Even though the lead up to the election was unpredictable with various polls sometimes predicting her opponents Hansen Clarke and Rudy Hobbs as favored to win, Lawrence said she knew all along that victory was in sight.
She could feel it when she spoke to voters days before the primary vote.
“We stayed focus. We had a massive calling program and we were working the doors. When we touched voters we were smelling victory. It was what I wanted and it is what I was hearing from voters. I have a strong sense of satisfaction,” Lawrence said in a phone interview. “I campaigned on issues that touched people. I was doing my best to convince them and it played out well. I worked until the polls closed.”
Lawrence notes that one of her opponents, Hobbs, had the institutional backing of Senator Carl Levin, Congressman Sandy Levin, the UAW and other Democratic heavyweights, yet she pulled a win that was stunning to some of Hobbs’ supporters.
“I had the endorsement of grassroots organizations, ethnic communities, the disability caucus and others. It was a big sigh of relief to see that the people have spoken. Hard work pays off,” Lawrence said. “I woke up with a smile. There is still a democracy.”
The endorsement of EMILY’s List, the national women empowerment network organization was key for Lawrence.
“Sixty percent of the voting population in the 14th District are women….if you went to the polls you saw the women…and when you go to the seniors women were there,” she said.
““For two decades, Brenda Lawrence has served the people of Southfield with common sense leadership and deep passion for the families of her community,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List. “Brenda’s proven experience in economic development and efforts to ensure all voices are heard make her the clear choice for Michigan women and families, and the EMILY’s List community — now over three million members strong — is excited to help elect this trailblazer.”
Lawrence knew the endorsement would make a difference when she acknowledged it.
““I’m proud of the endorsement of one of the largest political action groups in the nation. EMILY’s List screened me and their endorsement validates my record and my campaign,” Lawrence said. “But I’m also engaging with people along our mile roads, in Pontiac, the Pointes, Detroit’s riverfront and along Vernor in Southwest Detroit.”
Moving forward, Lawrence said she is going to keep to her campaign promise including economic development and attracting companies to Southeast Michigan that will create jobs.
“I feel very strongly about economic development and helping to bring companies to this region,” she said.
But first her most urgent and pressing matter to deal with is working to elect the Democratic ticket in the November election.
“I am excited. We need to put our strategy to win in November. My opponent is no longer my opponent. I am joining the Democratic ticket together with labor, faith-based groups, we are going to work together to win the election,” Lawrence said. “I am impressed with the numbers I’m seeing for Mark Schauer. We need to make sure people don’t forget what has happened in the last four years. We need to stay on the message and not take any vote for granted.”
Michigan’s next congresswoman from the 14th District said she is looking forward to working with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan who did not endorse her.
“Mayor Duggan has called me. He and I will be working together. We are both extremely passionate and committed to Detroit. The people of Detroit voted for me. I’m committed to that as well as any other city,” Lawrence said. “The ethnic groups that made a point of connecting with me and made sure I understood their issues I will fight for.” E-mail bthompson@michronicle.com.