U.S. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, D-Ohio, is said to be throwing his support behind state Sen. Clayton Hee in the Hawai'i 2nd Congressional District race.

Hee said he received a call from the former presidential candidate last night thanking him for his strong stance against the war in Iraq and supporting his plan to create a federal department of peace and nonviolence.

Kucinich gave "a strong note of encouragement" to him, Hee said, and "wished me good luck" in tomorrow's 10-person Democratic primary.

"I consider this a strong showing of support for my candidacy," Hee said.

Kucinich campaigned in Hawai'i last month in support of of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka.

Hee said he will make an announcement of Kucinich's support at a press conference this morning at the state Capitol.