By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
DETROIT – Judge Rudy Serra, Michigan's first openly-gay jurist and the only judge facing opposition in the primary contest for 36th District court, recently picked up endorsements from former mayoral rivals Kwame Kilpatrick and Freeman Hendricks. He has also been endorsed by Congressman John Conyers. Serra had previously been endorsed by the 13th Congressional District Democrats, the AFL-CIO, Prosecutor Kym Worthy and Detroit Council President Ken Cockrel.
Governor Granholm appointed Serra two years ago to a term that expires in 2008. In order to complete the term, Serra is running in the 2006 non-partisan election. Two newer 36th District Court Judges appointed by Granholm, Judge Cylenthia Miller and Judge Ruth Carter, have also endorsed Serra, along with Chief Judge Marylin Atkins.
The two candidates who emerge with the most votes in the Aug. 8 primary will go on to the general election in November.
"These endorsements show that the community is united behind Judge Serra," said Campaign Manager Fred Durhal. "Other people 'wannabe' Judge but we already have a Judge who has the courage to defend our civil rights. 'Judge Rudy' is our judge on our court and he has two years of proven experience providing justice for our community."
For more information on Judge Rudy Serra's campaign call 313-331-7839. Campaign contributions can be sent to the Judge Rudy Serra Committee at 18953 Mallina, Detroit, MI, 48236.
