Today we find out who is running

Candidate List - constantly updated
Campaign season has now started. Today is the filing deadline for all partisan elections. The rumors about who is running and who isn't are going to be over at 4PM. They'll be some last minute filings. I'll try and get the local list as well from the clerk's office later today.

So far in federal races:
Governor - DeVos and Granholm have filed.

AS OF 9:16AM this morning.

Senate - Butler and Bouchard have filed. Zandstra and Stabenow have not.
1st District - Rematch between Bart Stupak and Don Hooper
2nd District - Rematch between Pete Hoekstra and Kimon Kotos
3rd District - Vern Ehlers is challenged by James Rinck
4th District - Dave Camp is running against an unknown democrat. Mike Huckleberry is expected to file.
5th District - Dale Kildee is challenged by Eric Klammer
6th District - Fred Uptron is challenged by Kim Clark
7th District - Joe Schwarz faces Tim Walberg in a primary. Chuck Ream is running for the democrats. Others are expected to file.
8th District - Mike Rogers faces Patrick Flynn in a primary. Jim Marcinkowski is running for the dems.
9th District - Joe Knollenberg is challenged by John Ashcraft. Others are expected to file.
10th District Candace Miller is challenged by three dems. Anthony America, Rob Casey, and Robert Dennison all have a primary.
11th District - Thad McCotter is challenged by Tony Trupiano
12th District - Sandy Levin is facing an unknown Republican.
13th District - Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick is facing an unknown Republican
14th District - John Conyers is facing an unknown Republican. Chad Miles is expected to file.
15th District - John Dingell is facing an unknown Republican. Vincent Venucchio(sp) is expected to file.

Livingston County area races.
22nd Senate - Valde Garcia is challenged by Donna Anderson.
47th House - Joe Hune is challenged by Mary Andersson.
66th House - Chris Ward is challenged by Mike McGonegal.

While I have a lot of business to take care of here so I won't be able to be on a computer much in the next few days - after the deadline, I'll be addressing all of the state senate and state house races for profiles similar to the county profiles. The Livingston County races will also be featured, especially the judicial races which are expected to be the most competitive.

President Bush's borders plan - Unacceptable

President Bush unveiled his borders plan today in a speech. The Readers' Digest version is here. From the White House

1. The United States Must Secure Its Borders

Securing Our Borders Is The Basic Responsibility Of A Sovereign Nation And An Urgent Requirement Of Our National Security. President Bush's proposals to better secure our borders include increasing the number of Border Patrol agents, ending the practice of "catch and release" along the southern border, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to returning illegal immigrants to their home countries, and sending National Guard members to the border for temporary assignment to assist the Border Patrol during the transition as new Border Patrol agents are added and new technology comes online.

Since President Bush Took Office, We Have Increased Funding For Border Security By 66 Percent And Expanded The Border Patrol From About 9,000 To 12,000 Agents. Over the past five years, we have apprehended and sent home more than 6 million people entering America illegally.

By The End Of 2008, We Will Have Increased The Number Of Border Patrol Officers By An Additional 6,000. When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the size of the Border Patrol during the President's Administration.

We Launched The Secure Border Initiative, The Most Technologically Advanced Border Enforcement Initiative In American History. We will construct high-tech fences in urban corridors and build new patrol roads and barriers in rural areas. We will employ motion sensors, infrared cameras, and unmanned aerial vehicles to detect and respond to illegal crossings.

The President's Plan To Increase Border Security Will Take Time To Fully Implement, So The President Is Announcing Several Immediate Steps To Strengthen Border Enforcement During This Transition:

In Coordination With Governors, Up To 6,000 National Guard Members Will Be Sent To Our Southern Border. The Department of Homeland Security, and specifically the Border Patrol, will remain in the lead. The Guard, which will be deployed in shifts, will assist the Border Patrol by operating surveillance systems, analyzing intelligence, installing fences and vehicle barriers, building patrol roads, and providing training. Guard units will not be involved in direct law enforcement activities -- that duty will be done by the Border Patrol.

This Initial Commitment Of Guard Members Would Last For One Year. After that, the number of Guard forces will be reduced as new Border Patrol agents are added and new technologies come online. These 6,000 troops account for less than 2 percent of the total National Guard force of more than 440,000. We have enough National Guard members to secure our border while continuing to respond to natural disasters and to win the War on Terror.

The United States Is Not Going To Militarize The Southern Border. Mexico is our neighbor and friend. We will continue to work cooperatively to improve security on both sides of the border, confront common problems like drug trafficking and crime, and reduce illegal immigration.

We Will Increase Federal Funding For State And Local Authorities Assisting The Border Patrol On Targeted Enforcement Missions, And We Will Give Them The Specialized Training They Need To Help The Border Patrol And Other Federal Officers Apprehend And Detain Illegal Immigrants.
We Will Work To Ensure That Every Illegal Immigrant We Catch Crossing Our Southern Border Is Returned Home By Ending The Practice Of "Catch And Release." For many years, the government did not have enough space in our detention facilities to hold illegal immigrants while the legal process unfolded. Most were released back into society and asked to return for a court date, but did not show up when the date arrived.

To End "Catch And Release," We Will Continue Expanding The Number Of Beds In Our Detention Facilities And Continue Expediting The Removal Process To Cut The Average Deportation Time. We are making it clear to foreign governments that they must accept back their citizens who violate our immigration laws. As a result of these actions, we have ended catch and release for illegal immigrants from some countries. The President will ask Congress for additional funding and legal authority to permanently end catch and release at the southern border once and for all.

That's not good enough. What are the National Guard troops going to do? Change the oil of the border patrol as Arizona's governor did? Do they have arrest powers? We need two things. We need a wall on our border. We also need to go after the businesses who hire illegals. Let's stop undercutting the min wage and let's stop the tax evasion. There's one other problem that doesn't get mentioned. A terrorist from Hezbollah came here illegally. He was caught in Dearborn and came here from Nogales, Arizona on the Southern Border. That needs to stop ASAP.

2. To Secure Our Border, We Must Create A Temporary Worker Program

President Bush Supports A Temporary Worker Program That Would Create A Legal Path For Foreign Workers To Enter Our Country In An Orderly Way, For A Limited Period Of Time. This program would match willing foreign workers with willing American employers for jobs Americans are not doing. Every worker who applies for the program would be required to pass criminal background checks, and temporary workers must return to their home country at the conclusion of their stay.

A Temporary Worker Program Would Meet The Needs Of Our Economy, Ease The Financial Burden On State And Local Governments, And Add To Our Security. A temporary worker program would give honest immigrants a way to provide for their families while respecting the law, would replace illegal workers with lawful taxpayers, and would enable us to make certain we know who is in our country and why they are here.

This "jobs Americans won't do" is a crock of BS. While I have no problem with LEGAL immigration, Americans will do the jobs. They've done so for years.

3. We Need To Hold Employers To Account For The Workers They Hire

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Must Include A Tamper-Resistant Identification Card For Every Legal Foreign Worker So Businesses Can Verify The Legal Status Of Their Employees. This card should use biometric technology, such as digital fingerprints, to make it tamper-proof. This would leave employers with no excuse for violating the law, and it would help us enforce the law.

All talk and no action. Where has the crackdown been the last eight years?

4. We Must Deal With The Millions Of Illegal Immigrants Already Here

The President Opposes Amnesty. President Bush opposes giving illegal immigrants an automatic path to citizenship because it would be unfair to those who are here lawfully, would compromise the rule of law, and would invite further waves of illegal immigration. The President supports increasing the annual number of green cards that can lead to citizenship, but for the sake of justice and security, the President is firmly opposed to amnesty.

