U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, announced Saturday in a written statement that he intends to run again for the position in 2002.
If re-elected, it would be his fifth term.
“I’m thrilled - it’s a big relief,” said Amanda Stitt, president of the Michigan College Democrats. “We haven’t been sure for a while. I’m really happy that he wants to continue.”
Levin is serving his fourth straight term as a U.S. senator. He was first elected in 1978 after serving in the Detroit City Council. Levin is the senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Forces Committee.
While Levin has said he and his wife Barbara would like to settle down and be able to spend more time with family, he said in a written statement that he “decided to stay and fight for the things I believe in.”
“I wouldn’t say he was apprehensive about running again,” said Tara Andringa, Levin’s press secretary. “He wanted to talk to his wife and consider all the options and make sure it’s right.”
In past months, he has encouraged more fair auto trade with Korea and issued support for an environmental revitalization and restoration act, as well as voting to pay the nation’s debt to the United Nations and increase inspections and fines for pipeline safety violations. He also has spoken out against gun crimes and for reforms in campaign finance.
Throughout the years, Levin developed a reputation as a popular and skilled legislator. While some support Levin’s decision, others wonder if the office would be better served by a new face.
“Carl Levin is genuinely regarded as a respected U.S. Senator,” said Jason Ahrens, chairman for the MSU College Republicans and a food management junior. “When you get someone popular in there, it always raises the question about term limits. I think it’s always a good idea to get new people in there every so often.”
Levin’s campaign announcement came a day after he released plans to visit some Michigan area colleges, including Lansing Community College on Tuesday. Levin plans on visiting several political science and government classes to discuss tax cut proposals, another of his chief concerns during his time in office, along with paying down the national debt.
The U.S. Senate is divided 50-50 with Vice President Richard Cheney available to break any tie votes.
Michigan now has two Democratic senators after Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, won her first term in the Senate in November after serving as a U.S. representative. Senators’ terms last six years.
“In the Senate, seniority is very important,” said Carol Weissert, a professor of political science at MSU. “The longer you’re there, the better opportunity you have to do something for your state. Michigan has a habit of keeping people around for a while.”
