Free Republic

2020 #MI03 Republican Primary: Jim Lower 49% (+16) Justin Amash 33% Practical Political Consulting 6/5-9

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Businessman Brian Ellis unleashed his first television advertisement against U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, calling a single 2012 abortion vote "very wrong." The 30-second spot attacks Amash, R-Cascade Township, as being the only Michigan Republican voting against the 2012 Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act, which reportedly would have imprisoned doctors for performing abortions based solely on gender. The bill failed in the House with a vote of 246-168 in favor. It needed 276 yeas to pass. "Amash voted to allow gender selection abortions to continue," the ad states. "Right to Life called Amash's vote 'shameful' and 'pro-abortion.' They're right....

GRAND RAPIDS --State Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, will run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids. He was announcing his decision today. "West Michigan has a history of sending conservative, thoughtful representatives to Congress such as President Ford, Paul Henry and Vern Ehlers," Hardiman said. "They carried themselves with dignity and integrity. I'm a thoughtful conservative and am excited about running for this seat." Hardiman's announcement ensures at least a three-way primary, but the field could get crowded with other Republicans still seriously considering jumping into the 3rd Congressional District race. "If I am...

• Terri Lynn Land: She is term-limited as secretary of state and lives in the district. But she is a running mate for gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard. Will she ditch him for a job she has long desired? • Kenneth Sikkema: The former state Senate majority leader from Kent County was long viewed as a potential heir apparent to Ehlers. Now he' i a "senior policy fellow" with Public Sector Consultants Inc., a Lansing lobbying firm. Is it too late for a comeback? • Jerry Kooiman: The former Grand Rapids state legislator began his political career 25 years ago as...

Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., will announce his plans to retire at the end of this term tomorrow at a press conference, according to The Hotline: A press release from Ehler's office says the presser "follow[s] speculation about his plans to continue serving" in the House. Several GOP sources tell Hotline OnCall his wife had a heart attack last week, further lending credence to speculation he will step aside. Ehlers joins a growing list of retiring members of Congress, including 17 Republicans and 11 Democrats.