President Bush Believes That Deporting Every Illegal Immigrant Is Neither Wise Nor Realistic. There is a rational middle ground between granting an automatic path to citizenship for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation.

President Bush Believes Illegal Immigrants Who Want To Stay Should Have To Pay A Meaningful Penalty For Breaking The Law, Pay Their Taxes, Learn English, And Work In A Job For A Number Of Years. The President also believes that there are differences between an illegal immigrant who crossed the border recently and someone who has worked here for many years, and has a home, a family, and an otherwise clean record. Those who meet our conditions should be able to apply for citizenship but approval will not be automatic, and they will have to wait in line behind those who played by the rules and followed the law.

This IS amnesty. As Mr Clinton says - "It depends on the definition of IS". None illegal here should be allowed to become citizens unless they return to their home country and apply from there. This is a slap in the face to all of those who came here legally.

5. We Must Honor The Great American Tradition Of The Melting Pot

The Success Of Our Country Depends Upon Helping Newcomers Assimilate Into Our Society And Embrace Our Common Identity As Americans. Americans are bound together by our shared ideals, an appreciation of our history, respect for the flag we fly, and an ability to speak and write the English language.

This is about the only thing I agree with.

The House And Senate Must Pass A Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

All Elements Of This Problem Must Be Addressed Together. The House has passed an immigration bill. The Senate should act by the end of this month so that the House and Senate can work out their differences and send the President a comprehensive bill to sign.

America Needs To Conduct This Debate In A Reasoned And Respectful Tone. Feelings run deep on this issue and as we work it out, all of us need to keep some things in mind. We cannot build a unified country by inciting people to anger, or playing on anyone's fears, or exploiting the issue of immigration for political gain. We must always remember that real lives will be affected by our debates and decisions, and that every human being has dignity and value no matter what their citizenship papers say.

What needs to be done is for the house and senate and president to stop worrying about political correctness, stop worrying about being called racists, and to do the RIGHT thing. We tried amnesty before. It failed then, and this "amnesty lite" with a slap on the wrist will fail again and reward illegals for coming here.

Lastly, kudo's to Mike Rogers for doing the right thing on this issue.

Tancredo: "Come home Mr. President"

Rep Tom Tancredo, possible 08 presidential candidate writes in Human Events.

Come Home, Mr. President
by Rep. Tom Tancredo
Posted May 15, 2006

President Bush will deliver a televised address to the nation tonight on immigration policy. It is his first address from the Oval Office on immigration, and if it not successful, it may be his last.

In this speech, the President needs to do three things to accomplish his goals. There is a road to consensus and success if the President will take it. It is not only a path to consensus -- it is a path to success for the Republican Party in November

(snip)

NO CAMERAS!!!

Big Brother makes the Detroit News.

Bill would OK cameras at 10 red lights

Legislators consider using the technology to improve safety at intersections, schools and construction zones.


A law now under consideration by state legislators would OK the installation of cameras at 10 locations throughout Michigan to see if they could help keep drivers from running red lights and from speeding through school and construction zones. What do you think of the idea?

Would everyone who knows about Senate Bill 1098 please raise their hand?

Almost nobody, just as I thought.

The proposed law would OK the installation of cameras at 10 locations throughout Michigan to see whether they could help keep drivers from running red lights and from speeding through school and construction zones.

The bill, which was introduced in February by state Sen. Beverly Hammerstrom, R-Temperance, is cooling its heels in the Senate Transportation Committee. Red-light cameras are automated devices installed near traffic signals to take photographs of vehicles that run red lights. The cameras can capture the image of your car and license plate as you fly through the intersection. Using the plate numbers to look up home addresses, officials then mail citations to the drivers who are expected to pay fines or face prosecution.

This is well on the way on the slippery slope to England where speed cameras are on the way. This isn't about traffic safety. This is about city/county coffers making a killing on traffic tickets. Revenue enhancement.

I encourage our state senators to vote NO on 1098.

Great. Just what we need. Another Levin.

From the Detroit News.

LANSING, Mich. -- The son of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sander Levin is running for the Michigan Senate.

Andy Levin, whose uncle is Democratic U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, plans to announce his candidacy Monday at a restaurant in Oakland County. The 13th Senate District in that county will be an open seat because Republican Sen. Shirley Johnson of Troy is term-limited.

Will his last name be enough or is he too leftist for the district? It's a 51% GOP area.

Dems think they'll take 3 congressional seats here - ain't gonna happen.

Pravda aka the Free Press, wrote a cheerleading piece for the dems. They think they'll win three congressional seats in Michigan - the 8th, 9th, and 11th. I got news for them. It's not gonna happen.

The 9th - Four democrats want a shot at Joe Knollenberg. This will be a very competitive district when it is open, but Knollenberg never has a problem here. He always wins with 58% and polls well in democrat leaning areas like Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield. Pontiac is a problem, but most of the district isn't there. The dems frontrunner is Air America leftist talk show host Nancy Skinner, who finished LAST or near last in the 04 primary as a US Senate candidate - in Illinois. All Joe needs to do is go back in the archives of her show and find her greatest hits.

The 11th - Another leftist talk show is running, this time Tony Trupiano. He's taking on Thad McCotter. McCotter is a plain spoken, but very intelligent congressman who fits the district well. He runs well in Livonia and in the Wayne County portion which leans democrat. Unless Trupiano gets super big margins as in near 70% in Westland, Wayne, and Redford, no chance. All McCotter needs to do is find Tony's greatest hits in his show archives as well.

As for the 8th - 61-39 Mike Rogers wins. You can quote me on that. I'll post my reasonings closer to the election.

GOP's numbers down due to conservative discontent

Kevins here always rips this blog for not reporting bad news very often. This site is like the NY Times. Very biased to one side. Unlike the Times, this blog doesn't claim to be unbiased.

Well, here is some bad news from John Fund of the Wall Street Journal titled "Democrats may not be able to win the House, but Republicans could lose it." I agree with it 100%. The problem is NOT that Republicans are too right wing. In fact, the problem is their move to the left. Republicans haven't been truly right-wing since 1994. That's why I refer to myself as a 1994 Republican as opposed to the "big government conservatism" to today.

Some polls show public disapproval of the GOP among conservatives reaching dangerously high levels. A new Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll found that only 66% of Republicans now approve of President Bush's performance. A new Associated Press/Public Affairs poll found 45% of self-identified conservatives disapprove of Mr. Bush's job as president, and 65% disapprove of the GOP Congress. The disapproval numbers are probably exaggerated because of an oversampling of Democrats, but even if somewhat lower, the numbers are still toxic.

"[What's] happening is a breakdown of the coalition that elected and re-elected the president," says pollster John Zogby. He told the Washington Times that in his surveys he found Mr. Bush pulling in less than 45% support among people invested in the stock market, Nascar fans and gun owners. His standing among born-again Christians was just over 50%.

Today, I give President Bush a weak grade. The reasons are due to spending and the amnesty he supports on immigration. Again, the poll numbers drop when he moves left-wing. I was never very enthusiastic about supporting him, but when the other choices are Al Gore and his hostility to the auto industry and Hanoi John Kerry, then there is no choice. At least Bush appoints good judges for the most part.

