Apparently, Jack Kevorkian is thinking about running for Congress:
Assisted suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian, who spent eight years in prison for second-degree murder, says he’s running for Congress.
Kevorkian, who will be 80 years old in May, picked up petitions from the Oakland County Clerk’s Office on Tuesday to run as a candidate with no party affiliation.
“I plan to,” Kevorkian said Tuesday afternoon. “I wouldn’t do this otherwise. We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt government in Washington.”
Kevorkian said he would have more to say about his candidacy next week. “Everything’s in a formative stage,” he said.
Kevorkian, a Pontiac native now living in south Oakland County, will have to gather a minimum of 3,000 signatures on nominating petitions by July 17 to appear as an independent on the November ballot, the Michigan Secretary of State’s office said.
He lives in the 9th Congressional District. The seat is held by eightterm incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills. Democrats currently filed to run include former Michigan Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters.
And, in case you’re wondering, yes he can run for office:
Michigan law doesn’t prevent Kevorkian from running for office, or from voting, now that he’s been released from prison.
Kevorkian was sentenced to 10 to 25 years for seconddegree murder April 13, 1999, for the assisted suicide death of Thomas Youk, which he filmed and which was broadcast on national TV.
He was paroled June 1 last year and remains on parole until June 1, 2009, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Oakland County Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca, whose office was responsible for sending Kevorkian to prison, was dismissive of Kevorkian’s candidacy.
“I would place Jack Kevorkian’s candidacy in the same ranking with (Texas U.S. Rep.) Ron Paul’s (presidential run),” Gorcyca said.
“It’s probably more of a publicity stunt. 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.”
Yea, but if I was some of the geezers in Congress, I’d be hoping and praying that Gorcyca is right.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
What a cheap shot at Ron Paul.
March 26th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Dr. K for congress — YES! He says what he means and means what he says. He is far more compassionate and respectful of the human condition than your typical elected official in government today.