Via AP:
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is making official what has long seemed inevitable - he's running for governor.
The Republican is hosting his annual barbeque for supporters in his hometown of Midland on Tuesday, and there are "Schuette for Governor" signs onsite. The early-evening announcement comes before next week's Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference - when donors, activists and others gather every two years.
Schuette plans to focus on Michigan's economy in his opening speech.Schuette will be considered the front-runner in the Republican primary. Dr. Jim Hines and state Sen. Patrick Colbeck are the main Republicans running so far, though Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is weighing a bid.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder can't run again under term limits.
The 63-year-old Schuette has been a congressman, state senator and appellate judge.