The one saving grace for the GOP right now is that as they move left, the competition from the democrats is from those even further left of the George Soros variety, not moderate conservative populists. I don't see Jim Barcia leading the democrats, I see San Francisco's Nancy Pelosi. Harry Reid caved and moved left at leadership's demands committing the same mistake in Libertarian leaning Nevada that Tom Daschle did in South Dakota. The right flank is the major problem for the GOP, and the democrats frankly have no credibility at exploiting it. They only win today if conservatives stay home, which many did in 1996 after the NRA refused to endorse Bob Dole. (Although Dole couldn't have won nationwide anyway, he could have made it closer)

So if I was Dennis Hastert and Bill Frist, this is what I'd push.

1. No amnesty immigration. Heavy fines and jail terms for businesses who break the law and hire illegals. Enforce current laws, particulary tax evasion against them as well. I don't care where the ILLEGAL immigrant is from, whether it be Mexico, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, China, or Canada. Illegal is illegal. Let's quit being afraid of the race baiting charges and do what's right.

2. Secure our borders. Two years ago, a terrorist was busted in Dearborn raising money for Hezbollah. He came here illegally through the Southern Border. Government is telling me to give up my rights in the Patriot Act (which I opposed from the start)while failing to secure the borders.

3. Balance the Budget. Grow a pair and pass Mike Pence's budget.

4. Confirm President Bush's judges.

As Dick Armey said - "When we act like us, we win. When we act like them, we lose." It's time for us to stop pandering to democrats and remember where we came from and what we got elected on, instead.

Else conservatives will stay home, and that will be some bad news in November.

Dick DeVos endorsed by Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce endorses Republican DeVos

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos on Monday picked up the endorsement of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce

No surprise here. Granholm's push for tax and fee increases over the last four years is unacceptable to businesses and working families alike.

It's time for the SBT to go, and not with some BS "revenue neutral" rhetoric pushing for a new tax. DeVos will do that. Granholm will give us the same old song and dance we've been having for the last four years. "Cool Cities" and "Engler's fault" is not getting the job done.

DeVos in 06.

Jay Drick for District Judge

It's time to Pick Jay Drick for District Judge.

Jay's website is up, and I encourage everyone to take a look at it.

Jay's a strict constitutionalist, and that is my number one reason for supporting him. The other major reasons are experience and judicial temperment. In the case of judicial temperment, I've never seen Jay lose his cool in any situation. He's always stayed calm, and that is needed in a judge.

Coming soon - more district profiles

With the May 2nd election behind us, and the filing deadline approaching on May 16, more district profiles are on the way, as well as updates for the current ones. These will start sometime around May 17.

NEW BRADY CENTER PRESIDENT TO TAKE THE HELM-KE

From an NRA email. As far as I'm concerned, gun grabbers are gun grabbers. Helmke, a RINO, was rated worse than even anti-2nd amendment Democrat Senator Evan Bayh. That's bad.

NEW BRADY CENTER PRESIDENT TO TAKE THE HELM-KE

"Transition" seems like a good word to describe the Brady Bunch's trials and tribulations over the past few years. First, based upon focus group polls, the group changed its moniker from Handgun Control, Inc., to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. That change in semantics didn't achieve the desired results. Then, it was hiring former Maryland Democratic U.S. Representative Mike Barnes as its President. Again, a big flop, as since the Barnes's tenure began in 2000, the group suffered a series of legislative and political losses. Perhaps, the third time's a charm for the group that is still struggling to maintain some semblance of relevance.

This week, it was announced that, effective July 1, former Ft. Wayne, Ind. Mayor, Republican Paul Helmke, would replace Barnes as the group's president. This is a rather transparent attempt to appear "mainstream," as the Brady press releases played up Helmke's Republican affiliation. With more than 90 percent of the Brady Center's campaign contributions going to Democrats, you might wonder at the apparent shift, but all that's really relevant for gun owners is that as a political candidate Helmke received "F"-grades from the NRA-PVF. If you wonder why Helmke would leave Indiana for the mean streets of "gun free" Washington, D.C., just consider Helmke's 2002 Republican primary challenge to Representative Mark Souder (himself a champion of gun rights and a sponsor of H.R. 1288--legislation to repeal the D.C. gun ban). Souder won in a landslide, proving that Helmke's anti-gun views weren't nearly "mainstream" enough for the folks back at home.

An anti-gunner by any other party affiliation is still an anti-gunner. With the hiring of an anti-gun Republican to steer its ship, the Brady Bunch has made clear that the only litmus test one must pass to be a member of the team is unfailing support for more gun control. And on this front Helmke passes with flying colors.

Chris Ward pushes free ID for poor (to defeat poll tax arguement from vote fraud pushers)

Right now, SCOTUS is revisiting Frank Kelley's (most overrated AG in history) AG opinion blocking requiring a photo ID to vote. Chris Ward's bill would stop any poll tax arguement.

Free IDs For Indigents Bill Moves
The House passed 63-43 today a bill allowing the Secretary of State to give free photo identification cards to the poor, apparently as part of a Republican push to bolster the constitutionality of a law that requires voters to show photo ID at the polls.

Democrats opposed the legislation on what appeared to be a variety of grounds. They said they didn't know how the state would pay for. They said there are no rules on who would qualify for the ID. They said those who do qualify for the free ID would still need to come up with identification such as birth certificates in order to prove their identities, which could be problematic for some.

At one point this afternoon on the House floor, House Majority Floor Leader Chris WARD (R-Brighton), the bill's sponsor, gave a pointed reaction to a speech made against the bill by Rep. George CUSHINGBERRY (D-Detroit). Cushingberry claimed the legislation would disenfranchise 350,000 Michigan voters and then he made some reference to the Confederacy.

"The issue of requiring voter IDs is in the court," Ward responded. "If you're worried about disenfranchising people, you should vote for this bill."

Rep. Andrew MEISNER (D-Ferndale) said he was opposing the bill because of the funding issue.

"I have grave concerns about where the funding would come from to carry out this project," Meisner said.

Meisner offered a floor amendment to the bill that would have tie-barred it to several Democratic-sponsored bills. The amendment failed. Ward offered an amendment that said the Secretary of State would be required to do everything within reason to inform the public about the program and its requirements. This amendment passed.

This morning, the House Oversight, Elections and Ethics Committee, chaired by Ward reported out the legislation along with other election reform measures. Republican members voted for the legislation while Meisner and Rep. Matt GILLARD (D-Alpena), the only Democrats on the committee, voted against it.

"Since we can apparently know how many there are, would this include an outreach effort to seek these people out?" Gillard asked in committee after Ward stated that it's estimated that there are more than 350,000 Michigan citizens to whom the legislation would apply.

"If you have any ideas along those lines I'd be happy to entertain a friendly amendment," Ward responded.

Later in the discussion Ward suggested that Michigan should take a look at what Indiana has done in regard to outreach.

"I think it would be good to look at the state of Indiana on that since the same federal court Michigan's law would ultimately have to go before has already ruled that Indiana's law is constitutional."

Meisner then pointed out that Georgia has passed legislation requiring voters to show photo IDs and also included a provision that the state would provide the IDs for those who couldn't afford them, yet the federal courts had struck down the Georgia law.

Ward responded that today's issue wasn't the photo ID requirement.

"The photo ID issue is now in the hands of the State Supreme Court," Ward said. "This is about providing IDs to those who otherwise couldn't get them."

Both Gillard and Meisner then asked how the free ID program would be funded.

"Have you identified a funding source for this?" Gillard asked.

"I believe a placeholder has been put into a supplementary budget," Ward responded.

