State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith (D - Ann Arbor) dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for Governor today, one day before the filing deadline for the August primary. In a statement, she said that although she was "well on the path" to collecting enough signatures (15,000) to qualify, she had decided not to submit them. Smith said that she shared a "concern of splitting the progressive vote and ending up with a candidate that does not represent core Democratic values."
Smith also said:
Democrats need to unify behind a candidate and I have come to believe that my continued candidacy would only serve to divide us further.
It seems clear that the primary beneficiary of Smith's departure is Lansing Mayor Virg Bernaro, the only progressive Democrat left in the race. Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon, the other candidate left on the Democratic side, is more of a corporate Democrat, and widely distrusted by Michigan progressive activists.
I have heard Smith speak several times over the past few months, and I think of the three she has the strongest grasp of policy. But for whatever reason, her campaign never took off. I think she would be a great asset for Bernaro if he picks her as his Lt. Gov. candidate.