Former Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz is again endorsing the Democrat running for the seat he once held.
U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer's campaign said Tuesday that a group calling itself "Republicans for Schauer" is announcing its support for the Battle Creek incumbent.
The group includes Gary Reed, a former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party. It's co-chaired by former Kellogg Co. Vice President Joe Stewart and former GOP state Sen. Hal Ziegler.
Schwarz represented the south-central Michigan district from 2005-06, but lost the GOP primary to Tim Walberg. Schauer beat Walberg in 2008, and the pair are locked in a tight rematch this year.
Schwarz also endorsed Schauer in 2008. He now considers himself an independent.