Communications Director for Bernero's campaign is from Northern Michigan
DETROIT, MI -- The election is over, and for the Bernero campaign, it was a long journey with a disappointing ending.
But it still took a lot to get there.
To the voter it's a one on one contest, but in reality there's a lot more playing into the elections.
Just ask Bernero's communications director, a man who grew up in Northern Michigan.
"It wasn't our time. A few minutes ago, I called Rick Snyder to congratulate him on being Michigan's next Governor."
It wasn't the way the Virg Bernero wanted months of hard years to end, but it's been said that defeat is not the worst of failures, not to have tried is the true failure. The Bernero camp may have ended up short, but dedicated individuals helped get him to where he was on Election night.
"We’re extremely proud of the campaign we ran, and extremely proud of the people involved," said Cullen Schwarz, Bernero’s Communications Director.
One of those men involved -- Cullen Schwarz. Schwarz, who grew up in Williamsburg and is a 1999 graduate from Elk Rapids, served as Bernero's Campaign Manager when he won Mayor of Lansing, and served as Communications Director as he tried for the top position in the State of Michigan. For the past months, he hasn't had much sleep, but in the end, Schwarz says it was well worth it.
"I tell you, he is a guy who knows what he believes, he tells it how it is, I just have a tremendous amount of respect for him, he's a loyal guy, and he really is always looking out for the people behind him," said Schwarz.
By using press releases and media advisories, it was Schwarz's duty to get Bernero's word out. And in the end, win or lose, the mission was to restore Michigan.
“Rather than routing for failure for the other side, we have to root for Michigan's success, so I hope that not matter who wins or loses, we're able to come together to fight for Michigan," said Schwarz.
Cullen said he'll be Bernero's spokesman through November 12th.
He says he's not sure what he'll do after that, but he may be up for a new adventure.
