By Laura Weber, MPRN
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-920825.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Democratic candidate for governor Virg Bernero has chosen Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence as his running mate. As the Michigan Public Radio Network's Laura Weber reports, Bernero intends to announce the choice tomorrow in Detroit.
AUDIO: Sources close to the campaign say Bernero has asked Lawrence to be his running mate, though the formal announcement will come as Democrats prepare to open their state convention in Detroit this weekend.
Lawrence is an African American woman who has served as Southfield mayor for nine years. She made a failed run for Oakland County executive two years ago.
Democratic sources say it was important for the Party to put someone who is African American and from Metro Detroit high on the ticket.
Bernero's campaign would not officially confirm who the Lansing mayor chose as his running mate, but they say he had it narrowed down to a handful of candidates this week. Bernero joked this week that it has been hard to find someone to take the job.