Leo Madarang letter to the editor
Romney right for president
Leo Madarang
Michigan and its residents are facing a difficult time. Unemployment is close to an abysmal rate of 8 percent, the budget in Michigan is currently facing a 1.75 billion shortfall, and more than one million Michigan residents do not have health care insurance. Michigan needs strong leadership to turn things around. We already know that that type of leadership is not going to come from the head of the state, so we are forced to look to the head of the nation. With the all-important and historical 2008 election almost exactly one year away, we must really examine who would be the best candidate to turn things around for Michigan.
We must really ask ourselves, is there a candidate out there who knows and understands Michigan? Is there anyone out there with the experience in both business and government? Too bad I cannot answer the question with a Democrat. I don’t know if they understand the problems facing Michigan or have any solutions because some of them decided to turn their backs on Michigan and not participate in our primary.
But I’m sure they are hearing, seeing and addressing all the problems in Michigan while they are garnering votes in Florida, New Hampshire or South Carolina. Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s record speaks for itself.
Romney is the best candidate because he’s a hometown man. In fact, he announced his presidential candidacy at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. He also is the son of former state Gov. George Romney. He grew up when Michigan was in its glory days. Romney saw Michigan when it was a leading manufacturer in the nation, when unemployment was low, and when this was a prosperous state.
But his ideas of turning the economy around and his history are not political rhetoric. He has the experience, the mindset and the ability to give our economy a huge boost. The unemployment rate was significantly lower after Romney left office in Massachusetts and he added more than 60,000 jobs while governor.
Throughout his life, Romney has been a successful business owner. He started out as vice president at Bain & Company Inc., a leading management consulting firm. Following that, Romney founded Bain Capital, which has become one of the nation’s most successful venture capital and investment companies.
Bain Capital has helped guide hundreds of companies on a successful course to economic surplus. Some of these companies include Staples and Domino’s Pizza. Hey, doesn’t Romney’s business experience remind you of one of Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates in 2006? That experience probably would have been helpful right now.
On top of turning the economy around, the former governor has the knowledge and skills to fix a budget deficit, which is a major problem facing Michigan currently. As governor of Massachusetts, he balanced the budget every year in office. This includes closing the gap of a $3 billion deficit he inherited when he stepped into office. What is even more impressing is the fact that he balanced the budget without raising taxes.
Wow, that’s an idea: not raising taxes to fix a budget problem! Must have been nice for the residents to keep their hard earned money — I wish we could have been so lucky. While governor, Romney made it a law that all legal citizens in Massachusetts would be assured to receive health insurance, without a government takeover and without raising taxes. I like to stress that point again, that health insurance was available to all citizens without raising taxes.
Right now, Michigan more then ever needs help from the top — the very top. Right now we need leadership, experience and a capable leader to turn Michigan around. I’m sure the Democrats have plans and ideas of their own to turn Michigan around, but we will never know because they decided to turn their backs on us.
When Jan. 15, 2008 rolls around, be sure to remember that your primary vote will and should be cast for a leader who has experience and the passion to help turn Michigan around.
Romney is the candidate for Michigan and will be at the MSU College Republicans tailgate Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Listen to him yourself, and express your concerns. You know he will be there to listen to your problems and offer solutions, but where will the Democratic candidates be?
Leo Madarang is a State News columnist and vice chairman of the MSU College Republicans and a political theory senior. Reach him at madaran5@msu.edu.
Published on Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Lack of funds hampers Huckabee’s presidential bid
Arkansas governor runs a good campaign, but is he a serious threat to other GOP rivals?
Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau
Mike Huckabee has officially been anointed the “It Candidate” of the moment in the Republican presidential race, enjoying a flood of favorable media coverage and a string of good campaign news.
But can the man whose campaign was so cash-strapped that it couldn’t afford a trip to Mackinac Island be considered a serious threat in Michigan, or the rest of the country? more
Paula Barrett joins Dave Drwenckes slate
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Jim Talent and Saul Anuzis headline Livingston Lincoln Day Dinner
Jim Talent, a former Republican congressman from Missouri, will speak at the Livingston County Republican’s annual Reagan Day dinner in November.
State GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis also is scheduled to attend.
Tickets, at $50 each, can be purchased on the Republicans’ Web site at www.livingstonrepublicans.com, or by calling (810) 220-9339.
Talent served as a Representative and Senator from 1992 to 2007. He’s currently a fellow at the Heritage Foundation specializing in military readiness and welfare reform.
The event starts with cocktails at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at Crystal Gardens Conference Center, 5768 E. Grand River Ave., Genoa Township. Dinner starts at 7 p.m.
London Telegraph most influential liberals
86. DEBBIE DINGELL
Lobbyist
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As chief lobbyist for General Motors, a member of the Democratic National Committee and the wife of Representative John Dingell, the longest serving (since 1955) member of the House of Representatives, Debbie Dingell is one of the best connected women in politics.
A tireless advocate for women’s and children’s issues, she has also worked to foster ties between her home state of Michigan – which has a high Arab-American population – and the Middle East. One of the most proficient Democratic fundraisers and a major player in the charity world.
more
Gregg for Romney/ Zandstra for McCain
Romney scores big win with Gregg endorsement
By Klaus Marre and Sam Youngman
October 30, 2007
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) scored a major win Monday with the endorsement of Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.).
The backing of New Hampshire’s senior senator should provide a boost to Romney, who already leads in the key early-primary state.
“As we head into New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary, I am proud to have Judd Gregg and grassroots supporters from all across the state at my side,” Romney said.
Gregg, who served as chairman of the Budget Committee before Democrats won control of Congress last year, is widely regarded as one of the Senate’s most fiscally conservative members.
“I am proud to stand alongside Governor Romney as he campaigns to build a stronger America,” said Gregg, who campaigned with the former governor in New Hampshire on Monday. “For months, the people of New Hampshire have had the opportunity to meet Governor Romney all over the state and listen to his ideas for bringing change to Washington. Mitt Romney embodies New Hampshire’s values — values that stress government living within its means, lower taxes, a stronger military and stronger families.”
Romney touted Gregg’s conservative values and his service to the Granite State.
“As New Hampshire’s senior senator, he has always fought to do what is right for the people of his state, and he is one of the most respected fiscal watchdogs in Congress,” Romney said. “Judd Gregg’s leadership and support is a significant addition to our campaign to build a stronger America.”
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) also scored an early-state endorsement win Monday when his campaign announced the senator had won the backing of an anti-abortion rights leader who was supporting Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) until he dropped out of the race earlier this month.
Dr. Jerry Zandstra, president of the Pro-Life Federation of Michigan and former member of the Brownback for President National Steering Committee, is backing McCain in the key early-battleground state of Michigan, the campaign said.
A statement from Zandstra released by the McCain campaign said that he will work to move Brownback supporters to the Arizona senator’s side.
“I am sad to see Sam leave the race for president, but proud to announce my support for John McCain because he is the only pro-life candidate in the race with the ability to defeat Sen. Hillary Clinton,” Zandstra said in the release. “I will volunteer nearly full-time over the next several weeks to convince other pro-life leaders and Brownback supporters that John McCain is the best candidate for conservatives to support.”
No one cares what Morgan Wilkins thinks
Zatkoff is using the MFCR blog to shamelessly promote himself and spin wild theories.
On the blog he posts an endorsement from some former College Republican Chair from the south (Morgan Wilkins). Really now, is she going to sway anyones vote? And if she does, is it actually going to sway the vote to Zatkoff? I would wager probably not.
Earlier this year she offered her heavyweight endorsement to Chuck Yob… a lot of good that did him.
Morgan: No one here cares what you think.
UPDATE: Being a cracked out harlot and then not being a cracked out harlot does not make one a hero or a “wonderful person”.
