MUST WATCH!
Hop Aboard the Bullshit Express…
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Anuzis Calls For Levin’s Resignation
Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Chair Saul ANUZIS is asking Gov. Jennifer Granholm to fire Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) Deputy Director Andy LEVIN for statements he made about those who fight unionization.
In the May 26, 2007, edition of People’s Weekly World, Levin was addressing the Biennial AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention speaking about the Employee Free Choice Act and called companies who fight unionization terrorists.
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Income Tax Hike Likely For ‘08
It’s very likely that citizens will see an income tax hike when the Legislature passes the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 budget and it will probably look like the 4.4 to 4.6 percent increase until 2012 that the House Democrats are flirting with.
Sources say that Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) agreed to trade some votes on the income tax hike in order to get reforms that his caucus wants.
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Right To Work, No Debate, Yet
The current budget mess has spawned some discussion of drafting legislation to make Michigan a “Right to Work” state. It isn’t going to happen, and everyone knows it.
Still, among many die-hard, anti-tax conservatives the chance to turn Michigan into a “Right to Work” state might actually be considered an equitable trade-off for a large tax hike. In fact, “Right to Work” may be the only measure that could be placed in that category.
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Senator Mike Bishop is said to be considering a run for Governor, which probably is why he is standing steadfast against tax increases to date. It probably wouldn’t help his chances in a primary against Terri Land if he did so.
Also domain names related to “Bishop for Governor” have already been reserved.
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Saul Anuzis Commentary: Education spending was temporarily preserved, assuming the House passes the final part of the agreement. The House voted for additional securitization of tobacco settlement monies, which were used to help fund the budget. This just takes away from future spending and gives the state time to implement real reforms to change some of the “structural” problems Democrats and Governor Granholm have refused to address to date. Granholm tried to tie the two budgets together and create a “crisis” to raise taxes. Republicans stood strong and now have an opportunity to force real reforms. NOW the spin: Governor Granholm is trying desperately to take credit for saving education and others from cuts…bull. Senate Republicans offered the same last week and the Democrats came up short on enough votes to raise taxes in 2008. So the Senate Republican and their House Republican allies in the House have forced a balanced budget in 2007 without raising TAXES. Republican 1…Democrats 0. What appears to be the “ace in the hole” for the Democrats is that Senator Bishop agreed to allow a vote on a tax increase in the Senate. OK…the House Democrats still have to pass a tax increase in the House…which they apparently were 5 votes short as of today…and then they still have to get at least TWO Republican Senators to vote with them in the Senate…assuming all the Democrats stick together there.
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I heard about Congressman Boehners Immigration Petition, but I cannot find it anywhere. If anyone has it, please send it to me.
Michigan Liberal Talk of Recall Just Talk

Today on Michigan Liberal they put up a poll asking which Republican Senator should be recalled. The reason: School funding will be cut in 6 days.
Whose to blame? The Senate Republicans? NO! Granholm is the one who did it. She set the deadline. The Republicans are choosing not to indulge the Governor. It is Granholm’s fault. I would like to see them collecting signatures for a recall. If they actually tell the truth while collecting, it would go something like this: Circulator: Hi, I am circulating this petition to recall Senator (insert your favorite Republican Senator) Voter: Why do you want to recall Senator ____________? Circulator: Because he/she allowed school funding to be cut. Voter: Isn’t it technically Granholm that made the cut? Circulator: Yes, but we are liberal and so is Granholm, so we choose to go after the Republicans instead. The arguments that M.L make are so illogical. I don’t believe the authors are illogical…but the purpose of the website is to whip the proletariat masses into a frenzy. Sadly, emotion appeals to them more then the facts of a matter do. Bring it on! Let’s start the recall wars! Michigan’s economy is dead last. You go ahead and make an argument for spending in a time when people have less money, and we will make the argument to allow people to keep more of their own money. Let’s see how it turns out!!
**Breaking**
Dennis Lennox’s petition to recall Cheboygan County Commissioner Alice Mushlock has been approved. He now needs to gather just over 400 signatures to force a recall vote.
McCain voted with Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow!
*9 Dems voted against amnesty
HERE ARE THE HEROES OF THE DAY WHO VOTED ‘YES’ ON DELETING ANY LANGUAGE THAT WOULD GIVE AMNESTY TO ILLEGAL ALIENS
Alabama: Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Arkansas: Pryor (D-AR), Yea
Colorado: Allard (R-CO), Yea
Idaho: Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Iowa: Grassley (R-IA), Yea
Kansas: Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Kentucky: Bunning (R-KY), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Louisiana: Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Mississippi: Cochran (R-MS), Yea
Missouri: Bond (R-MO), Yea McCaskill (D-MO), Yea
Montana: Baucus (D-MT), Yea Tester (D-MT), Yea Nebraska: Nelson (D-NE), Yea
New Hampshire: Sununu (R-NH), Yea
North Carolina: Dole (R-NC), Yea
North Dakota: Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Oklahoma: Coburn (R-OK), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
South Carolina: DeMint (R-SC), Yea
South Dakota: Thune (R-SD), Yea
Tennessee: Alexander (R-TN), Yea Corker (R-TN), Yea
West Virginia: Byrd (D-WV), Yea Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Wyoming: Enzi (R-WY), Yea
Senator Sam Brownback did not vote!
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Several people have asked me if I would support Rudy Giuliani if he wins the primary. The answer is no; come Hell or high water I will not vote for Rudy Giuliani.
People have took note of the image to the right of President Bush in a sombrero and asked me if I support the President. In short, yes, but not unconditionally. Bush is not the devil that the far right (not conservatives, but far right) and the left paint him out to be.
I support the Patriot Act. If one is dead, then their rights don’t matter.
And I will address this before I get all of these crazy posts in the comments section…
I am not a neocon. I don’t believe in spreading democracy where people don’t want it. However, if America has an enemy they must be utterly destroyed. Destroyed…not rebuilt or occupied.
Protectionists and Neocons both have their heads up their asses in my opinion. While trying to be consistent with their political beliefs they lose sight of reality.
