It looks like former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers — one of Livingston County’s favorite sons — is giving serious consideration to running for the Republican nomination to replace retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Earlier this year, reports have had Rogers wavering between jumping into the Republican primary for U.S. President or U.S. Senate; according to a report Friday in Politico, it’s the Senate run that is under serious consideration. And The Detroit News reported on Saturday that a source close to Rogers said he was real estate shopping in Michigan last week.
It makes sense. No offense to the Livingston County GOP, but no presidential candidate is going to attend the Livingston County GOP picnic in May, but Rogers did as the event’s “special guest.” In addition to that, Rogers has made appearances around Michigan, including giving a speech for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and appearing at an event of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce.
These are the moves of a candidate for the U.S. Senate, not the Oval Office.
It looks like U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin has the Democratic nomination for Senate pretty much wrapped up. On the Republican side, Nikki Snyder, a member of the State Board of Education, has announced a primary run, but she’s isn’t considered a serous candidate.
Should he run, Rogers will have to move back to Michigan, and he’ll need to get busy raising money, something at which Slotkin excels.
Rogers and Slotkin — said to be friends — are cut from the same national security cloth. Slotkin’s served on the Homeland Security, Armed Services, and Veterans Affairs committees; Rogers was chair of the House Intelligence Committee.
If it is a Slotkin versus Rogers race, it will be a great one. Both of them are among the most talented politicians and greatest retail campaigners around.
You can read our past coverage of Rogers jumping into the Senate race by clicking here and here.
