Veteran Congressman Sandy Levin has disappointed his
potential successors again, announcing well in advance of the 2016 election
that he will seek another 2-year term in the House.
According to Politico, the 83-year-old Levin told
supporters in an email today that he plans to be on the ballot.
“… I am honored to serve in Congress at an important
juncture for our nation. There is still much work to be done, and as the ranking
Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee I want to continue to make a
difference on so many issues important to us,” Levin wrote.
“I look forward to continuing these efforts and running
for Congress in 2016. For me the work on these issues in D.C. and at home in
Oakland and Macomb counties, as well as electing Hillary Clinton to be our
nextpPresident, are just too important and remain my top priorities.”
Democratic 9th Congressional District seat were ready to line up for a
campaign as rumors of Levin’s departure swirled. He quickly put the speculation
to rest and went on to win re-election by a landslide.
This year, after his brother , Carl Levin, stepped down
from his Senate seat in January, again many political observers expected Levin
to call it quits.
From his perch as the top Democratic on the Ways and Means
panel – and a close ally of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi – the congressman
seeks to continue holding sway on issues such as Obamacare, fair trade policies
and tax reform.
Politico’s analysis from a Beltway perspective:
“He’s also likely to seek another term as the ranking
member on the influential Ways and Means Committee. That could ruffle the
feathers of some fellow Democrats on the committee, where some of the younger
members have long wanted to move up the seniority chart.
seniority within their caucus, where members can serve in top ranking member
spots for years, potentially stymieing the careers of more newly elected
members who are eager to get into leadership posts.
expressed interest in the ranking member post if Levin were to retire.”
