| Early on in the primary race for the 3rd Congressional District nomination (Dems), Trevor Thomas' campaign tried to frame the race as being between the female-unfriendly campaign of Steve Pestka and his own female-friendly campaign based on past legislative positions. In particular, the Thomas folks said that Pestka would defund Planned Parenthood if he got a chance. Then, Pestka started to land endorsements from key Democratic females. First, it was Gretchen Whitmer on May 3 (she was in Grand Rapids yesterday campaigning on his behalf). This morning, it's Jocelyn Benson. From Ye Olde Inbox: Benson, an associate professor at Wayne State University Law School and nationally recognized expert on election law, praised Pestka’s experience and dedication to helping to increase opportunities for all West Michigan residents as reasons for her support. “During his decades of public service, Steve has proven himself to be honest, forthright, and committed to West Michigan and the Third Congressional District,” Benson said. “Now more than ever, it is important that we have leaders in Washington who act with integrity, preserve our democracy, and best represent the people they are elected to serve tirelessly. Steve Pestka is that candidate.”
Thomas has the endorsement of Jennifer Granholm and something called the Progressive Women's Alliance (never heard of it). My own gut tells me that both Benson and Whitmer have eyes bigger than their current roles in either the state Democratic Party and/or state government, and that this makes -- based on endorsements -- a race between the has-beens and the up-and-comers. I say that while also noting that the Pestka campaign's spokesman once watched my father smelt bullets on the stovetop in the house I grew up in. So, there is that. |
