Kevorkian to run for office
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/03/12/art.kevorkian.gi.jpg caption="Kevorkian is planning a bid for Congress."](CNN) - Jack Kevorkian, the assisted suicide advocate currently on parole from prison, is planning a run for Congress, a Detroit newspaper reported Wednesday.
According to the Oakland Press, Kevorkian is planning to mount an independent bid in Michigan's 9th District seat currently occupied by Republican Joe Knollenberg.
"We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt government in Washington," Kevorkian told the paper. He also said his plans are in the "formative stage" and he would make a formal announcement next week.
Nate Bailey, a spokesman for Knollenberg, told CNN "the congressman is working on turning Michigan’s economy around and bringing jobs to Oakland County...He’s focused on working for the people of Oakland County, not on politics."
The one-time pathologist needs to gather 3,000 signatures in order to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate.
Kevorkian has said he has helped well over 100 people die during the 1990s. In 1998, he was formally convicted on second degree homicide for assisting in the death of Thomas Youk, who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease.
He was released from prison on parole in June.
Oakland County Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca, who was responsible for sending Kevorkian to jail, told the paper he thinks the candidacy is merely a "publicity stunt."
CNN has been unable to get a comment from Kevorkian.
- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Thanks Jack maybe now we can get something done in Congress.
I thought he was dead.
Ironically, any Congressman lining themselves up with him would be commiting political suicide.
I'd vote for him!
Can a person who is actively on parole hold public office? I guess it doesn't matter really. The man has no chance of winning an election.
I think he could help 100's of people in the current administration who suffer from G. Bush's desease.
I didn't think an ex-con could run for office?
Seeing as how this is Michigan, the place where the people of Detroit voted Kwame Kilpatrick back into office and still have not forced him to resign after he has committed perjury and stolen hundreds of thousands of taxpayers dollars, there are going to be more than a few morons who vote for this guy....
The prosecutor believes this to be a publicity stunt, however, couldn't the same have been said about the prosecutor and his initial prosecution of Dr. Kevorkian?
Good i am for you your for change, sound like obama
I will support you Jack you are a good man 🙂 You got my vote.
Now I have seen everything...
Oh my goodness. Maybe he could have gotten some signatures from those he aided. If they were alive today, that is, LOL.
Quick Question...I know that second degree murder is a felony and in most states felons cannot vote, but I did not know that they were allowed to run for office. Is it ok as long as they do not vote for themselves?
This would be the perfect VP candidate for Hillary Clinton.
Hilliary ran, why can't he.
And he will probably win since there are more people in our prison system, his buddies, than out in the free world... plain dumb!
Good grief, first Nader, now this.
Good he can Run as Hillary's VP!!!! that is the whole package!!! Remember the suicides arround the Clintons?????
ROFLMAO! You guys kill me!!!11!!one! LOL
Dr. Jack would be a perfect addition to the Clinton campaign, since it is near the end anyway and needs to die a death with dignity very soon.
Dear Dr. Death,
You have the freedom and right to contest elections. And I am sure there are lots of people suffering and may want to end their lives but since you can't give them a life, you do not have right to take away their life. Hope you realize this someday.
Heh, this guy kills me!
Is he still alive?
Knollenberg is working on turning Michigan's economy around? Where are the Jobs in Oakland county or any other county in Michigan?
New blood in the seat that's stale might be good.