Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the early Democratic favorite for the now-open Senate seat in Michigan, will seriously consider running, he said Friday.
.@repgarypeters says he will seriously consider running for Levin’s seat. Since 4:30 yesterday, my phone has been very busy w/ nonstop calls
— FreepOpinion (@FreepOpinion) March 8, 2013
A Peters aide confirmed that comments to Post Politics. Peters also confirmed that he favors the Senate race over a run against vulnerable Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in 2014.
.@repgarypeters on #Election2014: “A strong senatorial candidate can help a gubernatorial candidate.” That would bring in nat’l money
— FreepOpinion (@FreepOpinion) March 8, 2013
Peters is seen as the most formidable Democratic recruit in the state, especially after defeating Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-Mich.) in a Detroit-area primary last year. With the win, Peters becomes only the second white member of Congress to represent a majority-black district. Prior to redistricting, he held down a competitive swing seat in the suburbs, and he has demonstrated strong fundraising prowess.
Political operatives in the Wolverine State say Peters has been preparing for the possibility of an open Senate seat for months. Internet records show that petersforsenate.com was registered Feb. 4, 2013, though a spokesman for Peters declined to say whether it was his staff who secured it.
On the GOP side, meanwhile, several big names have already turned down the race.
