Assisted suicide advocate Kevorkian plans to run for Congress in Michigan

Jack Kevorkian, who was known as "Dr Death" for allegedly assisting in the suicides, has been 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.

Kevorkian, 79, said he plans to run without party affiliation for the 9th District seat in Michigan 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 dozens of people kill themselves 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 and said it was "probably more of a publicity stunt."

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