Ahh, computer problems... I tried forty different ways of doing this last night, but now it works fine...

Berryman withdraws Candidacy
in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District
Former Mayor, Senator Jim Berryman believes the focus should be on defeating Tim Walberg and not campaigning against a fellow Democrat

ADRIAN – Jim Berryman of Adrian announced today that he will not run as a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s seventh congressional district. Berryman, a former Mayor and state Senator, said “now is the time to come together, as a Party and unite behind one candidate. “We need to focus on the real task before us and that is to replace our current congressman” Berryman said.

Berryman said he had made the decision to run for Congress because there was not an announced candidate that had the experience to run an effective and competitive race. “Now there are two candidates’ that have the ability to wage a successful campaign” Berryman said.

Berryman went on to say; “I was not running to make Jim Berryman a congressman. I was running because I wanted to do what was best for the families that live in the 7th District. I believe that this country should refocus its attention on the real issues that face the majority of us every day. That is to invest our capital in American industries, American jobs, our cities and our families.”

Throughout his political career Berryman has always been proud of the support he has received from organized labor. “I would have never been able to accomplish any of my political goals without the hard work of the men and women that make up Michigan’s and this country’s Unions” said Berryman. “This is one of the major reasons that I have decided to withdraw from the 2008 Democratic primary.” Berryman continued to say; “The Democratic candidate is going to need all the resources available, both physical and financial, to replace the current congressman. Having two friends of labor going at each other in a primary, will only be a distraction and lessen our chances of victory in the Fall of 2008” said Berryman.

Berryman, who is employed by the Michigan Education Association said; “Now that we (the Democratic Party) have a candidate that can run a competitive national campaign, I can turn my full attention to the responsibilities of representing my teachers and support staff, here in Lenawee County.” Berryman said; “I am still going to attempt to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals that I represent, it is only going to be on a more local level.”

The AP already has a story up:

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Former Democratic state Sen. Jim Berryman of Adrian told supporters Sunday that he is withdrawing from the race to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in the 2008 election.

Berryman, who works for the Michigan Education Association, said he dropped out because he didn't want to have two candidates splitting the labor endorsement. State Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, announced in late August that he was getting into the race for the 7th District, which includes parts of seven counties in south-central Michigan.

"The Democratic candidate is going to need all the resources available, both physical and financial, to replace the current congressman. Having two friends of labor going at each other in a primary will only be a distraction and lessen our chances of victory in the fall of 2008," Berryman said in a statement to supporters Sunday night.

As with David Nacht, I just want to say I have a great deal of admiration for Jim Berryman. It's tough to run for public office, and he made a great effort over the last few months. Regardless of who our representative in Congress is, it's refreshing to know that we have men and women like Berryman fighting for us at a local level.

This isn't an endorsement of Mark Schauer. However, Schauer is the clear winner coming out of this announcement, now only facing Sharon Renier in the primary (who, as far as I can tell, hasn't yet officially filed as a candidate). Remember, though, that a lot of things can change. Schauer's entry into the race was a great reminder of that fact.

Still, this changes the dynamic of the race. I had expected a vigorous primary between multiple well-funded candidates. That would've been fun for political junkies like me and, I think, good for the candidates, but it would have been a drain of resources, as Berryman says.

Until Joe Schwarz announces his intentions and Sharon Renier puts together a 2008 campaign, we're effectively starting the fall with a Schauer-vs.-Walberg campaign.

Labels: 2008 Election, Jim Berryman, Tim Walberg

posted by Fitzy  # 9:26 AM