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D.C. Hunger Striker Hits 3-Week Mark

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An artist who's starving himself for District of Columbia voting rights in Congress has hit the three-week mark on his hunger strike.

Adrian Parsons says he's lost 25 pounds off his already-thin 6-foot frame since the strike began. He says doctors have told him there's some stress on his kidneys, but he remains in reasonably good health and he's optimistic that he can keep going.

Parsons, 29, has consumed only electrolyte-enhanced water and vitamins since Dec. 8. He's staying in a church near the Occupy D.C. encampment in McPherson Square, where he and three other young men began their fasts. The other three have since dropped out.

Parsons is urging Congress to take action toward giving the district representation and greater control over its budget and laws.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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