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Democrats ponder politics after Dingell

U-S Rep. John Dingell's retirement is setting in motion something new for some southern Michigan Democrats: A primary race.

Pity Lon Johnson. He’s the first state Democratic Party chairman without a John Dingell on the ballot since 1932. John DingellJr. announced Monday he would not run for reelection to the seat that he and his father, John Dingell Sr., have held in Congress for more than 80 years.

Still, Johnson is confident that a Democrat can win what has been a Democratic-leaning district.

“And whoever our nominee is this fall, we’re certain that the congressman (Dingell) will be there to get that candidate across the goal line in November,” says Johnson.

Especially if that candidate’s name also happens to be Dingell.  

John Dingell says he would vote for his wife Debbie if she runs for his old congressional seat.  Debbie Dingell declines to say if she will run.

“He honestly did not make up his mind until this weekend,” Debbie Dingell said Monday. “And for the next 24 hours, I want him to get all the due ….and we’ll go on from there.”

Ann Arbor State Sen. Rebekah Warren and Taylor State Senator HoonYungHopgood are also being mentioned as possible candidates.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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