The Michigan Conservative Dossier

Gov. Romney Plans ‘08 Decision in January
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney plans to announce his decision to join growing pool of 2008 White House contenders in early January, and operations around him sure look headed in that direction

WASHINGTON — Sen. Sam Brownback, who is considering a White House bid in 2008, said Monday the Republican field has room for a “full-scale Ronald Reagan conservative” and pledged to make a final decision next month.

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Dave Dishaw dropped out of the race for MIGOP Chairman and endorsed Sauls reelection. The Dishaw camp took a blow when Sauls campaign recieved some prominent endorsement within Dishaws home district.

This could be a slight setback to Team Land/Yob/McCain.

For Republicans, A Win/Win In Michigan?

Peace?

There’s a good chance that Saul Anuzis will be re-elected as chair of the Michigan Republican Party. And despite misgivings, Sen. John McCain’s team in the state will be happy.Anuzis, the current chair, had been targeted for ouster by forces aligned with RNC nat’l committeeman Chuck Yob, who supports the candidacy of 3rd District GOP chair Dave DiShaw. Broadening out the picture, Anuzis is viewed as biased in favor of Gov. Mitt Romney by McCain’s supporters like Yob.What began as a power play (or maybe, just another iteration of the McCain/Romney proxy fight) quickly turned into a rehash of historical grievances, circular firing squads, and even a heated debate about race and diversity.It may have ended yesterday with two developments. Anuzis, in a letter, endorsed a semi-open primary. That’s a big concession to the McCain forces. And a key McCain ally endorsed Anuzis. That’s a big blow to DiShaw’s candidacy. He may soon withdraw.Also, several other McCain poo-bahs in the state seem to…well… like Anuzis. They include Amb. Ron Weiser, who will play a major role on McCain’s presidential finance team. When he stepped down from his tenure as state party chair, he thanked Anuzis in a letter for “all that you did both in providing the leadership and hard work that was necessary to make our efforts successful.” Weiser’s letter wasn’t an endorsement, per se, but it undercut the argument that Anuzis’s tenure is widely viewed as a failure.Earlier this week, Mike Cox, the highest-ranking Republican office-holder in the state and a likely ally of Sen. McCain’s, endorsed Anuzis. That put Cox at odds with Sec/State Terry Lynn Land, another McCain ally, who endorsed DiShaw. On Wednesday, in a letter to top Republicans in the state, Anuzis endorsed a presidential primary, where “any voter to cast their ballot for the Republican Presidential Nominee at their respective polling place as long as that voter chooses a designated Republican ballot at his or her ballot place. The same terms would be true for the Democrats. We do not support a closed primary or caucus system.” That’s a “semi open” primary in politese.Anuzis had, in the past, supported a closed primary or caucus, types of contests which generally favor more conservative candidates because they disproportionately empower the party’s activists. McCain won Michigan’s open primary in 2000, and Anuzis’s work to change the rules was a major reason why McCain’s allies in the state did not trust him.Does the grassroots like Saul?. Never before has a state chair been so accessible to them. National conservative bloggers love him: the editor of the influential Red State blog, which has frequently published Anuzis’s commentaries, wrote that the attempt to “take over” the party was part of a larger effort to “to slay state Republican Chairmen who are not already loyal lieutenants in the McCain ‘08 Army.” [MARC AMBINDER]

http://newmigop.wordpress.com/

http://www.dishawforchairman.org/

www.anuzisforchair.com

It looks like Dan Carlson is planning on running Justin Zatkoff for MFCR Chairman. Meanwhile it is rumored that Carlson is seeking something within the CRNC; perhaps Chairman.

Carlson is currently very unpopular and Zatkoff will likely feel this when he begins to campaign. Apparently their is already a coalition of people that will not support Dan and it looks like they have a pretty solid lock on things.

