Kevin Elsenheimer will run for the Michigan Court of Appeals this year, rather than for re-election as Antrim County's state representative. File photo by Hadley Robinson

Elsenheimer is hoping to take the spot currently held by Bill Schuette, fourth district judge since 2003, who will not be seeking re-election.

"People came to me last week and asked me to run for Bill Schuette's spot," Elsenheimer said Tuesday. "That's a job I've always wanted. The opportunity to serve on the Court of Appeals is really a dream come true."

The Court of Appeals is an appellate court between the Supreme Court and the Michigan trial courts. The fourth district covers 58 counties in Michigan, from the Upper Peninsula to the northern Lower Peninsula all the way down to Ingham County.

Elsenheimer, who was elected to the state house in 2004, said the decision did not come easily for him and his family.

"I love being a legislator for northern Michigan," Elsenheimer said. "It's been absolutely the best job I've ever had. It's been an honor to serve. I was up for the top leadership spot in the house and so that certainly weighed into my decision as well. But I'm convinced this is the right move for my family."

Elsenheimer said he will still be working for the residents of northern Michigan if he wins the upcoming election.

"I'm a lawyer and I was a litigator and I practiced in the court of appeals," he said. "It's a tremendous opportunity to serve northern Michigan again, in a different capacity."

Elsenheimer said he does not plan on endorsing a candidate for the upcoming election, though he says he already knows several people interested in running as Republicans.

"I think there will be a spirited primary on the Republican side," he said. "And there's already a strong Democrat running from Charlevoix, so this'll be a competitive race."

State primary elections will be held Aug. 5, 2008 and the general election will be Nov. 4, 2008. State representatives serve a term of two years. The Court of Appeals judges are elected for six-year terms.

Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.