Mich. Congressman Hoekstra Won't Run in 2010

GOP Rep. Peter Hoekstra, who campaigned on a bicycle when he defeated a Republican incumbent in 1992, won't seek re-election in 2010 and is considering a run for Michigan governor.

"We have reached the conclusion that it is time for our lives to take a new path," Hoekstra, 55, said on his campaign Web site, referring to himself and wife Diane.

Speaking at a breakfast Monday with senior citizens, he added: "New opportunities and challenges await us. ... One path I am seriously considering is running for governor," said Hoekstra, a Republican.

The governor's race likely will attract much attention from both major parties. Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, can't run for a third term because of term limits.

Hoekstra defeated U.S. Rep. Guy VanderJagt in the Republican primary in 1992, a bold challenge against a powerful incumbent who had served in Congress for 26 years.

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