1st District Candidates Scrap Over Endorsements

(MIRS News)

Opponents in a five-way Democratic primary accused Rep. Brian BANKS (D-Harper Woods) of misrepresenting his endorsements. Not true, Banks said. 

Mike NORRIS, manager of Democrat Pamela SOSSI's campaign, pointed out that Banks' campaign website still lists Michigan Credit Union League's (MCUL) endorsement as well as Detroit-based pro-civil rights PAC, Fannie Lou Hamer PAC. Sossi claimed MCUL's endorsement this cycle, while Banks's other primary opponent, Washington YOUSON won the nod from Fannie Lou Hamer PAC. 

Banks said the credit union endorsement on his page is left over from 2014. “That list is from two years ago,” Banks said. “I haven't paid anyone to update the website.” 

Norris pointed out that Banks' page has been updated since 2014 to include the correct date for the primary. A review of the internet archive also shows photos have been added to the homepage since 2014. However, a page listing legislation sponsored by Banks hasn't been updated since 2014. 

Banks shared with MIRS a 2016 lit piece with his current endorsement list. “As you can see from the list of endorsements, I have all labor groups, election officials, associations and special organizations that all Democratic candidates seek to receive,” Banks said. 

“However, I am very clear that endorsements do not vote, people do,” Banks added, calling the Sossi campaign's accusation “dirty politics.” 

“I'm focusing on making sure that the constituents of the 1st House district have a strong voice in Lansing,” Banks said.