FromPublicBroadcasting.net

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (Michigan Radio) – Congressman Vern Ehlers says he will not run for re-election this year. The Grand Rapids Republican is retiring after 16 years serving in Washington.

Ehlers says he’s considered retiring each of the past few election cycles.

He says he detests the mandatory term limits for legislators in Lansing, because local leaders barely have time to learn the job before they’re kicked out of office.

"But I think those of us who don’t have term limits to live with should recognize that there comes a time when it’s time for new ideas, new approaches and so forth," he says. "And I’ve always tried to balance that."

Ehlers says another factor in his decision is the upcoming redistricting process. Congressional seats will be redrawn after the 2010 census. Ehlers says leaving now will make it easier for a Republican to win the seat and hold on to it.

Contact Dustin Dwyer at dtdwyer@umich.edu.