Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown Running for Lt. Governor
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 3, 2014)
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer has announced his running mate for the upcoming election – Oakland County Clerk and former State Representative Lisa Brown.
The announcement came this morning, just a day after Schauer appeared with President Barack Obama in Ann Arbor to talk about the campaign to raise the minimum wage in Michigan and nationally.
Brown has been in the spotlight many times in the past few years. She reached national fame when she was banned from speaking in the House of Representatives during discussion on restrictions to women’s access to healthcare.  “I have not asked you to adopt and adhere to my religious beliefs. Why are you asking me to adopt yours? And finally, Mr. Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but no means no,” she said.  The sanction sparked protests and increased use of the word “vagina” as a rallying cry for women who want the freedom to make their own health decisions.  Brown served two terms as State Representative from the 39th District, before running for Oakland County Clerk. She resides in West Bloomfield.
Brown was recently given a Catalyst Award from Equality Michigan for her efforts to stand up for same-sex marriage.  Because of her office as County Clerk, Brown has had to turn away same-sex couples who sought marriage licenses. She was a defendant in a lawsuit against the State and Oakland County by a lesbian couple seeking access to joint adoption of their children and access to marriage rights.  Brown brought in her own attorney to speak on behalf of the family.  And when the judge ruled that Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional, Brown was one of four County Clerks in the state that opened on a Saturday to issue licenses. She performed mass weddings in the County Commission chamber.
“Lisa Brown is a proven leader who’s always been a tough fighter for the middle class. In the Legislature, Lisa led the charge against Governor Snyder’s $1 billion cut to education, and as Oakland County Clerk, she’s been a fearless champion for equal rights. Lisa shares my values and priorities for making education our top economic priority, and working to make Michigan’s economy fairer for the middle class. Make no mistake, Lisa Brown will make a terrific Lt. Governor,” Schauer said.
Schauer and Brown will be going up against Republican Rick Snyder and most likely current Lt. Governor Brian Calley.  Michigan Republicans select the Governor’s running mate at their Aug. 23 convention, and Calley is facing opposition from Wes Nakagiri of Hartland.  Calley recently spoke at Oakland University, where Nakagiri was also a guest.
For more on the Schauer-Brown campaign see http://markschauer.com/on-the-issues/investing-in-our-energy-future-protecting-the-great-lakes/.  For more on the Snyder campaign visit http://www.rickformichigan.com/about.