BATTER UP
Speaking of Senator Debbie Stabenow and her open Senate seat following her retirement in 2024, the Republican primary may have found their man. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Howell, who left the House eight years ago after rising to become chair of the Intelligence Committee, is an Army veteran and former FBI agent. And he has a track record of filling Stabenow’s shoes – when she first ran (successfully) for the Senate in 2001, Rogers ran for her congressional seat, having been a state senator. He then served as a congressman for seven terms before stepping down to become a radio host. Rogers and his wife had retired to Florida, but recently returned in order to begin a run for the Senate seat, and mainstream Republicans are practically giddy. “I think he’s an excellent candidate – he’ll be pretty formidable,” said one highly-placed Republican politico. Upon his entrance in the campaign, he gained the implicit backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), according to Punchbowl. “Mike is the type of candidate who can perform well with suburban Michiganders and be a strong part of the eventual ticket in Michigan,” NRSC chair Steve Daines said. Also eyeing the race is former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Grand Rapids), who lost his seat after one term because of voting for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. Meijer is also a vet, but has been a target of MAGA ire. “I hope Meijer doesn’t jump into the race,” said a former party leader. “He’s young (35), and he can wait. And they –the MAGA, pro-Trump crowd will go after Meijer first because he voted for impeachment.” As for word that Meijer, whose family owns that grocery chain, will be able to raise loads of dough, word is that Rogers will have all the money necessary to win, especially to face likely Democratic candidate Elissa Slotkin, a powerhouse fundraiser, in the general.