Banks
to Lead Detroit Caucus
State Representative Brian Banks (D-Detroit)
has been elected to lead the Detroit Caucus for the House of Representatives in
2015, stepping in to replace outgoing Chair Representative Thomas Stallworth
III (D-Detroit) who did not seek re-election to the House in order to run for
the Senate. Representative Banks is among only four incumbent Representatives
returning to the House; the others are Representative Alberta Tinsley-Talabi
(D-Detroit), Representative Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), and Representative
Harvey Santana (D-Detroit).
Byrum
to Negotiate Debates
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark
Schauer has chosen former House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum to conduct
debate negotiations with the Governor Rick Snyder campaign. Schauer has called
for four debates, urging televised, evening, debates to ensure a wide audience.
Governor Snyder has not mentioned a specific number of debates he prefers,
however, has encouraged a debate before the Detroit Economic Club.
Only
One Recount Sought
Christina Barr of Pontiac, who lost the
Republican nomination in the 29th House District by 6 votes, is the
only losing candidate to file for a recount prior to this week’s deadline to do
so. Ms. Barr, who lost to David Lonier of Auburn Hills, requested 17 of 42
precincts be recounted. The 29th House District is currently held by
House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) and has a very heavy Democratic
base, so either Ms. Barr or Mr. Lonier will have an uphill battle come
November.