Kucinich to endorse Kerry

Kucinich to endorse Kerry
Ohio congressman to speak at convention in Boston

(CNN) -- With the Democratic National Convention set to begin next week, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich on Thursday will announce his support for Sen. John Kerry as the party's presidential candidate, representatives for both Democrats said.

The congressman from Ohio sought the nomination but never drew enough support to be considered.

"We are very pleased he made the decision," Kerry spokeswoman Allison Dobson said.

Another Democratic official praised Kucinich's decision as well as the timing of his announcement, which will occur in Detroit, Michigan.

"Not only does this clear the Democratic field with the convention days away, but it gives Kerry another bridge to organized labor in Ohio," the official said.

Kerry will receive the party's official nomination at the convention in Boston, Massachusetts, which gets under way Monday.

Kucinich is scheduled to speak at the convention Wednesday.

CNN's Steve Brusk contributed to this report.