Ehlers Makes Retirement Official
Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) made it official this a.m., announcing his retirement in Grand Rapids after 8 terms in office.
"While I regret leaving when so much more needs to be done, I know it is time for me to step down," Ehlers said in a statement. "I am in good health, but I recognize that I should complete this chapter of my life."
Contrary to suggestions that his wife's recent "mild" heart attack made him consider retiring, Ehlers told WOOD-TV she's "doing well" and denied that the issue is the reason he's retiring.
As we've written before, the CD appears competitive, given that it gave Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) a slim 49% victory in '08. But with the wind at its back, both nationally and in MI, the GOP should have a big advantage in holding this open seat.
Several GOP candidates have been mentioned as potential candidates, including Sec/State/LG cand. Terri Lynn Land (R), '02 GOV nominee Dick Posthumus (R), state Sens. Mark Jansen and Bill Hardimann (R). State Rep. Justin Amash (R) entered the race on 2/9.
The Grand Rapids Press lists ex-state House Speaker pro tem Mike Sak (D) and ex-state Rep. Steve Pestka (D) as potential candidates, but the Dem bench is much thinner than the potential GOP slate.