Dear Republican Friend,
Like you, I have spent most of the past week or so thinking about the 2006 elections. At the national level, we clearly took a beating. People’s perceptions about the progress of the war in Iraq, concerns about federal spending, the Foley and Abramoff scandals all took a toll. These justifiable concerns spilled over into Michigan and were further fueled by voters’ worries about the Michigan economy and a billionaire’s unprecedented spending campaign against the Republicans in the State Senate and State House. Despite all our efforts, in the end, Governor Granholm and Senator Stabenow kept their seats and the State House switched from Republican to Democrat control.
A very good man has come forward to challenge our State Party Chair Saul Anuzis, arguing that we need a change in that office. Over the past week, I have taken some time to think about the election results and the challenge to Saul Anuzis. I have also talked to many of you for your thoughts and opinions. I also talked to fellow Republican Attorneys General in other states – many who, by the way, lost their! seats o r had extremely close elections – to find out what happened in their states and across the Nation. After much discussion and thought, I believe it would be a mistake to change our Party Chair. In fact, I think that Saul did a very good job. You may ask, why? Well, let’s look at the results. Let’s look at the statewide offices first.
Dick DeVos and Mike Bouchard were excellent candidates. But they ran against two very experienced, successful, and popular incumbents who successfully tied the problems of Washington to Dick and Mike. On the other hand, Terri Lynn Land and I won with very big margins. I know the fact that Terri and I were strong candidates with records of achievement to put before the voters was a big part of our success. Yet, I cannot ignore the fact that in many other states, incumbent Republican governors, secretaries of state, and attorneys general lost or barely squeaked by. At the end of the day, candidates have to win or lose races – that is what Terri and I did – but our State Party did help us fend off the Democrat tsunami that hurt or lowered the vote count of Republican governors, secretaries of state, and attorneys general elsewhere. And for that, Saul must get some credit.
Some want to argue that the State Party was responsible for losing the State House. But if the State Party is to blame for losing the State House, how did we keep control of the State Senate? The truth is that the State Party made a very strong effort to help both the House and Senate Republicans fend off the unexpected and unprecedented millions that were spent against our candidates. The fact that the Senate Republicans held on to the Senate is a tribute to the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema and the Senate Republican Caucus – with an assist from State Party.
And, of course, i! t is imp ortant that we did not lose a single seat in the United States Congress while our neighbors in Ohio and Indiana lost multiple seats.
Two years ago, I did not initially support Saul Anuzis for Party Chair. Yet I have to admit that from Day One of his chairmanship, Saul has been a tireless worker for our Party and has instituted some very good changes to our Party. We will all need to make more changes to win the Presidency and beat Senator Levin in 2008. But we also need some longer term stability in the Chair in order to make those changes. One change that would be an absolute mistake is electing someone new. That is why I wholeheartedly and proudly endorse Saul…and hope you do too!
Sincerely,
Mike Cox
Attorney General
State of Michigan

