Hat Tip to Matt Welch at Reason.com -

The libertarian Congressman Justin Amash (MI-3) said Monday that he is open to a run for the Michigan U.S. Senate seat. The seat will be vacated in 2014 by current Senator Carl Levin (D-MI). Amash went on the record with The Detroit News -

“Frankly, we can’t afford to nominate another unelectable establishment Republican,” Amash, R-Cascade Township, told The Detroit News. “History shows they don’t appeal to moderate and independent voters.”.

Amash, who has seemingly filled the shoes left behind by former Congressman Ron Paul, has been a strong voice for the libertarian cause while serving in Congress. Amash was one of nine House Republicans to vote against Speaker John Boehner in his bid for Speaker of the newly elected Congress.

The list is quickly growing as four other Republicans have openly talked about a run for the seat; Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-8), former Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis, and former Michigan Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land all have gone on the record as considering a bid for the seat. Most notable, Scott Romney, brother of former GOP Presidential Candidate, Mitt Romney, is “interested and seriously looking at” a run for the seat.

On the Democrat side, only Congressman Gary Peters (MI-14) has put his name in the running for the open seat.