Bernero picks Lawrence; GOP raucous?

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Thousands of Republicans gathering for their state convention may be facing a few rhetorical flying elbows at Breslin Arena.

The Tea Party of West Michigan announced Friday it will run Fruitport businessman Bill Cooper against state Rep. Brian Calley for the lieutenant governor nomination. GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder named Calley as his running mate Wednesday, but some aren't happy with his choice.

Nearly 2,100 convention delegates, plus hundreds of party activists, will choose Saturday from among two candidates for attorney general and five for secretary of state. There also could be a contest to fill a second Michigan Supreme Court opening.

Snyder and Calley plan to begin a statewide bus tour Saturday after the convention ends.

Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero officially chose Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence to be his running mate Saturday morning at Detroit's Cobo Center, where Democrats are holding their state convention.

Lawrence was elected the first black and first woman mayor of Southfield in 2001.

Campaign spokesman Cullen Schwarz says Bernero made the offer to only one candidate.