Mich. Republican Ehlers Will Not Seek Re-Election

Rep. Vernon Ehlers (A'-lers) of Michigan says in an interview with The Associated Press that he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2010.

The moderate Republican plans to announce his retirement at a Wednesday morning news conference in Grand Rapids, Mich. Most of Ehlers' solidly Republican congressional district was once represented by President Gerald R. Ford.

The congressman faced a primary challenge from a conservative state lawmaker. Ehlers said a primary challenge was not a factor in his decision to retire after nine terms and he decided "this was a good time to go." Ehlers has sought protections for the Great Lakes and funding for math and science education. He was first elected to Congress in a special election in December 1993.