(CNN) - Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio lost his bid for re-election in the state's Democratic primary Tuesday night to fellow longtime House Democrat Marcy Kaptur, CNN projects.
The two veteran lawmakers were drawn into the same district this cycle after a heated redistricting battle that followed the loss of two Congressional seats in the state.
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Kaptur, now in her 15th term, is the longest serving woman in the House of Representatives. Kucinich's 10th congressional district was eliminated and merged with Kaptur's 9th district.
In a statement Tuesday night, Kaptur thanked her opponent for "his spirited debate."
"I look forward to bringing jobs to the region and strengthening the economy of northern Ohio, from Cleveland to Lorain, Sandusky, Port Clinton, and Toledo," Kaptur continued.
According to her campaign aide, she had not received a call from Kucinich conceding, as of the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Kucinich, an eight-term congressman, had considered running in a different district-even one outside of Ohio state lines-but decided in September to stay put in the northern edge of the state.
- CNN's Ashley Killough and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report.
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A shame. Dennis was the only voice from government that challenged the 2003 war in Iraq because he knew there were no WMDs, as did anyone who bothered to read the UN weapon inspectors reports.
maybe he can Crazy Uncle Pauls Vice President Carzy Uncle Dennis
Sad. One of the true champions of peace.
15 terms and 8 terms? Being an elected official isn't supposed to be a career field.
The American middle class lost a very good representative in Kucinich. I hope he decides of run in another area of the state, if not, I would like to say good luck and thank you for years of service to your country and standing up for what is right. They may have won this battle but they will lose the war.
Yup, just another way republicans suppress the will of the voters: by developing spagetti like redistricting maps that heap Dem voters in larger and larger districts. Here they "merged" two to eliminate representation for voters. Meanwhile they create new districts in wingnut areas so no every 1000 wingnuts get their own tea party congressperson.
One of the last few sane members of Congress is knocked out. I think we need all future politicians to have science degrees, or the US is going to be another Columbia.
Sad day. Redistricting= GOP vote rigging.
He was kind of a nut, wasn't he?
Dennis Kucinich will be sorely missed. He has been a voice standing up for liberal values. His stand on wars have proven correct. I hope that he finds another public venue to continue fighting for the 99%.
In a word: suck$ He was the only Dem with the cohones to actually draw up an impeachment of Dubba. Of course, the far-right "anti-Commynist" Reps are dancing in the streets.
Great news for the country!
Kucinich may have been a troll doll, but he generally made good sense when he spoke. He was an intelligent senator and one who I believe tried to do the right thing. It speaks very poorly of the state of Ohio that Kucinich lost his seat and Joe the stinkin plumber won.
Kucinich was too outspoken for the party. Dems and Repubs want members who will be quiet and go along with their agendas (specifically protecting their big donor interests) and unfortunatly, Mr. Kucinich was pragmatic and had an outspoken opinion on matters that shaped America. I for one will miss his presence.
That's kind of a shame. Congress could use more people like Denis Kucinich.
What ashame. Planet Kucinch is one of the last Congressmen still willing to "stick it" to the man. Who else who would be willing to sue to the government for pain and suffering when cracking a tooth while eating food in the House cafeteria. His spirit will be sorely missed in his old district.