By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
DETROIT, MI –
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero made three stops across the state Monday to announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor. Bernero says some Democratic Party insiders encouraged him not to run.
"Frankly I can't believe I'd see the day when my Democratic Party thinks that being rich or well-connected is the most important qualification for standing up and for fighting for hard-working Michigan families," he says. "But I'm not running to tear anyone down, I'm running to building Michigan up. And if I'm running against anything it's a creeping cynicism that says Michigan's greatest days are behind us."
Bernero is the second person to enter the race for the Democratic nomination. State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith began her campaign last year. House Speaker Andy Dillon says he will decide this month whether he will officially run for governor.
There are five candidates seeking the Republican nomination.