Sen. Kowall Suspends Congressional Campaign

In a surprise announcement that took place during Gov. Rick Snyder's Wednesday night in Lansing, state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) said he would immediately cease his campaign for Congress.

Kowall wrote, via e-mail:

"During the past year, Michigan Republicans have shown what’s possible with principled, conservative leadership.

"We’ve eliminated Michigan’s structural budget deficit. We’ve replaced the Michigan Business Tax. We’ve eliminated job-killing regulations and streamlined state government.

"Our economy is responding. Unemployment is down. Job creation is up. And our families are beginning to have hope in the future again.

"In one year, Michigan Republicans have accomplished a lot to turn our state around – but there’s still more work to be done.

"Therefore, after much reflection and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to continue my work in the Michigan Senate and to suspend my candidacy for Congress in 2012."

Kowall announced plans in July to run for the seat left vacant by Thaddeus McCotter's (R-Livonia) presidential run.

The announcement drew some sharp criticism via Facebook on White Lake Patch:

• Laura Marie Vogel: "didn't want to risk not having an easy seat, eh?"
• Joel Manosky: "Good!"

Kowall won his Senate seat in November 2010, vacating his former position as White Lake Township supervisor. His election victory prompted  as the township board appointed a new supervisor, Greg Baroni, after weeks of debate.

The state Senate term is a four-year term. In addition to White Lake, Kowall's current Senate district includes Holly, Rose, Highland, Milford, Lyon, Commerce and West Bloomfield townships plus Orchard Lake, part of Northville, Wixom, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, South Lyon, Milford Village and the Village of Holly.

The Oakland Press reports that Kowall will continue to serve his term.