WISHFUL THINKING

2018 is the year that Republicans are looking to take back one of Michigan’s two U.S. Senate seats, with Senator Debbie Stabenow’s (D) seat coming due. Stabenow, currently Michigan’s senior senator, assumed office, or should we say wrangled it out of the hands of former Senator Spencer Abraham (R) in 2000. She handily won re-election in 2006 against Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, and again in 2012, against former Rep. Pete Hoekstra. Michigan Republicans say that former Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) are both “definitely looking at running.” Stabenow, however, is believed to be untouchable. “I don’t think anyone can take her,” said one insider. “(Sen. Gary) Peters is beatable, but she is not.” Republicans believe they need a candidate with an ego and money to run against her – qualifications both Upton and Richardville have, with Richardville’s ego already quite large, “and he was the (state) Senate majority leader, so he can raise money.” Upton is a member of the Whirlpool family, so money is not an issue.