Peters: 'Extremely Close' to Decision on Run in the 14th Congressional District

While he wouldn't comment directly on a widespread rumor about a run in the newly drawn 14th Congressional district, Congressman Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) said Wednesday he's "extremely close" to making his decision.

"I still have to do a little soul-searching," Peters said after having lunch with members of the Xemplar Club at in downtown Farmington.

Peters said about half of the new district is in Oakland County. "I have represented every community as a member of Congress or as a state senator," he said. "It's a natural district for me to look at."

His current district was split last month under a Republican-led plan that accounted for Michigan's population drop in the 2010 U.S. Census. Bloomfield Hills is now in the 11th District, currently represented by presidential hopeful Thaddeus McCotter, R-Livonia, while Bloomfield Township remained in the 9th District, that expanded to Royal Oak.

Peters vowed to fight the plan rather than face a primary against fellow Democrat Reps. Sander Levin and John Conyers.

He did not comment directly on a MIRS newsletter report that former State Rep. Lamar Lemmons made public a conversation in which Peters reportedly confirmed that he planned a 14th District run, but said, "I am extremely close to making a decision."

"People really want me to do this," Peters added. "Without exception, I'm getting strong encouragement that this is the district I should run in."

After a brief presentation to the Xemplars, Peters fielded questions on topics that ranged from proposed troop reductions in Iraq, to the economy, jobs and global warming. A self-described "moderate," Peters said he is also frustrated with the polarization that causes partisan gridlock.

In response to a pointed question about Teamsters President James Hoffa, Jr.'s calling Republicans "sons of bitches" during a Labor Day speech in Detroit, Peters said, "That's not the way I conduct myself, and I don't think folks should do that. That's not part of the civil discourse we need to have in our country."