Rivers wins fourth term in Congress

By Anna Clark and Lisa Hoffman

Daily Staff Reporters

Lynn Rivers secured her fourth term in Congress yesterday by defeating Republican challenger and political newcomer Carl Berry.

As of 2 a.m., with 63 percent of precincts reporting, Rivers led in the race for Michigan's 13th District seat with 66 percent of the vote over Berry's 33 percent.

Rivers said she was comfortable enough with her position in the race to spend election night with other local Democratic candidates who had "a harder time."

"This was a low-key race for me," Rivers (D-Ann Arbor) said. "It wasn't even particularly negative, which was wonderful. These things usually get pretty ugly."

Berry conceded Rivers' victory at 10:30 p.m. last night while gathering with friends, family and community members at a restaurant in his hometown of Plymouth.

"The numbers don't look good, but tomorrow morning could be a different story," Berry said during his concession speech last night. "If I get 20 percent or better, I will feel like winner."

Rivers said she ran on the campaign issues she has always won with because they reflect her and her constituents' views. Since her election to Congress in 1994, Rivers has worked for advancements in higher education, campaign finance reform, improving Social Security and Medicare and protecting people's financial, medical, genetic and Internet privacy.

"Education is far and away my number one priority," she said, adding that the environment and women's right to have an abortion were also important.

Rivers said that during the upcoming term she hopes to continue the progress she has made and remain faithful to her constituents in the 13th District, which includes Washtenaw County and western Wayne County.

Berry, a retired Plymouth police chief, said he had a lot of respect for Rivers after conceding the race.

"I will be around and make sure she is socially and fiscally responsible," he said. "I always look forward to next time."

Patricia Skrobe, the Washtenaw County Democratic Party chairwoman, said she was satisfied with Rivers' victory.

"Lynn Rivers is one of the great people that we send to Washington," Skrobe said. "She's got a proven record and she cares about her community. You can't find a person as good as Lynn."

Teresa Folino, vice chairwoman of the 13th Congressional District Republican Committee, said Berry made a strong showing.

"I had no doubt that Lynn Rivers was going to come out victorious," Folino said. "I also feel very strongly for a man to go out there and work a grass-roots campaign, and to take 30 percent of the vote says a lot for the true importance and voice of the grass-roots."

Ann Arbor resident Betsy Aulier said she voted for Rivers based on the congresswoman's campaign issues.

"She's the pro-choice candidate, she spends people's money wisely and she's a very dedicated public servant," Aulier said during a gathering for local Democratic candidates at Arbor Brewing Company. "In addition, she's very supportive of civil rights and the environment."

JUSTIN FITZPATRICK/Daily

Newly re-elected Congresswoman Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor) celebrates her victory over her opponent, retired police chief Carl Barry, last night.

U.S. House

Berry GOP 45,824

As of 2 a.m.