Rep. Frank backs Kucinich in Ohio primary showdown

Rep. Barney Frank is wading into a contentious intraparty battle in Ohio, backing Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) over Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D).

Kucinich and Kaptur were drawn into the same district by a new congressional map enacted by the GOP-controlled legislature in 2011 and will square off in a primary to determine who will have a chance to keep his or her seat in the House.

Kucinich announced the support of Frank, who is retiring at the end of the year, in a fundraising pitch to supporters Thursday.

"I have worked with Congressman Frank for fifteen years to challenge out-of-control military spending and to create an American economy which is focused on taking care of things here at home," Kucinich wrote. "Congressman Frank and I have worked side by side to endeavor to bring an end to discrimination of all kinds, including those which are based on sexual orientation and gender identity."

Most Democrats have steered clear of getting in the middle of the fight between Kucinich and Kaptur, two longtime colleagues and friends who are now pitted directly against each other. But Frank's decision not to run for reelection lessens the potential consequences of kicking up a little dust.

A spokesman for Frank said he was unsure why Frank had decided to weigh in on the primary, and the congressman was unavailable for comment.

The endorsement came the same day as another major announcement for Frank; The 16-term congressman announced Thursday that he and his longtime partner, Jim Ready, plan to marry in Massachusetts, one of six states (plus the District of Columbia) that permit gay marriage.

— This post was updated at 3:09 p.m.