Kevorkian Plans Congressional Run
Associated Press
March 12, 2008
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) – Assisted suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian says he
plans to run for Congress.
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
2 1/2 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."