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There is also another post on his blog in which he accuses people who support Dave of making a blog to attack themselves. I guess that’s what Zatkoff calls the “Straw man tactic”? It doesn’t make sense to me.
Not only did none of the members of Dave’s campaign see this blog referenced on Zatkoffs, when one does a google search a blank blog comes up.
I’m not sure if this was one of Zatkoffs half assed campaign tactics, but my opinion is that it fell flat.
Bishops iron out political policy
Catholic leaders will meet soon to discuss their proposals for election-year statement.
Peter Steinfels / New York Times
On the eve of every presidential election year since 1976, the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops have issued a set of reflections on Catholics’ political responsibilities.
The task has probably never been so challenging as it will be in two weeks, when approximately 300 bishops from around the country meet in Baltimore.
The reason dates from the 2004 election, when “Faithful Citizenship,” the bishops’ official booklet-length reflections, met competition from punchier conservative voter guides insisting that the church’s position on five “nonnegotiable” issues — abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning and same-sex marriage — should determine how Catholics vote. more
MCD Poll Results
The Michigan Conservative Dossier polls have closed, and below are the results. In case you are wondering, MCD is not immune to the Ron Paul peoples poll hijackings.
Who won the Orlando debate?
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Fred Thompson
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20 (16%)
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John McCain
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26 (20%)
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Mitt Romney
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18 (14%)
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Rudy Giuliani
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14 (11%)
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Mike Huckabee
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11 (8%)
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Ron Paul
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27 (21%)
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Tom Tancredo
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3 (2%)
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Duncan Hunter
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5 (4%)
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Votes so far: 124
Poll closed
Do you believe Ron Paul’s philosophy that if we leave people alone they will leave us alone?
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Yes
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39 (36%)
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No
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69 (63%)
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Votes so far: 108
Poll closed
Just looking at Rudy Giuliani’s views is he a Republican?
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Yes
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52 (48%)
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No
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55 (51%)
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Votes so far: 107
Poll closed
Dave Drwencke Announces Candidacy for MFCR Chair!
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McCain comeback still a gamble
by Jonathan Martin
Politico.com
MANCHESTER, N.H. — As John McCain gambles on a comeback, his presidential campaign is confronting a key question: Should the candidate place his last few chips on one square or two?
But agreement breaks down over Iowa. One side holds that the candidate should minimize his resources in the first caucus state, just as he did in 2000, and devote maximum effort to the Granite State, where he is running third in polls. The other believes there is no way McCain can win New Hampshire unless he performs at least credibly in Iowa, arguing that he should continue to spend significant time and resources there…
That he is even facing an Iowa-New Hampshire trade-off reflects the pallid state of McCain’s campaign. With more debt than he has cash on hand, the campaign is facing yet another stark choice: Take out a massive loan, or accept federal matching funds and the spending limitations that come with them. In both parties in the cash-flush 2008 cycle, the decision to accept federal funds is perceived as a de facto acknowledgment of second-tier status…
McCain, despite a mutually ambivalent relationship with President Bush, has backed him on the issue most unpopular with the general electorate — a continued intervention in Iraq — and the one most unpopular with many GOP conservatives — reform of immigration laws that would allow millions of illegal immigrants to achieve legal status…
On immigration, McCain acknowledged: “I got the message: We’ve got to secure our borders.”
"Mike Cox doesn’t understand politics very well" Chuck Yob
Chuck Yob’s interview begins half way through. Not only does he criticize Attorney General Mike Cox but he also says that he doesn’t support the recalls.
Bay County GOP Chair on Dillon
Thursday, October 25, 2007
House Speaker Andy Dillon Victim or Speaker
Webster’s Dictionary: Victim n. A person who is harmed or killed by another; a living creature which is slain and offered as sacrifice; one harmed by circumstance or condition. victimize v.
