Brater re-elected to state House

Re-elected to her third and final term in the 53rd district of the state House, Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor), defeated Republican challenger Garret Carlson last night, allowing her to be a senior state legislator.

As of 1:30 a.m., with 32 of 52 precincts reporting, Brater had 71.67 percent of the vote, leaving Carlson with 26.39 percent.

Because term limits will prevent her from seeking another term, Brater said she was especially motivated to secure a victory to continue her work with environmental, consumer and mental health issues.

"Running for my last term gave a real sense of urgency," Brater said. "I want to go back to Lansing. I am grateful that the constituents gave me that opportunity."

Carlson, whose campaign manager is a University student, said he had strong support from students and the campaign was not a dirty one.

ADRIANA YUGOVICH/Daily Liz Brater toasts her victory over Garret Carlson, securing her third term in the 53rd District of the state Legislature.

"It was a great campaign," Carlson said.

LSA junior Josh Cowen, vice president of the campus College Democrats, said another of Brater's strength is her appeal to a wide range of voters.

"This district is very diverse and has a lot of interests that don't overlap," Cowen said. "Brater does a good job of mediating between them."

Cowen also noted that Brater, who taught English at the University and is married to English Prof. Enoch Brater, is able to understand students' concerns.

"She really knows what's going on in the University," Cowen said.

Because of that connection, Brater receives strong support from students.

LSA junior Kelley Boland, president of the campus College Democrats, was a paid worker for Brater, answering phones, finding volunteers and going door-to-door with the candidate.

"I worked 20 hours a week for a month and a half," Boland said.

In the past two weeks, Boland said she had been putting in even more time.

"Nights like tonight make it all worthwhile," Boland said.

Brater "came in with good name recognition ... that's the value of being an incumbent," said Dave Holden, a worker on the Carlson campaign.

Rena Soifer, Brater's campaign manager, said she was very excited about the victory.

"Liz is a tremendous woman," Soifer said. "She represents us all really well."

Volunteers, Carlson said, played an integral role in his campaign.

"We built up a very large grass roots organization" walking from door-to-door meeting people, Carlson said.

Carlson said he plans to "go back to work selling real estate."

But Carlson said he does not plan to run for a state representative seat again.

Carlson said that next time he runs it will be for U.S. Congress.

"I'd like to see him try again in the same office, or maybe county commissioner" said Matt Gutchess, who worked on Carlson's campaign.

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