www.exploremccain.com

November 15, 2006
To Candidates for Party Leadership:
Those who wish to lead our party should be evaluated not just on their personal biographies but also on their plans for victory and their positions on policy issues. Republicans win when we stand up for the issues we believe in. We therefore ask those who would lead our party to stand up for conservative positions on borders, language, and culture issues both as candidates and as leaders of the party.
Michigan’s voters know that our homeland security and economic security starts with border security. They will support the party that shares their views. Michigan voters have stated again and again they do not desire illegal immigration or its effects on society:
A March 2006 Marketing Resource Group poll showed that 82% of Michigan’s voters support making English the state’s official language.
Michigan’s voters support building a wall on the southern border to prevent illegal immigration 82% to 12% according to an October 2006 poll by Strategic Vision.
The same Strategic Vision poll showed that 82% of Michigan’s voters opposed granting amnesty to illegal immigrants currently in the US. And only 11% supported such a policy.
Voters in other states, with strong support from minority groups, have supported ending welfare benefits for illegal aliens.
Standing up for what is right is not always popular, but in the case of border security, the right thing and the popular thing are the same thing. We ask you to take up these issues as your own.
Sincerely,
Michael Flory
Chair, Michigan Federation of Young Republicans
Emily Broderick Co-chair, Michigan Federation of Young Republicans
Jeffrey Lauster
Michigan Federation of Young Republicans
Jason C. Miller
President, Secure Michigan PAC
Priti Kothari
Director of Journalistic Affairs,
Young Americans for Freedom
Dan Carlson
Chair, Michigan Federation of College Republicans
Tom Barrett
Co-chair, Michigan Federation of College Republicans
Jeff Wiggins
Chair, College Republicans
Michigan State University
Joanie Barrett
2nd Vice Chair, Michigan Federation of College Republicans
Justin Zatkoff
Chair, College Republicans
Oakland University
Julie Nguyen
Chair, College Republicans
Kalamazoo College
Paula Barrett
Chair, College Republicans
Macomb Community College
Brandon Moore
Political Director,
Michigan Federation of College Republicans
Anna Marie Cooper
Secretary, Michigan Federation of College Republicans
Heston Glenn,
President, Michigan Conservative Student Union
Jeffrey Holst
President, Conservative Law Society
Michigan State University College of Law
Jeffrey D. Mapes
President, Federalist Society
Michigan State University College of Law
Kyle Bristow
Chair, Young Americans for Freedom
Michigan State University
Stuart Foster
President, Oakland County Young Republicans
Samantha Moffet
Oakland County Young Republicans
Nate Sherman
Vice Chair, College Republicans
Michigan State University
Meredith Phillis
Vice Chair, College Republicans
Michigan State University
Steve Japinga
Secretary, College Republicans
Michigan State University
Dennis Bentley,
Treasurer, College Republicans Michigan State University
John Knowles
Ingham County Republican Party Executive Committee Member
Dan Wholihan Lincoln Club Treasurer,
Livingston County Republican Party
Jonathan Chulski
Ingham County Republican Party Executive Committee
Craig Burgers
Ingham County Republican Party Executive Committee
Bill Kelly
Genesee County Republican Party Executive Committee
Zack Nuncio
Bay County Republican Party Executive Committee Member
Joe Sylvester
Bay County Republican Party
Kevin Brownlow Jackson County Republicans
Chris Arndt
Eaton County Chair,
Michigan Civil Rights Initiative
Ashley Allen
Frm Chair, College Republicans
Western Michigan University
Tyler Whitney
Frm Chair, Michigan Federation of Teenage Republicans
Western Michigan University
Luke Pelican
Frm Chair, Young Americans for Freedom
Michigan State University
Kim Frentheway
College Republican Alumni
Michigan State University
Matt Hall Frm Chair, College Republicans
Western Michigan University
Andrew Craig
College Republicans
Western Michigan University
Randy Wood
College Republicans Eastern Michigan University
Josh Thieslen
College Republicans
Michigan State University
Ashley Towner
College Republicans
Michigan State University
Joe Larsen
College Republicans
Michigan State University
Mike Wolin
College Republicans
Michigan State University
Danny Papineau College Republicans
Michigan State University
Sarah Skrbina College Republicans
Michigan State University
Andy Lukas
College Republicans
Kalamazoo College
Ryan Ouillette
College Republicans
Kalamazoo College
Jesse Bjorkman College Republicans
Michigan State University
Kelly Stoeppel
Ave Maria School of Law
Elyse Johnson
Ave Maria School of Law
Nacy Chinonis Conservative Law Society
Michigan State University College of Law
Travis Bronik,
Outreach Director, Conservative Law Society
Michigan State University College of Law
Charles W. Skinner
Sectary & Treasurer, Conservative Law Society
Michigan State University College of Law
Tom Leonard
Conservative Law Society
Michigan State University College of Law
Caleb Marker
Michigan State University College of Law
Josh Mercer
Emmet County

Momentum in the race for Michigan Republican Party chair took a turn today in favor of incumbent Saul ANUZIS as three very significant endorsements came rolling out. The first bit of good news for Anuzis was a letter circulated by 2002 GOP gubernatorial nominee, former Lt. Gov. Dick POSTHUMUS, who endorsed Anuzis for a second term.

“It is unfortunate that before the dust has settled from the election and a thorough analysis of it can be made, a challenge to Saul’s leadership began. But the die was cast and now it is time for you to decide who should lead this party in the next two years,” wrote Posthumus. “I am urging you to support Saul Anuzis for re-election. He has earned it, and we need his enthusiasm, hard work and leadership.

“Perhaps the best news of the day for Anuzis came when Attorney General Mike COX endorsed a second Anuzis term at the state party. In a letter to GOP members, Cox said over the past week he’s given the whole race for chair a lot of thought.

“After much discussion and thought, I believe it would be a mistake to change our party chair,” wrote Cox. “In fact, I think that Saul did a very good job.

