Why Kucinich Dropped Out Now - The Fix

Why Kucinich Dropped Out Now - The Fix: "washingtonpost.com's Politics Blog" Why Kucinich Dropped Out Now Rep. Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) brought his quixotic bid for the Democratic presidential nomination to a close Thursday afternoon, citing his recent exclusion from a debate in Nevada and a desire to continue to serve in Congress as the main reasons behind his decision. "There is a point at which you just realize that you, look, you accept it, that it isn't going to happen and you move on," Kucinich said in an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He is expected to make a formal announcement tomorrow. Kucinich was never a real factor in the Democratic race. But his strong opposition to the war and his impassioned -- and often effective -- performances at debates gave voice to the party's most liberal elements. Why would Kucinich leave the presidential race now? The answer lies in his own backyard , where a serious primary challenge is brewing and Kucinich's presidential ambitions have become part of the race. Unlike in years past, when Kucinich easily beat back primary challenges (he won 76 percent in 2006 despite the Plain Dealer endorsing his opponent), Kucinich is in for a real fight this time in the person of Cleveland City Councilor Joe Cimperman, who has already won the endorsement of the mayor of Cleveland. Cimperman hit the Cleveland airwaves recently with an ad that bashes Kucinich for missing more votes than any other member of Congress. Wow. Any ad that includes the line "You are so fired" is a winner in our book. With trouble back home, Kucinich likely saw ending his long-shot presidential bid as the easiest way to put himself in position to win a sixth term. The primary is set for March 4. By Chris Cillizza January 24, 2008; 5:10 PM ET