Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence is one of several contenders vying to replace Congressman Gary Peters in the 14th Congressional District. Though the race to represent members of the newly redrawn district in the U.S. House of Representatives is a local one, Lawrence’s candidacy has already gotten national attention.
The powerful national women’s political organization, EMILY’s List, issued a strong release last month endorsing her candidacy for Congress, a move seen crucial to boosting women representation in Washington.
“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.”
But what difference will the endorsement of a national organization make in a race that will be decided by voters of the district?
“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.”
Should Lawrence become the early favorite in her district against other contenders like State Rep. Rudy Hobbs and State Sen. Bert Johnson, it will be because the women vote will be decisive in the election.
“Women are about 60 percent of the registered voters in the 14th Congressional District. I’m proud to be a woman who has worked for 20 years as an elected official and now in this race for Congress,” Lawrence said. “Isn’t it great that in 2014 during Women’s History Month that we have congressional races across this region where qualified women are running for Congress?”
And some of those women running for Congress include Democratic powerhouse Debbie Dingell, wife of Congressman John Dingell who is running in the 12th District to replace the seat occupied by her husband who is retiring after five decades in Congress.
But financial support has proven to be key for any of the congressional races we are witnessing across the country.
In the case of the 14th District, the candidate with the most ability to raise large amounts of money in addition to strategic campaigning will likely be the one to head to Washington.
“In a relatively short period of time, we have secured financial support from a diverse cross section of the district. In a 30-day period, which included the holiday season, we received contributions of more than $100,000. That suggests to me that there is a path to victory for our campaign,” Lawrence said.
Some observers have already indicated that Hobbs is one candidate to not underestimate because he has been able to assemble a financial machine for his campaign that could give him an edge in the district. And his support is also broad including some influential members of metro Detroit’s Jewish community.
But Lawrence, who has had a longstanding relationship with the Jewish community in Michigan, speaking at forums on Black-Jewish relations among other issues relating to bridging the gap, said she is proud of her record with that community and other diverse groups in the district.
“I am proud to have support in the Jewish, African-American, Chaldean, Bangladeshi communities and others. I am encouraged that my support is representative of the diversity of this district. Again, that suggests to me that there is a path to victory for our campaign,” Lawrence said. “During my 20 years of public service I have had a strong relationship with the Jewish community as well as the entire 14th Congressional District. The polling data and early support clearly shows a path to victory. I’m not one to single out people with respect to their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs or affiliations.”
She said for a woman like her who was raised on Lumpkin Street on Detroit’s northeast side and the first African American and woman elected mayor of Southfield, “this campaign is about bringing people together on both sides of Eight Mile Road.”
How the candidates will distinguish themselves on the issues affecting members of their district will determine who will get the most attention from voters.
Mayor Lawrence, who in the past has been invited to the White House several times, said she is running to expand educational opportunities, including early child development as well as colleges and universities, connect federal policy that will establish and job growth and economic development for our cities, defend Medicare and Social Security and push for common sense federal gun control policies.
Bankole Thompson is the editor of the Michigan Chronicle. E-mail bthompson@michronicle.com.
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