Rep. Conyers — My Old Boss — Faces the Redistricting Music

The man with whom my Washington career began 21 years ago, US Rep. John Conyers from my hometown of Detroit, is in real danger of losing his seat to redistricting, Politico reports this morning. It would be an unfortunate end to a storied and at times controversial career.

Conyers is a prince of a man personally and a liberal fighter borne of the labor and civil rights movements. He may be out of step with the times, and in need of better connection to his recession-nuked district. But there’s no question he’s been a strong voice of the progressive wing of the party, and a tremendous advocate of issues facing the African-American community. I’m honored to have gotten my Washington indoctrination at John’s knee, and I wish him all the best next November.