Michigan Governor's Race 2010

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By Ralph Deeds

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Ralph Deeds Hub Author 19 months ago

I wonder if the hundreds of thousands of unemployed Michiganders whose unemployment benefits have run out or are about to run out with no jobs available for them, would agree that GOP Control of the House of Representatives "won't hurt Midhigan's influence"?

It's doubtful that we will see any additional extensions of UC benefits with the GOP in control of the House.

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      Preliminary Election Results

      Rick Snyder elected governor by a big margin as predicted. Bernero conceded around 10pm.

      10:50Pm--Republicans on track to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

      Dingle leads by 4,000 votes at 11pm in tight race.

      Peters hangs on to a slim lead 50-47% over Raczkowski in 9th Congressional district..

      Schauer trails in U.S. House race.

      Feingold defeated by Johnson in Wisconsin U.S. Senate race.

      No major surprises in the U.S. House races.

      Schuette apparent winner in Michigan Attorney General race. David Leyton has conceded.

      Ruth Johnson apparent winner over Jocelyn Benson in Michigan Secretary of State race.

      Boxer leading Fiorina in California Senate race.

      California governor's race--Brown leads in a squeaker over Whitman.

      Michigan ballot proposal for constitutional convention rejected.

      Michigan ballot proposal that public officials convicted of felonies be prohibited from holding public office for 20 years passed by a big margin.

      11:33pm Harry Reid leading over Sharron Angle in early returns.

      In Michigan

      Snyder 59-39% over Bernero

      Schuette 50-43% over Leyton

      Johnson 51-44% over Benson

      Peters leads Raczkowsik 50-47% too close to call

      Walberg leads incumbent Dem Schauer 51-44% too early to call.

      Dingle leads 50-46% too early to call.

      GOP has picked up 39 seats and will take control of the House with John Boehner of Ohio will replace Nancy Pelosi as majority leader.

      It's unlikely that the GOP will take enough Senate seats to take control of the Senate.

      Both GOP supported Michigan Supreme Court candidates lead by big margins.

      11:06pm Walberg leads Schauer in Congressional race.

      Republicans to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives, as predicted.

      11:23pm GOP needs 6 more Senate seats to take control of the Senate. This looks unlikely.

      Democrat incumbent Patty Murray leading in Washington in the Senate race, but. Many ballots remain to be counted.

      Alaska--impossible to call 3-way Senate race.

      Republican Rob Portman wins Ohio Senate race. Kasich holds a slim lead for governor.

      6am--Dingle and Peters re-elected and will return to a GOP House of Representatives. Tim Wahlberg defeated Democrat incumbent Schauer.

      The GOP victory in the U.S. House of Representatives doesn't augur well for the 400,000 unemployed Michiganders due to run out of Unemployment Benefits. Additional extensions are unlikely. Gridlock in Washington will make additional efforts to revive the economy more difficult, leaving revival up to Ben Bernanke at the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve is expected to announce that it will purchase an additional $500 billion in government bonds. This will no doubt strengthen efforts in Congress to bring the FED to heel. Influence of Wall Street bankers, drug and insurance companies is likely to increase as a result of GOP gains in Congress.




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      Ralph Deeds Hub Author 19 months ago

      Recommendations for November 2

      Governor--Carl Bernero because he has the determination, guts, inclination, ability and experience to get done what Michigan needs in order to dig out of our current hole.

      His opponent deserves credit for not seeking Tea Party support in the primary, but how effective he would be in Lansing is anybody's guess.

      Attorney General--David Leyton because of his years of experience and effectiveness as district attorney of Flint. Leyton's opponent has no experience in trying criminal law cases. Moreover, he is an ideological right-winger.

      Secretary of State--Jocelyn Benson because she is arguably the best qualified candidate for the office in many years. She is an expert in election law, and I like her proposal to provide car owners with 3 and 5-year plates. This would save money for the state and aggravation for car owners. Her opponent is a Tea Party favorite with very conservative views. She cannot be relied on to make the changes required to return Michigan to its former position of leadership in election procedures.

      District 9--House of Representatives--Gary Peters because he did an outstanding job in his first term representing his Oakland County district. His views are moderate except that he is a hawk on government waste.

      His opponent is a Tea Partier who supports repeal of Roe v. Wade, privatizing Social Security, repealing the recent health care, banking and consumer protection reforms. He opposes embryonic stem cell research and abortion under any circumstances.

      District 15 House of Representatives--John Dingell because he has done more for Michigan and this country than nearly any other member of Congress.

      District 13 House of Representatives--Hansen Clarke because he is an honest man dedicated to pursuing the public interest.

      District 10 House of Representatives--Candice Miller because her father sold me my first sailboat and taught me how to sail it and because most of the time she takes commonsense positions in the interest of Michigan and her constituents in Macomb County.

      District 7 House of Representatives--Mark Schauer because his views on most issues are very close to my own whereas his opponent is an extreme ideological right Tea Party conservative.

      Oakland County Commissioner--Dave Potts because he is a moderate, Milliken-style Republican in danger of extinction these days.

      District 40--Michigan House of Representatives--Julie Candler because she is a very bright Democrat woman whose views on most issues are similar to my own.

      Michigan Supreme Court

      Alton Thomas Davis and Denise Langford Morris because they will help restore badly needed balance and fair consideration of the interests of ALL citizens to the court.

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        VOTE! NOVEMBER 2ND

        Governor's Race Poll

        Who do you support for Governor of Michigan?

        • Virg Bernero
        • Rick Snyder
        See results without voting

        Michigan Attorney General Poll

        Who will get your vote for Attorney General?

        • David Leyton (Genesse County Prosecutor)
        • William Schuette (Lawyer, former Judge Michigan Court of Appeals)
        • Undecided
        See results without voting

        Michigan Secretary of State Poll

        Who will get your vote for Secretary of State?

        • Jocelyn Benson (Professor of election law, Wayne State University Law School)
        • Ruth Johnson (Oakland County Clerk)
        • Undecided
        See results without voting

        Comments

        Ralph Deeds profile image

        Ralph Deeds Hub Author 19 months ago

        What McConnell and Boehner and the GOP leaders are saying is that they are willing to run the U.S. economy on the rocks in order to deny Obama a second term.

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          From Michigan Messenger--Supreme Court Transcript

          7.130952 STELLA A MOXON V JACK R MOXON -

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “I’M QUICK TO SAY THE JUDGE ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THINGS WITH REGARDS TO THESE KIDS.”

          Justice Marilyn Kelly (MK): “I THINK SO TOO EVEN THOUGH THAT WAS A SEPARATE…”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “..BUT I JUST WANT TO REMAND THIS FOR FURTHER FACT FINDING CAUSE I DON’T THINK HE HAD ENOUGH IN THERE TO JUSTIFY DOING WHAT HE DID.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “THE SALE WAS PENDING…”

          Justice Michael F. Cavanagh (MFC): “VIVIANO’S SON WAS RUNNING…”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “…ANDREA FERRARA. ISN’T THAT A SCREAM? … YES, THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID. MOVING ON…”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “WATCH OUT FOR THOSE N—–S OUT THERE. (Laughter) REALLY . . .”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “…WE DIDN’T DO THE DEATH PENALTY…”

          Justice Michael F. Cavanagh (MFC): “SHE HAS TO MOVE FROM DOWN RIVER OUT TO MACOMB.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “SHE DID.”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “OH, I’M SURE SHE DID.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “I THOUGHT SHE LIVED IN…”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “SHE MOVED ACROSS 8 MILE, BOB.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “I THOUGHT SHE LIVED IN THE POINTS. HER FAMILY LIVES OVER THERE. MAYBE THERE’S A FERRARA DOCTOR THAT’S HER DAD I THINK…”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “…LET’S SEE WHERE WE ARE HERE.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “ALL RIGHT (laughs). I’M A DENY. STEVE, I DIDN’T HEAR FROM YOU.”

          Justice Stephen J. Markman (SJM): “I DON’T THINK TONY (Judge Antonio Viviano) EVEN INVOKED MCR 2.612. I’D FEEL A LOT MORE COMFORTABLE IF WE REMANDED, HAD THEM AT LEAST GO THROUGH THE STEPS.”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “I GUESS MAURA (Justice Maura D. Corrigan (MDC)) …”

          Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver (EAW): “WHAT WAS MAURA’S VOTE?”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “SHE WAS A DENY.”

          Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver (EAW): “SO, THAT’S FOUR, RIGHT?”

          Identity of speaker unclear: “THERES A SPECIFIC COURT RULE AND THE COURT JUST TOTALLY IGNORED IT, MARILYN.”

          Justice Marilyn Kelly (MK): “I’M WILLING TO DO THIS . . .”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “IT’S A FACT QUESTION. I MEAN THE FEDERAL…”

          Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver (EAW): “RIPPY (RPY), I THOUGHT YOU WERE A DENY.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “I AM.”

          Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver (EAW): “SO, IT’S YOU, MYSELF, MK, AND MDC, RIGHT?”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “RIGHT.”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “BUT I THINK PEOPLE ARE STILL THINKING ABOUT IT.”

          Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver (EAW): “I DIDN’T KNOW.”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “SO, DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT ANYMORE?”

          Justice Marilyn Kelly (MK): “I’M DONE.”

          Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor (CWT): “SO IT’S A DENY.”

          Justice Robert P. Young (RPY): “I’LL REMAND.”

          Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver (EAW): “3-4 to deny.”

          The discussion was about the case of Moxon v Moxon and the discussion was not, as Young had told AP, about someone being treated “without rights, without dignity.” It was simply a procedural matter about whether to deny an appeal or remand it back to the lower court for a more thorough consideration of the case.

          COMMENT: GOP Candidates BoardTea Party Express

          It's hard to believe that a majority Michiganders will vote for candidates supported by a radical populist movement that advocates phasing out Social Security and/or turning the funds over to Wall Street, phasing out Medicare, reversing Roe v. Wade, opposing stem cell research, eliminating the Federal Reserve and several cabinet departments including the Energy and Education Departments, the EPA and other government functions.

          Several GOP candidates bid for Tea Party support at a rally at Schoolcraft College in Livonia on Saturday. According to the Free Press, Attorney General candidate Schuette said he was "delighted to be here with so many patriots and believers in the U.S. Constitution." He pledged to continue the lawsuit fighting the health care reforms passed this year. Secretary of State candidate Ruth Johnson said she's an "ordinary citizen who's fed up." Supreme court Justice Robert Young railed against Dem Party chair Mark Brewer and fellow justices on the high court who have "turned the court into an ATM machine for trial lawyers."

