Brandenburg has his eye on Senate Leader

Sen. Jack Brandenburg announced today that he is a
candidate for Senate Majority Leader to succeed term-limited Republican Leader
Randy Richardville in November.

Consistently ranked one of the most conservative Senate
members, Brandenburg said that he will spend the summer with a group of
volunteers campaigning in 10 Senate districts that are considered competitive
in the fall. The Harrison Township Republican, who does not face a primary
election challenger, said his goal is to retain all 26 GOP seats and add a 27th
in the Kalamazoo area where an open seat is up for grabs.

“I’m going to campaign for these seats like I’m running
for my own. I’m ready for the competition,” said the outspoken senator.

Brandenburg anticipates a friendly contest with Sen.
Arlan Meekhof of west Michigan’s Ottawa County, the Majority Floor Leader who
has stated an interest in moving up to Richardville’s perch. Brandenburg previously
served with Meekhof in the state House.

The Floor Leader position is also one that appeals to
Brandenburg, if the internal campaigns for Senate leadership take a turn. The
Floor Leader post is already eyed by Sen. Dave Hildenbrand of Lowell.

Brandenburg said he is clearly more conservative than
Richardville, of Monroe, but his candidacy for the top spot in a Senate where
Republicans hold a dominant 26-12 advantage over Democrats is not an indictment
of Richardville or Meekhof.

Richardville has been a “good leader and a good friend,” Brandenburg
said, and Meekhof is “very capable” in his current leadership role.

Voting by the Senate GOP caucus for leadership positions
will take place shortly after the November elections.