Congressman Vern Ehlers won't run again

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Vern Ehlers announced he would not seek a 9th full term in the US Congress this November, closing his long political career but opening a potentially wild race for the seat to represent Michigan's 3rd District.

Ehlers confirmed his plans to 24 Hour News 8.

"I don't want to stay in office so long that people will say you should have left five years ago," Ehlers said.

On Saturday, Ehlers celebrated his 76th birthday. "I don't have a savior complex. I don't believe I'm the only one who can do this job. I believe in the opportunity for others to serve and leave their imprint." He added, "I want to be sure I never stay beyond the point of being useful."

Ehlers' wife, Jo, recently suffered a mild heart attack. Ehlers told us she's doing well and denied that her health problem is the reason he's retiring. When asked, he said his health is fine.

Ehlers was first elected to Congress in 1993 in a special election to complete the term of Congressman Paul Henry who died in office. Nine other Republicans were running against him. Michigan's 3rd District covers Kent, Ionia, and Barry counties.

He said lawmakers on Capitol Hill still call it "Jerry Ford's seat." Ford held the office for 25 years, giving up the seat when he became Vice President.

The night he was elected, Ehlers received a phone call from former President Ford, who told Ehlers, "It's a great victory and I'm very proud of you."

When asked if he knew of other Republicans planning to run this year, Ehlers told 24 Hour News 8, "A couple candidates have been talking about it. I think five or six will run. But I never worried about that."

There is already one Republican seeking the nomination for Congress . Justin Amash , currently the state representative from the 72nd District, announced his intentions Tuesday. Michael Van Kleeck, a Kentwood construction worker and college student, will also run.

Ehlers "was somewhat suprised" by the Amash announcement. He had not contacted anyone in the Amash campaign prior to the announcement, but said Amash called him Tuesday.

Other speculation includes former gubernatorial candidate Dick Posthumus and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. She's currently running to become lieutenant governor with Mike Bouchard.

In a statement released shortly after the Ehlers announcement, former State Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema said, “Those who have served in this seat in congress – Jerry Ford, Hal Sawyer, Paul Henry, and Vern Ehlers – leave a rich legacy. The next to hold this seat will have big shoes to fill. Many have already approached me asking that I run. I am honored and giving a run strong consideration. However, this day belongs to Vern. There will be plenty of time in the days ahead to speculate on who will and who won’t run to replace him.”

Ehlers never faced a Republican primary challenger once he was in Congress. Back in 1993, he beat stiff competition from politicians and community leaders still well known, including Marge Byington, Glenn Steil, and Ken Sikkema.

When asked if the Republican Party or his financial backers suggested he retire, Ehlers said "No." He said constituents and others have encouraged him to run again.

The question of retirement is one that first surfaced a dozen years ago, during the campaign of 1998. Ehlers, then nearly 65 years old, told 24 Hour News 8, "I don't think that's an issue. As my staff tells me, they can't keep up with me now. They can't imagine anyone who could run faster than I can at getting the job done. I regularly put in 80 to 90 hours a week, no problem. I think that was a false issue."

Ehlers said he still works 80 hours a week and that he's "not tired, not disillusioned" with the job.

"I'm not straightly aligned with the right or the left," Ehlers said. "I've worked without selling my soul politically. I feel very comfortable with what I've accomplished."

Being a Congressman is "unique, very hard work, very busy. But when you get something useful done, it's immensely rewarding."

Inquiring about what he would want his successor to know, Ehlers responded, "It is a different Congress. You can't prescribe what's best for the job. The first thing you have to do is gain the respect of your colleagues."

He added, "There are so many dynamics of Congress. It's a never-ending job."

According to the Washington Post , Ehlers has missed only 4.4% of the votes in the current Congressional session.

Vern Ehlers’ first foray into politics was in 1975 as a Kent County Commissioner. The nuclear physicist was teaching physics at Calvin College at the time. He served eight years on the commission, part of that time as chairman of the board.

In 1983, he was elected to the State House and in 1985 to the State Senate. He stayed in the senate for years, eventually serving as President Pro-tem.

He counts among his political accomplishments: resolving garbage disposal issues while a Kent County Commissioner; implementing mandatory medical tests for all