University of Michigan AD Dave Brandon among those considering Senate run

Gary Peters expected to announce run for Senate, GOP candidates not yet clear

DETROIT – With the announcement that Debbie Dingell has decided not to run for Senator Carl Levin's seat, political insiders say it's clear Congressman Gary Peters will eventually announce a run for U.S. Senate and will skate through the Democratic primary.

Read: Debbie Dingell will sit out Senate race

Levin announced his intention to retire at the end of his term and the rush is on to see who is going to get in on the race. Experts on both sides of the aisle agree Peters will be a formidable candidate.

"Gary Peters vs. the Republicans is very much like the Road Runner vs. the Coyote. Gary Peters is the road runner that always escapes the coyote and he is the strongest Democrat we could field in 2014," said political consultant Joe DiSano.

The Democratic side is pretty clear cut; the GOP side, not so much. Early indications were that the favored candidate would be Congressman Mike Rogers but insiders tell Local 4 Rogers is leaning against a run.

"It's not surprising. It would be hard for him to do that as chairman of the Intelligence Committee and accept those responsibilities and run a U.S. Senate campaign. It would be incredibly difficult at this time and honestly he's better served staying where he is," said strategist Dennis Darnoi.

So if Rogers takes a pass, who is still in the mix? Several big names. Sources confirm for us that University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon is considering a run, as is former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, Congressman Justin Amash and State Rep. Pete Lund.

Levin's term is up at the end of 2014.


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