Cleveland Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich has withdrawn as keynote speaker for a Democratic Party fundraising dinner in Palm Beach County, Florida, after several elected officials said they objected to his positions on Israel. Kucinich has frequently criticized the Israeli government, and his views have sometimes upset Jewish leaders in Northeast Ohio.

The Palm Beach Post newspaper reported that Kucinich emailed the county chairman to cancel his speech, saying he didn't want controversy over his appearance to harm the party's fundraising efforts. His email said he "has always defended Israel's right to survive and its right to defend itself. I believe in peace and have worked towards it my entire life."

It continued: "I regret your officials never spoke to me because perhaps they would understand why despite taking a more independent voting path in Congress, I have still maintained close friendships and working relationships with members of Congress who are indentified as Israel’s strongest supporters. They know that when I speak out on matters in the Middle East, I come from an understanding of the importance of addressing the security and economic concern of all parties. We achieve understanding and peaceful relationships through communication."