Is it any coincidence that such a blatant “culture” of corruption just happens to occur in an exclusively Democratic city? Perhaps, perhaps not.

A long-secret cost of Detroit elections — paying for endorsements — is generating controversy in the City Council election, even though most candidates defend the expense.

To many, it’s a simple investment, part of what candidate Jai-Lee Dearing calls Detroit’s “culture.” To others, it smacks of pay to play. Either way, candidates who want three or four endorsements from prominent groups in the Nov. 3 election may have to shell out about $5,000.

…”There is a certain way things get done in Detroit,” said Dearing, a businessman making his third run for the council. “And this is part of that political process. It is part of our culture.”

Exit question: Is the problem merely a lack of partisan competition, which at least somewhat keeps each side in check?  Put another way, would an equally heavy Republican city see similar practices?

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