One reason he might be considering a run for Governor is that a number of influential people are concerned about whether Lt. Governor John Cherry (who has announced) could win the general election. It is a smart concern, because voters will probably want a change from the current administration, considering both natural voter fatigue and the state of the economy. Bernero's potential interest in running appeared today in a Detroit Free Press article written by Ron Dzwonkowski:
Elected last month to a second four-year term as mayor of Michigan’s capital city, Bernero says he’s being urged to run by Democrats concerned that Lt. Gov. John Cherry, front-runner for the party nomination to succeed Gov. Jennifer Granholm, can’t win a general election.
He also says traditional Democrats find House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford, who’s also pondering a run for governor, an unacceptable candidate.
Bernero says he’ll make a final decision within the next two months.
Bernero told the Free Press last week that he’s heard "lots of concern" about Cherry among members of the Michigan congressional delegation and Obama
administration insiders when he met with them recently in Washington, D.C.Cherry is "a wonderful man" and a "dedicated public servant, " Bernero said. "We all feel a kinship with him. But the big question is, can he win?"
Perhaps a bigger question: Could Bernero?
If Bernero could get the Democratic Party's nomination, anything is possible. He does not shy away from the spotlight, judging from how he likes to mix it up on cable television (especially with Fox News), on such hot-button issues as free trade and auto industry bailout. He is a strong proponent of the U.S. developing an industrial policy similar to some Asian countries and protecting American workers.
His type of populism could be very powerful in this election cycle. While he does not rail against Washington spending, he could tap into the widespread sentiment that Wall Street has been profiting at the expense of Main Street.
Considering that Michigan went for Obama by 17% just a year ago, the Democratic Party should still have a good chance of winning the 2010 Governor's Race with the right candidate. It is too early to tell whether the right candidate would be Virg Bernero, who is still untested at the statewide level. With the concerns people have about Lt. Governor Cherry, Bernero could be a formidable candidate with the right backing. He could have a lot working in his favor, and it would be a surprise if he decided not to run.
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