Jack Kevorkian, the physician known as “Dr. Death” for his work helping terminally ill patients commit suicide, told a local newspaper this week that he is running for Congress as an Independent. Kevorkian was released from prison last year after serving eight years for second-degree murder.

Kevorkian told the Oakland Press that he plans to run as he picked up petitions from the local clerk’s office Tuesday.

“I plan to,” he told the paper. “I wouldn’t do this otherwise. We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt government in Washington.”

Michigan law does not impede Kevorkian’s bid or vote because he has been released from prison, according to the report.

However an independent candidacy like his introduces an unpredictable element into the nationally targeted race.

Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R) took only 52 percent of the vote in 2006 against a poorly-funded challenger — his lowest re-election percentage in all eight of his campaigns. Seizing on what they believe is a good pickup opportunity, Democrats have put up former state Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters (D) to run against Knollenberg.

The district is marginally Republican, choosing President Bush with 51 percent of the vote in both 2000 and 2004.
— Shira Toeplitz