Kucinich settles lawsuit against cafeteria

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) said Friday that he'd settled his lawsuit against the congressional cafeteria for dental damage he sustained after biting into an olive pit.

Kucinich wrote on his website that he'd settled his suit, the terms of which were confidential, and sought to explain the situation leading him to sue for $150,000 earlier this week.

"Though I would prefer to focus your attention on my work dealing with the profoundly important issues that face our nation, such as job creation, getting the economy back on track, and ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq — it seems that some are more interested in discussing my personal dental issues," Kucinich wrote.

Kucinich said that when he bit into an unpitted olive contained in a wrap sold at the congressional cafeteria, it split a tooth of his in half, through the crown and tooth. The broken tooth became infected, prompting its removal and the insertion of an implant. This implant failed, the Ohio Democrat wrote, and he had to have a second implant placed, which, he said, meant his bridgework "had to be completely reconfigured," which involved six replacement teeth.

"To clarify, no dental expenses were covered by any health plan, nor did I have dental insurance that covered the injury, which, until it was resolved, affected my ability to chew food properly," he wrote, explaining why he sought recompense.

Kucinich said that because of the lawsuit, he had not commented to the media. He added that he planned no further comment on the matter.