Report: Hoekstra to challenge Stabenow in Michigan Senate race

Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) will run against incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), according to Michigan-based news service MIRS News.

The official announcement is scheduled for Wednesday.

Hoekstra had initially said he didn't want to run a statewide race this election after finishing second to now-Gov. Rick Snyder in last year's Republican gubernatorial primary. But when no other strong candidate emerged to run against Stabenow, whose recent poll numbers are less than ideal for an incumbent, Republicans asked him again.

Hoekstra is not known as a great fundraiser, which could be a problem in the expensive state. But the Wolverine State, a traditional bellwether, could be fertile ground for the GOP this year. The state's economy continues to suffer and there has been an exodus from Detroit, the state's major trove of Democratic votes. Stabenow could have a tough race on her hands.