The Detroit Free Press is at it again. Running with the 40 year old Democratic playbook of “I’m a victim.” Poor Speaker Dillon (according to Mr. Chris Christoff of the Free Press Lansing Bureau) since the so-called State budget deal has lost 15 pounds, alot of sleep, and maybe a few friends. Mr. Dillon is living on protein drinks because the poor guy can’t eat due to stress. To add insult to injury, he is now the target of a recall campaign. To add to his suffering he has an Oct. 31 deadline to cut $435 million in wasteful spending. Sorry, I have to stop typing now. Too many tears in my eyes.
OK, I’m back. As I read this tale of woe, I learned Mr. Dillon was shocked to learn the public was mad as hell about $1.3 billion in tax increases. Mr. Christoff shared this concern, gently informing the reader Dillon’s “promising political career” has been derailed. Naturally in the face of public outcry, Speaker Dillon can’t think of one thing he would have done differently. Well, how about this. Don’t raise our taxes!
Why! Why! Has this happened to a guy described by Mr. Christoff as six-feet-four, Jimmy Stewart thin, cool, intelligent, bringing to Lansing a confounding mix of brains, good looks, and naivete. Is Mr. Christoff in love? (Thank God, there is no media bias) I’ll tell you why they want this guy to be a victim. You can’t find fault with a victim, you can’t debate with a victim, and don’t you dare suggest that a victim had anything to do with their own circumstances, which by the way for the Speaker adds up to $106,650 annually with benefits. It’s not Andy’s fault. It’s term limits and mean Republicans that have done Andy in.
So, remember when you get hit by the tax bite. No one will write about how much sleep you are losing, how much stress you are under paying the bills, or worry about how you are putting food on the table. You aren’t the victim of tax hikes, just the guys and gals that have to write the checks.
Cut Taxes! Not Freedom!
Matthew Lance
Chair
Bay County Republican Party
PS: If Andy can’t make it as Speaker maybe he could star in a remake of one of Jimmy Stewart’s Films. “Mr. Dillon goes to Washington and raises your taxes there too.”
Hall PAC to 527
Chuck Yob sent out this email to help Matt Hall raise money for his 527 group. This is not to be confused with the PAC that he formed months ago to get McCain supporters to Mackinac Island.
In the email below, Yob says that the PAC helped 200 youth attend the Mackinac Conference. $150 roughly was spent on each conference attendee. That puts the PAC at roughly $30,000 in expenditures.
The PAC is required to report any money over $1,000. He has not done so to date. In fact he sent a letter to the Secretary of State yesterday requesting that his PAC be granted a reporting waiver. He is essentially saying that they did not receive $1,000. I do not believe this to be true.
Matt Halls state PAC
Matt Halls federal 527 (Pdf file)
If you were sent the following email, and do not support John McCain for President you should wait until after McCain loses the primary to donate to this group.
From: yobchuck@aol.com [mailto:yobchuck@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 1:53 PM
To: Chuck Yob
Subject: GOP Youth Scholarship FundDear Friend,
I am writing you today to ask for your help with a very important project.
For many high school & college students today, the only information they hear about politics is from their radical liberal professors, left wing campus speakers, and from University funded trips to leftist conferences and rallies.
I don’t know about you, but I do not want Michael Moore & Al Gore to be the only ones shaping the views of our nation’s youth about politics.
That is why I have agreed to help raise money for the GOP Youth Scholarship Fund, a 527 organization founded by Matt Hall, the Michigan Republican Party Youth Chairman to get more young people involved in the political process, and expose them to conservative ideas.
We are raising money to provide scholarships for students to attend conservative events across the country.
Our first project was a huge success. This past September, we were able to assist nearly 200 young people in attending the Michigan Republican Party’s Mackinac Leadership Conference. For many of these students, this was the first major political event they had ever attended. Nearly all of these students were highly interested in joining a local Republican organization following the conference.
We hope to be able to duplicate this success in the future. Please send an email to Matt Hall at mc1hall@gmail.com if you know of young people who want to attend a particular conservative function but cannot afford it. If you would like to help me raise money for the fund please send an email to yobchuck@aol.com .
