Ingham County Clerk Out of Race to Replace RogersIngham County Clerk Out of Race to Replace Rogers

4/9/14 - With a filing deadline approaching, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum says she won't run for the Democratic nomination to run for the 8th District U.S. House seat being vacated by Republican Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell. Byrum announced her decision Tuesday after meeting with political groups in Washington, D.C., last week. She says she can "best serve" Michigan residents in her current role because "partisan gridlock in Congress prevents anything meaningful from being accomplished." Democrats Ken Darga and Susan Grettenberger previously announced they were running for the Democratic nomination. Rogers announced last month he wouldn't seek re-election after seven terms in office. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee plans to launch a national radio show. Rogers has endorsed fellow Republican Mike Bishop for the 8th District seat. So far, the former state Senate majority leader is facing Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett in the GOP primary, although State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township is still considering a run. The filing deadline is April 22nd. (JK)