I nearly had a complete falling out with the Michigan Democratic Party about sixteen years ago. That year, the political and labor establishment rallied around two severely flawed primary candidates for Governor and Senator: Howard Wolpe and Bob Carr. Wolpe was a nice guy, but he was a little known congressman from Western Michigan and a weak campaigner who did not have a taste for political combat. Bob Carr was just a sleaze. But for some reason, labor officials and top party bosses did their best to push them down our throat. I, on the other hand, supported Debbie Stabenaw and Lana Pollack.I cannot say that I was threatened, bribed or had my arm twisted, but you still felt pressure of sorts. In the end, Wolpe and Carr were nominated (although both almost lost) and went on to lose in November. However, in a delicious slice of justice, Stabenaw went on to be elected to the House and Senate while Wolpe and Carr faded from memory.
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