In these difficult times we need to focus on expanding our party by bringing new people into the political process rather than dividing those that already call themselves Republicans.
The GOP Youth Scholarship Program is exactly the type of refreshing program we can rally behind to return civility to our party, and I hope you will financially support it.
Thank you for all your past support.
Chuck Yob
P.S. For more information about the GOP Youth Scholarship Fund please visit their blog at http://youthscholarships.blogspot.com/
P.S.S Matt has big plans in the future to start a Michigan PAC to place young people to work on targeted state house and senate campaigns in the future and will begin raising money for that group sometime soon. Please contact Matt if you are interested in helping with that organization.
Shhh…don’t tell anyone…
Please review your state’s process and become a Republican delegate:
This email is circulating amongst Ron Paul supporters:
NumbersUSA thanks McCain for not showing up for the amnesty vote
As we posted on our Home page immediately after the vote, the Senate early this afternoon voted 52-44 in favor of “cloture” on the DREAM Act amnesty. That was 8 votes short of the 60 necessary to allow the bill to even be brought to the floor.
WHAT TODAY’S VICTORY MEANS FOR THE FUTURE
This really IS a giant victory.
The other side recognizes it. Yesterday, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) seemed to say that all the other amnesties and rewards for illegal aliens that Democratic leaders had lined up for the next several months were dependent upon passing this DREAM Act amnesty.
HELPED US BY NOT VOTING
On a cloture vote requiring 60 votes, not showing up to vote has the same effect as voting NO. So we appreciated the fact that the following did not vote today. All four voted FOR the June amnesty.
Boxer (D-CA)
Dodd (D-Conn.)
Kennedy (D-Mass.)
McCain (R-Ariz.)
LET’S TALK ABOUT ALL THAT ON ANOTHER DAY.
THIS EVENING, CELEBRATE! 
Roy Beck
NumbersUSA
This is funny…
The post on Redstate, “Attention, Ron Paul Supporters (Life is *REALLY* Not Fair),” begins, “Effective immediately, new users may *not* shill for Ron Paul in any way shape, form or fashion. Not in comments, not in diaries, nada. If your account is less than 6 months old, you can talk about something else, you can participate in the other threads and be your zany libertarian self all you want, but you cannot pimp Ron Paul. Those with accounts more than six months old may proceed as normal.”
Redstate founder Erick Erickson said he woke up this morning bombed with hundreds of e-mails, “the overwhelming majority very angry.” His own readers, though, loved the ban.
Hill News
Tancredo calls immigration police on participants of congressional staff meeting – By Klaus Marre
Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), who runs his long-shot presidential campaign on a platform of a tough immigration policy, alerted federal officials Tuesday to an event that he said would be attended by “several illegal aliens.”
Stark makes tearful apology, censure fails – By Jackie Kucinich
Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) apologized to the House Tuesday for controversial comments he made about the Iraq war, following an unsuccessful attempt by House Republican leaders to publicly censure the 18-term lawmaker.
The mother of all tax increases
Dear Supporter,
This email is to alert you of something breaking in Washington that the mainstream media is largely ignoring.
For months we have been demonstrating to you the costs of a Democrat Senate. Now we see the economic cost of a Democrat Majority in Congress: Democrats in the House and Senate are preparing a TRILLION DOLLAR Tax Increase!
Democrats are preparing to introduce a bill next week with more than one TRILLION dollars in what they call “tax offsets.”
The chairman of the House committee Democrat Charlie Rangel calls this bill “the mother of all tax reforms.” What he really means is this bill is the Mother of All Tax Increases…
- First, it was a vote for the largest tax increase in American history. Which Democrats passed.
- And now they announce their TRILLION dollar tax bill. What’s next?
Make no mistake. Democrats want to raise your taxes — in ways we haven’t seen before.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely yours,
John Ensign
NRSC Chairman
