CPAC Event
Event: Leadership Institute Reception
“Ron Paul & Tom Tancredo”
What: Cocktail Party
Host: Leadership Institute
When: Tomorrow, March 1 at 6:00pm
Where: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Congressional A
Zatkoff CPAC Party
| Name: |
Zatkoff 4 Chair at CPAC
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| Tagline: |
The man, the myth, the legend!
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| Host: | |
| Type: |
| Date: |
Friday, March 2, 2007
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| Time: |
7:00pm – 8:30pm
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| Location: |
The Marqee Bar and Grill in the Omni
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| City/Town: |
Washington, DC
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| Phone: |
248.752.8035
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| Email: |
Description
What: A reception supporting the candidacy of Justin Zatkoff for MFCR Chair
When: Friday, March 2, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Marqee Bar and Grill at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in DC
Who: Anyone and everyone are welcome!
Some drinks and food may be provided.
Contact Justin Zatkoff at 248-752-8035 or jzatkoff@umich.edu with questions.
Carlson Calls Me Out
MFCR Chair Dan “blind fold me with dental floss” Carlson (who was made chair illegally and had his term illegally extended by his cronies) has sent out an email criticizing me.
In summation he says that I am a blackmailer. If trying to convince someone to support your candidate is blackmail then politics one dirty business.
I will not apologize and I do not feel bad. The Dan Carlson’s in the MFCR need to go. They have done nothing for the organization.
Dan used the conservatives in the College Republicans to move up in the organization and then he shit on them.
His biggest issue was MCRI, and then he endorses a Senate candidate that opposes it. He moved up by the people that generally are very conservative ones. And now he is twisting arms for a presidential candidate.
Dan, the fact of the matter is, is that you have no moral high ground. You were never elected CR Chair and you have no business extending your term by 6 months.
The feelings about you are evident in the fact that both chair candidates distance themselves from you.
Don’t preach to me your bullshit, because frankly I do not care.
Mike Compagnoni is liberal for CRs and you are shady and have repeatedly betrayed your own alleged principles and I stand by that statement!
**Breaking**
MFCR Chair candidate Justin Zatkoff has accepted Steve Japingas debate challenge. One will be held in East Lansing and the other in Ann Arbor.
Details are yet to be determined
Co Chair Race
After much thought on this, I have decided to endorse Megan Buwalda for MFCR Co Chair. Jeff Wiggins’ connection to Dan Carlson is startling and the organization needs to move on.
We don’t need hold overs from the last board.
His eligibility to run for office should be looked into by the board.
Below is a press release from Steve Japinga challenging Justin Zatkoff to a debate.
I don’t believe this a good move.
February 27, 2007
Justin Zatkoff
420 South Division St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Dear Justin:
I welcome your candidacy for MFCR Chairman. It is my hope that the closing month of this campaign can be a positive, ideas-focused interchange focused on the future of College Republicans in Michigan.
In that spirit, I invite you to debate me at least twice before March 24. I would propose Lansing as a location for these debates because of its central location, but since the Lansing area is my hometown and the home of my University – MSU – I understand if you would prefer a neutral location for the debate. Jackson, birthplace of the Republican Party and located in the heart of Michigan, is another good option.
I call for two debates so that any of our members that cannot attend one can attend the other. While I am not overly interested in format I would insist upon a neutral moderator with familiarity with facilitation or debate officiating. The questions should be fair and centered upon the real issues involved in this race. I also believe that questions from those in attendance should be allowed.
The two dates I propose are:
Thursday, March 8 @ 9:00 PM and Monday, March 19 @ 9:00 PM
Once I receive your acceptance we can agree to a location for these debates. Please call me at (517) 449-3732 or e-mail me at stevejapinga@gmail.com. Since we will need to promote these events and make sure as many of our fellow College Republicans can attend, I would appreciate you response no later than Friday, March 2nd at noon. Otherwise I will presume you are not interested in a debate.
Justin I wish you safety and comfort on the campaign trail. I know this contest can reflect the highest and noblest traditions of our Party and our State.