Snippets
Quote of the day:
“My friends, before we have any business talking about taking more money from the working men and women of this state, we need to pass and sign into law many of these reforms,” he said. “It’s difficult to look my constituents in the eye and say we’ve done everything we can to reform government, because we haven’t.” Representative Bruce Caswell
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Bishop Ready To Talk Part-Time Legislature
Senate Majority Leader Mike BISHOP (R-Rochester) said today he would begin discussions next week on making Michigan’s full-time Legislature a part-time body in which term limits no longer exist and lawmakers make much less than the current $79,650-a-year salary.
Bishop proposed a Constitutional amendment when he first entered the Legislature in 1998 that would make Michigan’s lawmaking body part-time. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only three other states have a full-time legislature as active as Michigan’s — California, New York and Pennsylvania. Seven other states have smaller versions of a full-time Legislature. The other 39 states in the union have variations of a part-time Legislature.
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No Tax Hike Vote
The House did not vote on a tax hike today, opting instead to pass a series of four reforms that included an end to lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers and a call to a state commission to cut their legislative pay by 5 percent to $75,664 a year.
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Recall Threats Heat Up, Dems Freaked Out
Threats to start local recall efforts against Democrat and Republican lawmakers escalated today after a pair of taxpayer advocate groups paid for robo calls in the districts of those who may support a tax increase under the right circumstances.
Some Democratic lawmakers also were rattled when they found professionally done recall-threat fliers slid under their office doors this morning and were told rumors that Dick DeVOS, the former Republican gubernatorial nominee and multi-millionaire, was putting money into recall efforts. Two former DeVos campaign officials later denied the rumor, however.
Of immediate concern were the 12 Republicans targeted as so-called “Rhino” Republicans, who had robo calls made in their districts about their support of a tax increase. Some of the GOPers immediately shot off local press releases denying any interest in temporarily raising the income tax or expanding the sales tax to include “luxury” services, as the House Democrats are considering.
The Michigan Taxpayers Alliance (MTA), fronted by former Rep. Leon DROLET, and the Americans For Prosperity paid for these robo calls and others made today in the districts of 10 Democrats who represent politically vulnerable areas.
House Democrats had considered voting on a temporary income tax increase and sales tax expansion today, but ultimately opted against it. Whether the recall threat played a role in the decision is unknown.
Regardless, the robo calls went out in the districts of the following Republicans: Rep. Dick Ball (R-Bennington Twp.), Rep. Darwin Booher (R-Evart), Rep. Bill Caul (R-Mt. Pleasant), Rep. Ed Gaffney (R-Grosse Pointe Farms), Rep. Kevin Green (R-Wyoming), Rep. Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell), Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland), Rep. Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek), Rep. Tom Pearce (R-Rockford), Rep. John Proos (R-St. Joseph), Rep. Rick Shaffer (R-Three Rivers) and Rep. Lorence Wenke(R-Richland).
The names of the 10 Democratic lawmakers targeted with robo calls were not made available.
However, some Democrats are becoming increasingly concerned about the chances of recall, despite Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark BREWER’s assurances that he would marshal the forces to protect them while going after politically vulnerable Republicans at the same time.
The anxiety level was raised after it was rumored that DeVos was putting some of his fortune into the effort. Not true, said former DeVos campaign manager Greg McNEILLY. “It certainly would be wise of (Democrats) to be concerned about recalls, but there are no plans being financed by Dick at this time,” McNeilly said.
McNeilly pointed out that Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s low job performance numbers can be transferred to legislators.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see some successful recalls if a tax hike is passed or put on the ballot,” he said. “I think it’s still too premature for anybody to really know what would happen because the trigger point hasn’t occurred.”
Republicans concerned about a recall effort for voting for a tax increase didn’t get any assurances from Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul ANUZIS, either. Anuzis wouldn’t directly answer the hypothetical question about whether the party would spend money protecting a GOP lawmaker up for recall because of a tax increase vote.
“But I’m working to make sure there are no Republicans voting for that tax increase,” Anuzis said.
However, he pointed out that supporting tax increases is not part of the GOP’s platform. Brewer can justify spending Democrat Party resources to protect a House member who supported a plank of the party, like voting for a tax hike. It’s a harder sell for the Republican Party to protect a House member who is being recalled for not supporting a plank of the party, like voting for a tax hike.
If the Democrats get involved in trying to recall Republican members for allegedly cracking down on Canadian trash or drug immunity for pharmaceutical companies, the GOP will get involved because it will have become a “partisan game,” Anuzis said.
“A tax vote trumps a garbage vote or a drug immunity vote, but if that’s the game (Brewer) wants to play, I’ll play,” Anuzis said. “I hope it doesn’t go that far.”
Drolet parked his eight-foot-tall hard-foam pig named “Mr. Perky” in front of the Capitol this evening. His anti-tax hike message today went directly at Ball. The pig is going to be carted around Ball’s 85th District in Shiawassee County in the coming days.
“Dick Ball is the only Republican who has gone on record to say he will vote for a 15 percent tax increase in the income tax,” said Drolet. (See “One Vote On The Way To 15?” 5/2/07).
While Drolet is busy hauling around the recall pig in the districts of vulnerable lawmakers, one of these lawmakers said he believes maybe the tables should be turned on the now-Macomb County commissioner.
Rep. Marty Griffin (D-Jackson) said Drolet has the right to stir the recall fires, but “to a certain extent it is hypocritical.” The first-term lawmaker pointed out that Drolet is “collecting a government paycheck,” yet he is out “running around” trying to recall other government officials in Lansing.
“Maybe we should be over there working on him,” Griffin wondered out loud. “Hopefully somebody will turn the tables on him.”
The lawmaker who replaced Drolet from the Macomb County 33rd House district points out the commissioner’s job is part time and there is nothing wrong with someone working on recalls during his or her time off.
Rep. Kim Meltzer(R-Clinton Twp.), however, said she does not support the recall effort aimed at supporters of a possible tax increase.
Asked if he would sign a recall petition for a legislator who voted for a tax increase, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop said today, “I would sign a recall petition … if that legislator did not show fiscal responsibility by enacting reforms — significant, significant downsizing of government — and prove to me that that was the last and final option.”
