Conyers III to run for Congress as independent

[MichMan]

Source: Detroit News

Detroit -- John Conyers III is circulating petitions to appear on the November ballot as an independent candidate after being tossed from the Democratic primary in the race for his father's congressional seat.

The maneuver, Conyers III said, is smarter than waging a long-shot campaign as a write-in candidate and he won't be beholden to the Democratic leadership.

"This is a far better position. I can focus on campaigning from now until November," said Conyers, who began circulating petitions after finding out he wouldn't be part of the primary. "Other Democrats in the (primary) race can fight it out for one position."

The crowded 13th District Democratic primary to replace resigned Congressman John Conyers Jr., D-Detroit, for a full two-year term includes Conyers' great nephew, Ian Conyers, as well as former state Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Shanelle Jackson, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, state Sen. Coleman Young III and Westland Mayor Bill Wild.

Read more: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2018/07/02/john-conyers-iii-congress-independent/751205002/

[pnwmom]

1. So now there will be two Conyers on the ballot. Great way to help the GOP. nt

[MichMan]

2. Pretty sure the Republicans aren't even running

[pnwmom]

4. Hopefully it's too late for someone to jump in. n/t

[oasis]

3. Makes for some interesting debates.

[demmiblue]

5. Oy. Detroit politics can be damn stupid sometimes. n/t

[Tom Rinaldo]

6. Curous to see who participates on this thread

and who would rather ignore it. Don't know much about John Conyers III (I of course know of his father) but I oppose him running in the fall as an Independent against a Democratic nominee.

[dbackjon]

7. Yup. And need to end nepotism.

[Tom Rinaldo]

8. I agree with that

And I know Bernie Sanders has a son who wants to run for congress (without the endorsement of his father who cites a concern over nepotism also.)

I know that often the children of prior politicians make good politicians themselves, in a positive sense of that word. But we are in danger of breeding (pun intended) a professional political class. Overall not good.

[dbackjon]

11. It is not nearly as bad if the candidate makes his own way in the world

And then runs for a different seat.

But to keep a seat in the family - don't like it.

[Dorn]

9. He was unable to get 1,000 valid petition signatures

If he can't do that should he be in congress?

[Tom Rinaldo]

12. I carry petitions to get Democrats on the ballot where I live

It's basic nuts and bolts stuff that requires a bare minimum of organizational ability and community support to pull off. I had the same thought you did.

[MichMan]

10. He has never held any elective office before...

....but doesn't think that is a problem. Hoping I guess that name recognition is all he needs

More from the link

Conyers, the oldest of the former congressman's two sons, said he spent his younger years attending union rallies alongside his father and knows the issues.

"I'm not running on my father's legacy," Conyers III said. "I grew up doing this work. I spent my entire life in Congress, leading."