Tlaib Running Against Smith In 4th

Rep. Rashida TLAIB (D-Detroit) said today she's been recruited by her constituents to run in next year's primary against Sen. Virgil SMITHJr., (D-Detroit) in the Detroit-based 4th Senate district.

The term-limited Tlaib, 37, said she has nothing against Smith or the work he's doing, but that her constituents in the 6th House District have gotten used to her going to bat for them on so many issues that they want her to stay in the Legislature....

When she told them that she'd be going up against an incumbent, Tlaib said, "They're telling me, 'You're going to try for us, aren't you?' And I couldn't say no."

The 4th state Senate seat is made up of a slice of Detroit stretching from 8 Mile -- roughly along Livernois -- to Lincoln Park, Allen Park and Southgate.

In Lansing, Tlaib is known for going to bat for local residents against Ambassador Bridge owner Matty MOROUN, but she said her efforts to help residents with poverty, foreclosure and social service issues has won her a following among constituents.

Recently, her vocal action on the pet coke pollution and scrap metal theft issues have been on the forefront of her constituents' minds.

Adrian HEMOND said Tlaib is "one of the best" in constituent relations and contacts. In fact, Tlaib is often used as an example to incumbents in competitive districts about how to do effective community outreach.

Smith could face some challenges since he's played "footsie" with the insurance industry, putting him crosswise with the trial lawyers and other traditional Democratic constituencies. Also, Tlaib is known as a tenacious campaigner.

"Virgil will have to be on his game to hold her off," Hemond said.

Tlaib has been mentioned as a potential running mate for likely Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mark SCHAUER, rumors Tlaib declined to address. Rather she talked about the work she's doing in southeast Detroit.

"This is going to be one of the hardest campaigns I've had to run, but I find the support of my constituents humbling. I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel needed and I see this as an appreciation of the work I have done."

Smith responded that he looks forward to comparing his record of fighting to bring jobs to the region "against anyone.

"I wanted to use my resources in 2014 to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket," Smith said. "It is too bad I must now use my resources against a fellow Democrat. Republicans must be overjoyed at this development."