(Senior Capital Correspondent Tim Skubick contributed to this report.)
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Medical Marijuana Push Announced
A group calling itself the Coalition for Compassionate Care today began a statewide petition today for a measure that would permit seriously ill patients to use marijuana without fear of arrest.
“Seriously ill people deserve to get relief from their terrible suffering without going to jail,” said spokeswoman Dianne BYRUM. “The people of Michigan believe it’s wrong to jail patients who are trying to ease their suffering from diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS. Michigan’s suffering patients deserve care, not incarceration.”
In order to secure a spot on the November 2008 ballot, the Coalition would have to gather 304,101 legal signatures within the next six months. To be safe, the group wants to raise 550,000 raw signatures. The initiative, if ultimately approved, would do the following:
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This Day In History
On May 23, 2001, with a 5-1 vote, a special Senate committee proclaimed Sen. David JAYE (R-Washington Twp.) unfit for the office of state Senator and recommended expulsion.
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Late last night, Matt Hall sent an email to every Republican I think (except me) praising Dan Carlson for his leadership and informing them of his run for CRNC Secretary. I don’t think that 90% of CRs feel the way that Hall does about Carlson.
(MIGOP Youth Chair Matt Hall, with John “Amnesty” McCain)
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Representative Lorence Wenke was honored by the National Log Cabin Republicans
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How is John McCain voting on the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform” bill? Wake up conservatives!
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Arizona Republicans are quitting the party because of Senator Kyl and McCains support of the immigration bill in the Senate.
The Arizona Republic
East Valley Tribune
The Washington Times
Arizona Daily Star
Michigan for Duncan Hunter Blog
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Email I received from Rep. Jack Hoogendyk:
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Dennis Lennox Recall Effort Gains Press
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Message from Michigan Taxpayers Alliance:
Friends,
Today the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance was VERY busy. Crews were dropping literature all day in state Rep. Dick Ball’s district in Owosso, Perry and Durand that informed voters of Rep. Ball’s support for a 15% hike in the state income tax.
At the same time, the MTA’s giant pig statue, Mr. Perks, was parked right in front of the State Capitol Building most of the day with a message painted on his side saying, “NO to Rep. Ball’s Tax Hike!”. Mr. Perks was widely viewed by lawmakers, lobbyists and media.
Why was Mr. Perks parked in front of the Capitol all day? Because today is the day that the state House was supposed to vote on the proposed income tax hike.
In anticipation of the vote, the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance launched over 50,000 “robo-calls” into the districts of Republican House members yesterday to alert citizens that their legislator was getting pressure from the Governor to support the tax hike. The calls encouraged the citizens to call their legislator and express their opinion on the tax increase. The calls were VERY effective, as on state Rep. informed a Lansing reporter that he had received over 300 calls from citizens opposed to the tax hike. Several of my former colleagues called me to ask me to stop the calls and wanted me to know that they would oppose the tax increase. Channel 4 News WDIV in metro Detroit did a great story on the robo-calls and how they were working in the Grosse Pointe district of Rep. Ed Gaffney. I saw Rep. Gaffney today when I was walking into the Capitol. He wasn’t happy.
Tomorrow, another 50,000 robo-calls will be launched to inform the voters in 10 key Democratic House members districts of the pending tax hike.
I say “pending” because after a very long House session that lasted until around 11:00pm, the House passed a replacement to the Single Business Tax instead, leaving a vote on the income tax for another day. The SBT replacement had already been voted on in the House previously and tonight’s vote was more symbolic and procedural than anything else. The SBT replacement that was passed, called the Michigan Business Tax or MBT takes exactly as much money out of Michigan’s economy as the hated SBT did. The Senate replacement of the SBT is a net $400 million tax cut. Of course the best solution to the SBT’s elimination is to “replace” the “lost” government revenue with spending cuts and watch Michigan’s economy grow again.
Replacing the SBT, however is the under card. The big battle is the income tax or sales tax hike. The MTA will continue to make citizens aware of what their lawmaker is doing on this issue through literature drops, phone calls and media.
Keep the calls going to your state representative. Rumor is that they might meet through the weekend trying to get the votes for the income tax hike.
Guttersnipe Leftist Deserves a Flogging
UPDATE:
I contacted Cameron Ackerman about his group in support of the Virginia Tech shooter and his flag burning.
His response is as follows…
I wrote I supported the VT shooter, not his shootings. Obviously he was the product to societal problems, such as the one you are proliferating currently, social torture. And on to the flags, expect bigger ones burning on my profile. It is my right as a patriotic American to burn as many as I want.
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The face of an ungrateful leftist brat…







Feel free to tell Cameron Ackerman what you think: His email is ackerm62@msu.edu
You can also find him on facebook.com
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), a Michigan State University group that received “hate-group” status by the Spartan Spectator, has created a Facebook group for their organization and so far, it has some twenty-odd members. The leader of MSU-SDS, Cameron Ackerman, has a picture of himself burning the US flag as his profile picture on Facebook. The picture can be seen above.
According to Facebook, Ackerman supports the shootings at Virginia Tech. He even made a Facebook group to honor the killer that can be seen here. A picture of the group that he created can be seen below.
Among Ackerman’s Facebook pictures is one of him attending a MSU Young Democratic Socialist Club (YDS) meeting. Whether or not they support his horrid views is unknown.
Courtesy of spartanspectator.com
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“If we build it, they wont come” by Duncan Hunter
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Anonymous Glenn Clark attack courtesy of Brian Koss
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MIGOP Ethnic Chair and Saginaw City Councilman, Andrew Wendt is a Fiscal Hawk
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Apparently your humble blogger won the Spartan Spectator “Quote of the Year”
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“Already viewed with doubt by some Republican regulars, McCain cannot let Romney, or anybody else, define him as uniquely out of step with the party. What campaign finance reform was to many conservative elites in 2000 is what immigration could be to the conservative grass roots in 2008: an issue that makes McCain’s candidacy a non-starter.” politico.com
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I did some postings on MichiganLiberal.com refuting their socialist philosophy and they deleted ALL of my comments. What are they so afraid of?
