Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is shifting his support to former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra in the 2012 race against Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Patterson has been backing Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch until Hoekstra entered the race.

Patterson said he believes that McCulloch will fold his campaign in deference to Hoekstra, although McCulloch has given no indication he's quitting the GOP nominating race.

"I understand that John will be withdrawing and throwing his support to Hoekstra," Patterson said Friday. "I don't know if I'm letting the cat out of the bag early but that decision, I think, has been made and so I will be supporting Pete Hoekstra from this day forward."

Now, McCulloch hasn't yet made it official, but I somehow don't think that L. Brooks is going to put himself out there like this unless he knows that John's calling it quits.

Dear Friends,

In a press conference with former Congressman Pete Hoekstra today, I announced that I would be withdrawing from the race for U.S. Senate and have endorsed Pete Hoekstra.

I entered the race for two reasons.  I believe Debbie Stabenow has been a part of the problem, not a part of the solution.  The Obama/Stabenow policies have not created jobs but they have created massive budget deficits and massive federal debt.   Her tax and spend philosophy is completely different than mine.  I am a proven tax cutter and government waste cutter.  When I chaired of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners we cut the tax rate three times, and despite shrinking tax revenues balanced my Water Resources budget every year. I felt I could use my CPA background to replace Debbie Stabenow and vote for necessary spending cuts so we can reduce the debt and balance the budget.

The second reason I ran is because no one else was stepping forward.  There was no doubt in my mind that my background and proven record prepared me for the campaign and to serve as a U.S. Senator.  However, that has changed.  Pete Hoekstra's decision to run means that we Republicans now have a candidate who has run statewide and has the high name identification  that will allow him to raise the money that will be needed to beat Debbie Stabenow.  Pete Hoekstra has proven over 18 years as a member of Congress that he has the ability, the background, the courage, and the leadership skills to be a great U.S. Senator.

Although my second reason for running has changed, my first has not.  We have to beat Debbie Stabenow and we have to beat Barack Obama next November.  The best way we can do that is to unite around one strong candidate.  Therefore, I am withdrawing from the race and I am endorsing Pete Hoekstra, a tremendous Republican candidate.  I am also urging Clark Durant, Randy Hekman, Rob Steele and any other candidates or potential candidates to also withdraw and endorse Pete.  I am also urging those who were supporting me, or going to support me, to also endorse Pete.

I will do everything I can to help Pete win this race. We in Michigan have a real chance to make a difference nationally.  Now, we have a nationally known Republican candidate with statewide experience and popularity to win.

As for myself, I have decided to run for re-election as Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner.

Water issues are important to Oakland County and the state.  We have finally put into place a regional water board, something I have worked enormously hard for during my time in office.  Now, I want to help implement the changes resulting from that effort.

Thank you,