          Others who jumped on the Tea Party Express include Congressional candidates Rocky Raczkowski, Tim Walberg and Rob Steele and state Supreme Court candidate Mary Beth Kelly. GOP governor candidate Snyder did not appear at the rally.


          10-15-10FreePress Endorsements for U.S. House Seats

          Dictrict 1--Gary McDowell-D

          District 2--Bill Huizenga-R

          District 3--Pat Miles--D

          District 4--Dave Camp--R (incumbent)

          District 5--Dale Kildee--D (incumbent)

          District 6--Fred Upton--R (incumbent)

          District 7--Mark Schauer--D (incumbent)

          District 8--Mike Rogers--R (incumbent)

          District 9--Gary Peters--D (incumbent)

          District 10--Candice Miller (incumbent)

          District 11--Thad McCotter--R (incumbent)

          District 12--Sander Levin (incumbent)

          District 13--Hansen Clarke

          District 14--John Conyers (incumbent)

          District 15--Iron John Dingell (incumbent running for 29th term)



          110-1-10--MichiganPublicRadio--Snyder Interview

          There were no surprises in Rick Snyder's comments and answers to Rick Pluta's and callers' questions on Michigan Radio this morning. His answers were bland and moderate for the most part.

          He denied sending jobs overseas when he was CEO of Gateway. He conceded that his proposal to replace the Michigan business tax with a corporate income tax would reduce state revenue but claimed the revenue could be dealt with by becoming more efficient through "value for money" budgeting. He ducked Pluta's questions about what programs he would cut, countering with saving Medicaid money by reducing emergency room care by providing additional preventive care and spending more on mental health in order to reduce criminal behavior and incarceration.

          In response to questions Snyder said he supported medical marijuana with effective controls; did not support same sex marriage but favored contractual arrangements between gays and lesbians; more cost effective prisons but not necessarily closing them; further study required for a decision on the international bridge proposals; a right-to-work law for Michigan is not on his agenda but he would work toward greater labor-management cooperation; stressed the need to focus public schools' results and outcomes, not just financing, e.g., by "putting merit on the front lines for teachers;" when asked for his position on abortion he said he supports right to life with exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest and to protect the life (but not the health) of the mother.

          9-27-10 Bernero on Michigan Public Radio Forum

          Carl Bernero's one hour question and answer session on Public Radio this morning was impressive. He answered the questions from Rick Pluta and from the voters who called in straightforwardly and articulately. He is an excellent public speaker.

          Bernero, as expected, stressed JOBS throughout the session. He emphasized that Michigan should not give up on manufacturing because of all the talent and resources available. He recounted his success in bringing jobs to Lansing and stressed the need to focus on "advanced manufacturing"--green manufacturing, high tech manufacturing jobs and the like. He promised a business-friendly administration and pledged to revise the tax code to make it more business friendly and improve the investment climate. He pointed to his record of tight budgets without tax incresases achieved by \ cutting government costs while mayor of Lansing. He stressed his willingness and ability to lead and work with businesses, unions and legislators from both parties.

          In response to questions he emphasized that he is not willing to sacrifice attention to environmental issues in order to balance budgets or pursue jobs.

          In response to questions from a caller and Pluta Bernero said that he's open-minded on the incentives Michigan is providing to film makers. He will be guided by what studies show about the costs and benefits from the program. He supports women's right to choose abortion which should be a medical decision between a woman and her doctor, taking into account her faith. He pointed out that his opponent supports a woman's right to choose only in cases of rape and situations where the woman's health is in jeopardy. He said he does not object to gay marriage or civil unions.

          Debate--Bernero v. Snyder October 10 7pm Channel 56

          Snyder, Bernero agree to debate Oct. 10 on Detroit Public Television

          By Gary Anglebrandt | | | | | |

          Detroit Public Television announced Wednesday that Michigan gubernatorial candidates Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero have agreed to a live debate at 7 p.m. on Oct. 10.

          The debate will be held at the public broadcaster’s studios in Wixom, and Detroit Public Television will make the debate available to all media outlets throughout the state.

          The two camps have been wrangling over whether to hold a debate. Progress was apparently made when Bernero dropped in for a surprise visit at a Snyder-held town hall meeting last week and lobbied the Republican candidate for a debate.

          The two sides negotiated the details of the debate Wednesday via telephone conversations, said Rich Homberg, president and general manager at Detroit Public Television.

          The Detroit Free Press’ editorial page editor Stephen Henderson and his counterpart at The Detroit News, Nolan Finley, are expected to moderate the event.

          Carl Levin's Comment at the Democratic Convention on the Governor's Race

          If we want to protect our progress, we need to send Virg Bernero from the mayor's office in Lansing down the block to the governor's office. Virg has shown that the Democratic philosophy of focusing on middle-class families can bring job growth and fiscal stability to his city. He's shown tenacity and grit as a tireless voice for the domestic auto industry, not just in Michigan but nationally. And his choice of Southfield's fine mayor, Brenda Lawrence, will add more grass roots strength to our ticket.

          So the question will be clear in November. Do we keep moving forward with government on the side of working families? Or back to the past, back to ideas that proved so disastrous during the Bush years? Our nation is still hurting. We cannot let the Republicans add to the pain of a hurting nation with ideas that have already done so much harm. Michigan can't afford to hand the keys back to Republicans. The nation can't afford it. We're not going to let that happen, because with our shoulders to the wheel, we can beat back the Republicans and their failed ideas, and keep climbing upward to a nation committed to greater opportunity for all our people.

          Detroit Mayor Dave Bing Endorses Virg Bernero

          In his endorsement, Mayor Bing said:

          "Although there are many complex issues and problems facing most urban communities throughout this country, Detroit's challenges are even greater. It will require a unique sensitivity, an unwavering commitment and experienced leadership to help move our city and state forward. Given his success as Mayor of Lansing, I believe Virg Bernero possesses these qualities. If we work together, as I know we can, Detroit and Michigan's best days are ahead of us.”


          Former GOP Senator Alan Simpson, Co-Chair of the National Deficit Commission on taking care of the "Lesser People"

          Triumvarate of Tea

          Sharron Angle. Ken Buck. Rand Paul. The Triumvirate of Tea.

          Hard to believe they could win, but Republicans are counting on it. Heck, Karl Rove's American Crossroads and other right-wing groups are plowing $300 million into these campaigns and enough others to retake the Senate. With that much cash to burn, they'll demonize Democrats, disguise their own radical views, and if successful, drag us back to the policies of a certain bumbling Texan.

          Sharron Angle. Ken Buck. Rand Paul. The Triumvirate of Tea.

          Hard to believe they could win, but Republicans are counting on it. Heck, Karl Rove's American Crossroads and other right-wing groups are plowing $300 million into these campaigns and enough others to retake the Senate. With that much cash to burn, they'll demonize Democrats, disguise their own radical views, and if successful, drag us back to the policies of a certain bumbling Texan.

          James Carville


          Tea Party and the GOP--COMMENT

          Political guru Bill Ballenger says the "influence of the Tea Party at the GOP convention will be interesting to watch." That may be a big understatement. The failure of the Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser to be elected as a voting delegate strikes me as a cataclysmic event for Michigan Republicans.

          As I've commented earlier, the GOP may have "jumped a shark" in its encounters with the Tea Party.  GOP West Michigan coast right wing curmudgeon, Jack Hoogendyk's jumping out to suggest three right-to-life candidates for Lieutenant Governor is a reflection, despite Rick Snyder's nomination as the GOP candidate for governor, of the GOP's movement to the right in response to the rise of the Michigan Tea Party. Snyder may find himself boxed in by Tea Party activists and traditional right-wing Republicans like Hoogendyk. An ultra-conservative nominee for his running mate as Lt. Governor would likely cost Snyder votes among the independents, cross-over Democrats and Republican moderates who helped get him nominated August 3. Watching this play out will be fascinating for political junkies of all stripes.

          Bernero's Best Chance--Nail the Nerd to the Party of NO

          Aside from attacking Snyder as suggested by Nolan Finley, Bernero can score points by nailing the Nerd firmly to the GOP's program of allowing the Teatard rabble to dictate GOP opposition to the economic stimulus program, voting against bailing out GM and Chrysler and the unemployment compensation extensions which have been so important to so many Michiganders, "privatizing" Social Security (i.e.,turning it over to Wall Street banksters), gutting Medicare and Medicaid, repealing health care reform, opposing nearly all environmental regulations, opposing banking reforms and the consumer financial protection bill, rounding up and deporting 12 million undocumented immigrants, cutting taxes for the richest Americans, reversing Roe v. Wade, denying the threat of global warming and prolonging the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

          GOP Congressional Candidate Supports Privatizing Social Security

          8-10-10 State Aid Bill Passed by House on Party-line Vote

          House returns from recess to pass state aid bill

          August 10, 2010 - by Donny Shaw


          The House came back from their August recess today to vote on the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, which the Senate passed last Thursday, after the House had already adjourned. It gives states $26.1 billion to help pay for Medicaid and teachers’ salaries. Since both chambers passed the exact same version of the bill, it was immediately enrolled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi [D, CA-8] and sent directly to Obama, who has already signed it into law.

          The vote was a near-party-line 247-161. Two Republicans crossed the aisle to vote for the bill with the Democrats — Rep. Anh Cao [R, LA-2] and Rep. Michael Castle [R, DE-0]. Three Democrats, all members of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition, voted with Republicans against the bill — Rep. Bobby Bright [D, AL-2], Rep. Jim Cooper [D, TN-5] and Rep. Gene Taylor [D, MS-4]. Twenty-five congressmen didn’t take the time out of the recess to return to D.C. and vote on the bill, including 7 Democrats and 18 Republicans.

          According to the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers,161,000 teacher layoffs will be averted by the bill. Furthermore, the left-of-center Economic Policy Institute estimates that the Medicaid portion of the bill could save up to 158,000 jobs.

          The bill is fully offset — meaning that it will not add to the deficit — by cutting $11.9 billion to food stamps (bringing the program back to pre-Recovery Act levels), closing a tax loophole that U.S. companies use to operate tax-free in other countries, and $6.7 billion in recessions from Recovery Act programs, the Defense budget, and other areas. In total, the Congressional Budget Office’s analysis of the bill found that it would save the federal government $1.37 billion over the next ten years.

          Still, as evidenced by the vote results, Republicans were not impressed with it at all. This morning, House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner [R, OH-8] took to the podium to attach what has proven to be one of the most politically-poisonous labels to the bill — he called it a “bailout.”

          “Everyone knows that state budgets have been hit hard and no one wants teachers or police officers to lose their jobs,” Boehner said. “But where do the bailouts end? Are we going to bail out states next year and the year after that too? At some point we’ve got to say ‘enough is enough.”

          The article is linked below.