House Dems looking at ‘temporary’ income tax hike
Michigan Democrats are at it again. They are trying to raise taxes…‘temporarily’ of course. There are a few potential Republican sympathizers; Rep. Lorence Wenke (R-Richland), Rep. Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek), Rep. Dick Ball (R-Laingsburg) and Rep.Ed Gaffney (R-Grosse Park Farms).
Call your legislator today and tell them to reform, not raise taxes!
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Representative Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) is looking at running for US Congress in the 1st District against Bart Stupak. The last two formidable candidates; Chuck Yob and Michelle McManus were defeated by roughly 10 points. For those that are interested, Casperson has a facebook group.
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Dennis Lennox is in the process of recalling a Democrat county commissioner for voting to increase taxes. If the recall is successful, he will run against Alice Mushlock. This should be the first of many recalls after the House votes to hike taxes.
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For those of you that haven’t heard about the Murtha vs Rogers fight, click here
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John McCain called John Cornyn “chicken shit,” and told him to “fuck off” after McCain became irritated with his principled conservative stance on immigration. read more
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Dan Carlson is running for CRNC Secretary. We sincerely hope that someone challenges him.
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Duncan Hunters campaign has confirmed today that he will be speaking at the Mackinac Conference during breakfast on September 22nd.
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Michigan School Sued After Refusing to Recognize Bible Club
For more than nine months, sophomore Aaron Grider has been trying to get his Bible club recognized by Farmington High School in Michigan. On Monday, the Thomas More Law Center filed suit on his behalf.
“The policy and attitude of Farmington High School represents the extreme secularism that has captured many public school systems in America,” said Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the law center. “In this case the school policy not only violates the U.S. Constitution, but also federal and state Equal Access Laws.”
The high school has several noncurriculum-related student groups, including the Gay Straight Alliance, the Equestrian Club and S.A.D.D. Those groups are allowed to advertise their meetings and appear in the yearbook; the Bible club is not. http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004683.cfm
More coverage of Anuzis vs. Paul
A reader suggests a plausible reason for why the Michigan GOP …National Review Online Blogs – New York,NY,USAIsn’t it obvious why Saul Anuzis (Michigan GOP chair) wants Ron Paul barred from the debates? It’s not about ideological purity. Anuzis is a McCain guy, …See all stories on this topic
Republican to Republican: SHUT UP!Northwest Progressive Institute Official Blog – Redmond,WA,USAHere’s an ominous update to the Ron Paul dustup from Tuesday’s debate: Saul Anuzis, the Chairman of the Michigan State GOP, wants Mr. Paul barred from …See all stories on this topic
Saul Anuzis Withdraws Petition to Boot Ron Paul from DebatesThe Spoof (satire) – UKANN ARBOR (AP) – Michigan Republican National Committee Chairman Saul Anuzis has reacted to public outrage and withdrawn his petition to kick Congressman …See all stories on this topic
Google Blogs Alert for: Saul Anuzis
Tell Saul Anuzis “Thank You”By recar Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis not only withdraws his petition to remove Ron Paul from the debates, he corrects himself on his misunderstanding of what Ron Paul said during May 15th’s debate. He needs to be congratulated for his …Tons of Fresh News – http://newstons.wordpress.com
Articles of Interest 5-20-07By sanuzis Saul vs. Paul: TKO? Michigan Republican Chairman Saul Anuzis says this morning he’s calling off his anti-Ron Paul petition drive. “After consulting with my fellow RNC members, I believe there isnt anything to be gained by advancing a …“That’s Saul, folks!”Michigan… – http://migop.blogs.com/blog/
In A Bold Move The Comander Guy Neutralizes Ron Paul–Fox News Elated.By Corpus Juris(–Blue Girl) Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis said he will circulate a petition among Republican National Committee members to ban Paul from other debates. At a GOP candidates’ debate Tuesday night, Paul drew attacks from all sides, …Watching Those We Chose – http://proctoringcongress.blogspot.com/
Comment on (update) Ron Paul: Scaring the Sh*t out of all the …Speaking of Ron Paul: The call by Michigan GOP Chair, Saul Anuzis, to ban Paul from future GOP debates was met with an apparent firestorm of criticism. Oh, and there are no such things as “Neolibertarians.” …Comments for Unqualified Offerings – http://highclearing.com
Move To Kick Ron Paul Out Of Debates DroppedThe RNC and the Michigan GOP received thousands of calls in opposition to Michigan head Saul Anuzis’ action calling for Ron Paul to be removed from all future debates. Others also circulated online petitions to counter the move, …linkfilter.net – fresh links – http://linkfilter.net
Anuzis Posts on MIGOP Blog on Ron Paul
-After consulting with my fellow RNC members, I believe there isn’t anything to be gained by advancing a petition aimed solely at removing Congressman Paul from the debates. The primary is and will continue to work itself out.
I do however think we should continue to look at the bigger picture, the problem of how our party is going to adapt to the new realities of this very long primary season.
Congressman Paul’s controversial statements about the United State and who’s to blame for 9-11, combined with the splendid reaction of Mayor Giuliani and then my own heated reaction, stole the spotlight from the bigger point I really wanted to make and still think is important – continuing these “debates” as they are currently structured is not to our benefit, nor to our candidates, not to our party, nor to the country.
This is a very important process and it’s critical that we get a chance to get to know our leading and most viable candidates better. The idea of 10 candidates each getting a little over 6 minutes each and competing for the best “sound bite” of the evening isn’t very helpful in determining who our nominee should ultimately be.
NO one, at NO time, ever implied or said we should censure, restrict or deny any candidate the right to Free Speech. Specifically, Ron Paul, who is a sitting Congressman, will always have the same right as any other American and/or anyone in America has to express themselves. However, there is no constitutional right to participate in a party run debate or forum.
Although my initial response and what prompted me to action were the Congressman’s comments blaming America’s policies for 9-11, this discussion should really have NOTHING to do with the positions individual candidates take. We obviously have a difference of opinion on many issues…and I expressed my personal outrage and let that get in the way of the bigger question.
