Bernero selects Southfield mayor Brenda Lawrence as running mate, trails Snyder in polls

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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero selected Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence as his running mate this weekend, calling her a fellow “Main Street” mayor.
Bernero announced his choice at the opening of the Michigan Democratic Party convention Saturday morning.
“Two Main Street mayors for Michigan. That’s historic and that’s exciting,” Bernero said as he introduced Lawrence, continuing the “Main Street vs. Wall Street” theme he has used throughout his campaign.
Lawrence said Bernero called her Friday morning and asked her to be his running mate for lieutenant governor.
She was elected as Southfield’s mayor in 2001, becoming both the first black and female to hold the position.
“This is a moment in history,” she said. “This is a moment where two mayors are going to roll up their sleeves and fix the mess. We’re going to make it right.”
College Democrats President Brad O’Donnell was happy with the selection and described Lawrence as an energetic and intelligent politician.
“I absolutely love that she’s also a mayor,” the Clinton Township senior said. “I think local government is closest to the people and that’s just what our state needs,”
College Republicans Vice President John Porter said Bernero’s choice was not surprising.
Porter, a Coleman sophomore, said the organization is a traditional “left-field base” for Democrats.
“It’s another example of (Bernero) not being able to draw the center vote,” he said.
Recent polls show Bernero trailing 22 percentage points behind Republican candidate Rick Snyder.
While several media outlets were reporting the choice Friday, Bernero and Lawrence would not confirm the rumors until the official announcement this weekend.
Republican Rick Snyder selected Brian Calley as his campaign running mate Wednesday.