Sincerely,
Steve Japinga
Candidate for Chairman of MFCR
Students for Life Quentionnaire
10. Which candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination do you support?
Joanie Barrett
President, Students for Life of Michigan
Director of State-Wide Operations, Students for Life of America
Conference Director, Young Pro-Life Virginia
First Vice-Chair, Michigan Federation of College Republicans
Cell: (248) 890-8738
Work: (703) 351-6280
Ryan Thompson Goes After Jeff Wiggins
Comparing Jeff Wiggins to John Edwards?
What is the same about these guys?
Both think they are more important than they are!
Both claim to be men of the people, but are from upper middle class suburbia!
Both are yes men!
Both are subserviant to others!
What is different about these guys?
Edwards applied to law school and was accepted!
THAT’S RIGHT!
JEFF WIGGINS HAS NOT PROVED HE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED TO LAW SCHOOL OR EVEN THAT HE APPLIED!
FOR ALL WE KNOW, JEFF WIGGINS HAS NOT EVEN TAKEN THE LSAT!
SEEING WIGGINS HAS STATED TO COUNTLESS PEOPLE HE PLANS ON ATTENDING LAW SCHOOL, SHOULD NOT HE PROVIDE THE ELECTORATE SOME PROOF?
WIGGINS IF ELECTED CANNOT SERVE AS MFCR CO-CHAIRMAN BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTION SAYS THE FOLLOWING:
An officer must be active within the state and his college chapter and must meet all other chapter membership qualifications. Further, an officer must be enrolled in a Michigan college or university for the duration of the regular academic year which corresponds to his term of office, or must reasonably expect to do so at the time he is elected.
-Article IV, Section III MFCR Constitution
Seeing Jeff Wiggins will not meet the qualifications for MFCR office unless he can prove he will be attending law school during the 2007-2008 school year, why is he even running?
Why do you run for an office you cannot hold?
This is one of many questions you must ask Jeff Wiggins! Email him at wiggin31@msu.edu
Ryan Thompson Goes After Steve Japinga
Can Steve Japinga really be trusted? – NO!
“Slick” Steve Japinga has painted himself as the fresh face trying to reform the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, but can he be trusted?
Let’s look at his relations with his slate of running mates to find out.
Co-Chair 1 – “Slick Steve” initially was running with Ryan Thompson, but he decided to abandon the first person who supported him for Jeff Wiggins.
While it must be admitted “Slick Steve” did not openly support Wiggins until Thompson dropped out of the race, Slick Steve refused to defend the guy who supported him first and gave him legitimacy!
Co-Chair 2 – “Slick Steve” is now in bed with Jeff Wiggins, a Dan Carlson puppet if there ever was one.
What has Jeff Wiggins done in the name of accountability as MFCR Treasurer? Accountability is not even a word in Wiggins vocabulary. Instead of raising money and bring some financial stability to the organization, Wiggins spent his time messing around with the Maiden of Morality, I am mean Immorality, Morgan Wilkins.
More importantly than his friendship with Morgan Wilkins, Wiggins pushed through the infamous Carlson amendments! Beyond associating himself with the Maiden of Immorality and not doing anything to improve the financial state of the MFCRs, Jeff Wiggins has perpetuated the rule of Dan Carlson for another six months! Sounds like a person you should be associating yourself with “Slick Steve”!
First Vice Chair – “Slick Steve” tried to throw Amanda Zaluckyj under the bus at a “grand meeting” in December where he tried to work out a unity ticket with Dan Carlson! Nice treatment to your biggest supporter on the west side of the state.
Now “Slick Steve” is supporting Nate Sherman, a candidate who declared after the filing deadline. Talk about following the rules.
Second Vice Chair – Robbie Rankey has been left out to dry by “Slick Steve” who flirted with supporting his opponent on several occasions. Furthermore, his performance defending Robbie’s Ferris State from being disenfranchised can be best described as “pathetic.“
Secretary 1 – Initially, Slick Steve supported Andrea Malewski, a stellar individual with a record of political results in several circumstances. Instead of rewarding Andrea for her support and record of success, “Slick Steve” threw her off the ticket to gain the support of Tom Barrett. Talk about political expediency from “Slick Steve.”