Then Gillard asked what a person would need to do to get such an ID.

The Secretary of State representatives said they'd have to meet the same standards as everyone else by providing proof that they are who they say they are.

"I certainly wouldn't want to be supporting counterfeit IDs," Ward quipped in support of the standards.

Bureau of Elections Director Chris THOMAS quoted former U.N. Ambassador and civil rights advocate Andrew YOUNG, saying that anything that can be done to help provide IDs for people should be done.

Currently an applicant for a state identification card pays $10 to the Secretary of State for each original and renewal ID card issued. The card expires on that person's birthday four years after it's issued. The Secretary of State is required to waive the fee if the applicant is 65 years, had their driver license pulled because of a mental or physical disability, is blind or presents other good cause to not be charged.

HB 6007 would retain all of these provisions and add a person who presents evidence that he or she is unable to pay the fee required, to the list of reasons for fee waivers.

Two other bills (HB 6022 and HB 6026) that are part of Ward's overall election reform package were also reported out today. HB 6022 would allow election officials to create an inactive voter file. If a voter whose name was in the inactive file remained completely inactive for two presidential election cycles the name would be removed from the system.

Gillard asked Thomas (who supports the bill) if other states had instituted longer periods.

"No," Thomas responded. "In fact some have put in shorter periods and been more aggressive about having inactive names removed."

Gillard and Meisner voted against reporting the bill out.

HB 6026 consists of technical amendments to the revised school code concerning school elections.

Lastly, if I need an ID to buy a firearm, then there's no reason we shouldn't require ID's for voters to maintain election integrity. The only reason the democrats really oppose this is because they support voter fraud as it benefits them. We don't need illegal aliens voting. We don't need people voting twice.

JUDICIAL RACES

While the big news May 2 was the school board elections across the county, there was also another major political development. The filing deadline for judicial candidates was also May 2.

This August and November should be very interesting here in Livingston County. Every judicial seat based in Livingston County is contested. The candidates are as follows according to the Secretary of State site. Online polls will be up shortly.

Circuit Court (44th District)
Stan Latrielle - incumbent
William T Russell - challenger

District Court (53rd District)
Open Seat - all challengers
Bill McCririe
Carol Sue Reader
Linda Walker

District Court (53rd District)
Theresa Brennan - appointed incumbent
Jay Drick - Challenger
Christina Heikkinen - Challenger

Probate Court
Open Seat - All Challengers
Roberta Balon-Vaughn
Lyle Dickson
Suzanne Dugas
Carol Hackett Gargiola
Anthony Kandt
Kathleen Oemke
Bob Parker

The top two in the primary will have a runoff in November.

May 2 Election Results Updated

There has been a change in results. Over in Hartland, Nora Kessel took 2nd at the last minute with the few precincts remaining. The results there are as follows.

1032 - Cynthia Sinelli
669 - Nora Kessel
620 - Dennis Tierney
545 - Write ins (Lynn Burill)
197 - Cari Sinke

The main issue here was privatization of the janitors and health care costs. We got one of the two here as we (Taxpayers Group) supported Kessel and Tierney.

Pinckney Schools
Laura Burwell - 1148
Marcia Jablonski - 948
Richard Gass - 380
Write-in - 11

Little surprise. Burwell had the MEA's support and at the Taxpayers Group did not get involved in this race. Jablonski wasn't supported by either the MEA or the taxpayers' group. Trying to have things both ways tends to lead to defeat.

Howell's results are the same.

Wendy Day - 2506
Phillip Westmoreland - 2147
Valerie Webster - 2058
John Arthur - 1768
Jim Pratt - 1658
Write In (Dennis McGuire mostly) - 103

The numbers were fairly close between 2nd and 5th. Wendy had almost as much of a lead over Westmoreland, and Westmoreland had over John Arthur.

I think the conservatives split the vote here among Wendy Day, John Arthur, and Jim Pratt. McGuire as a write in didn't get much support, so there wasn't a three-way split among the others. Most Westmoreland votes voted for Webster as well, with Wendy's voters splitting between Pratt and Arthur. If John or Jim took 500 votes from the other, we would have finished 1-2. However, it didn't happen.

I was glad to see Wendy win. She'll be a voice of fiscal responsibility there. The LOVE Group will have a voice on the board as well. Maybe the flap over the gay pride flag and Christian flag (I'm calling them exactly what they are, not the PC terms) there will start to die down. As far as I'm concerned, all flags need to be allowed, or none outside of the US flag should be allowed. No picking and choosing. The biggest issue facing Howell however is the fiscal issues and current spending problems that left the school with little operating money to open Parker High School. She'll do more than just pass the buck, whine, and blame the state like the outgoing treasurer did. Our schools sign the contracts.

As for Westmoreland, I was surprised that he beat Webster. I did not see any signs from him unlike Webster. That leads me to believe that he won mostly based on his contacts with football programs in a "vote for coach" campaign. Youth football is huge in this county, and gives Westmoreland a strong base to start with outside of the MEA endorsement which Webster also received. I thought Westmoreland would finish 4th, behind Webster. I was dead wrong in that prediction.

Webster did not surprise me and finished third. I expected her to finish 2nd or third. I just didn't expect her to finish behind Westmoreland.

John Arthur and Jim Pratt were 4th and 5th. I figured one of these two would catch on and finish 2nd or 3rd, with the other finished 5th, but with 900-1000 votes out of 2nd place, not 500 votes for each of them. Comparing Wendy's totals to John and Jim's, it suggests to me says that conservatives split their votes between these two individuals. If this was two on two instead of three on two, we would have won. However, we only had a partial win. That happens. That's politics.

McGuire finished last which was expected as he's a write-in candidate with little name recognition.

Overall, we didn't do bad, but could have done better. I think endorsements do matter, but the most important thing is how candidates run their own campaign. Wendy ran one of the best campaigns I've seen in a long time, and her win was no surprise. I saw many people from the LOVE PAC and Taxpayers' Group both working the polls all day.

Good luck to both Wendy Day and Phil Westmoreland on their tenure on the board. I hope they do a good job there running the education of our kids and spending our money wisely.

May 2 Election results

I'll post an analysis tomorrow. We (Concerned Taxpayers) went two for four. The LOVE PAC and GOP went one for two. Congratulations to Wendy Day. She ran about as good of campaign as one could run. The biggest surprise to be was Westmoreland winning (2nd) since he had no signs. It shows how popular football coaches are in this county. As a former coach myself, hats off to him. I think he'll be an improvement over the current two who are stepping down.

Good luck to Wendy Day and Phil Westmoreland in their terms.

I think Pratt and Arthur split the conservative vote which hurt both of them.

Brighton and Fowlerville - Joyce Powers and Charles Docusen are unopposed.

Hartland Schools (Two precincts still need to be counted)

Cynthia Sinelli - 670
Dennis Tierney - 448
Nora Kessel - 431
Cari Sinke - 138
Write In (Lynn Burill mostly) - 320

Howell Schools

Wendy Day - 2506
Phillip Westmoreland - 2147
Valerie Webster - 2058
John Arthur - 1768
Jim Pratt - 1658
Write In (Dennis McGuire mostly) - 103

Pinckney Schools (two precincts remaining)
Laura Burwell - 1129
Marcia Jablonski - 938
Richard Gass - 372
Write-in - 11

Howell Library Millage
NO - 3394
YES - 2247

Howell Library Bond
NO - 3438
YES - 2123

Pinckney's non-homested proposal
Yes - 1931
No - 630

May 2 Tomorrow - Time to Vote

Tomorrow is election day. On the ballot tomorrow are contested school board races in Howell, Pinckney and Hartland. Brighton and Fowlerville have uncontested elections.

