On Thursday, March 26, “a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D,OH) against Phoenix Books and Audio, Inc. in Los Angeles Superior Court,” reported FishbowlDC, a mediabistro.com blog.

Kucinich penned an autobiography titled The Courage to Survive, and planned to have the book’s release accompany his 2008 presidential campaign. The Congressman has come forward now, claiming that Phoenix Books did not hold up their end of the bargain.

According to FishbowlDC, Allegations contained in the suit include:

Phoenix has not released any proceeds from the publication, sale, or distribution of the autobiography and refuses to provide the congressman with an accounting of books sold.The publisher made negligible effort to promote the book, with scarce distribution – then did virtually nothing after.

Kucinich appeared on a number of television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to promote his book, only to later discover that Phoenix was not prepared to distribute the book for sale.

The suit seeks judgment for compensatory damages, interest on the undetermined amount, the cost of the congressman’s legal and accounting fees and any further relief the Court deems just and proper.”

Like many politicians, it seems Kucinich is no stranger to lawsuits. He announced in December 2006 that he planned to seek the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, but withdrew his bid late January 2008, after low support showings in the caucuses and polls.

But before Kucinich stepped out of the race, he sued NBC-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada over his exclusion in a televised MSNBC debate that included Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama. Although Kucinich was originally invited to participate, that gesture was later rescinded.

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