Dennis Lennox II has ended his campaign for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.

The Topinabee junior decided at 1 p.m. Saturday that he will end his run for the seat because incumbent Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, decided to regain his position in House District 105. The district is composed of Antrim, Charlevoix, Otsego and part of Cheboygan County.

“Obviously I’m disappointed,” Lennox said. “. I would rather lose than have to step out. I could have stayed in the race, but I chose not to.”

Elsenhiemer left his position to run for the 4th District Court of Appeals; however, when Elsenhiemer was advised his campaign would not be in the best interest of the Republican Party, he dropped his campaign by Friday’s deadline to rerun for state legislature, Lennox said. Only one name could be endorsed by the Republican Party on the ballot. The filing deadline for the House position is May 13.

“I’ve known him for four years and I didn’t want to run against a sitting Republican for legislature,” Lennox said. “Not just because of his position, but because he’s a friend.”

He said Elsenhiemer is the No. 2 ranking Republican in the state House of Representatives. Lennox will endorse Elsenhiemer, and is committed to making sure issues he discussed with northern Michigan, like cutting taxes and stimulating the economy, will be resolved.

Lennox campaigned for five weeks, but said in politics these things happen.

“I expect to run in 2010 if there’s an opportunity there,” Lennox said.

He said he does not know if he will continue his education at Central Michigan University because he will have a long summer filled with other opportunities.

For now, Lennox said he is just going to relax after campaigning.

“I was pleased with the campaign. I received an incredible amount of support,” he said.

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