NAME GAME

Once upon a time, back in the 1980s, ‘90s, and even the early 2000 period, a political endorsement by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson was heavily sought after and coveted. Today, maybe not so much. Patterson – the man of many gaffes considered part of his shtick, and for many was funny and appealing. Less so lately, particularly his recent, “I’d rather join the Klan” than work with a group of top local executives for regional cooperation, which he quickly apologized for. Patterson’s endorsement certainly didn’t help state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) in his bid for Congress in the 11th District, nor Birmingham’s Joe Zane for the 40th state House District. Fits the narrative of the growing school of thought that there is less value nowadays to party and party boss endorsements in terms of influencing voters.