What is Justin Amash Going To Do With His Independence?

Congressman Justin Amash commemorated the Fourth of July by declaring that he is leaving the Republican Party and rejecting partisan politics in an op-ed in The Washington Post:

The founders envisioned Congress as a deliberative body in which outcomes are discovered. We are fast approaching the point, however, where Congress exists as little more than a formality to legitimize outcomes dictated by the president, the speaker of the House and the Senate majority leader.

With little genuine debate on policy happening in Congress, party leaders distract and divide the public by exploiting wedge issues and waging pointless messaging wars. These strategies fuel mistrust and anger, leading millions of people to take to social media to express contempt for their political opponents, with the media magnifying the most extreme voices. This all combines to reinforce the us-vs.-them, party-first mind-set of government officials.

Amash concluded, "I’m asking you to believe that we can do better than this two-party system — and to work toward it."

But how does Amash envision working towards improving the two party system? 

What does Amash intend to do with his independence?

Does Amash intend to remain in Congress and seek re-election as an Independent?

Or has Amash given up on Congress and decide to focus on a quixotic White House bid under the Libertarian Party banner? 

Will he try to do both?

Given how Amash wants Congress to return to its humble origins and how he almost never missed a vote, it's hard to see him abandoning Capitol Hill just yet.

On the other hand, there's the question of unseating President Trump. Running as a Libertarian could take votes away from Trump in Michigan and those votes could cost Trump a second term. That would make far more impact than being an independent Congressman with a limited budget, no committee assignments and no means by which to get legislation passed.

The third possibility is that Amash begins his own organization dedicated to improving the two-party system. It would keep his name in the spotlight in the short term, but could fade without a clear agenda and or some small victories.

From where I sit, I'd like to see Amash make a bid for the White House. His presence on the ballot provides an option for those of use who cannot abide Trump, but cannot abide the political correctness and wokeness of Democrats.