“The Attorney General said at the top of the ticket the GOP had good candidates in Dick DeVOS and Mike BOUCHARD, but they were running against “two very experienced, successful and popular incumbents who successfully tied the problems of Washington to Dick and Mike.

“At the end of the day, candidates have to win or lose races — that is what Terri Lynn LAND and I did — but our state party did help us in fending off the Democrat tsunami that hurt or lowered the vote count of Republican governors, secretaries of state and attorneys general elsewhere,” he added. “And for that, Saul must get some credit.

“The AG called Anuzis a tireless worker and said even though Cox didn’t initially support Anuzis the first go around, the chair has instituted some “very good changes for our party.” In addition, Cox noted that to be competitive in ‘08, the party needs stability at the post.

The third major thing that happened in the chairmanship race was an e-mail sent out by Peter SECCHIA with the subject line: “It’s not fair … and it’s not to be allowed.

“In that letter, Secchia took on an e-mail sent out over the weekend by the Kent County Republican Party that essentially said if you backed Anuzis for a second term as chair you were running the risk of being termed a race-baiter. “That statement is childish, pure unadulterated baloney…and dangerous,” according to Secchia.

The former Ambassador to Italy noted that it was the House Republican Campaign Committee and the Sterling Corporation, not the state Party, that sent out a flier in the 75th House district that had some GOP members arguing the piece contained a race-baiting photo of the Democrat and was not helpful in the bid to get the GOP candidate Tim DOYLE elected. Doyle wound up losing to the Democrat Robert DEAN.

Secchia, too, argued that Anuzis just plain did a good job in his first two years. “I was impressed with the work Saul did the past two years … his instant connectivity, his availability, his late work day, his ability to dispatch information, almost too much information … his sacrifice of family weekends and his attention to detail.

“The long-time GOP activist also noted that David DISHAW who is challenging Anuzis, is a “very good man.” But did note he was only 30 years of age.

“I was surprised to hear that Dave was running for state chair. I think he’s an excellent candidate for any political office, but maybe it’s better for all after a few more years of experience,” wrote Secchia. “Maybe after he runs a statewide campaign he’ll be better prepared to be state chairman?”

mirsnews.com

November 14, 2006 Grand Rapids PressHoekstra calls for ouster of state’s GOP leaderRepublican Party leaders — including Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis — should be replaced after last week’s election losses, said U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland.”After you get whacked, you need a clear change in leadership,” Hoekstra said. “You need a fresh look. You need that at the national level and you need that at the state level.”Hoekstra joins a growing number of Republicans who have targeted Anuzis in the wake of defeats. Last week, officers of the Kent County Republican Party wrote a letter to activists calling for the ouster of Anuzis and supporting local 3rd Congressional District Chairman Dave Dishaw for the job. Anuzis and Dishaw will face off at the February Republican convention in Grand Rapids.Hoekstra addressed a range of issues in an interview with Press editorial writers Monday. Hoekstra will lose influence and profile as Democrats take control of Congress. After January, when Democrats will have majority in the House and Senate, he will no longer chair the House Intelligence Committee.He blamed Republican defeat on President Bush and Congress, especially their handling of the war in Iraq. “People just perceived Republicans and the president as locked too firmly into a strategy that’s not working,” Hoekstra said.Both parties should go through a period of post-election self-examination, Hoekstra said — Republicans to reassess priorities and Democrats to define what they stand for now that they’re in charge of Congress.

mlive.com

Border Security PAC Forms A state political action committee called Secure Michigan was launched today.

The committee will focus on border security and immigration reform. “Michigan’s voters want their leaders to act decisively on issues like making English the official language of our state, ending welfare benefits for illegal aliens, and limiting in-state tuition and state university scholarships to people who have a legal right to be here,” explained Secure Michigan President Jason MILLER. Secure Michigan will be contributing to local and state candidates that believe in protecting America’s borders, language and culture, according to a Secure Michigan press release.

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We will post the letter from the PAC as soon as we get it.

What is going on? Wednesday I am taking down yard signs and received two calls telling me we should fire Saul. I later find out that the these folks are supporting John McCain for President.

Here I am thinking of a way to thank Saul for the effort he gave to our Party and find myself being persuaded to publicly denounce him.

