Who's in,out in race to replace Ehlers?

So far, more people have said 'No, thanks' to a run to replace Vern Ehlers as the congressional representative from Michigan's 3rd District than are in the race.

State Sen. Mark Jansen is the latest potential candidate to close the door on a race this year. Last week, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and former Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema announced they wouldn't seek the seat, either.

The race to replace Ehlers is complicated following his unexpected announcement that he wouldn't run again. Most Republicans were not gearing up to run against an incumbent.

The lone exception is first-term State Rep. Justin Amash, who put up a web site and announced his intention to run a day before Ehlers' announcement.

It seems nearly impossible Amash will not have primary opposition. Others considering a run include State Sen. Bill Hardiman, former State Rep. Jerry Kooiman and former Kent County commissioner Steve Heacock.

The Democrats are eyeing the seat, too. Attorney Patrick Miles Jr. told 24 Hour News 8 he is considering a race, and former State Rep. Michael Sak has not ruled it out. Former Kent County Commissioner Paul Mayhue announced he formed an exploratory committee to determine whether he should run.