Kucinich to drop out of Democratic race

CLEVELAND, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, said Thursday he is abandoning his bid to be the Democratic party's presidential nominee.

Kucinich will make an official announcement Friday in Cleveland, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported.

He said he would not endorse another Democrat in the primary.

Kucinich, who represents western Cleveland and suburbs such as Parma and Cuyahoga Heights, is seeking a seventh term in the House. The House of Representatives race has drawn four opponents.

The presidential long shot said he was dropping out the race for practical reasons.

"When I didn't get into that debate in Nevada, it really made it difficult," he said.

Kucinich said he was proud of his performance early on, adding he believed he was a positive influence.

"I've been able to represent the aspirations of people in this community, and communities like it across the country on health care, peace, for jobs," he told the Plain Dealer. "There is a point at which you just realize ... that it isn't going to happen and you move on."