          SNYDER AND BERNERO WIN BIG! CLARKE LEADS KILPATRICK

          11pm 8-3-10 Fox news reported that Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero won lopsided victories in the Republican and Democratic primaries.

          Snyder won with 37% followed by Hoekstra with 27% and Cox with 24%. In nominating Snyder Michigan Republican, independent and crossover Democratic voters rejected Tea Party extremism and nominated the strongest candidate against Bernero in November.

          Fox reported Virg Bernero the Democratic winner with 59% compared to 47% for Dillon. Bernero rallied the Democratic base in his campaign against the more conservative Dillon. He will face a tough battle with Snyder in what he characterized in his victory speech as a battle between Main Street and Wall Street.

          Hansen Clarke Apparent Winner Over Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, 48% to 39%.

          7-28-10Daily Kos--Late Surge by Bernero

          MI-Gov: New EPIC-MRA poll confirms Bernero primary surge
          With less than a week to go until primary day, it looks like the late surge by Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is legit. A new poll out today from respected local pollsters EPIC-MRA puts Bernero at an eight-point lead over state House Speaker Andy Dillon. As might be expected, the pollster notes that Bernero, almost universally considered to be the more progressive of the two candidates, is moving into a solid advantage with core Democratic constituencies.

          http://www.dailykos.com/

          7-26-10 Moroun Contributes Big for Bridge Support

          The Free Press reported this morning that bridge troll Matty Moroun, in an apparent effort to insure support for his private bridge proposal, has been spending big on this year's election, mostly with contributions to Republicans but also to Democratic Candidate Virg Bernero. Only two candidates have not received contributions: Democrat Andy Dillon and Republican, Rick Snyder. Dillon and Snyder have expressed support for the DRIC (Detroit River International Crossing) bridge proposal over Moroun's plan for a private span adjacent to his Ambassador Bridge.

          Here's a list of Moroun's contributions totalling $110,00 as reported in the Free Press:

          Bouchard--$23,200

          Capital Affairs PAC--$35,000 since May (Capital Affairs PAC is run by former Bouchard staffer, Robert Kennedy) which has contributed

          --$34,000 to Bouchard

          --$34,000 to Friends of Mike Bouchard

          Hoekstra--$13,600

          Cox--$13,600

          Snyder-- -0-

          Bernero--$6,800

          Dillon-- -0-

          Aside from the above governor's race contributions, the Free Press reported Moroun donations to two Republican state representatives, David Agema ($1,000) of Grandville and Paul Opsommer ($1,500) of DeWitt. Neither returned Free Press calls.






          7-25-10 Free Press Endorses Hoekstra and Dillon in August 3 Primary

          This morning's Free Press editorial page endorsed Pete Hoekstra and Andy Dillon as the best choices for Republicans and Democrats in the August 3 primary vote.

          The editorial called Hoekstra "a Republican's Republican--staunchly pro-business and anti-abortion; skeptical of government regulation and defensive of state authority over federal imposition. But his 18 years in Congress, where compromise and collaboration are typically the only path to accomplishment, also have endowed him with respect for the art of the deal. He gives a little to get a little without ever betraying his core principles--or asking opponents to forfeit their own."

          The Free Press endorsement neglected to mention Hoekstra's deplorable record on environmental issues which matter to most Michiganders or the fact that he didn't support any of the unemployment benefit extensions which have been critical for so many unemployed Michiganders and which provide a shot in the arm to our economy. His support for vouchers for religious schools is also not widely supported in Michigan, especially among public school teachers. Republicans might also be well advised to consider the likelihood that political outsider Rick Snyder's appeal among independents might well be a stronger candidate against Dillon or Bernero in November. Some Democrats may cross over in the August 3 primary and cast their ballots for Snyder.

          Andy Dillon, according to the Free Press editorial endorsement, is the man best qualified to "advance the Democrats' vision of a more prosperous--and greener Michigan."

          Dillon's downside is his likely inability to fire up the Democratic base because of his anti-abortion stance and his lack of support from the largest unions in the state--the teachers, auto workers and others. His record as speaker of the Michigan house of representatives left much to be desired. Of course his counterpart in the Michigan Senate was even more responsible than Dillon for the stalemate on many issues during the Granholm administration.

          The texts of the Free Press endorsements are linked below.

          7-23-10 GOP Representatives' Votes On Unemployment Benefit Extension

          Governor candidate Pete Hoekstra couldn't bring himself to vote in favor of the unemployment benefit extension which passed the House of Representatives yesterday and was signed by President Obama. He didn't vote NO but he abstained.

          The following Michigan Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the extension:

          Vern Ehlers

          Thadeus McCotter

          Fred Upton

          Macomb County Representative Candice Miller was the only Michigan member of Congress to vote NO on the benefit extension.

          All of the Michigan Democrats supported the extension.

          Strange Bedfellows--Tea-O-Cons Hoekstra and Bachman in House Tea Party Caucus

          In a surprising move, Pete Hoekstra is joining nutjob Michelle Bachman as a founding member of the U.S. House of Representatives Tea Party Caucus. This is apparently a desperation move by Hoekstra to upstage Mike Cox among Michigan's Tea Party voters. For several months GOP contenders, except for Rick Snyder, have been vying for support of Michigan Tea Party groups. However, it's hard to imagine that associating himself with Michelle Bachman would advance Hoekstra with Michigan voters in the November election if he were the GOP nominee.

          http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/rep_pete_hoekstra_joins_michel.html

          Mike Cox was the only governor candidate to brave the heat on Saturday and March in the Farmington Parade. deedsphoto
          Mike Cox was the only governor candidate to brave the heat on Saturday and March in the Farmington Parade. deedsphoto
          Farmington Parade Saturday July 17. deedsphoto
          Farmington Parade Saturday July 17. deedsphoto
          Mike Cox supporter in Farmington parade Saturday 7-17-10 deedsphoto
          Mike Cox supporter in Farmington parade Saturday 7-17-10 deedsphoto
          Farmington Parade July 17,2010. deedsphoto
          Farmington Parade July 17,2010. deedsphoto
          A few Bouchard supporters marched but Mike was not in evidence. deedsphoto
          A few Bouchard supporters marched but Mike was not in evidence. deedsphoto

          Congressman Gary Peters and his supporters were out in force for the Farmington parade Saturday, July 17.

          Congressman Gary Peters and his supporters were out in force for the Farmington Parade Saturday July 17, 2010. deedsphoto
          Congressman Gary Peters and his supporters were out in force for the Farmington Parade Saturday July 17, 2010. deedsphoto

          GOP Congressional Primary Candidate Rocky Raczkowski marched with a group of enthusiastic supporters deedsphotos

          Rocky marchers. deedsphoto
          Rocky marchers. deedsphoto
          Rocky passed out popsicles, a great idea for the hot day. deedsphoto
          Rocky passed out popsicles, a great idea for the hot day. deedsphoto
          Marching for Rocky. deedsphoto
          Marching for Rocky. deedsphoto

          GOP Congressional Primary Candidate Paul Welday Marched in the Farmington Parade, Saturday 7-17-10 deedsphotos

          GOP Congressional Primary Candidate Paul Welday deedsphoto
          GOP Congressional Primary Candidate Paul Welday deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          Marching for Paul Welday.
          Marching for Paul Welday.
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto

          More Photos from the Farmington Parade

          Governor Warren was known for supporting women's suffrage in 1905. deedsphoto
          Governor Warren was known for supporting women's suffrage in 1905. deedsphoto
          Woman in the driver's seat but the man is driving! deedsphoto
          Woman in the driver's seat but the man is driving! deedsphoto
          The most beautiful woman in the Farmington parade. deedsphoto
          The most beautiful woman in the Farmington parade. deedsphoto
          Tall bike.
          Tall bike.
          Vikings were hairy chested men! deedsphoto
          Vikings were hairy chested men! deedsphoto
          Nice smile. deedsphoto
          Nice smile. deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          Pom Pom girls. deedsphoto
          Pom Pom girls. deedsphoto
          Candidates for the Rockettes? deedsphoto
          Candidates for the Rockettes? deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          Fellow photographer. deedsphoto
          Fellow photographer. deedsphoto
          Eyecatcher. deedsphoto
          Eyecatcher. deedsphoto
          Miss Oakland County Teen. deedsphoto
          Miss Oakland County Teen. deedsphoto
          Miss Farmington. deedsphoto
          Miss Farmington. deedsphoto
          Chesley Street Community Garden. deedsphoto
          Chesley Street Community Garden. deedsphoto
          Another fellow photographer. deedsphoto
          Another fellow photographer. deedsphoto
          Brass marching band. deedsphoto
          Brass marching band. deedsphoto
          Zap Zone. deedsphoto
          Zap Zone. deedsphoto
          Zap Zone. deedsphoto
          Zap Zone. deedsphoto
          Nice looking Arabian horse and rider. deedsphoto
          Nice looking Arabian horse and rider. deedsphoto
          Walsh College. deedsphoto
          Walsh College. deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          Shriners like parades. Detroit photo.
          Shriners like parades. Detroit photo.
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          Riding shotgun. deedsphoto
          Riding shotgun. deedsphoto
          Representing Jackson Prison? deedsphoto
          Representing Jackson Prison? deedsphoto
          Biker Shriners. deedsphoto
          Biker Shriners. deedsphoto
          Shriner Hillbilly clan. deedsphoto
          Shriner Hillbilly clan. deedsphoto
          Don't tread on me! deedsphoto
          Don't tread on me! deedsphoto
          World Steam Expo. deedsphoto
          World Steam Expo. deedsphoto
          High tech stilts. deedsphoto
          High tech stilts. deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          deedsphoto
          Girl toss. deedsphoto
          Girl toss. deedsphoto
          Big lawn chair float. deedsphoto
          Big lawn chair float. deedsphoto
          Swedish Club. deedsphoto
          Swedish Club. deedsphoto
          Good lookin' ladies. deedsphoto
          Good lookin' ladies. deedsphoto

          7-17-10 FreePress--Snyder made lots, but gave lots in 2007-08

          The Free Press reported today that Republican candidate Rick Snyder's 2007 and 2008 tax returns show he made more than $1 million each year and gave 100s of thousands to charity.

          In 2007, Snyder and his wife had an adjusted gross income of $1.3 million and $200,000 less in 2008. Their charitable donations were $197,000 in 2007 and $831,000 in 2008. The Snyders' tax bill was $323,000 in 2007.

          Snyder announced early in his campaign that he would not accept PAC contributions.

