One thing seems fairly clear: Todd Courser will not be
running for Congress in Michigan’s 10th District.
Other than that, the seat being vacated by Rep. Candice
Miller remains up for grabs.
Susan Demas, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics (subscription only), wrote this week that the “rough-and-tumble
politics” of Macomb County makes the 10th District fertile ground for a tea
party candidate.
politics” of Macomb County makes the 10th District fertile ground for a tea
party candidate.
She predicted that the battle in the 10th District, which
encompasses northern Macomb and the Thumb Area, will outshine the race in the 1st
District, despite the sudden retirement announcement by the incumbent,
Republican Dan Benishek.
Here’s a look at Demas’ perspective:
“The MI-10 has a 56.9 percent Republican base and will
very likely stay in the GOP column next year. So why do we care? For one thing,
it was the … only open Michigan seat until Benishek dropped the bomb. Candice
Miller’s early announcement prompted months of jockeying and campaigning.
very likely stay in the GOP column next year. So why do we care? For one thing,
it was the … only open Michigan seat until Benishek dropped the bomb. Candice
Miller’s early announcement prompted months of jockeying and campaigning.
“Now we’re in for another change election, like 2010
(when Vern Ehlers and Bart Stupak stepped down); 2012 (when Dale Kildee
retired, Thad McCotter did so early in disgrace, and redistricting forced a
fight between then-U.S. Reps. Hansen Clarke and Gary Peters); and 2014 (when
lions John Dingell, Mike Rogers and Dave Camp all called it quits).
(when Vern Ehlers and Bart Stupak stepped down); 2012 (when Dale Kildee
retired, Thad McCotter did so early in disgrace, and redistricting forced a
fight between then-U.S. Reps. Hansen Clarke and Gary Peters); and 2014 (when
lions John Dingell, Mike Rogers and Dave Camp all called it quits).
“The M-10 primary field already includes (four)
Republicans (Paul Mitchell, Alan Sanborn, Phil Pavlov and Michael Flynn) and is
likely to grow, ensuring a big-money race. And this battle is a big test for
the tea party: After putting up with years of Miller, the ultimate
Establishment Republican, can the grassroots prove they can take over a prime
congressional seat?
Republicans (Paul Mitchell, Alan Sanborn, Phil Pavlov and Michael Flynn) and is
likely to grow, ensuring a big-money race. And this battle is a big test for
the tea party: After putting up with years of Miller, the ultimate
Establishment Republican, can the grassroots prove they can take over a prime
congressional seat?
“Their 2014 track record was abysmal, given the 4th
(where John Moolenaar beat Mitchell), the 8th (where Mike Bishop bested Tom
McMillin) and 11th (where Dave Trott decimated Kerry Bentivolio). But what
makes the M-10 absolutely irresistible is that it’s rooted in rough-and-tumble,
blue-collar Macomb County, where viciously personal political attacks are a way
of life.
(where John Moolenaar beat Mitchell), the 8th (where Mike Bishop bested Tom
McMillin) and 11th (where Dave Trott decimated Kerry Bentivolio). But what
makes the M-10 absolutely irresistible is that it’s rooted in rough-and-tumble,
blue-collar Macomb County, where viciously personal political attacks are a way
of life.
“The national media might be fascinated by Hollywood star
Melissa Gilbert’s foray into the MI-8, but Michigan politicos know the best
headlines will be generated in the 10th.”
Melissa Gilbert’s foray into the MI-8, but Michigan politicos know the best
headlines will be generated in the 10th.”