Secretary 2 – “Slick Steve” now supports Paula Barrett, the sister of Tom Barrett. Talk about corrupt politics at its worst. “Slick Steve” threw Andrea off his ticket to gain votes from Tom Barrett then places his sister Paula Barrett on the ticket! Gosh that is slick even by “Slick Steve” standards. This does not question whether Paula is capable or not, but whether “Slick Steve” is not running anyone for the office because he has cut a deal with Tom Barrett.
Treasurer – “Slick Steve” endorsed Dennis Lennox for Treasurer, but when Dan Carlson disenfranchised him, “Slick Steve” did not raise an objection. Talk about supporting your friends.
If “Slick Steve” treats his supporters like this, how much integrity do you expect out of him? Ask “Slick Steve” at japinga@msu.edu
Ryan Thompson
MFCR Transperency Caucus Director
Underdog Zatkoff Wins Poll
| Selection | Votes | |
| Steve Japinga |  50% |
121 |
| Justin Zatkoff |  50% |
122 |
 |
|
|
| 243 votes total | ||
Matt Keller for Chair
For Immediate Release:
February 26, 2007
For More Information:
Matt Keller
Chair for Last Minute Candidacy Announcements and Double Secret Meetings,
MoveMFCR.org
1-800-Argh!
Matt Keller Announces Candidacy for Super Secret MFCR Position
Keller to Run for Last Minute Announcements and Double Secret Meetings Chair of MFCR
Aboard the Pirate Vessel Sally in a room by himself – Matt Keller declared his candidacy for the position of Last Minute Announcements and Double Secret Meetings Chair of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans. He will announce publicly nanoseconds before voting begins at MFCR conference.
Keller has extensive leadership experiences both in political and non-political positions. He was Vice President of his super secret fraternity, which didn’t exist until just now and currently is the fundraising chair of hidden fees taxed on MFCR chapters. Last year, he organized the speaking event in which nobody knew about. He has been active with That Which Shall Not Be Named, a bi-partisan Ninja-Pirate secret coalition. Matt has interned for SQUAW, the Super Quiet Union Against Working, and has campaigned for many Ninja-Pirate politicians in the past. He is a go-getter and not a talker. You just won’t know about it.
As MFCR’s Last Minute Announcements and Double Secret Meetings Chair, Matt plans to bring his real-world perspectives to the group. Because he has experience you will never know about, and dedication that isn’t apparent until it’s too late, he would be a great addition to the MFCR executive board.
His endorsements for other MFCR positions are so secret they cannot be named
Matt said: “We need to stop telling people things and start doing them! You savvy?”
Nate Sherman Announces Candidacy for 1st Vice Chair
For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2007
For More Information:
Nate Sherman
2nd Vice Chair,
MSU College Republicans
(269) 290-5856
Nate Sherman Announces Candidacy for MFCR Position
Sherman to Run for 1st Vice Chair of MFCR
East Lansing, Mich. – Nate Sherman from Michigan State University declared his candidacy for the position of 1st Vice Chair of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans. He announced it late Sunday night.
Sherman has extensive leadership experiences both in political and non-political positions. He was Vice President of his dorm government and currently is the fundraising chair of the MSU College Republicans. Last year, he organized the speaker event in which Lt. Col. Scott Rutter visited MSU’s campus to talk about the Iraq War. He has been active with MSU Students for Life, Spartans Support the Troops, and the Young Americans for Freedom. Nate Sherman has interned for then-majority leader Chris Ward, Representative Fulton Sheen, Representative Tonya Schuitmaker, and has campaigned for many Republican politicians in the past. He is a go-getter and not a talker.
As MFCR’s 1st Vice Chair, Nate Sherman plans to bring his real-world perspectives to the group. Because he has political campaign experience, fundraising experience, campus activism experience, leadership experience, and dedication, he would be a great addition to the MFCR executive board.
