in this TV era. Too bad. Today, a polio-stricken wheelchair-bound FDR could not get elected. A Patsy Cline couldn''t make it today either because she didn''t look like a model. Kind of a shame. Historically radio days may always be remembered as the best days because ears may be more honest then eyes.

[homespunlady]

Sorry to see him go. Hope for the best for him and his family.

[colonieny]

IS that his wife next to him ? How come the media does not identify her ???

[obama1289]

Obama supporters watch the video, talk about tears coming to your eyes:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg