I can’t believe it, Dennis Kucinich has actually dropped his presidential campaign to focus on his Congressional campaign. The official announcement comes tomorrow, but the Cleveland Plain Dealer broke the story with a video posted on their website.

Here’s a statement from Rosemary Palmer, one of the Democrats mounting a primary challenge to Kucinich.

As the Democratic Presidential primary campaign continues, I applaud Congressman Dennis Kucinich for his decision to step aside and let the voters choose between the three remaining candidates for our party’s nomination. While others cite his frequent presidential runs as their main motivation for entering the race for Congress, Mr. Kucinich’s move today will not affect my decision to vigorously challenge him for the position he currently holds.

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. On issues of job creation, health care, the environment, and the Iraq War, Mr. Kucinich often talks a good game but seldom delivers. The 10th Congressional District, and the entire Northeast Ohio region, need someone who less interested in making points and more interested in making change. I feel I best represent that change and welcome the opportunity to debate Mr. Kucinch and make my case to the voters over the next five weeks.

– Rosemary Palmer

In related news, fellow Democratic congressional candidate Rosemary Palmer will be campaigning with Weirauch this Saturday, just days before the 12/11 special election.

You can read the Barack Obama email after the jump.

Dear [NAME],

In less than a week you can make a difference in Ohio and in Washington, DC.

Next Tuesday, there’s a special election for Congress in Ohio’s 5th District, a traditionally Republican stronghold that is within reach for Democrats thanks to a strong candidate, Robin Weirauch.

It’s a tough race, but if we’re going to change this country, we have to be ready to stand up for our principles everywhere. Because when we do, we win.

There’s no time to waste — here’s what you can do:

– Call Obama supporters in the 5th District to remind them to vote, and ask them to volunteer locally:

http://my.barackobama.com/callohio5

– Donate to Robin Weirauch’s campaign via ActBlue.com:

https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/18381

– Volunteer to contact voters in the district as part of the campaign’s virtual phone bank from across Ohio; to participate, send an email to phonebank4robin@gmail.com

One of the most inspiring things about the movement we’ve created together is that it’s bigger than a presidential campaign.

We’ve brought new people into the political process, and we’re proving a new model of grassroots campaigning that will impact races up and down the ballot for a generation.

Right now, you have the opportunity to make a difference — to shape this election in Ohio’s 5th District, to strengthen our party, and to build the broader movement for change.

Please join us in taking action.

Thank you,

Barack

During yesterday’s roll call vote on the Iraq War funding bill tied to troop withdrawals Dennis Kucinich voted against it.  Once again we have a case of a bill not going far enough for Kucinich. Seriously the man needs to learn that even a small step in the right direction is better than nothing. 

His primary opponent, Rosemary Palmer, gets this.  She’s put out at another press release slamming Kucinich for is his inability to work well with others.  She’s also announced a press conference (which is open to the public) where she will announce her ” non-partisan plan” to bring our troops home from Iraq.

Also from the Palmer campaign comes yet another witty video:

Dennis Kucinich finally succeeded in bringing an impeachment resolution against to Dick Cheney to the House floor where it was quickly tabled. Well almost…

After initially supporting shelving the bill, House Republicans quickly changed their position after realizing that debating such a measure might put Democrats in a tough situation. Should the vote to support the resolution they would alienate Republicans and moderates. If they vote against the measure they risk losing support from the the far left.

Thankfully the bill was sent to the judiciary panel, effectively ending floor debate.

Like it or not, Dick Cheney’s punishment is in the hands of the historians. This stunt that Kucinich pulled would only have served to further divide an already polarized nation. Dennis needs to grow up and stop thinking only of what will grab him headlines, especially when his actions work against his goals.

Rosemary Palmer, who’s running a primary campaign against Kucinich, put out a statement today chiding Dennis for his actions. You can read it after the jump.

The idea of impeaching those responsible for an unnecessary war is certainly enticing, especially for those of us who have lost loved ones in Iraq.  Impeachment would serve as retribution to those who have led the United States into a quagmire that has cost the lives of perhaps half a million people.  But as a Gold Star Mother, I believe it is a waste of time. 

Any move to impeach the Vice President or President at this late stage of their term is an exercise in futility.  The Bush Administration is the lamest of ducks.  We know it and, no doubt, they know it too.  But more important, impeachment would waste the time needed to address the challenges facing the United States and the 10th Congressional District.

I believe that the American people want Congress to spend its energies on economic development, job creation, education and the environment.  I believe the American people want Congress to work on solving the crisis in health insurance coverage, education and public infrastructure.  And I believe the American people expect Congress to get our troops out of Iraq.

Our country is in dire need of solutions to extremely pressing problems.  We have people out of work, out of health insurance, losing pensions, losing homes, and, worst of all, losing hope.  It is important that Congress act to achieve a better tomorrow rather than reproach the mistakes of yesterday. 

It is time to see the Bush Administration for what it is – running out of time and into the history books.  It is time to get to work reinventing Cleveland.  It is time to give hope back to the citizens of Northeast Ohio.

– Rosemary Palmer