I wanted to personally email you, before you heard it in the press, that I will not be a candidate for Congress in 2012. As you can imagine, with all the dysfunction in the Congress today, this was not an easy decision.
A combination of factors led me to this conclusion — the joy I've found in re-connecting with my family, especially our three little grandsons; the difference I'm making as national co-chair of the BlueGreen Alliance Jobs 21! campaign; and Republican Congressional redistricting that removes my hometown of Battle Creek from my old Congressional district.
I'm incredibly proud of the public service work I've been a part of in Lansing and in Congress since 1996. Public service is in my blood, and making things better for children, families, communities, and small businesses is what I enjoy most.
Can't say as I blame him. He would have had to move to try again in the 7th, or try and run in the GR area, which is going to cost a slight fortune...
Governor 2014. That was my first choice anyway, even if it wasn't his. ;-)
Where does that leave the 3rd? I ran into Pat Miles at the Hollyhock Parade on the 4th, and he said he was considering another run. I believe it's very winnable for the Dems - IF they put in the resources (read: people and $$). Amash is too extreme for this moderate area, and his voting record will show it.
Will the Dems commit? We will see.