          7-12-10--Republicans Continue to Block Extension of Unemployment Compensation

          The GOP continues to block an extension of unemployment benefits approved by the House and awaiting Senate approval. Although moderate GOP senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine have agreed to vote to approve the extension the Democrats are one vote short of approval. Approval could come when a replacement for Senator Harry Byrd is appointed by the governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin, who is apparently holding up the parade out of personal ambition to succeed Byrd. If this is true, shame on him. It's surprising that, in view of Byrd's declining health, the governor hasn't had a succession plan in place for months. Governor Granholm reports that if an extension isn't passed soon 400,000 will run out of benefits.

          In previous recessions during Republican and Democratic administrations unemployment benefit extensions have been routinely approved with bi-partisan support.

          7-12-10Tea Party Will Affect GOP Primaries

          This morning's Detroit Free Press offers a long and thoughtful article by Todd Spangler on the Michigan Tea Party movement's likely effect on the GOP gubernatorial and congressional primary candidates. Spangler points out that Tea Party opposition or support may determine the fate of several GOP primary candidates, but that its extreme positions may cost independent moderate votes in the November election contests against Democrats. In jumping on the Tea Party bandwagon, the GOP may find that it has "jumped a shark" or, to mix metaphors is "riding a tiger."

          In Utah, Tea Party opposition toppled long-time incumbent GOP U.S. Senator, Robert Bennett. And in Nevada, Tea Party support resulted in the nomination of right-wing nutjob Sharron Angle, improving the chances of embattled incumbent Senate majority leader Harry Reid. The Tea Party in several states is pushing GOP moderates out of the party.

          The Tea Party nationally and in Michigan is not a unified movement. Some have called it a split between the Santellian and the Beckian (as in Rick Santelli and Glenn Beck) wings of the movement. It has both Santellian- Libertarian small-government, low tax believers and cultural conservative "Beckian" anti-abortion, anti-stem cell, and anti-gay rights roots. The two wings share opposition to taxes and to the Obama administration. As is the case nationally, the Tea Party movement in Michigan does not have centralized, coordinated state-wide leadership which means that it's positions differ somewhat around the state. Although the Tea Party is quite active in the GOP primaries, it's not clear what role the movement will take in the general election in November although its supporters are likely to support GOP nominees in nearly all cases.

          According to Spangler's article and political guru Bill Ballenger, the Tea Party's activities are being felt mainly in GOP primary campaigns to fill vacancies and in its opposition to GOP incumbent congressmen such as long-time U.S. Rep. Fred Upton who is being challenged by cultural conservative curmudgeon Jack Hoogendyk with the support of tea partiers unhappy about Upton's vote in favor of the Bush administration's TARP plan.

          In the ninth Congressional district the GOP primary candidate who apparently has Tea Party support over long-time party regular Paul Welday is "Rocky" Raczkowski a U.S. Army Reserves veteran whose literature cites his duty in Iraq. Raczkowski served served in the Michigan House of Representatives until he was term limited out in 2002 when he became the GOP U.S. Senate nominee and lost in a landslide to Carl Levin. If he is nominated, Raczkowski will be running against incumbent moderate Democrat Gary Peters who in 2008 was became the first Democrat to represent the ninth congressional district since it was created in 1933 beating GOP incumbent Joe Knollenberg by a wide margin. Peters has served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and did a tour in the Persian Gulf.

          Three GOP candidates--Hoekstra, Cox and Bouchard have been openly courting Tea Party support. Rick Snyder, the most moderate of the GOP candidates, might be the strongest candidate in the general election, but he may not capture enough support in the primary to win the GOP nomination, his credentials as a highly successful businessman and a non-politician may win him support from some Tea Partiers.

          [The above commentary drew on Todd Spangler's article in the Detroit Free Press, which is well worth reading, but the the author of this blog takes responsibility for the opinions expressed herein. Spangler's article is linked below.]


          Dr. James Dobson, Evangelical Christian, Endorses Hoekstra

          The Free Press reported this morning, July 10, that conservative Evangelical Christian founder of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson, has endorsed Pete Hoekstra in the GOP primary August 2. Mitt Romney is campaigning with Hoekstra in Detroit suburbs Bloomfield Hills and Grosse Pointe this weekend.

          Dobson opposes sex education other than "abstinence only," supports tax credits for church schools, has advocated spanking children up to age 8, believes that homosexuality is a "learned moral choice" and advocates other right wing positions on social issues.

          Here is Wikipedia's entry on Dobson's views on various hot button social issues:

          Social views

          [edit] Views on marriage

          James Dobson is a strong proponent of what he calls "traditional marriage".[26] According to his view, women are not deemed inferior to men because both are created in God's image, but each gender has biblically-mandated roles.[27] He recommends that married women with children under the age of 18 focus on mothering, rather than work outside the home.[28]

          In the 2004 book Marriage Under Fire: Why We Must Win This Battle , Dobson suggests that heterosexual marriage rates in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been falling, and that this is due to the recognition of same-sex relationships by those countries during the 1990s.[29] He remarks that traditional marriage "is rapidly dying" in these countries as a result, with most young people cohabiting or choosing to remain single (living alone) and illegitimacy rates rising in some Norwegian counties up to 80%.[29]

          Dobson writes that "every civilization in the world has been built upon [heterosexual marriage]," and describes the institution of marriage as "the bedrock of culture in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and even Antarctica." He also believes that homosexuality is a learned moral choice and he anecdotally cites as evidence the life of actress Anne Heche,[30][31] who at one time claimed to be a lesbian but no longer does so. Criticizing "the realities of judicial tyranny," Dobson has written that "[t]here is no issue today that is more significant to our culture than the defense of the family. Not even the war on terror eclipses it."

          Critics, such as the Human Rights Campaign, say that Dobson's views on homosexuality do not represent the mainstream views of the mental health community.[30][32]

          [edit] Views on schooling

          Dobson and Focus on the Family support private school vouchers and tax credits for religious schools. According to Focus on the Family website, Dobson believes that parents are ultimately responsible for their children's education, and encourages parents to visit their children's schools to ask questions and to join the PTA so that they may voice their opinions.[33] Dobson opposes sex education curricula that are not abstinence-only. According to People for the American Way, Focus on the Family material has been used to challenge a book or curriculum taught in public schools.[3] Critics, such as People for the American Way, allege that Focus on the Family encourages Christian teachers to establish prayer groups in public schools.[3][34] Dobson supports student-led prayer in public schools,[3] and believes that allowing student-led Christian prayer in schools does not violate the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.[35]

          [edit] Views on discipline within the family

          In his book Dare to Discipline , Dobson advocated the spanking of children up to eight years old when they misbehave, but warns that "corporal punishment should not be a frequent occurrence" and that "discipline must not be harsh and destructive to the child's spirit." He warns against "harsh spanking" because "It is not necessary to beat the child into submission; a little bit of pain goes a long way for a young child. However, the spanking should be of sufficient magnitude to cause the child to cry genuinely."[36]

          Dobson has called disciplining children to be a necessary but unpleasant part of raising children that should only be carried out by qualified parents:

          “ Anyone who has ever abused a child — or has ever felt himself losing control during a spanking — should not expose the child to that tragedy. Anyone who has a violent temper that at times becomes unmanageable should not use that approach. Anyone who secretly 'enjoys' the administration of corporal punishment should not be the one to implement it.[37]

          ”

          In his book The Strong-Willed Child , Dobson suggests that if authority is portrayed correctly to a child, the child will understand how to interact with other authority figures:

          “ By learning to yield to the loving authority... of his parents, a child learns to submit to other forms of authority which will confront him later in his life — his teachers, school principal, police, neighbors and employers.[38] ”

          Dobson stresses that parents must uphold their authority and do so consistently, comparing the relationship between parents and disobedient children to a battle: "When you are defiantly challenged, win decisively."[36] In The Strong-Willed Child , Dobson draws an analogy between the defiance of a family pet and that of a small child, and concludes that "just as surely as a dog will occasionally challenge the authority of his leaders, so will a little child — only more so."[36] (emphasis in original)

          When asked "How long do you think a child should be allowed to cry after being punished? Is there a limit?" Dobson responded:

          “ Yes, I believe there should be a limit. As long as the tears represent a genuine release of emotion, they should be permitted to fall. But crying quickly changes from inner sobbing to an expression of protest... Real crying usually lasts two minutes or less but may continue for five. After that point, the child is merely complaining, and the change can be recognized in the tone and intensity of his voice. I would require him to stop the protest crying, usually by offering him a little more of whatever caused the original tears. In younger children, crying can easily be stopped by getting them interested in something else."[39] ”

          Dobson's position is controversial. Although spanking is legal in the United States, as early as 1985 The New York Times stated that "most child-care experts today disapprove of physical punishment."[40]

          [edit] Views on tolerance and diversity

          In the winter of 2004-2005, the We Are Family Foundation sent American elementary schools approximately 60,000 copies of a free DVD using popular cartoon characters (most notably Sponge Bob Squarepants) to "promote tolerance and diversity."[41] Dobson contended that "tolerance" and "diversity" are "buzzwords" that the We Are Family Foundation misused as part of a "hidden agenda" to promote homosexuality.[42] Kate Zernik noted Dobson asserting: "tolerance and its first cousin, diversity, 'are almost always buzzwords for homosexual advocacy.'"[43] He stated on the Focus on the Family website that "childhood symbols are apparently being hijacked to promote an agenda that involves teaching homosexual propaganda to children."[44] He offered as evidence the association of many leading LGBT rights organizations, including GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, and PFLAG, with the We Are Family Foundation as shown by links which he claims once existed on their website.[45]

          The We Are Family Foundation countered that Dobson had mistaken their organization with "an unrelated Web site belonging to another group called 'We Are Family,' which supports gay youth."[46] Dobson countered,

          “ I want to be clear: the We Are Family Foundation — the organization that sponsored the video featuring SpongeBob and the other characters was, until this flap occurred, making available a variety of explicitly pro-homosexual materials on its Web site. It has since endeavored to hide that fact, but my concerns are as legitimate today as they were when I first expressed them in January.[45] ”

          In September 2005, Tolerance.org published a follow-up message advertising the DVD's continued availability, including We Are Family Foundation president Nancy Hunt's speculation that many of the DVDs may be "still sitting in boxes, unused, because of Dobson's vitriolic attack."[42]

          [edit] Views on homosexuality

          Dobson believes that God defines marriage as between one man and one woman only and describes this as the central stabilizing institution of society. Dobson believes that any sexual activity outside of such a union — including homosexuality — cannot be approved by God. In Dobson's view, homosexuality is a choice that is made through influences in a child's environment rather than an inborn trait. He states that homosexual behavior, specifically "unwanted same-sex attraction", has been and can be "overcome" through understanding developmental models for homosexuality and choosing to heal the complex developmental issues which led to same-sex attraction.[31][47]

          Despite Dobson being a licensed clinical psychologist, and his expression of homosexuality in psychological terms, his views differ from the longstanding consensus of the behavioral and social sciences and the health and mental health professions.[48][49][50][51][52][53]


          Dobson's Focus on the Family ministry sponsors the monthly conference Love Won Out, where participants hear "powerful stories of ex-gay men and women."[30]Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) has protested against the conference in Orlando, questioning both its methodology and supposed success.[54] In regards to the conference, Dobson has stated that "Gay activists come with preconceived notions about who we are and what we believe and about the hate that boils from within, which is simply not true. Regardless of what the media might say, Focus on the Family has no interest in promoting hatred toward homosexuals or anyone else. We also don't wish to deprive them of their basic constitutional rights... The Constitution applies to all of us."[55] Dobson strongly opposes the movement to legitimize same-sex relationships. In his book Bringing Up Boys , Dobson states that "Homosexuals deeply resent being told that they selected this same-sex inclination in pursuit of sexual excitement or some other motive."[56]

          Sociologist Judith Stacey criticized Dobson for claiming that sociological studies show that gay couples do not make good parents. She stated that Dobson's claim "is a direct misrepresentation of my research."[57] In response to Dobson's claim that "there have been more than ten thousand studies that have showed that children do best when they are raised with a mother and a father who are committed to each other," Stacey replied that "[a]ll of those studies that Dobson is referring to are studies that did not include gay or lesbian parents as part of the research base."[58]

          Dobson objected to a bill expanding the prohibition of sexual orientation-based discrimination in the areas of "public accommodation, housing practices, family planning services and twenty other areas." He said that, were such a bill passed, public businesses could no longer separate lockerooms and bathrooms by gender, which he claimed would lead to a situation where, "every woman and little girl will have to fear that a predator, bisexual, cross-dresser or even a homosexual or heterosexual male might walk in and relieve himself in their presence."[59][60]

          Mel White expressed fears that Dobson's ultimate goal is to pressure lawmakers into outlawing homosexuality and have questioned whether he favors reinstituting Old Testament-style death penalties for homosexuality.[61] In an interview with Soulforce, the gay minister said, "Right now [Dobson] just calls us an abomination. But he's warned us that he takes the Bible literally. Does that mean he's just waiting to enforce the execution part? I don't ask that question as an alarmist or an hysteric. I ask that question because it's real."[61]

          The day before he was executed in Florida, Dobson interviewed serial sex killer Ted Bundy. The interview was controversial as Bundy was given an opportunity to attempt to explain his actions (the rape and murder of 30 young women). Bundy seemed to blame pornography, something he had never mentioned in hundreds of hours of police and psychological interviews. Dobson is very much anti-pornography. There is also controversy over how much input the relatives of the murder victims had as regards the interview and whether they agreed that it should happen or not. Dobson subsequently asked that Bundy be "forgiven" for his crimes.

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dobson



          7-7-10 Lessenberry---Cox and Dillon Hold Slight Leads in Dem and GOP Primaries

          On NPR this morning Jack Lessenberry said recent polls show Cox with a slight lead over Hoekstra and Dillon slightly ahead of Bernero. Jack pointed out that Dillon's lead may evaporate when Bernero starts spending on TV ads. Both races are too close to call at this time because a high percentage of voters remain undecided.

          Hoekstra on the Issues (Free Press 6-2-10)


          HOEKSTRA ON THE ISSUES

          • Says public employee pay and benefits should not exceed those in the private sector.

          • More accurately align corrections spending with that of neighboring states. Competitively bid services.

          Taxes

          • Eliminate Michigan Business Tax and either eliminate or drastically reduce personal property tax and non-homestead property tax.

          • Overhaul the tax code; replace taxes with a simpler tax such a sales tax extended to services.

          Government Reform, Reorganization

          • Cut red tape and bureaucracy.

          • Realign services.

          Social Issues

          • Supports marriage between one man and one woman.

          • Opposes abortion without exceptions.

          • Opposes taxpayer funding of human embryonic stem cell research.

          Business Tax Breaks and Movie Incentives

          • Supports a focus on unique and large opportunities, not wholesale tax incentives.

          • Would not have supported the film incentive, but says it should not be killed.

          State or Mayoral Takeover of Failing Schools

          • Provide mayors with tools and flexibility to reform failing schools.

          Public-private (DRIC) bridge over Detroit River

          • Supports building a bridge with a public-private partnership. Also supports a new rail tunnel beneath the Detroit River.

          COX ON THE ISSUES

          • Claims he could cut up to $4 billion a year in spending by renegotiating contracts, curbing employee pay and benefits, trimming optional Medicaid services and reforming welfare.

          Taxes

          • Proposes $2-billion tax cut.

          Government Reform, Reorganization

          • Put all state spending online.

          • Replace defined-benefit teacher pensions with 401(k)-type plan.

          • Spend less on prisons, more on police.

          • Benchmark public employee pay and benefits to private sector averages.

          Social Issues

          • Supports state's one-man, one-woman marriage amendment.

          • Opposes abortion.

          • Opposes research using embryos to create stem cells.

          Business Tax Breaks, Movie Incentives

          • Reduce targeted tax breaks.

          • Simplify and broaden breaks, along with lower overall business taxation.

          • Sees movie incentives as unsustainable, but says they can't be eliminated outright because it would send the wrong message about business climate.

          Public-Private (DRIC) Bridge Over Detroit River

          • Prefers not to spend public money if private financing is available.

          6-17-10 Free Press-- SNYDER ON THE ISSUES

          RELATED INFORMATION

          About Rick Snyder

          Running for: Governor as one of five Republican candidates

          Age: 51

          Professional: Accountant, lawyer, former president and CEO of Gateway computers, venture capitalist

          Education: BA, MBA and JD, University of Michigan

          Personal: Wife, Sue; one son, two daughters

          Snyder on the issues

          State spending cuts

          and reforms

          • Implement Value for Money budgeting concept, focusing on results and customer service, rather than costs and input.

          • IT consolidation across state government.

          • Coordinate care for Medicaid patients, eliminating fee-for-service payments.

          • Open more state services for competitively bid contracts.

          Taxes

          • Eliminate Michigan Business Tax and its surcharge. Phase out many exemptions and abatements. Replace with 6% corporate income tax, with "reasonable" small-business exclusion. Net reduction in business taxation about $1.5 billion per year.

          • Opposes expansion of sales tax to services.

          Government Reform, Reorganization

          • Opposes constitutional convention; neutral on ideas like unicameral or part-time Legislature.

          • Favors pay and benefits reductions for elected officials and public employees.

          Social Issues -- Marriage, Abortion, Stem CellS

          • Supports one man-one woman marriage; vague on civil unions.

          • Says he's opposed to abortion; made $2,000 donation to 2008 campaign to overturn Michigan's ban on research in which human embryos are destroyed (to open door for embryonic stem cell research).

          Business Tax Breaks

          and Movie Incentives

          • Says government should not "pick winners and losers," but focus on lower and simpler taxation across board; scale back Michigan's film subsidy of up to 42% of production costs.

          STATE/MAYORAL Takeover of Failing Schools

          • Favors when other options are exhausted.

          Public-private (DRIC) bridge over Detroit River

          • Supports if taxpayers are not held liable.

          6-3-10--Gingrich's Prescription for Michigan Recovery

          Per this morning's Free Press, here's Newt's prescription for Michigan's recovery:

          1. Make Detroit a federal tax-free zone to attract investment.

          2. Make Michigan a right-to-work state.

          3. Require unemployment compensation recipients to work or go to school.

          4. Pay students to learn to read and/or pay parents whose children enter school able to read.

          5. Give students Kindle books instead of regular books.

          6. Do more to create a work ethic to compete with China.

          7. Stop subsidizing people who aren't productive.

          8. The cost of government "is the next bubble."

          5-13-10--Bernero, Bailey and Candler Address Birmingham-Bloomfield Dems

          Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, candidate for governor, Aaron Bailey, candidate for the State Senate, and Julie Candler, candidate for the State House addressed the Birmingham-Bloomfield Democratic Club May 13 and fielded questions.

          Bernero focused on his successful record as Mayor of Lansing in which he made tough decisions to cut costs without layoffs and balanced the budget without tapping the $10 million reserve fund. He covered discussed his ten-point economic development plan for Michigan which focuses on encouraging small business development and re-developing abandoned properties. He supports the establishment of a state bank in Michigan as was done long ago in North Dakota because the Wall Street banks have "red-lined" Michigan and are not meeting the needs of small and medium-sized businesses here in Michigan. He stated that he is the only pro-choice candidate. He contrasted his successful five-years in the Michigan House and Senate and his accomplishments as mayor of Lansing with his primary opponent Dillon's record of gridlock with Republicans in the legislature. He promised to hold Charter Schools accountable for their results with taxpayer's money. He portrayed himself as a pro-business, pro-jobs candidate, citing contributions from the Lansing Chamber of Commerce.


          Bailey, who is running against John Pappageorge for the State Senate, believes he can close the 1% gap in the last election between Pappageorge and Levin. He is a West Point graduate who returned from a tour as a Special Operations officer in Afghanistan. In addition to his military service he has an MBA from U of M and currently works as a business consultant. He has mapped out a strong campaign emphasizing economic development based on Michigan's strengths and will work toward achieving an atmosphere of bi-partisan respect and cooperation.

          Julie Candler, who at age 88 is running against incumbent Chuck Moss, said she supports the Democrat's "Hire Michigan First" proposal in Lansing, buying Michigan products, local foods and a graduated income tax which many other states have. (Julie Candler must be lying about her age. She doesn't look a day over 60!)

          All three candidates support extending term limits for the Michigan legislature. Bernero said he would support 10-year limits for the House and Senate and that consideration should be given to making the positions part-time rather than full-time jobs as at present.

          4-19-10--Cox Jumps Aboard the Tea Party Express

          FROM the COX Campaign:

          COX LEADING THE TEA PARTY EXPRESS ACROSS MICHIGAN

          Just wrapping up two exciting weeks on the road speaking with voters across the State about cutting government spending, slashing taxes and defending the Constitution. Even spent three days traveling with the Tea Party Express. The TPX asked me if I'd travel with them across Michigan to talk about my lawsuit to stop the unconstitutional Obama-Pelosi health care bill.

          I met up with the tour busses in Escanaba, hit the Soo, traveled back across the Mackinac Bridge and hit stops in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Macomb County. It was great meeting and speaking with thousands of rock-solid conservatives who are as fed up as I am with Lansing and Washington, D.C. telling each of us how to live our lives.