His endorsements for other MFCR positions so far include:
Steve Japinga for MFCR Chair
Jeff Wiggins for MFCR Co-Chair
Robbie Rankey for MFCR 2nd Vice Chair
Dennis Lennox for Treasurer
Paula Barrett for MFCR Secretary
Nate Sherman said: “We need to have strong leadership in order to prepare for the 2008 elections. The future belongs to the strong and not to the weak. It will be for our taking. Woe to victors.”
###
Primary Update
Updates
Boguslawski is out as soon as he got in the race for 1st Vice Chair
—
RightMichigan.com article on MFCR situation
—
It is unclear if Tom Barrett is going to stick with his endorsement of Jeff Wiggins for Co Chair
—
Apparently there is yet another candidate for 1st Vice Chair…Nate Sherman. I am looking into it.
HR 1022
This post is Andrew Kuenkers (MSU Junior) first post on this blog. He will be joining as the gun advocate blogger.
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to bring this bill to all your attention. It is the HR1022 proposed by Rep. McCarthy from New York. This bill is directed to conflict with 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and should be strongly opposed by everyone. They are trying to take away our right to bear firearms in certain configurations that include most semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that are use for sporting purposes, because they are deemed by the Democrats as “military style” weapons. The truth is that this bill is ludicrous and has no real purpose, they claim that this will make the U.S. safer from firearms, but as we all can clearly see in California and New York, which states already have very restricted firearm regulations, that these bans are pointless and have no basis other than to restrict law abiding citizens for firearm purchases. In 1994 they passed a ban similar to this, and it has since expired in 2004, and since 2004 we have witnessed a DECREASE in firearm related violence, giving strong evidence that this is a pointless bill. So my request of all of you readers is to read up on this bill and then contact all of your state Congressmen in opposition of this bill in its attempt to eliminate our 2nd amendment rights that we as Americans hold so precious.
Here is a link to the text of the bill:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-1022
So be proactive against them trying to limit our constitutional rights and contact your Congressmen before they try to limit more of our rights
Here is a web site that has a online petition going to stop the HR1022, I would like it if you all would sign it and pass the link along to other and have them sign it also.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/409898348?ltl=1172448514
-Andrew Kuenker
Buwalda Announces for Co Chair
Greetings!
I am writing you today to announce my candidacy for Co-Chair of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, and I ask for your support.
My name is Megan Buwalda, I am the Public Relations Vice-Chairman of the Western Michigan University College Republicans, where I am studying Business and Finance. I am senator in the Western Student Association, our student government, where I also am the chair of the Political Affairs Committee We were extremely honored to be selected as the “Best Group in the Country” by the CRNC in 2006.
I got involved in College Republicans because I thought it would be a fun way to make friends, and help the Republican cause.
I believe in positive, issues based campaigning. For too long, one of my opponents has been negatively and publicly attacking our party leaders and presidential candidates. This type of behavior hurts out party, and turns people off to politics.
My other opponent is the girlfriend of the current Co-Chairman of MFCR, who has entered the race specifically to attack me, and maintain their control on the position, even though they are from the same club as me.
Attacking our candidates, playing dirty politics, shutting people out, dividing our chapters:
A culture of negativity and corruption is forming in the Michigan College Republicans, and it needs to stop!
I am running to reform this organization, and to create an open and transparent MFCR that is inclusive and effective in electing our candidates. This is why we all got involved in College Republicans and this is the way it should be.
I am a conservative Republican, and believe firmly in the right to life, traditional marriage, a strong national defense, less government, lower taxes, immigration reform, and protecting our 2nd Amendment rights.
That being said, I think it is unfair that many people in this organization believe in shutting people out because they disagree with their views, or their choice for President. I am running to reform that. We need to make this organization inclusive to supporters of all Republican Presidential candidates, because once it is all over we are all going to have to work very hard TOGETHER behind our nominee to defeat the Democrats in 2008.
If we are going to run an effective organization then fundraising should be a priority. As your Co-Chairman, I will start an annual MFCR fundraiser, where we can raise money for the MFCR and our chapters. We will sell tickets, and feature a program book, where elected officials and party activists can buy ads to further help with our fundraising.
