Peters: 'Extremely Close' to Decision about 14th Congressional Run

While he wouldn't comment directly on a widespread rumor about a run in the newly drawn 14th Congressional district, Congressman Gary Peters (D-9th Congressional) 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, who currently represents Berkley and a number of other communities, said about half of the new 14th District is in Oakland County. It does not include Berkley or Huntington Woods, which would be in the 9th District. The proposed district maps have yet to be finalized.

"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."

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 epithet 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."