          We're tired of bailouts, we're tired of overspending and we're tired of unconstitutional health care bills that force Americans to buy a product as the price of citizenship. That's why so many thousands spent their days outside at Tea Parties and that's why I'm going to court to protect the Constitution.

          If you couldn't make it out to any of the events the last few days, you can still get a glimpse of the energy and the excitement by checking out this video we shot on the road!

          STANDING UP TO OBAMA, PELOSI and GRANHOLM to PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION

          Governor Granholm hit the airwaves recently, making appearances on national television and staging press conferences, to pressure me to drop my lawsuit against the unconstitutional, trillion dollar Obama-Pelosi government takeover of health care. Like I told Greta Van Susteren on Fox News a few days ago, the people of the State of Michigan elected me as Attorney General.

          I'm going to do everything in my power to stop Obama and Pelosi's health care bill but I still need your help.



          3-5-10--Dan Kildee Drops Out of Democratic Primary Race

          Dan Kildee dropped out of the Democratic primary race leaving Virg Bernero, Mike Dillon and Alma Wheeler Smith in the race.

          Kildee said in a release Friday that he had hoped to be "the candidate to unite the diverse interests that comprise the core" of the Democratic Party, but doesn't see that happening now.

          3-3-10--Mike Huckabee endorses Cox for Governor

          Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has endorsed Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox in the Michigan Republican primary for governor.

          The announcement was made on Cox’s gubernatorial campaign website. From the release:

          “Mike Cox is best described as Michigan’s Pro-Life, Pro-gun conservative candidate for Governor,” said Huckabee. “Mike is an innovative, strong leader who is not afraid to take a stand on an important issue. He is opposed to the runaway tax and spend policies we are seeing at the federal and state levels.”

          It’s interesting that Huckabee and Cox are promoting Cox’s anti-abortion and pro-gun stances, while ignoring his anti-gay credentials. Cox successfully defended the state’s anti-marriage equality amendment before the state’s high court. Under that ruling, public employees could no longer receive domestic partner benefits. Public employers have since created an insurance program called Other Eligible Individual, which allows a state employee to name any non-married adult as a beneficiary of the employee’s insurance.

          Huck himself is no slacker when it comes to anti-gay standard bearings. In 2008, the former Arkansas governor caused a stir when he implied that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights movement was not the same as the civil rights movement of the 60s.

          http://michiganmessenger.com/35416/huckabee-endorses-cox-for-michigan-gov


          3-1-10--Snyder camp claims attack ads violate election laws

          Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau

          Lansing -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder's campaign is claiming that groups with links to another candidate have violated campaign finance laws in their radio attack ads.

          The Snyder campaign filed two complaints Tuesday with the Secretary of State and sent a letter to Attorney General Mike Cox, a fellow Republican candidate for governor, drawing links between the groups and former Cox staffers and campaign donors.

          The ads, on a Detroit radio station, slam Snyder and GOP gubernatorial hopefuls U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland and Oakland Sheriff Mike Bouchard.


          From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100303/POLITICS02/3030355/1022/Snyder-camp-claims-attack-ads-violate-election-laws#ixzz0h8efTv7O

          The


          2-28-10 Free Press--Dillon Formally Announces His Candidacy For Governor in a Crowded Field

          Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon's dive into the Democratic race for governor Sunday was like the last horse pushing into the starting gate.

          Now that the field of would-be governors seems set, one thing is clear: There's no clear favorite in either party.

          "All of the candidates are so little known, it's really a wide-open race," said former Democratic Gov. James Blanchard of the Democrats.

          An EPIC-MRA poll last week had Dillon with a thin lead even though 66% of voters don't know him. The other Democratic contenders are even less known.

          http://www.freep.com/article/20100301/NEWS06/3010329/1317/NLETTER10/Dillon-tosses-hat-into-crowded-ring?source=nletter-NEWS-FREEP-top_stories_noon


          2-27 Free Press--Andy Dillon Announces that he will announce his candidacy for Governor.

          2-26 Free Press--Snyder Moves into 3rd place behind Hoekstra and Cox; Dillon Leads Dems

          2-26--According to a Detroit Free Press poll Rick Snyder has moved into third place (12%) among GOP candidates behind Pete Hoekstra (27%) who leads Mike Cox with (21%) and Sheriff Mike Bouchard with 10%. Although he has not announced, Andy Dillon leads the Democratic field among probable voters. The Free Press attributed Snyder's surge to his Super Bowl and subsequent TV ads.

          http://www.freep.com/article/20100226/NEWS15/100226061/1317/NLETTER10/Snyder-makes-move-in-GOP-governors-race?source=nletter-NEWS-FREEP-top_stories_8pm

          Dan Kildee, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Michigan
          Dan Kildee, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Michigan

          2-17-10 Free Press--Election Debate Plans Announced

          A coalition of trade groups and public broadcasters announced plans for Great Debates 2010 in the Michigan’s governor's and legislature races.

          • Two one-hour debates – one among Democratic candidates, one among Republican candidates before the party primary election in August.

          • And one one-hour debate before the November general election for governor.

          • 50 half-hour legislative debates during the general election cycle.

          • Several multi-candidate legislative forums.

          The debates will be broadcast on public television stations and be available for online viewing.

          “We think we can provide a crucial service by helping the citizens understand the crucial issues,” said Rich Homberg, president and general manager of Detroit Public Television (WTVS, Channel 56). WTVS conceived the Great Debates idea along with the non-partisan Center for Michigan.

          SNYDER TO OPEN CAMPAIGN WITH WITH SUPERBOWL ADS

          Free Press 2-2-10 SNYDER TO OPEN CAMPAIGN WITH SUPER BOWL ADS

          Snyder, an Ann Arbor businessman and Republican candidate for governor, is to launch his media campaign with a 60-second TV ad during the Super Bowl. The ad is to air on CBS stations across Michigan, including WWJ-TV (CBS Detroit).



          Fund Raising Reports Filed 2-1-10

          Republicans

          Mike Cox-----------------$1.83 million

          [Rick Snyder--------------$3.2 million but report not filed.]

          Tom George-------------$199, 000

          Democrats

          Alma Wheeler Smith----$38,000 (The only Democrat officially in the race, and the only one to report on 2-1-10)

          GOP Candidate, Rick Snyder
          GOP Candidate, Rick Snyder

          1-31-10 GOP Candidate Rick Snyder Gets Serious With TV Commercials Tomorrow

          According to Nolan Finley on this morning's Detroit News editorial page, Rick Snyder, "super-wealthy Ann Arbor computer pioneer," will kick off his campaign for the GOP nomination for governor tomorrow with TV ads introducing himself to voters. Finley says "rumors are that Snyder is prepared to spend $5-10 million of his own money to secure the GOP nomination."

          Further, Finley reports that campaign finance reports due Monday will show Mike Bouchard and Pete Hoekstra well behind Mike Cox in fund raising. Cox has reportedly raised $1.8 million and currently leads Hoekstra in recent polls.

          If Illitch and Bowman get their checkbooks out, this year's Michigan governor's primary races could turn out to be a battle of the millionaires.

          1-20-10 John Freeman Ends His Campaign, Refunds Campaign Contributions

          John Freeman announced in a letter to his supporters January 20 that had decided to end his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor:

          "As many of you have already heard, after consulting with my family and giving it serious reflection, I've decided to end my campaign for governor of Michigan. Given our state's economic woes and my obligations to both my family and job, it became clear that the amount of money reuqired to run a viable campaign was out of reach...

          "I've encolsed a check to refund a portion of your donation. Our campaign's operating expenses were relatively low--staff costs, campaign supplies and consulting fees--and as a result, we are in a position to give you back half of your generous donation. It's something I feel obligated to do."

          Denise Ilitch
          Denise Ilitch

          1-13-10 Obama Courting Ilitch for Governor's race


          1-14-10 Detroit Free Press Front Page--Denise Ilitch's Contributions to GOP Candidates May Pose a Problem by Kathleen Gray

          Kathleen Gray says that Denise Illitch may have some explaining to do to Michigan Democrats for the following political contributions:

          $2,000 in 2003 to George W. Bush

          $2,000 in 2000 to George W. Bush

          $1,000 in 2003 to GOP Congresswoman Candice Miller

          $1,000 in 2000 to Michigan State Republican Committee

          $1,000 in 1996 to President H.W. Bush


          Gray's article went on to point out that Ilitch also contributed to Democrats as follows all in 2008:

          $2,000 to Barack Obama

          $500 to Hillary Clinton

          $500 to U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer

          $1,000 to U.S. Rep. Gary Peters

          $1,000 to Michigan Democratic State Committee


          According to Gray, Democratic Candidate Andy Dillon contributed $1,000 to the Michigan Republican Committee in 1994, $300 to the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee in 2005 and $100 to Republican State Rep. Jim Ryan in 1996.


          1-13-10 Chris Christoff and Kathleen Gray report in this morning's Free Press on-line that President Obama and his White House political team met with Denise Illitch yesterday in an effort to convince her to throw her hat into the ring for the Michigan governor's race. They also mentioned that former state treasurer, Bob Bowman, and DTE chairman, Tony Earley, are possible candidates. Early reportedly was also urged by the White House to consider running for the Democratic nomination for governor. Earley reportedly said he had no plans to run and would probably support Andy Dillon.

          Andy Dillon, Democratic Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives; candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor
          Andy Dillon, Democratic Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives; candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor

          1-7-09 Dillon Enters the Race for Governor--Bad news for Republicans?

          Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon's entry into the race for governor is bad news for the GOP candidates. Dillon has maintained distance from Governor Granholm so it will be hard to tag him with her perceived shortcomings. He may also have gained points with independents and middle-of-the-road Democrats by showing his willingness to challenge the Michigan Education Association with his proposal to save money by establishing a single health care insurance program for all government employees including teachers. The fact that Dillon is a Catholic who has voted in favor of anti-abortion measures could dampen enthusiasm of the Democratic base which is strongly pro choice. It could also gain him votes that might otherwise go to a GOP candidate.

          In additioon to announced candidates, Robert Freeman and Anna Wheeler Smith, Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano, Dan Kildee, former Genessee County Treasurer and Lansing mayor, Virg Bernaro and state senator, Hansen Clark.

          Granholm Won't Endorse a Candidate in Dem Primary

          Detroit Free Press 1-7-09--Granholm says she won't endorse any candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor. She denied rumors that President Obama had anything to do with Cherry's decision to drop out of the race. The article also mentioned that Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said he will not enter the governor's race.

          Hansen Clark, Michigan State Senator; possible candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor
          Hansen Clark, Michigan State Senator; possible candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor
          Virg Bernero, Mayor of Lansing; possible candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor of Michigan
          Virg Bernero, Mayor of Lansing; possible candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor of Michigan

          1-5-10 John Cherry's Statement

          Today I am announcing that the exploration of a gubernatorial candidacy is coming to an end, and I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2010.