I have been active in the Republican Party since 1972 being a county chair for eight of those years and in elected office for fourteen of the years. Our State GOP team did a very good job this past election. The fact that Saul listened to certain consultants regarding some ‘negative’ ads in a House District should be a lesson learned. I personally think they do more harm than good especially when you consider the long term effect of the GOP base.

Certain folks, including our National Committeeman, Chuck Yob, started this effort to replace Saul, before the election even took place. Below is one article of many on this point.

The appearance of John McCain’s influence in this leadership battle of the Michigan Republicans is quite obvious. I believe John McCain would be a disaster as our Presidential candidate. Mr. McCain has said that he ‘prays every day that he won’t lose his temper’. This statement alone will insure his defeat. His campaign will cause other Republican candidates to lose and set our party back. McCain is not a ‘Reagan Republican’.

The results last Tuesday were caused by many factors, but I believe the biggest one was that the Republican Party was not seen as the party embracing the ‘Reagan principles’ in their actions at the national level.

The anti-Saul folks say he should be replaced because 2006 was a bad year for Republicans. They must also think that 85% of all County Chairs should also be replaced for the same reason. This is nonsense and an awkward disguise for a simple power grab by certain bitter people.

I spoke with Ted Dusseau, Chair of Lenawee County, yesterday. He simply said “Why would we replace someone that has done such a good job?”. I agree and support Saul for the tremendous job he did.

I am planning the fall Convention, Lincoln Dinner for February, ways to raise money and recruit candidates, (in Ingham County, a lot of candidates). I hope we have Saul at our side.

Respectfully,

Norm Shinkle, Chair of the Ingham County Republicans
(517) 655-5992

From: Michael Bouchard [mailto:michael@bouchardforussenate.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 3:42 PM
To: Saulius “Saul” Anuzis
Cc: Jeff Timmer
Subject: Thank You

Saul,
Last night I sent the message below to my email list of supporters around the state thanking them for their hard work in a well fought campaign. I am hoping you will forward my email to your statewide GOP list so I can reach as many activists as possible to thank them for their sacrifices, support and prayers over the past year.
Please also express my sincerest gratitude to the staff of the State Party. You and your team did a tremendous job supporting my race. Thank you for your leadership and tireless efforts in a difficult year. My entire family is grateful to all those who helped. Their sacrifices will always be remembered.

Mike

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Saul,

I am writing to express my thanks, as well as my full support and endorsement for you to continue as chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.As you well know, the 2006 election cycle was one of the toughest and certainly the most expensive the Senate Republicans have ever had to endure. The Senate Democrats and the Michigan Democratic Party, in conjunction with Kalamazoo billionaire Jon Stryker, were able to pour money into battleground seats like I have never seen. The national, state and local climates were very negative toward Republicans, as evidenced by what’s been correctly identified as the Democratic tsunami of 2006. I stood with you in the early morning hours of Nov. 8 watching one Republican institution after another fall. When the dust cleared, the Michigan Senate was the last institution left standing with Republicans at the helm.Our victory could not have been accomplished without every member of the team giving their all, and I wanted to thank you for your efforts on our behalf. Under your leadership, the Michigan Republican Party provided the highest level of financial support the Senate Republicans have received in decades. When you weren’t helping to raise money to directly help us, you were steering donors our way. You helped the team match and surpass the spending of the Democrats and the Stryker family. On the ground, you and your team worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Senate Republicans at the Victory Centers. You proved time and again that you were willing to get the real work of campaigning completed.Whenever we asked you for help you were there. Plus, you often came up with even more ways you could assist us beyond what we were asking. You were a critical member of the team that helped maintain a Republican majority in the Michigan Senate against what appeared to be insurmountable odds. That was no small task given how many Republicans are now in the minority across the country.

Thank you again for your efforts.

Sincerely,

Ken Sikkema

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Note: I do not support any candidate for Chairman as of yet

With a battle for state party Chair brewing their may be one for Youth Chair also. We are not sure if Matt Golden intends to run again. We are also unsure of what side of the presidential politics debate he is on, but we suspect he is probably for Mr McCain.

Trevor Pittlsey (WMU student and state party staffer) may be on the short list also if team McCain approves him. Trevor is said to support McCain so he is definately a potential. We wonder if that would affect his employment at state party.

