Democratic congressman plans another presidential bid

Monday, December 11th 2006, 3:21 pm

By: News On 6

CLEVELAND (AP) Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2004, said Monday he is planning to run again because his party isn't pushing hard enough to end the war in Iraq.

In a statement, Kucinich said he plans to formally announce his candidacy for 2008 on Tuesday at City Hall, where he served as mayor of his hometown in the 1970s.

The liberal, anti-war congressman said he was inspired to run because he disagrees with the way some of his fellow Democrats are handling the war in Iraq, including approval of a proposal to spend $160 billion more on the conflict.

``Democrats were swept into power on November 7th because of widespread voter discontent with the war in Iraq,'' said the Ohio lawmaker. ``Instead of heeding those concerns and responding with a strong and immediate change in polices and direction, the Democratic congressional leadership seems inclined to continue funding the perpetuation of the war.''

The anti-war message was also the cornerstone of Kucinich's 2004 bid, which drew support from some Hollywood celebrities.

He was re-elected last month to a sixth term in the House.

His previous presidential proposals have included a national peace department and a single-payer, universal health care system.