Democratic Rep. Lesia Liss crosses the line, backs GOP candidate

state Rep. Lesia Liss of Warren, whose reputation as a pragmatic, centrist Democrat led to her defeat in the August primary, is urging Warren residents to support the Republican candidate in the neighboring 25^th House District.

Liss, in a letter to her constituents, urges a vote for the GOP nominee, Sean Clark, rather than Henry Yanez, who is warmly embraced by loyal Democrats and a wide array of labor unions (see the post below).

“Why am I asking for your support for a Republican? Because I believe Sean has a vision that is bigger than partisan politics. I believe Sean will do what is best for our state, our county and our community, not what is best for a political party,” wrote Liss, who co-founded the House Bipartisan Caucus as a freshman.

“That is the mark of a good leader -- somone who is willing to look at all sides, all opinions -- and make a decision based on what's best, not what is politically best. …. We need high quality people like Sean who will put the needs of all people first, and be an independent voice in the Legislature.”

She urges Warren voters to support Clark at the polls, with a financial donation, by

volunteering for his campaign, or by arranging for a Clark yard sign.

Her entrance into the 25^th District (north Warren/southern Sterling Heights) campaign will outrage countless Democrats who had already ostracized Liss, wife of former Warren City councilman Mark Liss.

Heading into the 2012 elections, fellow Warren Democratic Rep. Jon Switalski and Liss were squeezed into the same district under the GOP-controlled redistricting plan. Switalski, running far to the left of Liss, easily won the nomination. Meanwhile, some of the new 25^th District overlaps with Liss’ old House district.

Clark, who ran as a newcomer for state House in 2010, impressed many Republican activists despite his election loss. He quickly established himself as a young, articulate candidate who has a future in the GOP.  

In contrast, Liss appears to be convinced that she has no future in the Democratic Party.