WASHINGTON (CNN) - Rep. Dennis Kucinich will announce he is abandoning his long shot bid for the White House in a news conference Friday, his campaign confirms to CNN.
In an interview with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer earlier Thursday, the Ohio Democrat said he plans on “transitioning out of the Democratic Presidential primary race" to focus on a "new direction."
His spokesman tells CNN the former presidential candidate is now gearing up for his congressional re-election campaign. Kucinich faces four candidates in a Democratic primary for his seat on March 4, and has faced criticism for devoting much of his attention to running for president.
In his interview with the Plain-Dealer, Kucinich said he will give a much lengthier statement Friday.
This was Kucinich's second bid for the White House - he first ran in 2004. The latest CNN Poll showed him drawing 3 percent of support among registered Democrats nationally.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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BIG SURPRISE!!! I'm totally shocked, I thought he had the nomination in the bag
Perhaps if CNN and the other big media would've given him some coverage or included him in the major debates, he wouldn't have to drop out. Shame on you all!
This is not good for the American people they pushed you out as I'm sure they'll try the same thing with Ron Paul. Sorry to hear this.
He was a good guy. Tried to impeach Cheney!!! I hope he supports Obama:)
Good luck gravel and Edwards.
It's ashame that Kucinich could not receive more media attention earlier in the race. While I don't agree with the vast majority of his goals, he still deserved to have a larger part of the media/debate field as he is the only democratic candidate that seems to be serious about taking the U.S. out of Iraq in the near future.
See ya, Kucinich. You were an entertaining candidate who had two good debate performances. Now do what you did in Iowa, endorse Obama for President!
Who will has 15 supporters get behind?!?!?!
Wow big news............i wonder who will get all 12 of his supporters votes ?
Kucinich is still in the race? He dropped off the radar screen a long time ago. Why does he need to announce that he's abandoning his bid for the White House when he was never a real contender? Who cares.
John Edwards welcomes the Kucinich supporters over. His economic populist message is just what the nation and the party needs right now. He is the most electable general election candidate!
Edwards/Obama in 2008!
Anyway, good thing he is out of there. He wasnt going anywhere.
I still applaud you of your honesty.
Say it ain't so. He was the only candidate worth voting for. See you in four.
will he endorse anyone?
Obama here we go!!!
Come on Dennis – endorse John Edwards!
Even though this has nothing to do with Hillary Clinton, I can predict there will be comments from the Obama supporters trashing her.
Good... The UFO is ready to fly.
Was he ever really in the race?
So long Pocketmaster. You will be missed.
-Stephen T. Colbert (what he would have said)
LOL – like that is breaking news...or shocker
kucinich make sure you endorse obama, he can carry on the mantle for you buddy!
It's about time! Now if only Gravel would do the same....
Is anyone surprised?