Michigan Gay, lesbian group backs Bernero in governor race
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero says the discrimination his gay brother faced before dying of AIDS is one reason he strongly stands up for gay rights.
The Lansing mayor on Monday was endorsed by Equality Michigan Action Network, the state’s largest advocacy group for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Bernero supported a 2006 human right ordinance in Lansing that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and supported similar measures as a state lawmaker.
His 29-year-old brother, Victor, died of AIDS in 1990.
Bernero will face House Speaker Andy Dillon in the Aug. 3 Democratic gubernatorial primary election.
Rep. Mark Schauer’s war chest dwarfs challengers’
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Two Democratic congressional incumbents have far more cash on hand than their GOP opponents.
New figures posted to the Federal Election Commission website showed Monday that 7th District Rep. Mark Schauer of Battle Creek had $1.65 million available as of June 30. Among Republicans, Brian Rooney of Dexter had $419,116 on hand after lending his campaign $279,604. Tim Walberg of Tipton had $364,398 and Marvin Carlson of Manchester had $1,569.
In the 9th District, Democratic incumbent Gary Peters of Oakland County’s Bloomfield Township had $1.9 million on hand.
Among his four GOP rivals, Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski had $309,600 cash on hand while Paul Welday had $300,636. Both are from Farmington Hills. Richard Kuhn of Waterford had $26,303.
No report was available for Anna Janek.
