Rogers Will Not Seek Re-Election; Heading to RadioRogers Will Not Seek Re-Election; Heading to Radio

3/28/14 - Seven-term Republican Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell says he won't seek re-election. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee announced his plans this morning, telling WHMI that he'll serve out the end of his term and then start in January as a nationally syndicated radio show host at Cumulus Radio. When asked if the move was the first step towards a bid for the White House in 2016, Rogers said he “would never say never,” but was focused on finishing out his current term and then beginning a new chapter in his life. The 50-year-old Rogers, who was elected to Michigan's 8th District in 2000, has been a frequent critic of the Obama Administration during many appearances on Sunday morning talk shows. However, he’s also formed a good relationship with Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee. The pair recently offered legislation ending NSA bulk collection program for phone calls and other agency reforms, which Rogers says will be his focus during his final months in office. The youngest of five sons, Rogers graduated from Adrian College in 1985, served as an officer in U.S. Army and then became an FBI agent before winning a seat in the Michigan Senate in 1995, rising to majority floor leader in 1999. He ran for the first of his seven terms in Congress the following year. The announcement caught many by surprise and it has already sparked interest from a large field of possible candidates, including Republican State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township who says it’s a tough decision that will require careful consideration and some in-depth discussion with his wife, family, campaign crew and others. Hune told WHMI Congress is a different level with much different problems and not something he really aspired to do but it’s also a new opportunity that’s difficult to pass up. His complete statement is attached below. Other Republicans mentioned as possible candidates include the Congressman’s brother, State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township, although he has not made any formal announcement along with former state Senate majority leader Mike Bishop, former state GOP chairman Saul Anuzis and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. On the Democratic side, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum is considered a potential candidate. (JK/JM)