I am and have always been a big supporter of open primaries, open discussion and the sharing of broad and diverse opinions. At the same time, I think it makes sense to at least discuss various options of making these debates/forums more useful and informative. Setting certain standards or criteria for folks to participate is NOT censorship or infringing on anyone free speech. Everyone has the right to run a commercial, put up a website or buy soapbox.
Every candidate has the right to run…some with a chance of actually winning the nominations and others just for the sake of making a point or two. But the party also has the right to arrange their venues in such a way that best serves this interest of the party. We have given 10 candidates 3 hours of national TV time. Our many local and state parties have opened our doors to them. And we have certainly invited all them to help us raise money J. In short, the so called 3rd tier candidates have had their chance to make an impression and if they cannot poll beyond 1 or 2 percentage points of support, they are simply getting in the way of the real debate of how to move our party and our country forward.
Finally, I want apologize to the RNC and our State Committee leadership (and my wife) who received obnoxious, annoying and disruptive emails or phone calls. My best advice to you is to ignore them (and/or just blame me).
Anuzis Backs Down on Ron Paul?
I got this email from the MI Republican Liberty Caucus today:
Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis will be issuing a statement retracting his call for Ron Paul to be excluded from future debates. His office now says
that there will be no “petition” circulated and a staffer says he hopes there will be a public statement about the matter later today. All of the website contact forms at http://www.migop.org/ were deleted when the volume of negative comments exceeded the site’s capacity.The state office (517) 487-5413 is still accepting calls.—
92% Do not support Anuzis’ efforts to bar Ron Paul from future debates
POLL QUESTION: Do you support Michigan Republican Chair Saul Anuzis’ efforts to bar Congressman Ron Paul from future debates?
Yes–His Comments crossed the line
11 votes/8%
He has the right to say what he wants
128 votes/92%
Total Votes: 139
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Recall Menu Making Members Nervous
The head of a new taxpayers alliance confirmed today that he has put together a list of 15 to 17 House members — Republicans and Democrats — who he may target for a recall if any of the group votes for a general tax increase.
Leon DROLET, the founder of Michigan Taxpayer Alliance and a former state House member, said he is putting the final touches on a “menu” he will circulate to conservative donors when and if the House votes to raise the income tax or expand the sales tax.
The menu includes the names of the House members, the number of signatures needed to put a recall question on a ballot, the number of volunteer signatures collectors he could recruit from that district, the relative cost of recalling the member and the member’s voting record as it relates to taxes only.
The list includes 11 to 12 Democrats and five or six Republicans. Drolet said he has been in contact with potential donors and will manage the recall efforts for as many members as he can raise money for.
“You don’t want to be on my menu,” Drolet said. “If they’re going to put a knee to groin of Michigan taxpayers, I’m going to make they pay for it.
Drolet, currently a Macomb County commissioner, has experience with major political campaigns having led the signature collection effort for the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MRCI), which appeared on the 2006 ballot as Proposal 2 and passed with 58 percent support.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark BREWER said if Drolet, the Republicans or anyone else tries to recall any Democratic member, the party will go after a Republican member one for one if not two for one.
Whether the issue is Canadian trash, drug immunity or something else, Brewer said Republicans, possibly even Republican leadership, would be targeted.
“We have plenty of issues over which you can get people to sign a recall petition for a Republican,” Brewer said. “I’m not going to start anything, but if Republicans in this state want to go this route, we’re going to defend our members vigorously and we’ll go after them.
“I’m willing to pay for signatures,” he added. “That’s not a bluff.”
The word “recall” was the talk of the House floor today, with several members believing the impetus behind the Machiavellian move was House Minority Leader Craig DeROCHE (R-Novi), but DeRoche told MIRS he’s making no recall threats to any member — Republican or Democrat. Drolet confirmed that DeRoche has nothing to do with his effort.
He’s being fueled by a general public sentiment against tax increases in Michigan.
“What they’re preparing to do is tear into the wallets of the people of Michigan and not hold the special interests accountable for what they need to do,” Drolet said.
What they need to do, he said, is reform public teacher and public employee retirement and health care benefits to curb costs he said are spiraling upward.
The talk of recall in the Legislature hit nerves in Lansing after then-Senate Minority Leader John ENGLER was the beneficiary of two recall efforts in 1983 that bounced two Democratic Senators over an income tax increase vote and flopped control of the chamber to the Republicans. The GOP has never lost control of the Senate since.
House Speaker Andy DILLON (D-Redford Twp.) said he thought it was unfortunate anybody “has to play that game.”
“The state is in a fiscal crisis right now, and people have very difficult decisions to make. To have that looming over people’s head is not productive and it’s unfortunate that it’s even in the dialogue,” Dillon said.
One moderate Republican likely on the list told MIRS that Drolet’s rhetoric was bold for somebody “who never worked a day in the private sector in his life and probably never will.”
The Republican said he was disappointed Drolet is encouraging such political tactics when it’s obvious to everyone in the process that political reforms and spending cuts need to be part of the solution to a Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 state budget that’s an estimated $715 million in the hole.
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Holly Hughes announces bid for the Michigan House of Representatives
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Candice Miller is losing patience on the war
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Jeff Wiggins, MFCR Co Chair has endorsed Duncan Hunter for President. In his letter that he sent out today he urges people to stay true to their principles. We hope that Wiggins has more weight on the board then the current Chair. I will post the letter in it’s entirety soon.
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Justin Roebuck now has a website up…check it out
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The ambitious Teenage Republican Chairman, Brent Stanton is already eyeing the 2009 Youth Chair race. How will he ever fill the shoes of Jared Maynard, Matt Golden and Matt Hall?
Paulites Rally Against Anuzis
**UPDATE**
Saul Anuzis on Ron Paul again:
I was approached by many RNC members who offered to sign our petition to condemn Congressman Paul’s comments about the terrorist attack on 9-11 and shared in my frustration that he was articulating the policies of the Democrats more than those of any Republicans.
I have long respected Congressman Paul’s principle position on many issues, regardless if I ever agreed with any specific proposals or conclusions he had come to. However, his statement on why the terrorists attacked America is so out of the mainstream geo-political thought in the west and is increasingly becoming a distraction versus a supplement to the debate, I think we should just come out and say so.
