Former Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Mich.) will not seek his former seat in 2012, depriving Democrats of their top candidate to take on Rep. Tim Walberg (R). 

“A combination of factors led me to this conclusion — the joy I’ve found in re-connecting with my family, especially our three little grandsons; the difference I’m making as national co-chair of the BlueGreen Alliance Jobs 21! campaign; and Republican Congressional redistricting that removes my hometown of Battle Creek from my old Congressional district,” Schauer, who served one term, wrote on his Facebook page, according to the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Republicans who control the state Legislature redrew Walberg’s district to make it less competitive, including moving Schauer’s Battle Creek base into the neighboring 3rd district. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder can sign or veto the map until Aug. 9, after which it automatically becomes law.

Democrats have threatened legal action if the map becomes law.