West Michigan Congressman Fred Upton says he hasn’t made a final decision about running for another term. The St. Joseph Republican says “I would not be doing these 10, 12, 14 hour days often six, seven days a week, if we had made the decision not to run, but frankly it’s just a little bit too early.”
Upton says he is "checking all the boxes" to launch another campaign for the House. Two years ago Upton considered running for U.S. Senate, but chose to seek re-election to his House seat instead. He says it was the right decision. Upton says anyone running for the Senate should plan on seeking two terms. The 66 year old Congressman says “I can guarantee you I am not doing this when I am 75 or 80.”
Longer interview with Fred Upton in WMUK's WestSouthwest podcast
Asked about security against foreign interference in next year’s election, Upton says is “not convinced that we’re where we need to be yet.” He says the House needs to make sure that the FBI has resources to ensure security. Upton says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has done the right thing by asking for classified briefings for representatives. Upton says “this is not something we can sweep under the rug.”
A member of the Climate Solutions Caucus in the House, Upton says climate change is real. However, he says it will be hard to get to net zero carbon emissions as recommended by United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Upton says he continues to support an “all of the above” energy policy including renewable sources and nuclear power. Upton says he is working on legislation to ramp up renewable energy.
Three Republicans have now announced they will challenge President Trump for the party’s nomination next year. (Note: the interview with Upton was recroded before former South Carolina Governor and Congressman Mark Sanford officially entered the race). Others say they are also considering launching a campaign. Upton says “No one’s going to challenge the President in a meaningful way.” Upton did not endorse anyone for President in 2016, either in the primary or the general election. Asked about endorsing the President’s re-election in 2020, Upton says he hasn’t made a decision yet. “He hasn’t asked me, usually you’ve got to ask someone for their vote.”
