Mike Rogers Not Running For U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON (WWJ) - Mid-Michigan Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers has announced he will not be running for U.S. Senate.

Following much speculation in recent months regarding his political future, Rogers announced Friday that he will not seek the soon-to-open seat being vacated by the retiring Carl Levin.

Rogers said, in an email to supporters, that he's humbled by the encouragement, but has determined the best way for him to have a direct impact on his constituents and the nation is to remain in the House of Representatives.

"I am truly humbled by the encouragement I have had to run for the United States Senate. After careful and thorough deliberation and long talks with my family, friends and supporters, I have determined that the best way for me to continue to have a direct impact for my constituents and the nation is to remain in the House of Representatives.

"For me, the significance and depth of the impact I can make on my constituent's behalf far outweighs the perceived importance of any title I might hold.

"... We in Michigan have the good fortune of having a deep bench of Republican leaders who would make great United States Senators. I have full confidence that Michigan's Republican primary voters will select a candidate who can win and who will represent what has united the Michigan Republican party for generations: support for the free market capitalism that has created the strongest economy and biggest middle class on earth, a limited government, a strong American foreign policy, and a robust defense of our nation's security." [CLICK HERE to read his complete statement].

So far, only Democrat U.S. Rep. Gary Peters and former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, a Republican, have announced intentions to run for the seat.

Michigan Democrats responded in their own statement out Friday, saying they believe Rogers would rather stay in the House than take on the "rabid Michigan Tea Party" or likely Democratic nominee Gary Peters.

"National Republicans inherited a friendly map this cycle with a number of conservative states, but they have methodically wasted every opportunity to expand the map into purple and blue states," said Matt Canter, Deputy Executive Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

"This is one of the worst Senate recruiting losses to date. Republicans have not won a Senate seat in Michigan in nearly 20 years and Congressman Rogers was the only person that Karl Rove and national Republicans thought could make this a real race," Canter said. "The Republican race in Michigan will now likely devolve into a battle between the passionate Tea Party wing that caused Pete Hoekstra so much trouble and a handful of uninspired candidates like Terri Lynn Land."

The election will take place in November, 2014.