Between Amash's decidedly libertarian leanings that do not represent the moderate Grand Rapids area (or Battle Creek for that matter), and the hopes of higher Dem turnout in a presidential election year, I believe Pat Miles would have had a good shot at this seat. (Some D's complained that he was too centrist, but please, people, this is Grand Rapids we are talking about here.)
And I have zero idea on who might step up now. After all, give me a name (besides Schauer) that can pull off this:
“My campaign in 2010 cost about $1 million,” said Miles, who lost to Amash by a 3-2 margin. “I would estimate that an effective congressional campaign as a challenger in 2012 would probably be twice that.”
I'm guessing more, if Amash and his corporate owners (read:
Anyone? Anyone want to represent the 99% in the 3rd? Come on down...