Hoekstra takes on Stabenow in Michigan

WASHINGTON, July 20 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., announced Wednesday he will challenge Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow for re-election next year.

Hoekstra, who filed his paperwork Wednesday, told The Detroit News: "I don't believe there could be any clearer contrast for the voters of Michigan than Pete Hoekstra and Debbie Stabenow. I've got a clear record of fighting Washington growth. I've got a track record of supporting smaller government with less spending. She has a track record of more spending."

In April, he said he would not run.

Hoekstra, from western Michigan, was elected to the U.S. House in 1992 and gave up his seat to run unsuccessfully for governor in last year's Republican primary.

In this race, he will face a field of lesser-known Republicans, including Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch, activist Peter Konetchy and former judge Randy Hekman.

Other possible candidates include Tea Party activist Gary Glenn, Clark Durant, president of the New Common School Foundation in Detroit, and Rob Steele, a doctor who ran against Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., last year.

Stabenow has raised millions for her campaign, but Republicans say she is vulnerable, citing recent polls that show negative job ratings.