Those pranksters over at the Michigan Democratic Party launched and April Fool’s Day joke this morning by announcing that state GOP Chairman Bobby Schostak has found that “perfect candidate” for Senate that he’s been looking for — himself.

The parody, in the form of a news release, said this: “LANSING – Michigan Republican Party Chairman Robert “Bobby” Schostak today announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in 2012. Schostak will challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

“‘I know I will be the next U.S. senator from Michigan and I can’t wait to get started in my new job,'” said Schostak. “‘I fully expect all of the other potential Republican candidates to step aside because I am clearly head and shoulders above all of them.'”

“‘I am the only candidate who can win this race,'” said Schostak. “‘My announcement today should clear the field as Republican voters around the state have been waiting for a great candidate such as I. I have arrived. I will hold a press conference next week to discuss my candidacy and answer questions.'”

The “head and shoulders” phrase refers to a real remark — not a joke —  that Schostak made recently. He suggested there is a much better GOP candidate out there than the current tentative field of former secretary of state Terri Lynn Land, former congressman Pete Hoekstra and former party chairman Saul Anuzis.