In Hartland Schools, Cromaine Library trustee candidates are up for election.

In the Howell School district, on the ballot is a millage and bond proposal (TWO seperate votes) for the Howell District Library.

In the Pinckney Schools, on the ballot is the a renewal of a millage.

The Concerned Taxpayers' Group PAC endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day in the Howell district. They have my vote. While any of the candidates there will be an improvement over at least one of those stepping down, John and Wendy will send a message to the establishment and work to change the "old boys club" that goes on there. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC also endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools.

Election Districts are found here
Polling Locations are here

Endorsements:
John Arthur:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)

Wendy Day:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Right to Life of Michigan
Michigan Campaign for Families

Dennis McGuire:
No endorsements

Jim Pratt:
Right to Life
Daily Press and Argus

Valerie Webster:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)

Phil Westmoreland:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)
Daily Press and Argus

Also - in Hartland the MEA's Hartland affiliate endorsed Cindy Sinelli and Lynn Burrill. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. In Pinckney the MEA's affiliate endorsed Laura Burwell. The Concerned Taxpayers Group did not endorse anybody for Pinckney Schools.

Tancredo wins 2008 Presidential Tourney

The results are in:

63% - Tancredo
29% - Bayh
8% - 3rd parties

Tom Tancredo wins the tournament. What will be most interesting is if any of the dark horse outsider candidates catch on in the next two years. If too many Washington Republicans (McCain...) push "big government conservatism" on the base, it could backfire in a big way. The spending needs to cut down as well. Both Tancredo and Mike Pence are members of the Republican Study Committee. Both of them have been good on these spending issues that are plaguing the top leadership.

I'm looking to support a fiscally conservative pro-2nd amendment and pro-life candidate. If SC Governor Mark Sanford changes his mind, he's my first choice. If Pence runs, he's my 2nd pick. I'm also considering Tancredo and George Allen.

State Supremes to determing requiring ID to vote

From the AP/Lansing State Journal

The state Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to decide whether Michigan can require voters to show photo ID, entering a decade-long political fray over issues such as election fraud and voter intimidation.

The court voted 5-2 to issue an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of a 1997 state law requiring voters to show photo identification to get a ballot. A court spokeswoman said the ruling will be binding, though it could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Former Attorney General Frank Kelley, a Democrat, ruled nine years ago that the law violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees U.S. citizens the right to vote.

There is no reason why ID to vote should not be required. If someone can't afford an id, comp the individual. This can reduce fraud.

Castle Doctrine Passed! (UPDATED)

UPDATE - No votes were as follows. All Democrats.
Cheeks
Hood
Lemmons, Jr.
Murphy
Clack
Hunter
Lipsey (Running for Attorney General)
Smith, Alma
Condino
Kolb
McConico
Tobocman
Cushingberry
Leland
Meisner

Mary Waters voted yes on 5142, no on the rest.

From the Lansing State Journal.

The state House passed bills Tuesday that supporters said would strengthen and clarify self-defense rights in Michigan.

A key provision in the legislation is a presumption that someone who forcibly enters a home or a vehicle intends to harm the occupant. The legislation also would eliminate a requirement that people being attacked must retreat before responding with deadly force.

The bills would allow people who feel threatened, in their homes or in a public area under certain circumstances, to defend themselves and use deadly force without facing criminal or civil liability. The law would cover only people who are not committing crimes and are in a place in which they legally have a right to be.

And from SAFR's email.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2006

Jones seeks to assure victims' rights to self-defense during attack

Law-abiding Michigan residents who actually and reasonably believe
they are facing imminent death, great bodily harm or rape at the
hands of a violent criminal are justified in using force to defend
themselves and their families. They are no longer required to retreat
from a violent attacker in their own home under a package of bills
sponsored and spearheaded by state Rep. Rick Jones. The measures were
approved today by the Michigan House of Representatives.

One of Michigan's most basic values is that a person's home is their
castle,. said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. .This legislation makes it clear
that not only do you have the right to stand your ground and defend
yourself, but you will not be prosecuted or sued for defending
yourself or your family in your own home..

The 'castle doctrine' is enshrined as a sacred right in English
common law. It holds if you're wrongfully threatened or attacked in
your home, you may meet force with force.

One inspiration for this law is the historical account of Dr. Ossian
Sweet's 1925 trial for defending his home against the Ku Klux Klan in
Michigan,. Jones said. His attorney, Clarence Darrow, successfully
used the castle doctrine to defend Dr. Sweet from prosecution for
murder.

House Bills 5142-43 eliminates the duty of law-abiding citizens to
retreat in a home or occupied vehicle and establishes a presumption
that a criminal who forcibly enters intends to cause death, great
bodily harm, or rape. House Bill 5548 would amend current law to make
anyone who lawfully defends themselves immune from civil liability.
House Bill 5153 creates immunity from criminal prosecution.

This will prevent criminals or their families from suing victims for
injury or death, Jones said. It's common sense and good law.

Jones says this law is necessary to protect the law-abiding.

As a former sheriff, I can tell you there are times when action needs
to be taken before it is physically possible for law enforcement to
get there, Jones said. This will give the average resident in
Michigan the confidence to know that they can act to defend their
life and their family without threat of a lawsuit or criminal
prosecution..

The provisions of the legislation do not cover persons engaging in
criminal acts.

The vote for most of them was 91-15. The YEAS and NAYS will be posted here once HJ38 from MichiganLegislature.org is published.

Campaign Finance Proposal by Terri Lynn Land

Secretary of State Terri Land has a comprehensive campaign finance reform plan.

Land’s proposals include:

Requiring real-time online reporting of all contributions, receipts, expenditures and disbursements by every committee filing with the state.

Prohibiting committees from spending contributed funds until the information is posted on the Department of State Web site. As Land says, "Don’t spend a dime until it’s posted online!" The department’s Web site will be redesigned so that citizens can immediately view each committee’s recent transactions and current cash balance, similar to an electronic checkbook register.

I have no problem with that, but unless local races are now covered at the state level by MERTS, this will be a major pain in the arse. I really do not want to have to go to the Clerk's office every time I have a transaction. That's my only objection. That said, I certainly support this in principle. Currently, we only see part of the transactions, and only three to five times a year. January, Pre-primary, post primary, pre-general, and post general election statements. That's not good enough. I need to know what the opponents are doing.

Requiring committees to provide their unique identification number with each contribution made to a candidate committee or another committee. That helps regulators and the public better track contributions.

I'm not sure what this changes offhand. Mertz requires this now.

Requiring that the sponsors and financing sources of "issue" ads be reported.

I have no problem there as long as ads themselves are not restricted 30/60 days before like Mr McCain insists on.

Eliminating confusion by having all Political Action Committees (PACs) file with the Department of State. Some PACs currently register with county clerks.

This affects me, but I have no problem with that. All it changes is who sees them.

Keeping campaign finance laws current by requiring all new political communication mediums – such as the Internet and robotic phone calls – to carry a disclaimer that identifies who is paying for the message.

I hate those robocalls. As for internet, I need to see the specifics first, but I don't think it should be touched.

Closing a special allowance in current law that permits candidates to transfer money raised for their current office to a new committee created for seeking a higher office. Land wants to prohibit those transfers, usually made by incumbents, and require candidates to deposit money raised for their next campaign into a committee formed solely for that purpose.

