What we saw during the Democratic convention Sunday at Cobo Hall has to convince voters that it is indeed a winning ticket.
The Chronicle first sounded the note and began the drumbeat for an African-American lieutenant governor, helping to push the party to finally live up to its creed. But it was not a demand to select any kind of candidate just because they are Black, but one who is eminently qualified.
Then last week Southfield mayor Brenda Lawrence was named the running mate on the Democratic ticket. Two mayors on the same ticket raised many eyebrows.
But Mayor Lawrence is a pacesetter who has her own story to tell.
On the day that news of her selection was leaked to the media, I received so many calls on my cell phone, as if I was a designated envoy of the Bernero strategy team.
Most of the callers were excited about the pick but expressed caution asking me what Lawrence brings to the ticket.
I did not take the calls to mean that they are not approving of her as the nominee for lieutenant governor. I took them to mean that these individuals want Brenda Lawrence to tell her story and explain to voters what, specifically, she had done as mayor of Southfield.
The Bernero campaign could have done a better job of explaining what the Southfield mayor did in great detail during their announcement to show voters the advantage of having her on the ticket.
Its a historic ticket and the first time Democrats have pushed the envelope, due to the urging of many.
There was a lot of energy and jubilation at the convention, but that will have to translate into votes. The Democrats are hoping that with an African American on the ticket they could secure a huge voting bloc in Detroit.
That is possible, but first the gubernatorial ticket will have to explain what is in store for Detroit should Virg Bernero become our next governor.
Almost all the key political players in Detroit are supporting Bernero, just as we saw with the Andy Dillon campaign where the House Speaker got the political heavyweights and pastors behind him.
Yet voters sent a strong message that no political heavyweight is stronger than those who actually cast the votes.
The Democrats cannot sit back and expect a free ride to Lansing. Yes, the stakes are high in this campaign but Bernero must show voters what he would do. How is he different from Rick Snyder and Brian Calley?
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Denise Langford Morris came out as the Democrat’s nominee for Supreme Court, ready to duke it out with sitting Republican Justice Robert Young. This race will be a showdown because it is two African-American legal minds with two different philosophies and different appreciation of the law.
But I’d like to see Morris and Young debate. I’d like to hear their views on the recent decisions of the Supreme Court and how they affected the lives or ordinary citizens.
The court’s most recent and telling ruling allowing insurance companies to use credit to determine rates in an economic recession explains the disconnect between the high court and victims of the economic recession.
Moreover, when you open the campaign war chests of the justices and see whose campaigns are been heavily financed by the insurance industry, you are forced to walk away with your hands over your mouth. Because what you see is the marriage between law and politics — the insatiable political intercourse between the high priests of our legal system and the merchants of our time.
Where does that leave the rest of us?
Wayne State University Law Professor Jocelyn Benson got the nomination for Secretary of State and is already challenging her Republican opponent, Ruth Johnson, Oakland County Clerk, to a debate.
Benson is an election law expert who has written a book on the role of secretaries of state.
The role of the secretary of state is crucial and this position will prove to be key to anyone who occupies it in November because of the 2012 presidential election.
Issues around voting rights and gerrymandering have always been the hallm
ark of most secretary of state offices around the county, and Michigan is no exception. Benson and Johnson should have a debate and explain to the electorate how they plan to guard the sacredness of the vote.
Too often we have ignored the significance of such offices because it hardly ever generates scandals for the daily political news. Yet it proves to be the mirror to look at the strength of the electorate in the state.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton is taking on the Republican businessman and former congressman and judge Bill Schuette for Attorney General.
Its a tough fight but labor darling Leyton has a chance to win if the votes are there on Election Day.
But the strength of the overall ticket will be determined by the strength of the top ticket.
What Bernero and Lawrence do from now on will presage things to come for the remaining members of the ticket.
Michigan is in a crucial state and cannot afford lackluster candidates.
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