Support NorthStar News - Make a Donation

video icon  Video of the Week

Kenyan Art Up for Auction in London

Search Past Issues

June 14, 2012

Congressman John Conyers
Congressman John Conyers

Conyers Predicts Tough Fight to Remain in Congress

U.S. Rep. John Conyers, Jr., D-Mich., co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, wrote in a June 7 e-mail message to supporters that he faces a difficult fight to remain in Congress because of re-districting

“The Republicans have gerrymandered my Michigan district in an effort to target me and the principles I represent,” Conyers wrote. “On August 7—less than two short months from now—I will face the political fight of my life in the Democratic primary, facing several well-funded opponents enticed to enter the new district."

Since 1994, the 83-year-old Conyers has represented Michigan's 14th district, which includes most of Detroit. He previously represented Michigan's 1st district from 1965 until 1993.

Because of re-districting, Conyers now will have to run in the 13th Congressional District, which includes more-conservative, suburban areas. A large part of the district is outside of Detroit. Its make up is approximately 40 percent Detroit, 40 percent Oakland County, and 20 percent Wayne County.

Conyers swapped congressional districts with U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke, D-Mich, who represented the 13th Congressional District. Clarke  is now running in the 14th Congressional District, said Dr. David A. Bositis of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a Washington, D.C. -based think tank for black elected officials.

Although Roll Call, a Washington, D.C.-based newspaper published Monday through Thursday when Congress is in session, rates the 13th as a safe Democratic district, Conyers will have to defeat two challengers in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary to remain in Congress. The Republican candidate does not have any challengers.

Bositis expects voters to re-elect Conyers, but he said the congressman is worried because he has not faced any  strong opponents for a number of years. The 83 year-old Conyers also has been in Congress 47 years and he may realize that his time in the legislative body may be coming to a close, Bositis said.

Conyers used the e-mail to raise funds to finance his campaign.

“If we are to win this fight, I will need your support to help me fight back,” he said. “I know times are tough, but would you consider a donation of $200, $100, $25 or any amount you're able to give?” Conyers is not the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to face well-heeled opponents, following redistricting.

U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns, who has represented New York’s 10th Congressional District/Brooklyn since 1982, recently announced that he would not seek a 16th term. Towns had a difficult challenge because he would have had to run in the re-drawn 8th Congressional District.

The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 312.504.0223
Copyright © The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Contact Us: info@TheNorthstarNews.com
Privacy Policy

My statusContact Us on Skype