I support this 100%, but good luck getting this passed.

Providing the Department of State with audit authority and subpoena powers so that it can ensure proper reporting and bring necessary data to compliance hearings. An effective compliance process needs the basic tools to do the job.

I have no problem with that.

The details are here.

I need to see everything in final form, but currently support this as long as the proposals are the same in their final form as they are here. I do get my guard up at anything internet related in regulation. That's my only concern.

Kessel, Tierney have experience, right priorities

This time the Argus backs the same candidates as the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC

The Hartland Consolidated Schools district faces difficult times because of ever-tightening budgets. The challenge is to maintain high-quality education despite those financial hurdles.
So as voters go to the polls May 2 to fill two seats on Hartland's Board of Education, they should select board members with an acumen for finances and the budgetary experience needed to do the job.
Hartland voters are fortunate to have five solid candidates running for the board. Yet two candidates stand out.

Updates in Hartland and Pinckney School races

With all the hype in Howell, we can not forget that two other Livingston County communities have contested elections as well. Hartland and Pinckney.

Hartland Article in the Argus.

The issue most on the minds of residents of the Hartland area will likely be settled by the time the winners of the May 2 election for the Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education begin their four-year terms in June.
The privatization of the district's custodial services has been the most hotly debated topic in the district in recent months. The school board will likely decide on whether to take the privatization route just days after the election.

The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney. Cindy Sinelli and Lynn Burril showed their "support" for taxpayers by snubbing the Taxpayers Group.

Article from Pinckney.

The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC did not issue any endorsements for Pinckney. Richard Gass and Marcia Jablonski snubbed the Taxpayers Group. Laura Burwell was not endorsed, but at least took the time to interview and deserves credit for that. The Argus endorsed Jablonski.

2008 Presidential Tournament Finals

The results of the semifinals are in:
Tom Tancredo edged out my choice for 2008 Mike Pence 51% to 49%. Evan Bayh trounced Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer 75-25.

It's now the finals. Polling will start when the poll is up and will run until Thursday. Representing the republicans in Tom Tancredo. Representing the Democrats Bracket is Evan Bayh. We will also add the Libertarians, US Taxpayers (Constitution Party in Michigan), Greens, and Natural Law Party as they are usually on the ballot in Michigan races.

Argus endorses Jim Pratt and Phil Westmoreland

From the Argus

The Howell Public Schools district needs a strong, well-focused school board to face demanding times and challenging issues. Paramount among those issues are budgets, strong curriculums, controlling the costs of health benefits and opening the new Parker High School under construction south of town.
With that in mind, we endorse JIM PRATT and PHILIP WESTMORELAND for the two four-year board seats that are being contested by six candidates in the May 2 election.

The Argus also has another article on the school race keying mostly on the flag issue, but also to school funding.

This is the current list of Endorsements. My vote is going with the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC first and foremost and will be for John Arthur and Wendy Day.

John Arthur:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)

Wendy Day:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Right to Life of Michigan
Michigan Campaign for Families

Dennis McGuire:
No endorsements

Jim Pratt:
Right to Life
Daily Press and Argus

Valerie Webster:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)

Phil Westmoreland:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)
Daily Press and Argus

Also - in Hartland the MEA's Hartland affiliate endorsed Cindy Sinelli and Lynn Burrill. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. In Pinckney the MEA's affiliate endorsed Laura Burwell. The Concerned Taxpayers Group did not endorse anybody for Pinckney Schools. The candidates who snubbed the Concerned Taxpayers Group were Sinelli, Burrill, Marcia Jablonski, and Richard Gass.

Jim Marcinkowski turns in his campaign statement - Here's the lowlights

By law, Jim Marcinkowski is required to turn in his financial statement to the FEC. These are public record, so I decided to take a look at them. Unlike Michigan law, only significant donoations of $200 are required to be reported. Here is a brief summary.

At least $79567 came from outside of the 8th district. Much of that is from left-wing havens like Royal Joke, I mean Oak where Marcinkowski is an attorney. The "working class" havens of Birmingham, Rochester Hills, Huntington Woods, anti-gun Farmington Hills, and the Bloomfields are well represented.

At least $22224.57 came from in the 8th district. Less than 1/4 of the money is 8th district money.

$25,850 came from union leadership.

$500 came from Hollywood Producer Robert Greenwald. He's an extreme leftist on the Michael Moore level - a Communist.

$4200 came from the Gun Lake Indian Tribe and their casino interests.

$6000 came from one Lobbyist firm - The Capitol Advocacy Services Group.

$500 came from extreme leftist and gun grabber John Conyers.

$24525 came from trial lawyers outside of the 8th district.

Do you really think that Jim Marcinkowski would represent the 8th district of Michigan, or would he represent rich leftist trial lawyers, Hollywood, and union leadership?

No thanks Jim, we don't need another Oakland County Democrat. They are the worst kind in the entire state.

2008 Presidential Tournament Semi-finals

The results are in for the 2008 Quarterfinals:

4. Tom Tancredo – 65%
8. Sam Brownback – 35%

6. Mike Pence - 56%
2. George Allen - 44%

9. Brian Schweitzer – 54%
3. Bill Richardson – 46%

3. Evan Bayh – 65%
2. Mark Warner – 35%

The finals are as follows:

In a rematch from Survey St Louis’s final, Tom Tancredo and Mike Pence once again go at it. Pence has a close match with Senator George Allen, while Tom Tancredo easily bested Sam Brownback.

Evan Bayh ran over Mark Warner in a race expected to be much closer. Brian Schweitzer of Montana had a tough match with Bill Richardson in a battle of governors. Montana won over New Mexico. Senator Bayh now faces Governor Schweitzer.

Polls will be open from posting until SUNDAY.

President Bush backs Joe Schwarz.

I don't agree with this decision from President Bush. From the AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush has endorsed Rep. Joe Schwarz of Battle Creek in his Republican primary against a conservative challenger who has questioned the congressman's stances on abortion and taxes.

I know it is always customary to back the incumbent, but I can not get past Schwarz's record from the state senate or his 2002 gubenatorial campaign. In that campaign he supported higher taxes, abortion, and was the most anti-2nd amendment candidate running for office - including the democrats.

Joe Schwarz has been slightly better as a congressman than as a state senator, much of it because he has been forced to look over his right flank. If he no longer has to worry about it, we'll get the state senate version of Schwarz who after 16 years in the legislature, no longer worries about the base.

When it comes to taxes, life issues, and the 2nd amendment, I know that Tim Walberg will be a friend of ours. Schwarz just can't be counted on - no matter what endorsements come flying in. The only endorsements which can change my vote from what they would be previously are from SAFR and the Concerned Taxpayers Group.

The Republican Michigander endorses Tim Walberg for Congress.

MSU's Luke Pelican says it best

Clawson Taxpayer

For the readers and fiscal conservatives in the Clawson/Troy area, we have counterparts to our own Concerned Taxpayers Group. Taxpayers' Groups around the state need our support, and this one is no different. Paul Garfield founded the Clawson Taxpayer and is good people.


The Clawson Taxpayer

2008 Presidential Tournament - Quarterfinals

It’s now the quarterfinals for our presidential tournament. Our 2nd round results are as follows.

