3/29/14 - After Fridayâs news that Howell Congressman Mike Rogers would be stepping down at the end of his current term to become a nationally syndicated radio show host, thereâs been a lot of buzz about who will be seeking the open seat and one political analyst says itâs looking like a good Republican year. Susan Demas is the publisher of Inside Michigan Politics and says the announcement definitely came as a surprise and caught a lot of people off guard, especially with Rogers being at what many would call the peak of his career. Demas says the 8th Congressional District is considered 54% Republican. She tells WHMI given the places of power in the district and with Livingston County being very conservative along with northern Oakland County; she feels 2014 will be an uphill battle for Democrats. Demas pointed to State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township as a good Republican candidate with a conservative record, noting that he was named Inside Politics 2013 Most Conservative Senator of the Year and that he would likely be able to raise the money for a run. He told WHMI he's giving it careful consideration. Thereâs been a lot of speculation about State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township entering the race, who Demas says would bring a great family name. However, in speaking with WHMI Saturday morning, Rogers expressed a desire to continue his work at the state level and remain a part of the Michigan delegation when his term ends â whether that be a role within administration, a state department or a possible Senate run should Hune enter the Congressional race. Meanwhile, Demas pointed to Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum as the Democrat who would have the highest profile to possibly enter the race as her mother Diane Byrum lost the 8th District seat to Mike Rogers in 2000 by 111 votes, which was his first term. The filing deadline for candidates is April 22nd. (JM)
↧