Others in the maybe column:

Dan Carlson: State College Republican Chairman; also a John McCain supporter. We think that he may have lost the confidence of the conservative base that elected him. Expect to see him have a strong challenge and lose a couple of the bigger schools that originally supported him. We also suspect that if MFCR Co Chairman Tom Barrett doesn’t fall in line he will be replaced or marginalized. If I were Dan I would cut my loss and move on up to Youth Chair.

Jason Miller: MSU grad currently attending Ave Maria law. There probably isnt a single person in the state that knows more about the youth movement in Michigan. Also a former field representative for the Leadership Institute he has real experience, although experience will take a back seat to party politics.

Sources also say that current MFCR Executive Director Justin Zatkoff is a potential. He may be a little wet behind the ears for the post.

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We think its funny that Saul Anuzis appointed Dan Carlson MFCR Chairman, and now its going to turn around and bite him in the ass.

The members of the Executive Board of the Ave Maria School of Law Republican National Lawyers Association announced today they won’t endorse the re-election of Saul ANUZIS to chair the Michigan Republican Party. Apparently, Anuzis sought their endorsement as he seeks a second term. “We have not come to this decision lightly,” the Board said in a statement. “The recent poor results of numerous statewide Republican challengers is a direct result of the current administration’s failed leadership.” Justifying their decision, the Board pointed to the fact that nearly every Republican statewide challenger from governor and U.S. Senate candidates to incumbents on university Board of Regents were unsuccessful in their efforts. The release also noted the decision was influenced by “the incompetent handling of Election Day operations, in a competitive election such as yesterday’s, demonstrated the ineffectiveness of his [Anuzis] leadership.”

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Sources say Ave Maria CR Chair Vinnie Vernuccio is a avid McCain supporter.

Today the rhetoric was flowing freely at the 8th post-election pundit summit – and some of it touched on the current battle within the Michigan Republican Party (MRP). MRP chair Saul ANUZIS, who was present at the summit, is being challenged by a movement within the party to oust him after the Republicans’ lost control of the state House and failed to win either the governorship or the U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday. A summit panelist, Dan PERO, former Chief of Staff for Gov. John ENGLER, who is now with the Justice Partnership, gave Anuzis an unsolicited vote of support. “In the governor’s race, Michigan voters went for the devil they knew instead of the devil they didn’t know,” Pero said. “On the day after the election, Saul is in another race he shouldn’t have to be in. Chuck YOB (GOP National Committeeman who wants Anuzis out) hasn’t done a thing the build the party.” Another word of support for Anuzis came from House GOP pollster Steve MITCHELL, of East Lansing-based Mitchell Communications. “GOP campaigning and micro-targeting has improved under Saul Anuzis,” Mitchell said. “Especially in identifying voters. The Michigan Republican Party made 20 percent of the voter contact calls that were made in the entire country.” Mitchell said that the Republicans are still “two cycles,” ahead of the Democrats in micro targeting. He also pointed out that Dick DeVOS received about 100,000 more votes this year that GOP gubernatorial candidate Dick POSTHUMUS received when he ran against Granholm in 2002. However Granholm got about half a million more votes than she did in 2004. Mitchell argued — and no one at any point seemed to disagree with him — that 2006 is just one of those years when voters across the nation wanted to send a message that they wanted change in Washington, D.C. “From an historical context it was like 1966, when we were in the sixth year of the John KENNEDY – Lyndon JOHNSON terms,” Mitchell said. “We were at war in Vietnam, and the [state] House Republicans went from just 37 seats getting the majority with 56.” Mitchell said other similar years were 1974, due to the Watergate scandal, and 1994, when angry voters turned to Republicans and gave them control of Congress. “Then we managed to squander it in just 12years,” Mitchell added. Meanwhile another panelist Rep. Leon DROLET (R-Clinton Twp.) argued that Republicans were hurt (nationally and at the state level) because they failed to stand up for their conservative base. “Jennifer GRATZ (MCRI director) gave the Republicans a hand-wrapped gift with Proposal 2,” Drolet said. “For instance, in Jackson County it passed by about 70 percent. But neither of our candidates could use it there because they’d decided to oppose it.” Drolet added that, overall, Tuesday’s vote was clearly not an anti-conservative result. “Yes Gov. Granholm and Debbie Stabenow were re-elected, but the voters also overwhelmingly defeated a spending initiative and approved an anti-racial preference proposal,” Drolet pointed out. Mitchell and Dave DOYLE of Marketing Resource Group (MRG) referenced his remarks. “The Republicans have to return to their conservative roots,” Mitchell said. “As John Engler used to say —’when Republicans run as conservatives versus liberals instead of as moderates versus moderates they win.’” Mitchell added that 78 percent of Republicans voted for Proposal 2, while 54 percent of Democrats voted for it. “I know Dick DeVos couldn’t support it because he just didn’t agree with what it said,” Mitchell said. “But Leon Drolet is right – it really could have helped.” Doyle said it has a lot to do with simply representing what they stood for when they were originally elected. “There’s no question about it, the voters were saying the Republicans (at least nationally) lost their way,” Doyle said. “If you ran for office as a conservative, you better act like a conservative once you’re there.” Doyle recommended that legislative Republicans should try to work with the Governor and Democrats when possible, but should not turn their backs on their conservative base. A Democratic panelist, Stephanie McLEAN of GMT Strategies, agreed, at least to the extent that she thought the GOP had wandered far afield. “I think we saw that the Republicans that had lost all accountability even to those within their own party” McLean said. “They just went too far off the track.”

