Speculation on Potential Replacements for Retiring U.S. Representative Candice Miller

With the announcement last week that United States Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township) will not be seeking re-election in 2016, names of potential candidates for her replacement continue to be discussed in pundit circles.

Republicans:

The opening promises to result in a crowded Republican Primary where the geographic location of the candidates could become a significant factor, for example: If several candidates from Macomb County join the field, and split the vote – a candidate from another portion of the district could claim victory.

Former State Representative Pete Lund is among the names most expected to get in the mix come campaign time. He is well connected in Macomb County Republican politics; however, he may have a fundraising disadvantage as he is not currently in office.

State Senator Jack Brandenburg has acknowledged that running for Congress has always been something on his mind; however, like every other potential candidate, Senator Brandenburg has declined to comment thus far. The current Senate Finance Committee Chair has won tough races in the past, including a tough Primary, and has some personal wealth to add to his fundraising prowess.

State Representative Andrea LaFontaine is also getting considerable attention for the open seat, partially because of her youth relative to the other candidates and her recognition as a tireless campaigner.

State Senator Phil Pavlov may be the candidate that takes advantage of a crowded Macomb County field. One analysis showed that 45 percent of the Republican vote in the last 10^th Congressional District run came from Senator Pavlov’s current Senate district.

Other names creating speculation are current Representative Anthony Forlini, Senator Tory Rocca, Senator Mike Green, and Representative Todd Courser – the latter two who also fall into the category of potentially taking advantage of a crowded Macomb County field.

Democrats:

While Congresswoman Miller’s victory numbers in seven runs ranged from 63 to 72 percent, Democrats certainly smell the potential for an upset if they are able to avoid a Primary and if the Republican Primary winner is a polarizing figure.

Former Representative Fred Miller, currently a member of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, is exploring a run and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel is a name many would like mentioned among potential candidates.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, March 13, 2015 10:16 AM
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