In perhaps the most ridiculous thing to happen in Detroit politics since the last ridiculous thing to happen in Detroit politics comes this story of a barber coaxed into running for mayor by veteran reporter Charlie LeDuff. And by coaxed, we literally mean LeDuff went to the guy’s house, asked him if he wanted to run, walked him to the clerk’s office and filed the paperwork.
The backstory here is the most Detroit thing ever. Mike Dugeon the barber is challenging Mike Duggan the prosecutor for write-in votes in the August 6th mayoral primary. Duggan was booted from the ballot by election officials for filing too early.
What a tangled web you weave Detroit.
Any misspellings of Duggan’s name on the ballot will be challenged by the other Dugeon in court.
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Rumors are swirling that “Mike Dugeon” is a plant from one of the other mayoral candidates. Former police chief Benny Napoleon’s name is being thrown around as the possible culprit. He denies involvement.
Charlie LeDuff, to his credit, claims he was acting on a tip. Other stations in the Detroit area believe it’s an elaborate prank. LeDuff has done some eccentric stories in the past that gained national attention, most notably his “meals on wheels” and “golfing the city of Detroit.”
This wouldn’t be totally out of bounds for him or Detroit politics for that matter.
But back to Mike Dugeon, the most famous man in Detroit today. He now has a Wiki entry and a Facebook page for the campaign.
His personal Facebook page is littered with gems like:
“Excuse my French but, I can’t stand a heavy talkin broke bitch…”
“If I ain’t buying the drinks or the weed I can’t get a call.”
This story will get better before it gets worse. Or worse before it gets better. I don’t know, I’m confused. So is everyone else in Detroit.