CLEVELAND, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich formally left the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Friday saying he's concentrating on keeping his U.S. House seat.
Kucinich, 61, wouldn't say what influence his re-election bid in a tight race had on his decision to drop out of the presidential sweepstakes, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.
Announcing his departure, Kucinich said he "deeply and sincerely believed we fought the good fight."
While he was trying to drum up support nationally, four people filed to fill his congressional seat.
His chief rival is Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman, who campaigned for Kucinich two years ago.
Challenger Rosemary Palmer, who also supported Kucinich's 2006 re-election, said in a prepared statement, "I entered this race in June because I did not feel he was focused on the job, nor able to effect the change we so desperately need."
North Olmsted Mayor Thomas O'Grady said he may drop his bid now that Kucinich has re-focused on the House race.
Barbara Ferris, crushed by Kucinich two years ago, said she wasn't impressed by the congressman's record.
"He was unable to achieve anything running for president, he was unable to achieve in 11 years in Congress," she said.