          A year ago, when this exploratory process began, I set several goals that I thought I needed to attain if a candidacy was to be successful. I believed that at least a thousand Michigan citizens needed to express their support for my candidacy. That number was exceeded significantly. I also believed that in 2009 I would have to obtain at least half of the petition signatures necessary to obtain a position on the ballot. We succeeded in reaching that number as well.

          However, I also believed that I had to secure enough money to make my candidacy fully viable. I was not successful in that endeavor to the degree that was needed. With that in mind, I have come to the conclusion that to wage a successful campaign will be difficult at best.

          Of course, I find this a disappointing circumstance for two reasons. First, a number of good friends stepped forward to offer their support, and they worked very hard to build a very impressive grassroots network. I hate to disappoint them with this news. Many of them also contributed hard earned money to help support our efforts. That does not, however, diminish the effort that they and the campaign team made to build a successful candidacy.

          I am also disappointed because I truly believe that 2010 will be a critical year and election for Michigan. We stand before a simple choice between a race to the bottom or a vision of Michigan as we would like it to be. There are many who for political reasons choose to demean the notion of Michigan as a state that is investing and building for the future. They would rather have us blame our present economic circumstances on the victims of the global forces that disrupted the family and economic lives of thousands of Michigan citizens.

          I had hoped that my campaign could argue for a Michigan that could put its great assets to work to create a new, vibrant 21st Century economy-- our great workforce and citizenry, internationally renowned institutions of higher education, and the 20 percent of the world's supply of fresh water that surrounds us. Those are strong building blocks for the future. The only thing that stands in the way of creating a strong future out of them is the negative political cult of personality that seeks political advantage at the expense of our civil endeavors.

          I am disappointed that I will not be the candidate to carry that message.

          Most importantly, though, I wish to thank my family-- my wife Pam, my children, my mother, and my brother and sisters for their help, support, and love. While ending the campaign is a disappointment for us, the effort brought us new friendships, introduced us to amazing people, and opened our eyes to a Michigan that is truly inspiring. For that we are extremely grateful.

          John Cherry

          John Freeman, Democratic Candidate for Governor
          John Freeman, Democratic Candidate for Governor

          11-13-09 John Freeman Democratic Candidate

          John Freeman spoke to a small group in Oakland County last night. He discussed the need for fundamental change to deal with Michigan's state, county and local financial problems and stressed the need to diversify and rebuild our state's economy. He outlined his goals in several critical areas--

          --A strong economy and making Michigan a place where businesses can thrive is of primary importance but will not be achieved by gutting our school budgets, weakening environmental laws and forcing employees to cut their wages.

          --Building a world class education system is essential to attract jobs to the state. Every child should have access to quality, affordable higher education

          --Changing how we govern by opening up the process more widely and engaging the public

          --Reforming health care is urgent because 1.1 million people in Michigan are without health care insurance and because our business are at a competitive disadvantage under our current broken health system.

          --Modernizing our infrastructure--roads, mass transit, improved broadband Internet access

          --Securing our natural resources and leading the green revolution.

          Freeman is currently traveling the state to increase his name recognition. Raising campaign funds is a also a challenge. He served six years in the legislature during the Engler administration and was term-limited out. Since then he has been active politically in a successful campaign to raise Michigan's minimum wage, the Michigan Home Care Campaign and is currently state director of Health Care for America Now.

          Freeman's remarks were followed by a lively discussion.


          1-5-09 CHERRY WITHDRAWS FROM GOVERNOR's RACE

          According to radio reports this morning, John Cherry has dropped out of the 2010 governor's race. A Cherry spokesman attributed his decision to Cherry's lackluster campaign fund raising results. Cherry's withdrawal dramatically changes the election picture for Democrats. Currently John Freeman and Alma Wheeler Smith are the only two announced Democratic candidates. Andy Dillon, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, has reportedly considered running for some time, but has not announced. Cherry's withdrawal may make a Dillon candidacy more likely. Stay tuned.

          12-15-09 Detroit Free Press Cherry Pushes for Tax on Michigan Bottled Water Companies

          LANSING: Cherry renews call for taxing bottled water firms

          Lt. Gov. John Cherry called again Monday for a 10-cent-per-bottle tax on water bottling companies in Michigan to pay for the restoration of the Michigan Promise college scholarship program eliminated in the new state budget.


          But it appeared to be a nonstarter with majority Senate Republicans. Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Republicans, said, "We're not interested in raising taxes on Michigan businesses."

          One large bottler, Ice Mountain, which bottles near Big Rapids, said the tax typically would raise the cost of its bottled water by two-thirds and cost the state jobs in a plant that employs 250 to 300 people.

          Cherry said Michigan's underground water belongs to the public. Cherry said the tax would generate $118 million, with $100 million earmarked for the Michigan Promise grants.

          11-14-09 Lt. Gov. Cherry Calls for Action to Protect the Great Lakes

          Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. called on the Assistant Secretary of the Army to take additional actions to prevent Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes. Recent reports from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicate that Asian Carp may be much closer than previously expected to the current electrical Barrier 2A, which was designed to keep the carp from entering the Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal (CSSC). Additionally, because work on the planned second part of the existing barrier (2B) isn't complete, an emergency response plan was announced to ensure that carp are contained when Barrier 2A is deactivated for planned maintenance in December.   "Michigan has supported plans to protect the Great Lakes during a period when the existing barrier may be deactivated for maintenance, however, these emergency response efforts fall short of the long term solution needed," Cherry said. "We know the damage Asian Carp would cause if they reached the Great Lakes, and we must take every available action to prevent that from happening."   Lt. Governor Cherry called for the following actions:  
          • completion of work on Barrier 2B;  
           
          • full power operation of Barrier 2A (currently operating at half power);  
           
          • installation of a physical barrier to prevent carp, detected in the nearby Des Plaines River, from entering the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal during periods of flooding; and 
           
          • making the CSSC a priority as the Corps of Engineers studies a range of options and technologies to prevent the transfer of aquatic invasive species.   
            Cherry, past chair of the Great Lakes Commission, in a message to the Michigan Congressional delegation accompanying his letter to Secretary Darcy, noted the bipartisan support of the delegation and pledged to work with them to protect the Great Lakes and the recreational and commercial fisheries that are a critical part of our economy.               In 2004, Michigan and other Great Lakes states each contributed $67,000 for the barrier project.    

          11-7-09 Score One for Mike Cox

          ruling drastically cuts Blue Cross proposed rate increase on seniors

          November 7, 2009

          By Cole Waterman

          LANSING -- An estimated 200,000 Michigan seniors may soon be able to breathe a little easier, after a Friday preliminary ruling has reduced Blue Cross's proposed increase for Medigap insurance from 36.7 percent to 3.8 percent, reports the office of Attorney General Mike Cox.

          Yesterday, an administrative law judge at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation made preliminary ruling, stating Blue Cross must subsidize Medigap rates by a full $181 million.

          Click here to read the full story.

          Michigan Gubernatorial Race

          4-18-09 John D. Cherry is expected to be the Democratic nominee for Governor in next year's election. Despite his considerable solid experience in various Michigan public posts including State Representative, State Senator and Senate minority leader, he suffers from the sagging Michigan economy and low opinion poll ratings of Governor Granholm in whose shadow he has remained as her Lieutenant Governor. Unless the Michigan economy strengthens before the election Cherry will have his work cut out for him in the election next year. Democratic State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith is set to announce her candidacy for governor on June 29. Other possible Democratic nominees include former state lawmaker John Freeman who announced on July 23 and possible candidates House Speaker Andy Dillon and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

          9-16-09 Bouchard picks Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land as running mate for 2010 governor's race.

          Land was Kent County Clerk from 1992-2000 and was first elected secretary of state in 2002. She was reelected to a second term in 2006, but is prohibited from running again because of term limits.

          The announcement today gives Bouchard the geographical and gender balance to a ticket.



          9-6-09 Four Republican Candidates Agree to Debate on September 26 on Mackinac Island

          Oakland County Sheriff, Mike Bouchard, Attorney General Mike Cox, Congressman Pete Hoekstra and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder will debate on September 26 at the Republican Leadership Conference on September 26. The debate will be moderated by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson with panelists Kathy Hoekstra (not relation to Peter Hoekstra) of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, John Fund of the Wall Street Journal and Free Press editorial page editor, Stephen Henderson.

          4-18-09 Attorney General Mike Cox and Congressman Peter Hoekstra are being mentioned as GOP candidates, and Oakland County sheriff Mike Bouchard announced his candidacy June 3. Cox appears to be more moderate than Hoekstra who is a conservative from Michigan's west coast who supported most of of George Bush's policies. He voted against providing an extension of unemployment compensation benefits last fall and against the Obama economic recovery bill in 2009. Mike Cox is not vulnerable to being tagged for the errors of the George W. Bush administration. On June 25 Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land announced she would not run for governor and her support for Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

          9-13-09 Sen. Tom George, Underdog GOP Governor Candidate

          Op-Ed: George an underdog with gumption

          Sen. Tom George, of Kalamazoo, has yet to generate the bucks and buzz of more prominent contenders for the 2010 Republican nomination for governor. But he has credentials and gumption.

          By GEORGE WEEKS
          Syndicated Columnist

          Sen. Tom George, of Kalamazoo, has yet to generate the bucks and buzz of more prominent contenders for the 2010 Republican nomination for governor. But he has credentials and gumption.

          Gumption was evident last week when he managed to reverse the arrogant decision of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance, initially accepted by the state party, to bounce him from the Sept. 26 gubernatorial debate at the Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island.

          It's bizarre that the party would give to an outside organization the power to determine who could participate in a party function. In excluding him, the anti-tax alliance cited time limitations and, essentially, George's failure to click with the media.

          After his eviction, George got on the horn to Republican State Chairman Ron Weiser and two GOP contenders, Congressman Pete Hoekstra, of Holland, and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder.

          George said the three helped in the reversal. In fact, Snyder Campaign Manager M. Dane Walters wrote Weiser: "This upcoming debate and the Republican Party should not be perceived as exclusionary or preferential. Without assurance that Senator George has been invited, we will seriously reconsider whether Rick Snyder should participate as well."

          George was particularly grateful to Weiser in assuring that "fairness prevailed" at this early stage of the Republican primary fight, where George is a long shot to outpoll well-known and media-savvy contenders Hoekstra, Attorney General Mike Cox and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. He lacks the resources and impressive staffing of the wealthy Snyder.

          George, 52, is a former state representative who was elected to the Senate in 2002, and is well qualified to contribute to the current debate on health care. He's a medical doctor; past president of the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists; and past director of Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo.

