Judge Small declines to run for U.S. Senate

BLOOMFIELD HILLS (AP) -- A Michigan judge has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat opening up with the retirement of long-time Democratic Sen. Carl Levin in 2014. Oakland County 48th District Court Judge Kimberly Small's friend and adviser Paul Welday said Monday that Small told him of her decision this weekend. He says it would have been difficult for her to transition to candidate from judge. A message seeking comment was left at Small's office. The announcement further clears the way for former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land to more easily move forward with her campaign. Levin announced his retirement in March. Land, Michigan's secretary of state from 2003 through 2010, is a declared Republican candidate, though other candidates could run. Democrats have coalesced behind U.S. Rep. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township. Published: Wed, Sep 18, 2013