GOP Bracket

8. Sam Brownback – 61%
16. Alan Keyes – 39%

4. Tom Tancredo – 74%
5. Newt Gingrich – 26%

6. Mike Pence – 81%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 19%

2. George Allen – 63%
10. Fred Thompson – 37%

Dem Bracket

9. Brian Schweitzer – 73%
1. Hillary Clinton – 27%

4. Bill Richardson – 65%
12. Tom Vilsack – 35%

3. Evan Bayh – 84%
11. Howard Dean – 16%

2. Mark Warner – 73%
10. John Edwards – 27%

Reps Tancredo and Pence continue their online dominance over other candidates. Immigration and Government spending are major issues among much of the conservative base.

Over on the democrat side, Hillary gets eliminated by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Is this due to the democrat base turning on her, or to republican cross votes? Schweitzer is seen by some as a model democrat for the future. Hillary is still considered the measuring stick by others. Mark Warner is the favorite among many of the moderate democrats. Russ Feingold is a favorite of the liberals, but was taken out early. One of the Evan Bayh’s supporter blogs linked to our polls here, so that explains the lopsided margin in his race. Indiana is represented well in both parties here.

Things get tougher now. Sam Brownback has a strong following among cultural conservatives, and he faces Tom Tancredo. Mike Pence faces George Allen. Brian Schweitzer faces New Mexico governor Bill Richardson in the battle of the West. Two frontrunners face off in the other bracket with Evan Bayh and Mark Warner going at it.

Polls are open from posting until WEDNESDAY. The top two republicans and top two democrats face each other in the semifinals. The finals will consist of the top republican verses the top democrat and third parties.

Granholm's Detroit Backers calling from 517 area code (Lansing area)

From the Detroit News

WJR-AM 760 radio host and Detroit News columnist Frank Beckmann says the governor's office called his studio Friday morning and asked about the program lineup. On the schedule was Detroit political analyst Adolph Mongo, who is an outspoken critic of the governor.

When Mongo got on the air, the station's telephone lines lit up with calls from young women purporting to live in Detroit and saying they were Granholm supporters. Producer Kevin Collard was suspicious. He did a star 69.

Turns out many of those calls all came from the 517 area code, which covers Lansing.

The closest the 517 area code comes to Detroit is Genoa Township between Howell and Brighton.

Former Senator Mike Gravel declares a run for President

From the Left Wing rag The Nation

The Nation -- In the tradition of the late Paul Tsongas, the former Massachusetts senator who in 1991 launched a decidedly uphill run for the Democratic presidential nomination and succeeded in making his concerns about deficit spending central to the national discourse, another former U.S. senator will launch a presidential campaign Monday that seeks to highlight big ideas -- in this case about the Constitution and direct democracy.

Mike Gravel, who represented Alaska as a maverick Democratic Senate from 1969 to 1981, will announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination with a press conference at the National Press Club.

It's always fun to see the Mavericks run. I don't know much about Gravel as he's before my time, but from what I've read about him, he may be more of the Kucinich school of thought giving the establishment democrats a real headache.

Race for Schwarz's seat begins in earnest

From the Lansing State Journal

Tim Walberg finally has the one-on-one matchup against U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz that he wanted two years ago.

Walberg is trekking across Michigan's 7th Congressional District planting seeds that Schwarz is too liberal for Republican voters' tastes. Four months before the GOP primary, he has run radio ads criticizing the incumbent for his positions on abortion, taxes and spending.

"He's done exactly what he said he would do, and that's the reason we campaigned so strongly against him," said Walberg, a former Tipton lawmaker who finished third in a six-person primary in 2004.

"He is far more liberal than the 7th District voters expect of their congressman."

Well, those are are pro-2nd amendment have an obvious choice. That choice is Tim Walberg. Joe Schwarz earned his unacceptable rating from SAFR in grand fashion. Anyone who calls pistol owners "Bubba who straps on a 9mm" needs to get sent back to Battle Creek. Go Walberg!

Endorsements flowing in for school candidates (LOVE PAC and MEA make endorsements)

From the Argus

Endorsements flowing in for school candidates
By Christopher Nagy
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

The list of endorsements for candidates in the race for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education continues to grow, and one official from the state's largest school union said he expects it only to continue to do so — if not this year, then in the coming years.

The endorsements are as follows.
John Arthur:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)

Wendy Day:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Right to Life of Michigan
Michigan Campaign for Families

Dennis McGuire:
No endorsements

Jim Pratt:
Right to Life

Valerie Webster:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)

Phil Westmoreland:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)

Over in Hartland the MEA's Hartland affiliate endorsed Cindy Sinelli and Lynn Burrill. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. In Pinckney the MEA's affiliate endorsed Laura Burwell. The Concerned Taxpayers Group did not endorse anybody for Pinckney Schools. The candidates who snubbed the Concerned Taxpayers Group were Sinelli, Burrill, Marcia Jablonski, and Richard Gass.

I hope these endorsements cause one thing more than anything else. Raise awareness among the voters and causes them to look at all the candidates and find out which candidats share their values. A turnout of informed voters is best for the schools in this county. For years, school boards have been dominated by a "good old boys" club thanks to strange election days and 3-10% turnouts. Starting last year, school elections are always on a set day in May. Last year, the millage increased turnout to 25%. I'd like to see that increase this year, especially in a conservative county such as Livingston. Us voters have a responsibility to learn as many facts as possible about the candidates running, and then show up and make our decisions. For me, the most important endorsement is the Concerned Taxpayers Group endorsement. For others, it may be the GOP, LOVE PAC, MEA, or Right to Life. For others, endorsements don't mean anything.

Education is consistantly ranked as one of the top issues in every election. Nowhere is edcation more affected, than by the people on our local school boards. This is our chance to put our money where our mouths are when it comes to education.

Update on Howell School Board Race

The Argus has us all on the Front Page due to our controversy. I do thank Dan Meisler for quoting me accurately in the article.

A candidate for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education who is also a federal employee said he may have to exit the race because county Republicans gave out endorsements in the contest.
That's just the latest reaction to the county GOP's decision to endorse candidates in two local school board races, in Howell and in Pinckney Community Schools.
Under the Hatch Act, federal employees cannot run in partisan races. Jim Pratt, who works for the Federal Aviation Administration, said he has suspended his campaign while he waits for a ruling from the Office of Special Counsel on whether the GOP endorsements mean the campaign has become partisan and he is no longer eligible to run.

Here is a brief summary of the events so far in the school board race.

First, the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day due to their fiscal conservatism and answers to the questions. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC also endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. Following that, Right to Life endorsed Wendy Day and Jim Pratt. The Livingston GOP later endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day, and also endorsed Marcia Jablonski (although Jablonski’s endorsement wasn’t my resolution).

(Full disclosure – I did not vote for Marcia Jablonski’s endorsement and abstained there for conflict of interest reasons, as the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC does not support her – and personally, I would not vote for her because of her lack of support to the taxpayers)

As to this article here, I think Jim Pratt has nothing to worry about ethics wise. All the GOP did was to endorse two of its most active members. His party affiliation will not be on the ballot. He can still run this as a nonpartisan race if he chooses to. The Republicans are not actively opposing any candidates and nobody’s party affiliation is on the ballot itself.

So why did we do it? The reasons stated in the article are two of them. This is a 63% Republican County that usually has high turnout in elections. The main exception to high turnout is in school board races. This is despite polls placing education as a top issue to voters year after year. In most years, people have trouble finding out information about school board candidates. I remember one year when I was living in Brighton where we had a 3% turnout for a contested race. That is sad. Another year we had a 9% turnout. Last year with the enhancement millage, it was 25%. A 25% turnout is usually bad, but for a school election, it was great.

