Update 7/20/11 7:32 a.m.:
A press release has been sent out this morning announcing that former West Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra will file paperwork to establish a campaign for the U.S. Senate. After announcing earlier this year that he wouldn't run, Hoekstra has decided to make a bid for Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow's seat in the 2012 election. An election website has already been set up for Hoekstra's campaign.
Hoekstra released the following statement:
"Over the last couple of years, the spending in Washington has spun out of control. Michigan needs a U.S. Senator who will cut spending without raising taxes and help create jobs. Replacing Debbie Stabenow means we'll be one step closer to the economic recovery our state's working families deserve. After a good deal of reflection, I've decided that I cannot sit on the sidelines while the President and U.S. Senate mortgage our children and grandchildren's future. For these reasons, I have made the decision to file the appropriate paperwork to build an organization and begin a campaign for the U.S. Senate. An official campaign announcement will be forthcoming in the months ahead."
The National Journal is reporting that former Rep. Pete Hoekstra will run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Stabenow.
Form the article:
Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., who earlier this year passed on the opportunity to challenge Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, has reversed course and will soon launch a campaign for the Republican nomination, MIRS is reporting. Republicans had struggled to recruit a candidate against Stabenow, despite polls suggesting she was vulnerable. Hoekstra was the first of several high-profile Michigan Republicans to decline a Senate bid against Stabenow, a two-term incumbent who has been targeted by national Republicans despite running in a Democratic-leaning state.
