WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI (AP)-- Michigan Representative Gary Peters has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat opening up with the retirement of Carl Levin.
With Peters' announcement Wednesday, the Democratic field is cleared until his November 2014 showdown with a Republican.
The three-term Congressman is a former state Senator and lottery commissioner who won tight House races in 2008 and 2010.
The 54-year-old is from Bloomfield Township in Oakland County, a bellwether important to winning a statewide race.
Peters tells supporters in an email that he wants to ensure residents can find a good job and have a secure retirement. He says government spending must be controlled while Medicare and Social Security continue to be there for people.
The GOP's Senate campaign committee is hoping to coax Representative Mike Rogers into the race.