Congressman Ron Paul does not represent the majority of the Republican Party on foreign policy and his participation in the debate is little more than a distraction.
I urge my fellow RNC members to categorically say “no” to Congressman Paul’s participation and ill-fated attempt to somehow represent “any” wing of the Republican Party. His campaign is all but over.
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PAULITES GO AFTER ANUZIS
Neo-Con Republican Party Hijackers Seek To Ban Ron Paul
Anti-American trash want to end democratic process, kick Texas Congressman out of debates
http://questforfairtrialinconcordnh.blogspot.com/
http://freedomtofascism.blogspot.com/
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1835140/posts
http://www.thelibertypapers.org/2007/05/16/republicans-the-party-of-censorship/
MIGOP Chair Wants Ron Paul Out
Following remarks by Texas Congressman Ron Paul at Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate that inflamed opponents, Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis called for his exclusion from future debates. He said he was starting a petition among Republican National Committee members in that regard, and suggested the group do an “American Idol” vote to thin out the field beginning with Mr. Paul.
Mr. Paul, who holds generally Libertarian views and objects to much of the overseas involvement of the U.S., said American leaders need to look to the reasons why the country is hated and attacked by terrorists, citing such things as “we have been bombing Iraq for 10 years.”
“I think Congressman Ron Paul was way off base and doesn’t represent any of the Republican party base…let alone activists,” Mr. Anuzis said. “I don’t have a problem with his libertarian views, but blaming 9-11 on us (U.S.) was over the top.” He said the candidate, one of 10 now in the GOP field, would feel more at home with Democrats when it comes to foreign policy.
Notable Quotes from the Debate
“We’ve had a Congress that’s spent money like John Edwards at a beauty shop,” Mike Huckabee
“There are people, millions and millions of Americans, who are of good conscience as we are, who make a different choice about abortion. And I think in a country where you want to keep government out of people’s lives … you have to respect that.” Rudy Giuliani
“If something is morally wrong, let’s oppose it… “If it’s wrong, then we ought to be opposed to it, and we ought to find ways to find better ways to deal with our respect for human life.” Mike Huckabee
WHEN ASKED ABOUT TORTURE:
“I’m looking for Jack Bauer at this point,” he said, referring to the character on the popular Fox TV show “24″ known for showing unorthodox interrogation methods. Tom Tancredo
“They attack us because we’ve been over there. We’ve been bombing Iraq for 10 years,” Ron Paul
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before and I’ve heard some pretty absurd explanations for September 11.” He demanded that Paul withdraw his statement, but Paul refused. Rudy Giuliani
One memorable back-and-forth occurred between Romney and McCain. Romney suggested that McCain’s support for a guest-worker program in his immigration package amounted to “amnesty,” and that he feared McCain would do to immigration what he had done to campaign finance with the McCain-Feingold bill. (Romney & McCain)
The flip-flop issue was perhaps best summed up by Tancredo. “It’s beginning to truly sound like a Baptist tent revival meeting here,” he said. “And I am glad to see conversions. I’m glad they happen. But I must tell you, I trust those conversions when they happen on the road to Damascus, and not on the road to Des Moines” – a reference to Iowa, the nation’s first caucus state, now less than eight months away.
On the Issues
Meet Rudy McRomney…
John McCain on Immigration D
(Source http://grades.betterimmigration.com)
Rudy Giuliani on Immigration: F
Change rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
Supports Senate guest worker plan & path to citizenship. (Nov 2006)
(www.ontheissues.org/Rudy_Giuliani.htm)
Mitt Romney on Immigration: Leans Conservative
In the future, Romney may want to pick some battles he can win. Perhaps illegal immigration will be one of them, given its rising importance among grassroots conservatives. “I’m very much in favor of legal immigration and I’m opposed to illegal immigration,” says Romney. “We’re in a race for the best minds, and I wish we could bring in more of these people.” Last year, the governor threatened to veto a bill that would have allowed illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses, but the legislation never made it to his desk. He actually did veto a bill that would have given illegal aliens the right to in-state tuition at public universities. He hasn’t taken a formal position on any of the federal immigration plans. “I’m against an amnesty and against anything that provides an incentive for people to come here illegally.” (http://www.nationalreview.com/miller/miller200512141539.asp)
Duncan Hunter on Immigration A+
(Source http://grades.betterimmigration.com)
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John McCain on Abortion: D
The percentage is the average from 1997 to the present. Source National RTL Scorecard
Rudy Giuliani on Abortion: F
Giuliani is for government funded abortions and supports partial birth abortion.
Mitt Romney on Abortion: Mixed
Personally against abortion, but pro-choice as governor
Endorsed legalization of RU-486
Vetoed stem cell research bill
Vetoed emergency contraception for rape victims
Anti-abortion views have “evolved & deepened” while governor
Opposes Roe v Wade, but won’t tamper with abortion laws
Now firmly pro-life, despite 2002 tolerance for abortion
(Source http://www.ontheissues.org)
Duncan Hunter on Abortion: A+
(Source: National RTL Scorecard)
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John McCain on Guns: C+
Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all Congressional candidates in 2004, the National Rifle Association assigned Senator McCain a grade of C+
Rudy Giuliani on Guns: F
100% anti gun as mayor of New York City
“[The right to carry a handgun] is part of the Constitution. People have a right to bear arms,” and that while tough gun-control laws were needed in New York City, “in another place, more rural, more suburban … you have a different set of rules.”
Mitt Romney on Guns: F as Governor; now he is pro gun
In his 1994 US Senate run, Romney backed two gun-control measures strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups: the Brady Bill, which imposed a five-day waiting period on gun sales, and a ban on certain assault weapons.
“That’s not going to make me the hero of the NRA,” Romney told the Boston Herald in 1994.
At another campaign stop that year, he told reporters: “I don’t line up with the NRA.”
And as the GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2002, Romney lauded the state’s strong laws during a debate against Democrat Shannon O’Brien. “We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts; I support them,” he said. “I won’t chip away at them; I believe they protect us and provide for our safety.”
