ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., says he'll seek another congressional term at the age of 83.
Dingell, the longest-serving member of the House, said he'll seek re-election to a 28th term to fight for a stronger economy, environmental protections and healthcare reform, a priority of Dingell's since he filled his father's congressional seat in 1955.
"These are challenges this nation must confront. I think it is time for all hands on deck," Dingell said in announcing his candidacy Saturday.
Dingell lost the chairmanship of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2008, but his district is solidly Democrat, giving him good odds of winning re-election in November, the Detroit Free Press reported Sunday.
Republicans, however, have not written off the seat. Robert Steele, an Ann Arbor doctor, is considering running against Dingell as a Republican, the Detroit News reported Sunday.
"Every seat is vulnerable," said Ron Weiser, head of the Michigan Republican Party.
