Student’s father running for governor seat, says campaign does not affect her life

Virginia Bernero is a little more tied to the upcoming gubernatorial election than most.

Her father is running for the position.

Bernero, a Lansing freshman, is the daughter of Virgil Bernero, current Lansing mayor and a recently announced contender in the race to succeed Jennifer Granholm as Michigan governor. She said it changes the way some people look at her.

“When they find out about my dad, some people are intimidated, but it doesn’t change me,” she said. “It may affect my family life, but not who I am as a person. I don’t walk up to people and say, ‘Hi, I’m Virginia. My dad is the mayor of Lansing and is running for governor.’”

Virginia plans to campaign for her father, like she has done plenty of times before. She said she was a little overwhelmed when her father officially decided to run for governor, especially so quickly after winning a second term in the mayoral election.

Though Virgil has received criticism for running for governor so early in his term, Virginia said she is very proud of him for taking on the challenge.

“I know some people accuse him of job-hopping or being power hungry, but that’s not the case,” she said. “This would be just like a promotion in any other job.”

‘Cool and easygoing’

Virginia’s roommate, Megan Rowe, said she is not intimidated by Bernero’s political movements. The Jonesville freshman said she enjoys living with Virginia on campus.

“It doesn’t change anything about Virginia,” Rowe said. “She’s really cool and easygoing.”

Virginia said she is passionate about the environment and promoting awareness about green issues.

“She’s got bags by the trash for recycling,” Rowe said. “Labeled bins for paper and other things, it’s very organized. She’s definitely big on that and has influenced us to do it too. She’s had a big impact on my life in that sense.”

Virginia began working with the College Democrats at Central Michigan University to generate information and interest about the election. After the semester is finished, she plans to travel more with her father.

But for now, she said she must maintain her own public appearance and stay out of trouble. She said she is aware of the reactions others have after learning who her father is.