Posted on 01/28/2003 5:03:08 PM PST by Dan from Michigan
Smith considering run against Stabenow
The Associated Press
1/28/03 3:58 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Nick Smith said Tuesday he is considering a run against U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow after he leaves the House.
"It's premature now, but I'll look at it in two years," said Smith, R-Addison. "I'm not closing any doors."
Smith will not run for re-election to the House in 2004, fulfilling a promise he made to serve no more than six two-year terms. Smith was first elected in 1992.
Stabenow, a Democrat, was first elected in 2000 and will be up for re-election in 2006.
Smith said he expects six to eight people to run for his House seat. State Rep. Clark Bisbee, R-Jackson, filed election paperwork for the seat last week, an aide said.
Smith and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, pledged not to serve more than six terms during the 1995 debate over term limits for federal lawmakers. Hoekstra broke that pledge last month, saying he'll run again in 2004.
Smith said he supports Hoekstra's decision.
"I think it would be a disadvantage to the conservative philosophy if members of Congress term-limit themselves and leave the seniority and decision-making to more liberal members," he said. "But for me, it wasn't the right decision."
As far as Clark Bisbee goes, he's a flat out anti-gunner, and if he wins, I'm glad I'm not in the district. I like his business views stance, but on guns, he's like a democrat.
In this congressional race, I expect the dems to run Mark Schauer. Schauer is a slick democrat. He voted for CCW and says he is pro-gun.
 Schauer voted against reforming the laws governing black powder firearms. Currently, only Michigan and New Jersey treat black powder firearms the same as modern firearms.
 Schauer voted for several anti self-defense amendments in the CCW package, including one that would not allow firearms in cars, which would have effectively killed CCW.
 Schauer voted for an amendment that banned CCW from any property owned by an institution of higher learning.
 Schauer cosponsored gun ban extremist Laura Baird’s HB 4926, which bans private sales of any type at gun shows.  Schauer cosponsored gun ban extremist Gilda Jacob’s HB 4918, which limits gunowners to buying one gun a month, and defines pistols as firearms that are 12 inches or less in length. This is a ban on all firearms that are between 13 and 26 inches in length, since FEDERAL law defines firearms under 26 inches as a PISTOL.
Schauer never said he is running. I just expect him to run.
I'd prefer Mickey Mortimer if he runs.
Bush: 51.0%
Gore: 46.2%
Nader: 2.1%
With Smith retiring and Pat Toomey (R) retiring in Pennsylvania, Republicans have to defend two toss-up seats, though the 7th district in Michigan tends to lean conservative.
Potential retirees from marginal seats to run for Senate, include: Jennifer Dunn (R) from Washington and Mark Foley (R) from Florida.
If Jim Gibbons (R) from Nevada and/or Richard Burr (R) from North Carolina run for the Senate, they leave behind heavy Republican seats.
Also, the Republican incumbants from Georgia's 11th and 12th district are in marginal seats and might be vulnerable in 04'.
On the Democratic side, two possible retirees:
Ralph Hall from Texas' 3rd district.
Ken Lucas from Kentucky's 4th district.
Both should go to Republicans if they leave both leave office in 04'.
He'd just be another RINO along with Collins, et al.
I'd back Smith over Stab, but that's like backing the Chicago Blackhawks or Dallas Stars over the Colorado Avalanche.
I'd very reluctantly vote for smith, but would't break a sweat helping him.
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