Young withdraws from U.S. Senate race

LANSING (AP) — Former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bob Young says he’s withdrawing from the field of Republicans seeking to defeat Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow this year.

Young says in a statement Wednesday the GOP needs the “early selection of a consensus conservative candidate who will remain true to conservative values and the rule of law.” He says he’s “truly humbled and blessed” by the support he received.

Detroit-area business turnaround expert Sandy Pensler and Iraq War veteran and businessman John James are seeking Stabenow’s seat.

Young stepped down from the high court in April after serving there for 18 years. He was appointed to the state Supreme Court and state Court of Appeals by then-Gov. John Engler in the 1990s.