In
somewhat of a surprise, U.S. Representative Dave Camp (R-Midland) has announced
that he is examining the possibility of running for the U.S. Senate seat being
vacated by the retirement of current Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit).
Congressman Camp had previously dismissed the idea of running.
As
Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Camp has
built an enormous campaign war chest of approximately $3 million and has some
Republican insiders salivating over his ability to raise considerably more.
If
the 12-term Congressman decided to run, it would set-up a potential major GOP
Primary showdown with former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land who has
formally announced her campaign.
Further,
a U.S. Senate run would likely result in a long line of potential candidates to
replace Congressman Camp in the 4th U.S. House seat he currently
holds. The district spans 15 counties in the central Lower Peninsula, from Midland,
Mt. Pleasant, and northern Lansing suburbs to Houghton and Higgins Lake.