Congressman John Conyers Endorses Jocelyn Benson for 2010 Secretary of State Race

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2009
CONTACT: T.J. Bucholz, (517) 680-4680

DETROIT – Michigan Congressman John Conyers (D-Detroit) today endorsed Wayne State University professor and national election law expert Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Secretary of State, citing Benson’s impeccable qualifications and leadership ability as reasons to support her electoral bid.

“Jocelyn Benson has an unquenchable commitment and tireless passion for election reform that will benefit millions of Michigan citizens when she is elected Michigan Secretary of State,” Conyers said. “Her dedication to making true improvements to the office and working to ensure that every vote is counted in our state represents the real change we need in Lansing.”

Conyers, the nation’s longest-serving African-American Congressman and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Benson’s efforts to reach out to voters throughout the state is reminiscent of another Democratic Secretary of State – Richard H. Austin.

“Not since Richard Austin have we had such a vocal proponent of both election reform and Secretary of State business office improvements that will make it much easier for all citizens to utilize its services seamlessly,” Conyers said. “I am proud to have such a qualified candidate willing to step up and represent the Democratic Party in 2010.”

Benson said she was honored to have Conyers’ support.

“I am absolutely humbled to have received Congressman Conyers endorsement for Michigan Secretary of State,” Benson said in response to Mr. Conyers’ endorsement. “His confidence in our campaign energizes me to work even harder to secure the trust of voters everywhere, and I vow not to let him down.”

When elected, Jocelyn Benson will work toward:

• Improving the Integrity of Elections
• Fighting Fraud and Deceptive Practices
• Improving Access to Branch Office Services
• Promote Uniformity and Fairness in Drivers Safety and Licensing

Benson, a resident of Detroit, is one of the leading election law experts and educators in the state of Michigan. She is a nationally recognized educator, attorney, and voter advocate dedicated to promoting access and protecting the integrity of the election process.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.votebenson.com