I support Justin Zatkoff for MFCR Chairman, and we agree that part of reforming this organization calls for an open, fair, and transparent, executive board. In order to accomplish this goal it is vital that we open the lines of communication not just between members of the board, but with each chapter and all active members. Justin has been hard at work on a website design that would help accomplish this goal.
We feel strongly that promoting campus activism should be one of the main goals of local chapters. The MFCR should assist chapters in this by offering advice and guidance to schools that may not be familiar with the process. I plan to work with party leadership, Young America’s Foundation, and local chapters to host a speaker’s tour, where a high profile speaker visits multiple campuses on one trip. By pooling our resources these speaking events will become more affordable to each chapter, and help them recruit new members to their club.
I believe if we work together we can maintain our reputation as truly being the “best party on campus.”
Best Regards,
Megan Buwalda
Candidate for Co-Chairman
Michigan Federation of College Republicans
P.S. I would really appreciate your endorsement, and vote at convention. If you have any questions please call me anytime at 269-760-6618.
Lennox Tells Carlson Where to Stick It
February 24, 2007
Dear Mr. Carlson:
It has come to my attention that you held an emergency meeting of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans Executive Board at 9 p.m. tonight, and at this meeting you introduced a resolution aimed at making me ineligible to continue my campaign for treasurer.
I do not accept your authority to introduce such a resolution. It is not grounded in any constitutional authority, and holding a meeting without giving me any notice to present my case is utterly absurd and goes against every aspect of democracy. In case you forgot, the MFCR Constitution only requires a leadership candidate to be recognized as “active member” within their school chapter, and I meet this requirement. You have no authority to challenge my status or candidacy.
As a student at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, I hereby once again declare my intention to run for treasurer at the March 24, 2007, MFCR annual convention.
Sincerely,
Dennis Lennox II
CC: Paul Gourley, College Republican National Committee chairman
Saul Anuzis, Michigan Republican Party chairman
Ann Marie Cooper, Michigan Federation of College Republicans secretary
Tom Barrett, Michigan Federation of College Republicans co-chairman
MIRS Notes from Dem Convention
Supporters for retired Gen. Wesley CLARK kept a small booth outside the convention floor at Cobo Hall. A letter from Clark printed on peach-colored paper was left on all of the delegates’ seats. A “Draft Gore” flier printed by an alleged “Grassroots 2008 Draft Campaign” for 2000 presidential nominee Al GORE was also tossed around.
But any organizational signs from the heavy hitters for the 2008 nomination — U.S. Sen. Hillary CLINTON (D-N.Y.), U.S. Sen. Barack OBAMA (D-Ill.) and former U.S. Sen. John EDWARDS — were nowhere to be found.
Workers at the lone booth selling political buttons and bumper sticker reported that sales for Obama material was “through the roof,” but that Clinton and Edwards material was selling well, too. Buyers reportedly had little interest in New Mexico Gov. Bill RICHARDSON or U.S. Sen. Christopher DODD (D-Conn.) stuff. What little that was brought for U.S. Rep. Dennis KUCINICH (D-Ohio) allegedly sold quickly.
The worker held up the lone remaining bumper sticker for former Iowa Gov. Tom VILSACK, who abandoned his super long-shot presidential bid yesterday.
“It’s a collector’s item. Twenty bucks,” the worker smirked.
The lack of interest in presidential primary politics at this point was explained by party faithful this way — First, few of the state’s big-ticket Democrats have gravitated toward a chosen candidate. Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM, U.S. Sen. Debbie STABENOW (D-Lansing) and U.S. Sen. Carl LEVIN (D-Detroit) are keeping their powder dry, possibly to see whose candidacy is going to catch.
Second, the euphoria of the 2006 election and the prospects of what to do next have not worn off among Democrats. With control of the state House and the U.S. Congress, the debate among Democrats is what to do with their new-won power, not necessarily on keeping it two years from now.
Republicans, after suffering one of their worst beatings in years, are more than eager to look ahead.
