Republican state Sen. Bill Hardiman to run for Vern Ehlers' Congressional seat

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GRAND RAPIDS --State Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, will run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids. He was announcing his decision today.

"West Michigan has a history of sending conservative, thoughtful representatives to Congress such as President Ford, Paul Henry and Vern Ehlers," Hardiman said. "They carried themselves with dignity and integrity. I'm a thoughtful conservative and am excited about running for this seat."

Hardiman's announcement ensures at least a three-way primary, but the field could get crowded with other Republicans still seriously considering jumping into the 3rd Congressional District race.

"If I am going to get in, it would to get in to win," said Jerry Kooiman, dean of external affairs at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine and a former state legislator. "Part of my consideration is who is out there running, in terms of considering the quality of representation we've had in the past."

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/03/republican_state_sen_bill_hard.html