Kevorkian plans to run for Congress
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) - March 12, 2008 Kevorkian is on parole since his release from prison last year
after serving the minimum of a term for second-degree murder in one
man's death.
He said he plans to run without party affiliation for the 9th
District seat now held by Republican Joe Knollenberg, who is
running for re-election, The Oakland Press reported Wednesday.
"We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt
government in Washington," Kevorkian said. He said he would say
more about his candidacy next week.
The retired pathologist claims to have helped at least 130
people die from 1990 until 1998 - the year he was charged in the
death of Thomas Youk, a 52-year-old man with Lou Gehrig's disease.
Kevorkian has promised not to help in any other assisted suicides
and could go back to prison if he did.
Kevorkian needs to gather a minimum of 3,000 signatures on
nominating petitions to appear as an independent on the November
ballot.
There was no immediate response Wednesday to a seeking comment
from Kevorkian's attorney, Mayer Morganroth.
Kevorkian was released from prison in June after serving the
minimum of his 10- to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder in
Youk's death. He earned time off for good behavior and spent eight
years and 2½ months behind bars.
Oakland County Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca, whose office was
responsible for sending Kevorkian to prison, did not give
Kevorkian's candidacy much weight.
"It's probably more of a publicity stunt," Gorcyca said. "To
call attention to himself is standard protocol for Jack when he
doesn't have the limelight focused on him. I would not consider his
candidacy to be a legitimate one."