Sources on Capitol Hill say the exodus among House Republicans is not likely to stop there and the next lawmaker who will say he is not running will probably be Rep. Vern Ehlers (R.-Mich.), who has so far done almost no fund-raising for ’08.Ehlers represents Michigan's third district, which includes most of Kent County and all of Barry and Ionia counties. The district is heavily Republican, voting about 60% Republican for President.
There is a long list of potential Republican candidates. It includes state senators Bill Hardiman and Mark Jansen, former senate majority leader Ken Sikkema, former lieutenant governor Dick Posthumus, Kent County officials, and many current and former state representatives. Republican heavyweights Dick Devos and Terri Land live in the district, but they probably have their hearts set on higher office.
The Democrats' best candidate would probably be Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, if they can get him.
Ehlers is a moderate Republican with a lifetime ACU rating of 70%. His retirement would be an opportunity for conservatives to gain in Congress.
Almost 15% of house Republicans are retiring in 2008.
1 comment:
Heartwell? If he runs for Congress will he promise to leave Grand Rapids? Please?
Actually, it might be a whole lot scarier to have that cat in DC.
--Nick
www.RightMichigan.com
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