Kucinich to pursue v.p.'s impeachment

CLEVELAND — Rep. Dennis Kucinich, a vocal critic of the Bush administration's war in Iraq, plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney today.

Kucinich, a Democrat who is again running for president, said Monday that he will hold a news conference in Washington to discuss his bid to oust Cheney. Kucinich spokeswoman Natalie Laber declined further comment.

Under the House impeachment process, Kucinich's articles would be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee, which would decide whether to conduct an impeachment inquiry. The committee would seek authority from the entire House before beginning an inquiry.

Cheney spokeswoman Megan McGinn responded to Kucinich's announcement by saying that the vice president has served the nation honorably for almost 40 years.

"The vice president is focused on the serious issues facing our nation," McGinn said.

On his campaign Web site, Kucinich questions whether the Bush administration's aggressive actions toward Iran already have raised concerns over impeachment.

"So I'm asking you, what do you think? Do you think it's time?" Kucinich asks.