Bernero picks Brenda Lawrence as running mate
MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Virg Bernero has selected Southfield mayor Brenda Lawrence as his running mate.
Newschannel 3 spoke with some Democrats in West Michigan who say that they frankly don't know much about Lawrence.
It was widely expected that the Democrats would look to suburban Detroit for the office of lieutenant governor, and that's exactly what happened.
Lawrence is currently the Mayor of Soutfield, the first African-American and first woman to hold that position. Before becoming mayor, Lawrence spent four years on the city council and some time on the board of education.
Lawrence got her start as a member of the PTA some years ago.
On Thursday Virg Bernero said that others had turned the job down, some local democrats say that's a big concern, but they're prepared to send a message at the coming convention.
“Keep pushing,” said Armand Robinson, delegate to the Democratic convention. “I think you've got an uphill battle, I think we can win it. We need concrete effort.”
“It seems like she would bring a lot of balance to the ticket,” said Pat Miles, who is running for congress, “both for geography and gender and racial balance. The Democratic party has always been a big tent party with a lot of diversity.”
