GRAND RAPIDS, MI — U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, is being pressured to stay out of the race for retiring Sen. Carl Levin's seat by libertarian power brokers Ron and Rand Paul.

That's according to a National Journal article published Wednesday that examines the potential candidacies of Amash and fellow Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Howell.

According to the article, rumors are flying that Amash — branded in several national media articles as the "next Ron Paul" — is being cautioned against a run by the elder Paul and Rand Paul, a Kentucky senator:

Amash is a known ally of both Ron and Rand Paul, having appeared at rallies and campaign functions for the former during his failed presidential run in 2012.

During Rand Paul's recent 13-hour filibuster against one of President Barack Obama's appointees over drone strikes, Amash looked on from the Senate gallery and expressed his support on social media.

The article included an unnamed Amash aide denying claims the Pauls were advising Amash against a run. Amash spokesman Will Adams declined to comment on the article.

Adams said there is no "specific" timetable for Amash to announce whether he'll run for the seat being vacated by Levin.

Republicans have identified the seat as a rare chance for the party, though many note Michigan leans Democratic in statewide elections.

Despite electing a majority of Republicans to congressional seats in the 2012 election, the state went handily to President Barack Obama.

What's more, Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow thumped Republican Pete Hoekstra, a former West Michigan congressman, by double digits in that election.

Articles, including the National Journal's, note Amash has the political moxie and celebrity to mount a formidable run.

Still, many have noted his lack of statewide name recognition, reputation for criticizing his own party and his renegade tendencies could be his undoing.

Rogers also has not said whether he will run, but the National Journal painted him as the favorite potential contender among state Republican leaders.

Conversely, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox seemed critical of a Rogers run in the National Journal's article, saying Rogers is "so full of [expletive] to begin with."

West Michigan politician Terri Lynn Land, a former Michigan Secretary of State, also has expressed interest in running for the seat.

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