(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/06/2022) After burning up the phones Thursday, gauging support on a potential U.S. Senate run, Macomb County Public Works Director Candice Miller has made a decision.
The answer is no.
Miller, 68, who toyed with a 2022 governor's run, was earnest about considering a return to Washington, D.C., where she spent 14 years as a U.S. House of Representatives member, after U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing), 72, announced she would not seek a fifth term.
But Jamie ROE said after the "euphoria" of the Stabenow news had worn off, Miller was struck by Stabenow's quote about "passing the torch to the next generation."
"She will continue doing a job she loves," Roe said.
MIRS listed Miller, a former two-term Secretary of State, as the best-positioned Republican to run for the U.S. Senate (See "Top 5 Republican Possibilities For U.S. Senate," 1/5/22).
With her out, the speculation will now center around former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, although a head-to-head rematch with U.S. Rep.-Elect Hillary Scholten may be more enticing. Michigan Republican Party Chair Ronna McDaniel is a possibility, but she's been positioning herself for another term as Republican National Committee chair.
U.S. Rep.-Elect John James hasn't been sworn into office yet, but would be someone who could excite both traditional Republicans and the grassroots. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton wanted to run for the U.S. Senate a few years ago, but didn't see a path through a primary.
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Romeo) has access to some money. And, with former campaign advisor Scott Greenlee running for Michigan Republican Party chair, the two could work together to help reconnect the fractured GOP.
Three of the 2022 gubernatorial candidates -- Perry Johnson, Kevin Rinke and Tudor Dixon -- are all being mentioned, too, as is former Attorney General candidate Tom Leonard and former Attorney General Bill Schuette.
