Oakland County Democratic Party Chair Dave Woodward stepped down unexpectedly last week, leaving Mike McGuinness, former officer-at-large for the county party, to take his place.

 McGuinness is a 23-year-old progressive blogger who managed former state Rep. Andy Meisner’s successful campaign against GOP incumbent Patrick M. Dohany for Oakland Country treasurer in the November election. He also managed Mark Slaven’s campaign for state Senate in 2006 and has been heavily active in local political circles.

Before that, McGuinness was president of Oakland University’s 17,000-person student body. He resigned and left school during his second term as president to work for the Democratic Party.

Woodward’s resignation and replacement were sudden and unexpected.

“It was a surprise to me,“ said Kevin McLogan, Royal Oak Public School Board member and a member of the Oakland County Democrats. McLogan’s wife, Marie Donigan, is a Democratic state representative for Michigan’s 26th District in Oakland County.

McLogan said he wasn’t sure McGuinness was ready to fill Woodward’s position, tacitly questioning McGuinness’ credentials.

“Michael’s got some pretty big shoes to fill,” McLogan said. “You’ve got your degree, right?” he asked this reporter. “That makes one of you.”

But McGuiness said he doesn’t think his age or experience is an issue. “I respect anyone who would have reservations,” he said. “Regardless of age, I am a veteran of the Democratic Party and proven leader.”

McLogan suggested that support for McGuinness pressured Woodward to leave his post. “Dave stepped down because support was behind Michael,” he said.

McGuinness confirmed that he had the backing of county party leadership.

“I had the unanimous vote of the Oakland County executive committee,” McGuinness said. “It’s an overwhelming experience to have that trust placed on me.”

He said he felt inspired to lead the Oakland County Democrats and “build upon the foundation that was laid.”

One of his goals as chair, he said, is to double the dues-paying membership of the party.

“My central motivation was my personal respect for grass-roots activists in the party,” he said.

“We are a strong and vibrant party, and I strive to emulate that activity and passion as their chair.”

McGuinness credited Woodward for much of the success the Democrats have seen in Oakland County, calling him an “excellent example.”

“Dave has done a phenomenal job,” he said.

David Woodward said he was optimistic and excited about the party’s future but felt he had run his course as party chair.

“I was first elected in 2002,” he told Michigan Messenger. “Six years is a long time to serve as county chair.”

He said he was proud of his party’s accomplishments during his time serving as chair. “We experienced success far greater than most people thought possible,” Woodward said. “It’s been an incredible ride.”

While he didn’t name any project that he will be moving onto in the immediate future, he said he is “looking to 2010 at the next presidential election” to organize another successful win for Michigan Democrats.

Woodward said he fully supported McGuinness as the new party chair.