Leaders of the College Republicans,
My name is Dave Dishaw, and I am writing to ask for your support for my run for State Party Chairman. While serving as the 3rd District Chairman, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, drive, and spirit that make College Republicans such an important part of the Michigan Republican Party. These qualities make it critical for any candidate to have your support if they hope to be Chairman. I hope that over the next few months I can earn your trust and support.
If elected Chairman, I will make State Party and the College Republicans a partnership working together towards common goals of party building, getting our message out, and achieving victory in 2008. To that end, State Party and I will always be there to assist you in finding funding for speakers, getting tickets to Republican events, helping build your clubs, and for advice. State Party should not just expect College Republican leaders to be unpaid staffers. It should be a two-way street, with State Party being there for you as well.
I already have a history of working with College Republicans. I was a parliamentarian at the 2005 College Republican National Committee’s Convention. Further, I am proud to have the support of your Chairman, Dan Carlson. Please consider endorsing me as well, I would be proud to have you among my supporters. Thank you for all you do.
Your Friend,
Dave DishawMichigan Republican PartyThird District Chairman
PS: Please send an email to dave@fieldstream.biz to offer your support or ideas and forward this email to your email lists. Thanks!

Dear Friend,
I have decided to run for Chairman again.
To be perfectly honest with you, I was not planning on jumping into this so quickly, but the stories that were brought up in the press last week appear to be more real than not. There is a campaign underway to “find” a new Chairman. Just for your information, they are planning to have Dave Dishaw replace me.
Presidential politics is coming into play, along with personal agendas here that have nothing to do with electing Republicans. And some people are already maneuvering for who should be our next Governor nominee.
I believe that the Michigan Republican Party and the grassroots party did an excellent job in putting together our Get Out the Vote effort. We did more in every measurable matrix and I think we’ve put the party in the best shape we have ever been structurally.
There’s no sugar coating it; a national “anti-Republican tsunami” hit last night. But in Michigan, even in this negative environment, I am very proud that we re-elected Attorney General Mike Cox and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. And we kept our 20-year-running state Senate majority, truly bucking this national trend.
This is quite an accomplishment when you look at many states, particularly here in the Midwest, that lost several Republican congressman, many of whom a week ago didn’t even know they were in trouble. They lost GOP Governors, sitting U.S. Senators and GOP control of their legislative bodies. In Michigan, we held the line against this tidal wave and re-elected ALL of our incumbent members of Congress, re-elected our two statewide SOS and AG candidates and kept control of our state senate, protecting Michigan from an emboldened Democratic Party and the extreme agenda it wants to impose on us.
As we go through the Presidential process, I believe it’s critical to have someone who is neutral and can help hold the party together. I have been clear to everyone that I intend to stay neutral and that it would be beneficial to have a State Chairman who could help keep the party together during the upcoming Presidential campaigns.
I wasn’t prepared to get a campaign together before all the votes are counted, but I think all of you know my background and what I have done as Chairman. So I’m throwing out this quicky email.
I would like to ask you for your support. If you are willing to endorse me up front, please let me know. I think I have served the party well and am willing to commit two more years of service. If you agree, please join me.
Thanks again for all you have done. I would appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in the future.
Take care.