Finally, none of the Democratic presidential contenders have made large public stops in Michigan. Republican presidential hopefuls Mitt ROMNEY, U.S. Sen. John McCAIN (R-Ariz.) and U.S. Sen. Sam BROWNBECK (R-Kan.) have made several stops to Michigan to stir up interest. That has not been the case with the front-runners on the other side.
Knollenberg, Walberg On The Block
Fresh off his unanimous re-election as Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Chair, Mark BREWER told convention delegates that the party is putting a bull’s eye on the backs of U.S. Rep. Joe KNOLLENBERG (R-Bloomfield Hills) and freshman U.S. Rep. Tim WALBERG (R-Tipton) in 2008.
Brewer said the national Democratic campaign committee has re-ranked the 7th and 9th Congressional Districts in Michigan as targeted seats. The announcements means that the party will be working to recruit top-flight candidates and spending top-flight money to unseat the two GOPers in 2008.
Other campaign priorities announced Saturday afternoon included making Michigan a “blue state” for a fifth straight presidential election, re-electing U.S. Sen. Carl LEVIN (D-Detroit) and expending the Democrats’ majority in the state House.
Peters Not Around
Members of the media were anxious to talk to Lottery Commissioner Gary PETERS, but the former Senator was nowhere to be found. With Knollenberg’s name mentioned Saturday at Cobo Hall as a vulnerable incumbent in 2008, rumors circulated that Peters, a former Attorney General candidate, may be an attractive option.
After Peters narrowly lost statewide against Attorney General Mike COX in 2002, Peters spent time working in the Department of Treasury before being appointed to head the state’s Lottery, a job he’s held ever since.
Stewart Joins The Democrats
Former Rep. John STEWART and his wife, Beth STEWART, who lost in a bitter Republican primary in August to succeed her husband in the 20th District House seat have switched parties.
The two spoke with reporters wearing MDP stickers on their clothing. John Stewart noted that the toughest call he had to make was to his mentor, former Republican Gov. William MILLIKEN, a fellow political moderate.
John Stewart also showed off a pair of yellowing pictures of himself much younger standing with U.S. Sen. Carl LEVIN (D-Detroit) and former Democratic Gov. Jim BLANCHARD. He said that as someone who is pro-choice and pro-education, he felt as if the Republican Party had no place for him.
Remember much of his former Republican colleagues in the Legislature had endorsed Beth Stewart’s opponent, Mark ABBO, in the last August’s primary, which Stewart took some obvious offense to. After Abbo won the primary, he lost in the general election to Mark CORRIVEAU (R-Northville).
The Stewarts admitted that while they didn’t formally endorse Corriveau in the General Election, they did suggest Corriveau over Abbo when supporters asked for guidance during the General Election.
For her part, Beth Stewart sounded as if she was done with running for office. She’s currently doing some independent work with the local school system. John Stewart said he’s getting his law office back up and running.
MDP Recommends Term Limit Elimination
Among its 45 resolutions adopted Saturday, the MDP passed a measuring calling for the elimination of term limits among elected state officials.
“Term limits have forced the loss of legislative memory, and this loss has created turmoil and confusion in the legislative process,” the resolution stated. “This loss has overturned years of common sense legislation and eliminated concerned legislators and elected officials.”
The resolution didn’t specifically call for a term limit repeal for a particular election cycle.
Among the resolutions also adopted Saturday were measures supporting “net neutrality,” the creation of a “U.S. Department of Peace,” the governor’s 2008 budget, an investigation of the “intelligence failure and the justification of the war in Iraq by the Bush Administration” and a calling for the end of violence in Darfur.
Once again, the party called for a study to look into financial reparations for the descendants of slaves as “just compensation for the deprivation, indignities and cruelty imposed upon them.”
Question to Both Candidates
As Chairman of the MFCR what will you do to ensure a fair and transparent credentialing process and convention?
Steve Japinga:
“As Chairman of MFCR, I will make it my duty to have open communications with every College Republican club from our largest groups to our smallest groups. Every College Republican group should have the right to a fair process and a right to represent their school at Convention. We need a credentialing process that is open to every one and must always remain public. I was happy today to see that Ferris and Delta were allowed to do just that, represent their schools. I look forward to seeing all our schools in this great State come to my hometown, East Lansing, and be part of taking this organization to the next level. Together, we can do this.”
