Rep. Ehlers to reveal 'future plans' Wednesday

Deb Price / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington -- Rep. Vern Ehlers of Grand Rapids will make an announcement Wednesday about "his future plans," fueling speculation he may retire from Congress.

The 76-year-old Republican congressman put out a statement today announcing a news conference in Grand Rapids, but didn't return a call about whether he plans to retire.

The news quickly brought out an opponent to Ehlers, who would be up for re-election: State Rep. Justin Amash, according to the Associated Press.

But if he's retiring, he would leave open one of the most Republican seats in the state.

With the decision of Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, to retire so he can run for governor, an Ehlers retirement would mean Michigan would lose two senior Republicans as it moves toward the expectation it will have one fewer congressional seat after redistricting following the 2010 Census.

The state has a senior House delegation, with eight Democrats and seven Republicans. That positions the state well, regardless of which party holds control of the House, and also means it has lawmakers with high-level spots on committees where much of the legislative action happens that affects the state.

Hoekstra, for example, is the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee.

Ehlers sits on the Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Education and Labor committees.

"You'd like to think seniority helps you get things done for the state," Hoekstra said. "But if Vern is retiring, I'd hope we'd get two people who hit the ground running."

Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, said Ehlers hadn't told her of his plans. "If he retires, I definitely think Republicans would hold that seat," Miller said.

Bill Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan Politics, said if Ehlers retires, "it could draw a cast of thousands. But then again, one or two really strong candidates could announce early and scare everyone else out of the field."

Some of the potential candidates mentioned if the nine-term lawmaker gives up his 3rd District seat are Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who was born in Grand Rapids and is Oakland County sheriff Michael Bouchard's running mate in the race for governor, state Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Grand Rapids, and Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood.

Ehlers was elected in a special election in 1993 after Congressman Paul Henry died.

Ehlers' release stated, "Following speculation about his plans to continue serving West Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives, Vernon J. Ehlers will hold a press conference to address questions about his future plans as a member of Congress."

The news conference will be at 10 a.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building.

dprice@detnews.com (202) 662-8736