          In fact, when I connected with him by phone Friday, he was in his scrubs waiting to deal with a couple of patients at one of the Kalamazoo hospitals where he practices when the Legislature is not in session.

          "I'm a doctor," he said, "I know health care."

          He also knows history, being past president of the Historical Society of Michigan and producer of the 1993 award-winning television documentary "Lincoln in Kalamazoo." So I was interested in his comments on Gov. Jennifer Granholm's ill-advised move to scatter the state's historical functions to the winds as part of her executive order to dismantle the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) at a claimed savings of $2 million.

          George says that the way Granholm configures the functions, the state's push for "cultural tourism" would suffer.

          While she has modified some aspects of her original action, George correctly says the current well-coordinated and effectively functioning operation of the Michigan Historical Center, which includes the Michigan Historical Museum and the State Archives, would "lose synergy."

          Michigan has a huge budget problem. But not so huge as to make history of history.

          Her order transfers some, but not all, of the Historical Center's functions to the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR is well set to administer museums. But the state archives?

          Richard Fidler, a board member of the Traverse Area Historical Society, contends that the Historical Center "would be sacrificed" in order to have more funding available for the proposed Michigan Center for Innovation and Reinvention at Michigan State University that emphasizes technology and science as favored by Granholm.

          He said: "Closing and moving historical resources from the present Michigan Library will not save the state money. On the contrary, it will cost the state more, not less, to support a new institution."

          Click here for the original article in the Traverse City Record Eagle.


          >

          Posted: 9/14/2009

          Alma Wheeler Smith, Candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor of Michigan; former State Representative; longtime Ann Arbor Democrat.
          Alma Wheeler Smith, Candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor of Michigan; former State Representative; longtime Ann Arbor Democrat.

          6-9-09 Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer Comments on GOP Hopefuls

          • Michael Bouchard: a landslide loser statewide in 2006, he is dogged by allegations of a pay to play system of contracts for political contributions in the OaklandCounty sheriff's department.
          • David Brandon: the CEO of Domino's, the company featured in an infamous YouTube video in which employees do disgusting things to the food. This is good management?
          • Mike Cox: chose a strange way to admit infidelity and he may have covered up the infamous ManoogianMansion party.
          • Pete Hoekstra: a staunch supporter of George Bush's policies which have devastated Michigan.
          • Terri Land: has so badly managed the Department of State that a recent Auditor General's report found that cash could be stolen at branch offices and that tens of thousands of drivers have been charged the wrong vehicle registration fees.
          • Rick Snyder: Gateway, the company Snyder cites to demonstrate his business experience, outsourced thousands of American jobs to Communist China while he was a director of the company.

          6-3-09 Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard Throws His Hat in the Ring

          Bouchard Eager to Leave OaklandCounty in a Lurch

          Frequent candidate and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard announced today that he is running for Governor of Michigan, instead of spending his time protecting the citizens of OaklandCounty. He wants the people of OaklandCounty to once again pay him to run for statewide office, instead of doing the job to which he was recently elected.

          "Mike Bouchard should know that when the economy is in a recession, crime goes up; OaklandCounty’s jail is overflowing and well beyond capacity. This is not the time to close the South Oakland County Jail, or the Oakland County Boot Camp, which has been shown to greatly improve the behavior of inmates and allow them to become productive members of society. Furthermore, it is irresponsible to cut and run with partisan political ambitions instead of resolving long-standing crises from his watch.

          In 2006, after getting in and out of the race for U.S. Senate, Bouchard lost in a statewide landslide to Senator Debbie Stabenow. He was even unable to come close to carrying his historically Republican home county in that election, losing OaklandCounty soundly.

          [From the Oakland County Democratic Party 6-3-09.]


          Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox Possible GOP Candidate

          Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land

          Congressman Peter Hoekstra Possible GOP Candidate

          Daily Kos 1-19-09

          Michigan is an odd state politically and its heavy voting for Obama should not be considered as a sign of usual activity as McCain pulled his campaign out of the state, heavily Democratic Wayne County continues to bleed population, and incumbent Governor Jennifer Granholm is pretty disliked for raising business taxes. So let's get to the candidates, as the declared candidates are all Democrats at this point so the Republicans listed are either potential or likely (likely in the cases of Land, Cox, Hoekstra, and possibly Patterson):

          Democratic Candidates:

          Lt. Governor/Ex. State Senator John Cherry: He's Granholm's Lt. Governor and has had a pretty wide leeway in terms of things he's been involved in, which is good as I've heard solid reports of him in terms of policy. There are 2 negatives though in that 1. He's Granholm's LG, and Granholm is not particularly well-liked. 2. He's from the Genessee COunty region which doesn't give him the best geographic base (Blanchard & Granholm came from Wayne County, Engler came from Kent I believe though Bill Milliken came from Traverse City so anything is possible).

          Republican Candidates (likely but not formally declared)

          Secretary of STate Terri Lynn Land: Twice elected statewide Land is term-limited and doesn't really have anywhere to go. I will say that I've heard nice things about how she's run the Sec State office (and, in a somewhat rare occurance for a Sec State office held by a Republican I've never heard any allegations of shennanigans during her tenure). She's well liked and been elected statewide, so she has a better chance to actually win than a lot of Republicans.

          Attorney General Mike Cox: He's also been elected twice statewide but he's somewhat controversial and is damaged among religious fundamentalists due to the revelation that he's had an affair.

          Retiring Congressman/ex-business executive Peter Hoekstra: He's well known among the Western portion of the state and his retirement indicates that he's fairly likely to run as he's still relatively young for a politician. I don't know that he'd do any better than any other former Republican Congressman who've run for Governor though (Bob Beauprez in Colorado, Jim Nussle in Iowa, I believe there was one in Wisconsin also).

          Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson: The 72 year old Patterson was thought to be pretty much finished, having the Oakland County Executive office for as long as he wanted but pretty much done as far as moving up. Then, earlier this month, Patterson started circulating the idea of running for Governor (including novelty wine bottles with the idea). Patterson bring a number of positives and more than a few negatives to his run for Governor. On the positive side of the ledger Patterson is now relatively moderate in terms of his culture positions (feuding with MI Republican kingpins the Devos family over the direction of the party), has a good record economically in the county (the only county in Michigan which has maintained a AAA bond rating, and he founded the "Automation Alley" consortium to bring higher tech positions to the state), and he's been in charge of the state's second largest county since 1992. On the negative side of the ledger there's "Brooks the person" type of issues including a controversial traffic stop in the early 2000s (he pled guilty of "careless driving" but the officers who stopped him never gave him a breathalyzer test, and the impression people seem to have is that he would have failed one) and he's made some politically insensitive comments about the predominantly African American Detroit City Council during a dispute. If he makes it through the primary he's a threat in the general election as he is someone who can honestly make the claim to having helped his county navigate this brave new economy somewhat successfully and Michigan is hurting economically, badly (enough so that I think they'll overlook Patterson's...issues if he makes it through the primary).

          This is a pretty crowded field but there are a few other Republicans thinking about running for Governor
          Congressman Mike Rogers
          Dominos Pizza CEO/Ex-University of MIchigan Regent David Brandon
          Oakland County Sheriff/Ex-State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bouchard
          State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop

          Michigan Senator Tom George
          Michigan Senator Tom George

          Rick Snyder "Reinvent Michigan"

          Rick Snyder Detroit News--July 2010

          Virg Bernero Bloomberg Interview July 2010

          Comments

          Ralph Deeds profile image

          Ralph Deeds Hub Author 21 months ago

          The Michigan Court of Appeals denied today a request by a group calling itself the Tea Party to order state elections officials to approve its candidates for the November ballot.

          A three-judge panel of the court said elections officials were not required to honor the request because the Tea Party -- which state Republican Party officials and many tea party activists believe was created by Democrats to siphon votes away from Republicans – had not strictly adhered to election law in the nomination of its slate of candidates.

          Twenty-three candidates purportedly nominated by the Tea Party were denied a spot on the ballot last week by a divided state elections panel, with Democrats voting to qualify them and Republicans opposed.

          Read more: Michigan Tea Party group loses bid to force names onto ballot | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20100830/NEWS15/10083

          Ralph Deeds profile image

          Ralph Deeds Hub Author 21 months ago

          FreePress9-3-10

          The mysterious Tea Party will not appear on Michigan’s ballot in November, the Michigan Supreme Court decided in a 5-2 ruling issued today.

          The court’s order will effectively bar all the 23 candidates nominated by the Tea Party which state tea party activists and Republicans have said was a Democratic-led effort to drain votes from Republicans and help Democrats win tight races.

          Two of the court’s four Democratic justices joined the court’s three Republican justices in affirming a ruling earlier this week by the state Court of Appeals.

          Forming the majority were Democratic-nominated justices Michael Cavanaugh and Alton Davis, who was handed the political hot potato on his first week on the bench, along with Republican nominated justices Robert Young Jr., Maura Corrigan and Stephen Markman.

          Read more: Michigan Supreme Court ruling bars Tea Party candidates from November ballot | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20100903/NEWS15/10090

          janet 19 months ago

          I wasn't sure who to vote for in the governors race until the debate I'm looking for some one positive and that is Snyder. I feel the only thing Bernero had to say was negatve things about his opponet. We the people are tired of of listening to that just tell us what you'll do not what the other has done lets keep it clean no more he did this and he did that that stuff is for childrennot grown up adults runing for office. thanks for the debate

          Ralph Deeds profile image

          Ralph Deeds Hub Author 19 months ago

          The Free Press reported that several Republican candidates spoke to a Tea Party rally at Schoolcraft College in Livonia on Saturday.

          Attorney General candidate Schuette said he was "delighted to be here with so many patriots and believers in the U.S. Constitution." He pledged to continue the lawsuit fighting the health care reforms passed this year. Secretary of State candidate Ruth Johnson said she's an "ordinary citizen who's fed up." Supreme court Justice Robert Young railed against Dem Party chair Mark Brewer and fellow justices on the high court who have "turned the court into an ATM machine for trial lawyers."

          Others who tried to jump on the Tea Party Express included Congressional candidates Rocky Raczkowski, Tim Walberg and Rob Steele and state Supreme Court candidate Mary Beth Kelly.

          It's hard to believe that Michiganders will vote for candidates supported by a radical populist movement that advocates phasing out Social Security and/or turning the funds over to Wall Street, phasing out Medicare, reversing Roe v. Wade, opposing stem cell research, eliminating the Federal Reserve and several cabinet departments including the Energy and Education Departments, the EPA and other government functions.

          grandrapid 16 months ago

          Trillium Financial Services specialize as Grand Rapids CPA

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