Duncan Hunter on Guns: A+
NRA Scorecard
Look at Rudy’s ratings on Immigration, Guns, and Abortion. You should take note that they match perfectly another popular political figure from New York. The only difference is, one is called a liberal and the other a “Republican.”
Urgent
Senate Amnesty / Guestworker Debate Begins May 16
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has scheduled a cloture vote for May 16 which, if successful, will enable him to bypass the normal committee process and place a comprehensive immigration bill directly on the Senate Calendar. That bill will be S. 1348 (nearly the same as the S. 2611 amnesty passed by the Senate a year ago). Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.) has said Republicans will vote against Reid’s motion to proceed unless a bipartisan group of negotiators agree on a substitute that is introduced. CLICK HERE for more information.
FAX CONGRESS
MTA Protest Pig; Mr Perks
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Mitt Romney Now Leading in the Latest Michigan Polls PR Web (press release) – Ferndale,WA,USA Mitt Romney now is in the lead with 24% of the vote. McCain has 22% and Giuliani has 19%. Romney’s support has tripled since late February.
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BetUS.com has posted political betting odds on who will be the Republican nominee for the 2008 United States Presidential Election:
John McCain: EVEN
Rudolph Guiliani: -120
Mitt Romney: +350
Condaleeza Rice: +2000
Mike Huckabee: +1200
Sam Brownback: +2000
Chuck Hagel: +2000
Bill Frist: +4000
Jeb Bush: +4000
Tom Ridge: +4000
Article on the National Journal Blog
May 15, 2007
McCain Endorsee Bails In Michigan
On the morn’ of the South Carolina debate, the simmering proxy war between Sen. John McCain and ex-MA Gov. Mitt Romney is heating up in Michigan.
From a Republican who is not allied with either campaign, we’ve obtained an e-mail from a prominent Michigan GOPer who calls his endorsement of John McCain THE “worst mistake” he’s ever made.
The e-mail from Bill Kelly (R) to a dozen prominent Republicans ostensibly answered questions about Kelly’s congressional bid. He’s angling to run against Rep. Dale Kildee, the 77-year-old Democrat from Michigan’s 5th district, which includes Flint and other Detroit suburbs.
Before he elaborated on his positions, however, Kelly informed the list that
I now formally endorse Mitt Romney for president. Romney has the charisma and ability to communicate our conservative values. He will lead our party to victory. Endorsing John McCain was the biggest mistake of my political career – I think he has been more of a detriment than a benefit to our party.
Not only did Kelly endorse McCain, he was co-chair of McCain’s Genesee County operation.
Mr. Kelly, in his e-mail, did not say why McCain was “more of a detriment” to the GOP. But his switch to Romney will be widely noted in Michigan political circles. [MARC AMBINDER]
Posted at 08:53 AM
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Comments
The McCain campaign also lost the endorsement of Joseph Sylvester, an influential young Bay County Republican and member of the Fifth District Executive Committee. He had been very pro-McCain and was helping John Yob and others recruit youth (among his activities was the MRP State Convention in February) for McCain’s campaign. He has now endorsed Duncan Hunter, and is using his widely-read blog (Michigan Conservative Dossier) to promote Hunter’s candidacy, who has a lot of appeal with the wing-nuts in the youth circles.
As a reminder, this comes only a couple weeks after the McCain campaign told Michigan staffers they would no longer be paid until the state set its primary date.
Mark Smith 05.15.07 12:25 PM
Michigan Conservative Dossier for Duncan Hunter
After much thought I have decided to support Congressman Duncan Hunter for President. Hunter is the embodiment of what I look for in a conservative candidate; and arguably one of the few consistantly conservative.
Rudy Giuliani is liberal and I don’t agree with him on much.
John McCain walks the fence on everything and has mediocre ratings from the NRA and RTL.
Mitt Romney is getting better with time, but I am not sure how genuine he is.
Their are people that will try and use the “viability” argument, but a candidate that is hawkish on the war statistically is not viable. So that argument carries no weight.
NO RUDY!
You should have also believed John Kerry when he said that he wouldn’t be opposed to appointing pro life judges either.
Holly Hughes for State Representative
Hughes To Challenge Valentine
National Republican Committeewoman Holly HUGHES is announcing Monday that she is challenging freshman Rep. Mary VALENTINE in 2008 in one of the state’s most politically competitive House districts, the 92nd.
Hughes, of Montague, is slated to be joined by U.S. Rep. Pete HOEKSTRA and Sen. Jerry VAN WOERKOM (R-Norton Shores) at the Monday morning press conference.
Hughes, a long-time Republican activist, kicked off her own political career in 2004 when she unseated National Committeewoman Sharon WISE of Owosso (See “Hughes Unseats Wise As Committeewoman,” 5/21-22/04).
Valentine won the seat in 2006 when she unseated former Rep. David FARHAT (R-Muskegon) in a particularly ugly race, one where House Republicans actually began pulling back resources before Election Day when polling showed Farhat’s re-election chances were slim.
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Romney Announced Mid-Michigan Team
MID-MICHIGAN ROMNEY: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced his Mid-Michigan leadership team, which includes:
U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland),
Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell),
Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw),
Sen. Tony Stamas (R-Midland),
Rep. Dick Ball (R-Bennington Twp.),
Rep. Bruce Caswell (R-Hillsdale),
Rep. Kenneth Horn (R-Frankenmuth),
Rep. Joe Hune (R-Hamburg),
Rep. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge),
4th District Chair/State Committee member Carolyn Curtin,
former Michigan Republican Party Executive Director Jerry Roe,
former 8th District Chair Peter Ruddell,
Midland County Register of Deeds/State Committee member Scott Haines,
Midland County Sheriff Jerry Nielson,
Bay County Chair Matt Lance,
Genesee County Chair Denise Graves,
Gratiot County Chair Eric St. Onge,
Ingham County Chair/State Committee member Norm Shinkle,
Jackson County Chair Jon Williams,
Livingston County Chair/State Committee member Allan Filip,
former Tuscola County Chair Anna Kabot,
former Saginaw County Chair Ken Shapley,
Bay County Commissioner Vaughn Begick,
Gratiot County Commissioner Jan Bunting,
Midland County Commissioner James Leibeg,
State Committee members Prudence Adam, Don Vickers, Amy Carl and Florence Connolly, former State Committee member Lorinda Wortz,
Homer Township Supervisor Julie Atkinson,
Reed City Mayor Darlene Talaske,
Midland Township Trustee Jim Stamas and Sidney Township Trustee Sandra Raines.
