Tuesday, April 13, 2010

More Bernero Buzz in Advance of Convention

Candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010 have a big weekend ahead of them. The endorsement convention sponsored by the Michigan Democratic Party Saturday (April 17, 2010) at Cobo Hall only covers the offices of Secretary of State and Attorney General. But that doesn't mean the gubernatorial candidates won't have a chance to shine.

All three -- Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, House Speaker Andy Dillon, and Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith -- will take part in the gubernatorial forum Sunday morning at Cobo Hall. And you can bet all three will have people working the crowd at the Jefferson-Jackson fund-raising dinner on Saturday night as well as at the convention.

But Bernero seems to be the one trying to generate some buzz in advance of this big gathering.

This week, he emailed supporters and potential supporters to remind them that his endorsement by the Michigan AFL-CIO represents more than 500,000 workers and retirees in 50 labor unions. And the email says that "will mean boots on the ground and people power throughout the state."

Bernero also touted the fact that a push poll of sorts by EPIC-MRA shows him in the lead. Respondents picked Bernero over Dillon, 29 percent to 24 percent, after hearing a brief biography of the two candidates. The email didn't mention Smith.

It's early in the week, and the other two candidates may have something to say to grassroots Democrats before the convention rolls around. But at this point, Bernero seems to be the one talking to the people who will vote in the August primary.

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