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  Gary Peters to challenge Hansen Clarke in new Michigan district
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ContributorIndyGeorgia 
Last EditedIndyGeorgia  Sep 07, 2011 01:02pm
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AuthorDan Hirschhorn
News DateWednesday, September 7, 2011 06:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionRep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) has decided to run in a newly-drawn Detroit-area congressional district that will pit him against freshman and fellow Democratic Rep. Hansen Clarke, POLITICO has confirmed.

The move, a result of a radically redrawn map in Michigan, sets up the country’s latest incumbent vs. incumbent primary.

Peters could make an announcement as early as this week. He’ll join a field that also includes Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence. With a profile that could play well in both Oakland County and the wealthy Grosse Point areas, Peters could benefit from a split black vote. His decision averts a much more difficult primary against longtime Rep. Sander Levin, after the two were drawn into the same district by Republicans.

“Let’s be real: he either runs against the Levin juggernaut or he can run in an open seat that comprises much of his old state senate district,” said former state Rep. Lamar Lemmons, one of two local Democrats who told POLITICO that Peters had informed them of his decision directly. “I think he’ll do well.”

Peters’s office did not confirm or deny his decision.

“Congressman Peters has been reaching out to leaders around Metro Detroit to discuss how he can best continue his work in Congress to help create and protect jobs and move our region forward,” spokesman Jared Smith said in a statement.

A Clarke aide did not immediately comment.

Peters’ decision clears the way for Levin to cruise to reelection. It also sets up what could be a bloody primary for Clarke, who just escaped one by switching districts with longtime Rep. John Conyers. But Clarke has strong support from Grosse Point liberals, and the new district is by no means a sure shot for Peters, even though he’s represented much of it before. If Southfield lawyer Geoffrey Fieger enters the race too, it will be harder for either of the two white candidates to benefit from a split black vote.
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