Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero launched his campaign for Michigan governor this morning in Detroit. Bernero has two other stops scheduled today in Grand Rapids and Lansing.

It’s time for a new vision. We’re done playing games, we’re fighting back,” Bernero said. Bernero has been exploring the possibility of a run for more than a month and chose Detroit Chassis for the location of his announcement.

The only other official Democratic candidate is state Rep. Alma Wheeler-Smith.

Other potential Democratic candidates include House Speaker Andy Dillon, MSU Trustee George Perles, former Flint Mayor Don Williamson, Detroit businesswoman Denise Ilitch, former state Treasurer Bob Bowman and former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee.

More information on Virg Bernero, including an announcement video, can be found at his website.

Governor Jennifer Granholm -

The 2008 Election year provided terrific results for the Bay County Democrats!! With your volunteerism, energy and contributions, we were successful in electing Democrats from our local office holders to Barack Obama.

For the 2010 Election it will take perseverance and the same dedication to elect Democrats in all of the State offices from Governor, State Senator, State Representatives and County Commissioners. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We must persist in our efforts to re-elect first-class Democrat incumbents and elect additional high-quality Democrats in 2010. We need your continued support to succeed!

Renew your dedication in 2010 by joining together at the Annual Membership Chicken Dinner on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Kawkawlin Township Hall, 1836 E. Parish Road. Refreshments will begin at 4:30p.m. with dinner at 5:00p.m. The tickets are $10/person for payments received by Friday, February 27, 2010. Tickets at the door will be $15/person. Children under 5 are free. Mail your ticket money to: Bay County Democratic Party, 2341 East Beaver Road, Kawkawlin, MI 48631.

Following the dinner the presentation of the Tony Bielawski Award will be made to recognize a member who has created a spirit of goodwill and unity within our Party and who has consistently volunteered to our Bay County Democratic Party.

Tony Pawelski
Bay County Democratic Party Chairman

Save the date for the MDP Endorsement Convention on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The purpose of the Convention will be to endorse candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General. Information on current candidates can be found on our 2010 Candidates page. There will be no endorsements in any primary races. The Endorsement Convention will be held the same day and at the same location as the Jeff-Jack Dinner.

For more information, please visit: www.michigandems.com.

January 28th - Detroit clerk might enter secretary of state race

January 26th - Stupak won't run for governor

January 20th - Sen. Whitmer to leave AG race

January 12th - Democrat John Freeman drops out of Michigan governor's race

During Tuesday's monthly meeting the Bay County Democratic Party unanimously voted to donate $200 to the the Camp Millie training program. The following provides information about the upcoming training, which will take place in February.

Camp Millie is now in its third year. It continues to give participants the tools for effective progressive political action including:

• Framing Your Issues and Message Development;
• Volunteer Recruitment;
• Techniques and Strategies to Get-Out-The-Vote;
• Door-to-Door Canvassing;
• Phone Banking;
• Fundraising;
• Campaign Finance Compliance;
• Voter Protection Information;
• & so much more.

The training has proven invaluable to candidates, campaign managers and activists all over the state.

When:  Saturday, February 20 & Sunday, February 21. All Camps are two days: Saturday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Where: Ramada Inn (formerly know as the Davenport Inn)
3325 Davenport Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602 -  http://ramadainnsaginaw.com/

Cost: $35 tuition – Includes training materials, continental breakfast, snacks and 2 lunches.  Checks payable to The Justice Caucus. Note:  Scholarships available.  Contact leighgarnet@gmail.com to apply.

How: R.S.V.P. to leighgarnet@gmail.com and register online at www.justicecaucus.org/node/37

House Speaker Andy Dillon announced this morning that he is forming an exploratory committee for a possible run for governor. A video was posted on his new website, in which he stated, "I've seen what stands in the way of economic growth, and I know we can change it. But it won't happen with the same old thinking."

Dillon said he would spend the coming weeks "talking to people across our state" and soliciting their concerns and ideas for the future.."

More information, including his biography and his web video can be found on his website.

State Sen. Hansen Clarke has announced he will seek the Democratic nomination for governor. He said Tuesday in a phone interview that he has filed the paperwork to kick off his campaign.

Clarke served in the Michigan House from 1991-1992, then served that chamber again from 1999-2002. He has served in the state Senate since 2003.

Visit his website for more information.

A surprise to many, Lt. Governor John Cherry announced earlier today that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

In an email sent to campaign supporters earlier today, Cherry said he had accomplished only two of his three goals. He noted that he received more than 1,000 supporters and gathered more than half of the nominating signatures needed. However, he did secure enough money to make his campaign "fully viable."

Other Democratic candidates include Democratic state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, Michigan State trustee George Perles and former Rep. John Freeman. House Speaker Andy Dillon, Dan Kildee and Lansing Virg Bernero are also three potential Democratic candidates.

The full text of John Cherry's statement can be found below.