Rogers says he won’t run for Senate

Growing up in Brighton, my mom ran the local
Chamber of Commerce and my dad was a high school teacher, football coach and
local official. Their selfless actions ingrained in me the importance of and
honor in public service, and the satisfaction of working with others to improve
our community.

It has been such a privilege and honor to represent the people of Michigan’s
Eighth Congressional District. In recent years, and with my constituents’
confidence, we have been able to work in a bipartisan way to make a difference
and accomplish great things for our state and country. We eliminated federal
taxes on education savings accounts and protected the sanctity of military
funerals. Together we continue to fight the massive government takeover of
health care, and work to provide real cost savings and preserve the doctor
patient relationship. We’ve worked to reduce America’s dependence on foreign
oil and led bipartisan efforts to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species
like Asian Carp.

And now, as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, we’ve worked in a
bipartisan way to dramatically improve the oversight of our national security
programs and pass significant national security measures into law. We have also
advanced important cyber security legislation and measures to crack down on
cyber thieves like China who are stealing good-paying jobs from Michigan and
around the nation.

I am truly humbled by the encouragement I have had to run for the United States
Senate. After careful and thorough deliberation and long talks with my family,
friends and supporters, I have determined that the best way for me to continue
to have a direct impact for my constituents and the nation is to remain in the
House of Representatives. For me, the significance and depth of the impact I
can make on my constituent’s behalf far outweighs the perceived importance of
any title I might hold.

I believe that my constituents sent me to Washington to do something – to work
to help improve the economy, crack down on wasteful Washington spending and
keep America safe. With these marching orders, I believe that from my current
position I am best able to have a real, positive impact on protecting our
nation and her citizens. And with complex challenges in Syria, Iran, North
Korea, North Africa, Afghanistan, and China – intelligence issues will continue
to be at the forefront of American national security concerns in the coming
years.

I am committed to doing my best on your behalf to work with Republicans and
Democrats in a non-partisan way to advance America’s national security
interests in these areas, while conducting aggressive oversight of President
Obama’s new national security team and the policies this Administration is
implementing. Of course, without strong national security, America cannot have
a strong economy and good-paying jobs back home.

We in Michigan have the good fortune of having a deep bench of Republican
leaders who would make great United States Senators. I have full confidence
that Michigan’s Republican primary voters will select a candidate who can win
and who will represent what has united the Michigan Republican party for
generations: support for the free market capitalism that has created the
strongest economy and biggest middle class on earth, a limited government, a
strong American foreign policy, and a robust defense of our nation’s security.

Once the Senate primary has concluded, I look forward to doing everything I can
to elect a Republican U.S. Senator from Michigan who will work to keep Michigan
moving forward and help us get a handle on out-of-control Washington spending
and debt.

Thank you again for your generous support, friendship and encouragement. I look
forward to continuing to work together.

Sincerely,

Mike Rogers