Dick DeVos on the MIGOP Chairs race:

Alan Trammell is one of the most revered players to ever wear the Detroit Tigers uniform, but after so many losing seasons, he had to be fired as manager because change must start at the top. There is no doubt that Alan Trammell had many “plans” in place to make the team a success and there is no doubt that he could have blamed a number of factors why the Tigers had a losing record. But the bottom line is this: Does anyone seriously think that the Tigers would be as successful today if Alan Trammell was not fired and replaced with Jim Leyland as manager?
After guiding the Michigan Republican Party through an election in which Republicans lost control of the state House and couldn’t win the Governor’s office with unlimited funds or come close to beating freshman Senator Stabenow, it is now time to fire Saul Anuzis. Like Tiger fans who have suffered through so many losing seasons, the members of the MRP deserve better than “plans” that do not work and “blame game” politics. Like any manager, a Chairman should be measured by results. The Tigers made the right decision to make a change, and so must the MRP members. With John Truscott as manager, help is on the way.

McCain Allies Launch Effort To Oust MI’s Anuzis

Anuzis campaigning to keep job as state GOP chairman
11/8/2006, 6:19 p.m. ET
The Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Republican Chairman Saul Anuzis said Wednesday he plans to run for a second two-year term, despite swirling intraparty politics that would move him aside.
“There is a campaign under way to ‘find’ a new chairman,” Anuzis wrote in an e-mail to party activists. “Presidential politics is coming into play, along with personal agendas here that have nothing to do with electing Republicans. And some people are already maneuvering for who should be our next governor nominee.”
Anuzis, 47, turned out to be the consensus candidate two years ago after former state GOP Chairwoman Betsy DeVos stepped down. That could put him in a position to nab a second term, since many of the same dynamics are in play.
None of the Republicans thinking of running for governor in 2010 — with Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Reps. Candice Miller and Mike Rogers being mentioned among the possibilities — will want to allow someone they see as being friendly to a competitor assume the chairmanship.
Neither will those who have favorites in the 2008 presidential race.
Anuzis said that makes him the logical candidate, since he isn’t in anyone’s camp.
“As we go through the presidential process, I believe it’s critical to have someone who is neutral and can help hold the party together,” he wrote. “I have been clear to everyone that I intend to stay neutral and that it would be beneficial to have a state chairman who could help keep the party together during the upcoming presidential campaigns.”
But Anuzis also knows some will criticize him because Republican candidates were unable this week to unseat Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm or U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Republicans also lost control of the state House and nearly lost control of the state Senate.
Anuzis said he put together an excellent plan to find and contact GOP voters, get them involved in campaigns and make sure they got to the polls. He blamed the huge national swing toward Democrats for the Michigan GOP losses.
“In Michigan, even in this negative environment, I am very proud that we re-elected Attorney General Mike Cox and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. And we kept our 20-year-running state Senate majority, truly bucking this national trend,” he said.
Republican delegates will vote on a new chairman next February at their state convention.

Note the quote in bold. Does anyone remember the US Senate primary?

I will post Sauls email when I come across it.

http://www.mlive.com/news/sanews/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1162995636307930.xml&coll=9

Statement by Governor Mitt Romney:

Americans spoke last night and Republicans are listening. Americans have not become less conservative, but they believe some Republicans have. As a party, we need to remember who we are and the principles that have always led our party and our country to success… Read more

Exit poll shows Nebraskans not high on Hagel for president
By MARGERY BECK / The Associated Press

U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel has long been a favorite among national political pundits, but the Nebraska Republican might need to polish his image back home if he hopes to run for president in 2008.In an Associated Press exit poll conducted on Election Day, nearly half of Nebraska voters surveyed indicated they did not think Hagel would make a good president.

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For those of you who plan to vote conservative…you vote on Tuesday. For those who plan to vote liberal, you vote Wednesday.

After I post commentary on the election I will start to focus on the 2008 Republican presidential primaries.

I wish all conservative candidates and causes the best of luck tomorrow!