AP File photo

Dennis Kucinich, Rep. Ohio (D) and Democrat presidential candidate. Aug. 28, 2007.

CLEVELAND - Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is abandoning his second bid for the White House.

In an interview with Cleveland's Plain Dealer, the six-term congressman said he was quitting the race and would make a formal announcement on Friday.

"I will be announcing that I'm transiting out of the presidential campaign," Kucinich said. "I'm making that announcement tomorrow about a new direction."

Kucinich, who was elected to the House in 1996, faces a tough race for re-election.

Kucinich, 61, was making his second bid for his party's nomination; he sought the nod in 2004. He registers in low single digits in polls and has raised little money for what is considered another long-shot run. Kucinich, who is known for his liberal views, has attracted a devoted following.

His decision comes a month after his youngest brother, Perry Kucinich, was found dead.

Kucinich said he will not endorse another Democrat in the primary.