“I look forward to campaigning with these Michigan leaders as I talk to voters about bringing real conservative change to Washington,” said Mr. Romney. “With their help, we will ensure that America is prepared to meet a new generation of challenges, and that we continue to strengthen our nation’s economy, military, and families.”
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Wenke: State GOP Too Narrow
The Michigan Republican Party is “way too narrow” and “too far to the right” said one of the more moderate members of the House Republican caucus today on the public television series Off The Record.
Rep. Lorence WENKE (R-Richland) speaks from experience. When he took a stand against putting the Constitutional gay marriage ban on the ballot, he said he got the cold shoulder from many fellow Republicans, but he managed to win re-election anyway.
He complained the GOP spends too much time trying to tell citizens “how to live their lives” and the party is “too anti-government.”
Now finishing out his last term in the House, Wenke told the Off the Record panel this week that he has not changed his mind on gay marriage or equal rights for gay individuals and will continue to advocate for those rights regardless of what his party may think.
Hence, Wenke said he supports the Rep. Paul CONDINO (D-Southfield) bill extending adoption rights to same-sex couples and single parents. He also said he’s prepared to support a tax increase, but not until and unless lawmakers and other officials take a pay cut and reduce their own benefits.
Wenke has not taken a pay cut, but said he would do so when others joined him. Asked if he was somewhat of a hypocrite for proposing a pay cut and not doing it himself, he argued he was not.
On the political front, he said he does not support another Dick DeVOS candidacy for governor although Wenke voted for DeVos last November despite the lack of “a believable solution to the economic problem” in Michigan.
“You get one try for governor. Voters will be looking for a fresh face” and Wenke believes that face belongs to Secretary of State Terri Lynn LAND. He said she is the front-runner and has navigated her tenure in Lansing without any “negatives.” He called her a formidable opponent and would like to see a primary between Land and DeVos.
Wenke said he’s been tapped by Minority Leader Craig DeROCHE to chair a four-member Republican work group charged with finding programs to cut in the state budget. Joining Wenke are Rep. John MOOLENAAR (R-Midland), Rep. Jack HOOGENDYK (R-Kalamazoo) and Rep. Bruce CASWELL (R-Hillsdale). Wenke has asked other members of the caucus to present their top five list for making cuts. So far, he’s had few responses.
As for his own political future, Wenke said he can’t run for Congress because Rep. Fred UPTON (R-St. Joseph) will never leave, and Wenke said he doesn’t want to move to another district to seek a seat in the nation’s capitol. He could run for his old county commission seat, or he could retire to his greenhouse business in Michigan and Georgia.
(Contributed by Senior Capital Correspondent Tim SKUBICK.)
Trash talk upsets state legislator
May 10, 2007
Trash talk upsets state legislator
Scott Spielman
Editor

Leon Drolet, (center) director of the Michigan Taxpayer Alliance along with Brandon Attans(left), Jon Chulski and Clark Ruper (in back) have been protesting a vote to increase tipping fees at Michigan landfills.Residents in Plymouth, Northville and Wayne received a surprise when they retrieved their garbage cans this week.
Taped to many of them was a piece of political literature criticizing State Rep. Mark Corriveau (D-Northville) for his recent vote to increase tipping fees at landfills.
“If it was accurate, I might not have had a problem with it,” said Corriveau, who has been defending his vote at municipal meetings throughout the 20th House District. “This is a smear campaign and it seems to be directed just at me.”
The group Michigan Taxpayers Alliance—headed by former legislator Leon Drolet—distributed the flyers, which have drawn complaints in all of the impacted communities.
Mark Blackwell, a Wayne resident, complained to city authorities there when he saw the flyers distributed throughout his neighborhood.
“I don’t think it’s legal,” he said.
Corriveau and other Democrats in the House approved an increase in tipping fees last month as part of a package of bills designed to curb the influx of out of state waste, he said. Before the vote, the state had charged only 21 cents a ton. The new rate, $7.50 per ton, is in line with neighboring states, he said.
The package limits expansions at existing landfills and bans new ones. It was approved in the House along party lines.
“Trash trucks roll over our borders every day carrying trash from other states and Canada, and they do so for two reasons – it is dirt cheap to dump in Michigan and we have a glut of landfill space,” Corriveau said. “Limiting the amount of landfill space we have to offer is a sure-fire way to limit the amount of medical waste, human sludge and other trash that gets dumped here.”
Municipal leaders have questioned the move, though, because of an unknown impact on their budgets and residents.
Corriveau said the ‘trash talk’ wouldn’t change his mind.
“The trashing of Michigan must come to an end.”
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McCain plays catch-up here PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP — Presidential candidate John McCain met privately Wednesday with a handful of local Republicans as his campaign works to catch Mitt Romney in Michigan.
Saul in the New York Times
“We have so many candidates out there — and there is no one emerging
candidate — that electability is clearly an issue, and people are judging that,”
said Saul Anuzis, the Michigan Republican Party chairman. “There is a pretty big
fear with respect to a President Hillary Clinton and even Barack Obama. And
people saying we want to make sure we can beat them.”
From the Vern Ehlers Email list…
Mr. and Mrs. Richard DeVos
cordially invite you to a
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
in honor of
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter
R-Pennsylvania
Monday, May 14, 2007
5:30 – 7:00pm Cocktails
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Gerald R. Ford Ballroom
187 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids
Business Attire
$1,000 contribution per person requested
Please R.S.V.P. by May 10th by contacting
David Satterfield at (202) 546-7415
or at David@Specter2010.com
The above event is sponsored By Citizens For Arlen Specter.