Justin Zatkoff:
“This summer I will sit down with the executive board, chart out the schedules of every single college republican chapter (spring breaks, etc) and figure out the very best date to hold convention. We will have the convention date posted early (hopefully before the start of fall semester) so people can plan/recruit for it.
The entire executive board will then vote on the date the CR chapter membership lists are due, the materials that must be included (names, phones, emails, etc.), and dates delegates are due to the Chair and Secretary. My goal would be to have this all done before the start of the fall semester.
This information will then be displayed prominently on our new website (currently viewable at www.mfcr.rokonstudios.com) for all chapter chairs as well as the general public to view. This should clear up any and all questions about a fair and transparent election/credentialing process.“
—
The Western Michigan University CRs unanimously passed a resolution asking Bush to pardon the border patrol agents in prison.
(your welcome Tom)
Conference Call
“If you are a virgin, join the College Republicans; you are sure to get screwed”
The executive board in their infinite wisdom decided that Dennis Lennox cannot run for Treasurer of the College Republicans.
I would be interested to see where in the constitution it says that he cannot run.
You can bet your ass that if the candidate was from Kalamazoo an emergency meeting would not be called to disqualify them.
Thankfully these people will be out soon enough.
–
Delta and Ferris get two votes!
Zatkoff Formally Announces Candidacy
For Immediate Release: Contact: Justin S. Zatkoff
Saturday, February 24, 2007 8:45 P.M. Mobile: 248.752.8035
E-mail: jzatkoff@umich.edu
ZATKOFF TO CHALLENGE JAPINGA
Ann Arbor, MI—Justin Zatkoff, University of Michigan Junior and current Executive Director
of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans (MFCRs), has announced tonight in front of
a small group of friends and supporters that he will run for Chairman of the MFCRs.
While rumors have been flying around for months, Zatkoff has finally made the formal decision
to run for MFCR Chair. Justin has been involved with the College Republicans for nearly two
years.
In 2005, as a freshman at Oakland University Justin was appointed Political Director of the
Oakland University College Republicans. In less than one month, he single handedly increased
the organization’s membership 10 fold. While at Oakland, Justin organized a “Meet the
Candidates” where he successfully put together a forum with Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Keith
Butler, Jerry Zandstra, several State Senate candidates, candidates for state rep, as well as nearly every Republican Oakland County Commission candidate. This incredibly successful night boasted not only all these great candidates, but it welcomed nearly 300 people from the student body as well as the community onto Oakland’s Campus. While Justin was able to acquire money for this event, there was no cost for people to attend. However, by selling Oakland University College Republican T-shirts he had designed for the event, he raised over $400.
Less than a month later, Justin organized a “Pizza and Politics with Dick DeVos” event at an OUCR Meeting. Over 150 students and members of the community came to the meeting, making it the largest OUCR meeting to have ever been held. Zatkoff also interned for Dick DeVos for Governor in 2005-2006 and organized the entire 72-hour door-to-door taskforce for the Michigan Republican Party in Oakland County.
In the winter of 2007, Justin transferred to the University of Michigan where he has heavily
involved himself in their College Republicans and Young Americans for Freedom. News
clippings from his involvments with YAF are attached at the end of the press release.
As Executive Director of the MFCRs Justin has visited many colleges and talked to nearly every
CR leader asking what they would like out of the MFCRs:
Page 2 of 6
“The answer seems to be the same. This campaign is about YOU. And so far as I can tell
YOU want communication and networking. It’s time for someone that has a record of
involvement in the College Republicans to take the lead and create a means for YOU to be
connected to every CR in the state,” said Zatkoff. “I have done just that through the new
website that is nearly ready to go online. This website will be a crucial tool in organizing
the College Republicans for the 2008 election cycle.”
The unfinished website can be viewed at www.mfcr.rokonstudios.com and will boast the
following features:
• HTML batch e-mail capability.
• A “facebook” type community in which all College Republicans will be able to have their
own profiles and “friend” connections, as well as private messages, e-mails, and wall
posts.
