Patterson won’t run for Mich. gov., opening field for Hoekstra

Oakland County, Mich. Executive L. Brooks Patterson (R) declined Thursday to run for the state’s open governorship in 2010, opening wide the field of Republican primary candidates in the election.

Patterson told the Detroit News that he could not abandon his suburban Detroit position in a statement explaining his decision not to enter the race.

“During these challenging times I cannot justify leaving my position as Oakland County Executive unattended for the next year and a half while I engage in a statewide campaign for governor,” Patterson said. “It is with much regret that I announce this morning that I will not be running for Governor of the State of Michigan in 2010.”

Early on in the race, Patterson had led the field of Republicans vying for the party’s nomination in what is expected to be a top pickup opportunity for the GOP in 2010.

Moreover, Patterson’s decision not to enter the race helps elevate Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) to the status of a marginal frontrunner. An Inside Michigan Politics poll conducted in March showed Hoekstra at 17 percent in a GOP primary, state Attorney General Mike Cox at 15 percent, and state Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land at 12 percent.

The GOP is hoping to take back the governor’s mansion from Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D), who is term-limited. Her lieutenant governor, John Cherry, is expected to be the Democratic candidate in the race.