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
At least this guy is honest. I think there is noting wrong with what he does. How would you like to be in a serious amount of pain and know that you are going to die, but you have to wait it out. In this day and age it crazy that people don't get to chose when they want to die and how. I am sure if you were in their shoes you would feel differently. How about go work in hospice for a few days and see how those people feel. It's a shame there are still so many ignorant people on this planet.
I would vote for him in two seconds, at least he is honest. 99% of our politicans are more shady than a tree.
Another sociopath in the Congress!! not bad.
I can imagine a role for Jack Kevorkian in Congress - Where do we need euthanasia more than in our legislature?
yeah he can be McCain's running mate
I think that he should run for congress, along with Ralph Nader. How could politics get any worse? Kevorkian and Nader would probably be the only up front people in congress. He has my vote.
I think that Kevorkian should run for congress. He would be the only up front person in congress. However, he would probably be run out like Spitzer just was. Believe me, that was a real railroading there, if there ever was one.
Sure why not. Let the voters in Michigan decide whether they want him as a representative or not.
how stupid is this. he can't run. he has a criminal record. end of story. and you smart college kids are going to support him. get a life!
Looks like Kevorkian's congressional bid is on life support. On the other hand, perhaps with his expertise he can serve his country well as a Member of Congress.
go jack! i would vote for you if i could! this is great news!
at least we know what he is about
Considering the band of crooks, liars, and sexual deviants who already inhabit Washington, I think Mr. Kavorkian will do just fine.
At least "Dr. Death" has been known to tell the truth once in awhile...
Hahah, half of you people seem to think he's running for president. Do you even know how to read?
He has helped people see the LIGHT and wants CHANGE. YES HE CAN! Obama/Jack 08!
Amazing...the readers here are unable to grasp the concept of somebody running for political office other than the presidency.
BONNIE
Please tell me just what other crazy things those Michiganders do.
K E V O R K I A N, NOW GOING FROM HOSPITALS TO POLITICS, IN FULL EXERCISE OF HIS RESOURCES, SHOULD ADVISE H I L L A R Y HOW TO BRING TO A PEACEFUL AND RAPID END HER PATIENT, MEANING HER CAMPAIGN.
TOM
How old is Jack anyway? He should just be happy if he can live long enough to get 3,000 votes. Better check the names on those ballots, some could be old patients of his.
Oh good! Dr. Kevorkian is running for Congress! He'll be sure to bring in the homicide vote. What's so bad about a psychopathic doctor in Congress? It worked so well for Bill Frist!
It is NOT against the law for felons to run for office, nor is it illegal in all states for felons to vote, sorry guys that is the way of the world, the Constitution said nothing on this subject.
As for the man himself, there are those that feel the sanctity of life is something that should be controlled by society and those that feel it should be controlled by individuals. I agree that the sanctity of life (in a general sense) is societies business but the sanctity of MY life is MY decision and if I wish to end it for what ever reason I should ahve that option. remember a few years ago in most states you could get a life prison term for attempting suicide his actions are one of the things that changed that, I respect the man and have signed his petition
Convicted felons may run for Congress. Though some states have laws prohibiting felons from running for political office, those restrictions can only apply to state and local candidates. The Supreme Court has ruled that the U.S. Constitution’s list of qualifications for Congressional candidates is exhaustive. States may not add to it.
The sole requirements to run for a U.S. House seat are:
1. Be at least 25 years old.
2. Have been a citizen of the United States for at least 7 years.
3. At the time of your election, be an inhabitant of the state from which you are elected.
Shouldn't he run as a Republican? Vote for me or die!
So... I'm guessing he's pro-choice then??
Too bad he's not running in Chicago; they let dead people vote there!
Someone give him back his meds.