FROM THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL

Scott Davis • sedavis@lsj.com • March 14, 2010

A seasoned local player, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is fine-tuning his swing for the major leagues.

With his campaign for governor now in high gear, Bernero said he is busily assembling staff members with the experience to run a state campaign, and Friday, his campaign received a major boost with his endorsement by the Michigan AFL-CIO.

"I feel good about where we are," said Bernero, 45, a Democrat. "We're in it to stay. We're in it for the long haul, and we're building infrastructure for the long haul."

Political analysts say Bernero has reason to feel good. Several weeks ago, pundits were discounting his campaign, saying he lacked the name recognition for a statewide race.

But a Denno-Noor Research poll last week showed Bernero with 11 percent support, closely trailing House Speaker Andy Dillon of Redford Township, who had 13 percent.