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Michigan's Republican governor sees no urgency to fill the seat opened by John Conyers' early departure from the U.S. House this week.
The job held for 26 terms by the Detroit Democrat, who quit Tuesday amid expanding sexual misconduct allegations from past aides, stays empty until the next general election Nov. 6, 2018. Each party's candidates will be nominated Aug. 7 in the regular statewide primary.
Gov. Rick Snyder announces Friday that he won't schedule an earlier special primary and election, partly "to reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers," says a statement shown below.
The only difference from a customary congressional election is that the winner takes office immediately rather than in early January -- adding seven weeks to her or his term.
Until then, Michigan will have four Democrats and nine Republicans in the House.
On the Democratic side, which is the only one that matters in the race to succeed Conyers, next summer's primary ballot will list two relatives of ex-Rep. Conyers and another familiar political name in Detroit -- if they file enough valid petition signatures by April 24:
- John Conyers III, 27-year-old son of the congressman who just left, is endorsed by him.
- Ian Conyers, 29-year-old great-nephew of the ex-congressman, says he'll run.
- Coleman A. Young Jr., son of a legendary mayor, also wants the job.
Here's what the governor says:
