Breaking news: Dennis Kucinich dropping out of Dem race

U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, whose campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination never gained much traction, is calling it quits. Kucinich built his campaign around a pro-labor, anti-Iraq war agenda, and struggled both to raise money and draw support -- a theme that led to complaints about being ignored.

Kucinich barely figured in the Iowa caucuses and drew just 1% support in the New Hampshire primary. He earlier announced that he planned to simultaneously run for reelection to his congressional seat covering Cleveland and some of its northeast Ohio suburbs -- where he faces some hometown challenges.

Kucinich didn't get much support in Nevada, either -- especially from MSNBC, which disinvited him from a pre-caucus debate there, sparking a failed legal challenge. He couldn't even get into the races there.

His two biggest effects on the campaign, though, had little to do with policy positions. One was the drawing in of illegal aliens of the third kind. The other was his inventive questioning of a Democratic presidential candidate during the December Brown & Black Presidential Forum in Iowa.

-- Scott Martelle

Photo credit: Stefan Zaklin / European Pressphoto Agency

Comments

[AKK]

I am a Ron Paul supporter and I am very sad to see Kucinich drop out. I vigorously oppose most of his platform but respect him very much because he's an honest politician like Paul.

[kcb]

I already voted my California mail-in ballot for Kucinich. That's ok. I guess I'm throwing my vote away but I don't like the other candidates anyway. Too bad for Dennis he had balls.

[Voltaire]

I too am a Ron Paul supporter who has the greatest respect for Dennis Kucinich. I can’t comprehend how Democrats who are against the war can support Hillary and Edwards who voted for the war (and Obama voted for funding). And Hillary, Edwards, and Obama who voted for the unconstitutional Patriot Act.

Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul were the only ones with the wisdom and integrity to vote against the war from the beginning. These videos demonstrate why Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul are kindred spirits (and friends in real life).

Dennis Kucinich employee/supporter who respects Ron Paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DueIGWpXjrU

Ron Paul Republican Bruce Fein supports impeachment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ymlViJ7DvI

Liberal writer who supports both Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjALf12PAWc

In an ideal world Dennis Kucinich would be the Democratic nominee and Ron Paul would be the Republican nominee. Then we could have a real debate and election between two great and courageous persons of integrity.