• A dynamic calendar in which anyone will be able to submit events. The calendar will be
able to distinguish between open statewide events and general CR meetings, which will
only be displayed on that chapter’s page.
• A news section that anyone can submit stories with movies, pictures, html, and anything
else they can think of. The best news stories may be featured on the front page of the
website.
• A discussion/forum page that will be open only to registered members of the College
Republicans (don’t worry, registration is just a couple clicks away!).
• A “comments” section at the bottom of every chapter page as well as news stories.
• Easily updatable chapter pages that each individual chapter will have control over and be
able to edit it however they seem fit.
• A list of resources available to all chapters similar to those resources available at
crnc.org, but tailored to the specific needs of Michigan colleges.
Besides a top of the line networking and communication database Zatkoff plans to:
• Bring back the monthly newsletter. However, instead of simply a newsletter it will have
all pertinent MFCR information in it (next MFCR meeting, previous minutes, upcoming
events, etc.). This monthly e-mail will also not just go out to the chapter chairs, it will be
an e-mail sent out to every registered CR in the state in order to truly bring more
involvement and transparency into the MFCRs.
• Encourage more campus activism. As an active College Republican at the University of
Michigan, Justin knows how difficult it is to stand up for what you believe in while
sitting in a bastion of liberals. However, it is important as an organization to not only
recruit members, but to do things that retain members. Though activism and other social
events the CRs will be able to keep people active throughout the election cycle.
Page 3 of 6
Youth Leader Endorsements:
• Katie Wilcox (Students for Brownback – Michigan Chair)
• Anna Marie Cooper (MSU CRs, MFCRs – Secretary)
• Vinny Vernuccio – (Ave Maria Law CRs – Chair)
• Jeremy Boguslawski (Oakland University CRs – Chair, Candidate for 1st Vice Chair)
• Paul Gehm (Calvin College CRs – Co-Chair)
• Andrew Boyd (Michigan YAF – Co-Chair)
• Clark Ruper (Michigan YAF – Co-Chair)
• Nadina Williams (Aquinas CRs – Chair)
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or endorsements please feel free to
contact me at the information provided above.
Polls Close; New One Begins
Rankey/ Lennox Win
Carlson Receives Terrible Approval Rating
| Selection | Votes | |
| Mikhail Fedewa | 45% |
26 |
| Robbie Rankey | 50% |
29 |
| Other |  5% |
3 |
|
|
|
| 58 votes total | ||
| Selection | Votes | |
| Dennis Lennox | 63% |
62 |
| Lauren Migliore | 36% |
36 |
| Other | 1% |
1 |
|
|
|
| 99 votes total | ||
| Selection | Votes | |
| 1 | 54% |
37 |
| 2 | 6% |
4 |
| 3 | 7% |
5 |
| 4 |  4% |
3 |
| 5 |  29% |
20 |
|
|
|
| 69 votes total | ||
Carlson Approval Rating
(1Lowest – 5Highest)
—
Be Sure to vote in the new poll on the right!
Japinga Announces He Has Opponent
Dear Fellow College Republican,
I want to take this opportunity to say how blessed and humble I am of all the support I have received from so many of the College Republicans of this great State. I am especially excited for the upcoming convention and election. Unfortunately, I have seen an organization torn apart by the past College Republican elections and I feel it is now time to come together as one united coalition of College Republicans. This is an exciting moment in the history of College Republican politics in Michigan and I am very proud that I am a part of this movement.
This weekend, I was informed that Justin Zatkoff will announce his intention to run against me for Chair either early Sunday or Monday. Although I do not agree with his decision, I wish Justin the best of luck and I look forward to a competitive campaign.
In closing, as we gear up for CPAC, I am looking forward to spending time with all of you in Washington D.C. Please take a moment if you haven’t to check out my new updated website www.stevejapinga.com. As always, I will continue to run a pro-active campaign and look forward to being the next Chair of the MFCRs. It is time to take this organization to the next level and together, we can do this.
Sincerely,
Steve Japinga
Candidate for MFCR Chair
www.stevejapinga.com