Because of the low turnouts, we want to give the voters more information and give them choices to make. We are giving them a service. The job of the Concerned Taxpayers’ Group is to let voters know who the most fiscally responsible candidates are. The job of the Livingston County Republicans is to let voters who are active Republicans. The job of the MEA is to let voters who support the teachers’ union. The Press and Argus’ job is to give readers information. Combined, these should raise the turnout in school board races.

Lastly, the final judge of all of this is the voters. If the voters support us, it will show in the polls. If they oppose us, it will show in the polls. Voters make the final decision. I just hope we don't have one of these 3% turnout races from the good ole boys clubs like we did in the old days.

Time to Veto Granholm and kick the Single Business Tax to the curb

From the AP

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Board of State Canvassers on Tuesday approved the form of a petition that would repeal the Single Business Tax at the end of 2007.

The petition is being pushed by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who wants to gather enough signatures by May 31 to bring the initiative to the Legislature.

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm last month vetoed a bill that would have eliminated the state's main corporate tax at the end of 2007, about two years earlier than now scheduled. She said she wanted a plan to replace the nearly $2 billion in lost revenue as part of any deal to kill the tax.

I'm not the biggest Brooks fan, but he and I agree on this one. We need to get rid of this trash as once and help stop the flow of jobs out of this state. I'll sign this petition ASAP.

In related news, Granholm hired one of RINO Bill "Turn out the Lights" Milliken's jokers. Robert Kleine was hired as state treasurer by Granholm. He WROTE the Single Business Tax 30 years ago.

The good news is that we can make a change in November and elect Dick DeVos as our next governor.

Round Two of the 2008 Presidential Tournament Begins!

Round Two Begins. Since the hits were much less, as expected for the democrat vs democrat voting, we are going to start Round 2 about an hour early. Both the democrats and republicans are going to be up at the same time. Polling will be open from the time they appear until SATURDAY, when we will move on to the Quarterfinals.

Round 2 Brackets:

16. Alan Keyes
8. Sam Brownback

5. Newt Gingrich
4. Tom Tancredo

6. Mike Pence
14. Tim Pawlenty

10. Fred Thompson
2. George Allen

1. Hillary Clinton
9. Brian Schweitzer

12. Tom Vilsack
4. Bill Richardson

11. Howard Dean
3. Evan Bayh

10. John Edwards
2. Mark Warner

I am still shocked that Keyes upset Romney after the disaster of a campaign he ran in Illinois. I am not as shocked about Tancredo and Pence with their strong online support. George Allen is the last real “front running” candidate among the Republicans in this tournament.

On the Democrats side, Warner, Bayh, and Richardson all had very strong showings. Hillary won, but by a lesser than expected margin. Part of that may be due to cross votes. I am surprised Obama was upset in the first round since he’s the most famous (and not infamous) senator among democrats outside of Hillary. I thought Feingold would win the first round as well due to his strong following among both the left and some libertarians.


Round 1 part 2 Results

1. Hillary Clinton – 61%
16. Dianne Feinstein – 39%

8. Joe Biden – 42%
9. Brian Schweitzer – 58%

5. Russ Feingold – 37%
12. Tom Vilsack – 63%

4. Bill Richardson – 79%
13. Tom Daschle – 21%

6. Barack Obama – 46%
11. Howard Dean – 54%

3. Evan Bayh – 74%
14. Janet Napoilatano – 26%

7. John Kerry – 20%
10. John Edwards – 80%

2. Mark Warner – 75%
15. Phil Bresden – 25%

Round 1 (GOP) Results are as follows:

1 Mitt Romney – 49%
16 Alan Keyes – 51%

8. Sam Brownback – 53%
9. Tommy Thompson – 47%

5. Newt Gingrich – 64%
12. Mike Huckabee – 36%

4. Tom Tancredo – 70%
13. Chuck Hagel – 30%

6. Mike Pence – 64%
11. Bill Frist – 36%

3. John McCain – 42%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 58%

7. Rudy Giuliani – 39%
10. Fred Thompson – 61%

2. George Allen – 74%
15. George Pataki – 26%

Detroit may stay home in 2006

From the Detroit News' Nolan Finley.

Detroit may stay home

Mongo says the impact won’t necessarily be that hard-core Democrats flock to Republican Dick DeVos this fall. But they may be less likely to write checks and roll up their sleeves on Granholm’s behalf.

Granholm needs a strong showing in Detroit, where she’s been AWOL. Yet Mongo predicts a repeat of the Blanchard-Engler contest in 1990, when disgruntled city voters stayed home in droves to express their disdain for the Democratic incumbent.

It’s a long time until Election Day. Democrats who bellyache about their leader today may be singing her praises from the rooftops by fall, particularly since the alternative is about as Republican a candidate as has ever run in Michigan.

But it’s tough enough to win re-election when the other side is pulling out the big guns. It becomes considerably harder when you have to dodge bullets fired by your own party

I can not blame Detroiters for staying home. Detroit is staunchly democrat, but they support populist democrats with blue collar appeal. They like Coleman Young, John Conyers, and John Dingell. Jennifer Granholm is more of an Ann Arbor style rich leftist attorney who went to UC Berkeley and Harvard, and lives in the McMansion suburbia haven of Northville. As one Detroit Democrat I know says - "She ain't one of us." He's right. She's doing nothing for Detroit or Michigan as a whole, while the jobs are moving South to Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and elsewhere.

Democrats continue their march away from working families and towards rich leftists in Hollywood and elsewhere. Middle America isn't George Soros, Warren Buffett, Peter Lewis, Hollywood, Andrew McKelvey (Monster.com), Wes Boyd/Joan Blades (Moveon.org founder and dot com zillionaires), Stephen Bing, Frank Lautenberg, Maria Cantwell, and Jon Corzine's Culture of Corrpution.

Let's support Working Families and vote for conservative Republicans.

Saul Anuzis interview with Gun Owners of America

A tip of the hat from Paul Garfield, Michigan GOA leader.

Go to this link to the World Information Center, click on Live Fire, and then click on the 4-8-2006 link. You can link to the interview through Saul's blog

It's a long and good interview. It's good to see that our state party chair is strongly pro-2nd amendment. The party of freedom is the Republican Party, and the democrats are the party of rich leftists like George Soros who hate freedom and gun owners.

The Political Matrix

Interesting political quiz over here.

My results:
Economic score: +5.94
Social score: 0.00

Your score pegs you as economically capitalist and socially centrist.

Capitalists generally support an open free market and lower taxes, but also support government restrictions on blatantly abusive industry. Capitalists also often differ from their more extreme peers in that, while they may support significantly lower taxes, they are less apt to support complete elimination of taxation or near-complete elimination of government.

Social centrists generally believe in a mix of individual liberties and controls, corresponding to what they see as moral or best for society.

Part One of Round one over - Now the democrats are up

It’s now time for Pt 2 of Round One in the Republican Michigander 2008 tournament. The democrats are up as soon as the polls are created. The polls will be open till Tuesday. Starting the 11th, candidates of all parties will be matching up on the same day.

On Tuesday (11th) – We’ll start the 2nd Round of 16.

Next Saturday (15th) – We’ll start the Quarterfinals

Wednesday after that (19th) – Semifinals

Monday after that (23rd) – Finals –

Thursday (27th) – Winner Declared.

Democrats
1. Hillary Clinton - New York Senator and former first lady
16. Dianne Feinstein - California Senator

8. Joe Biden - Delaware Senator
9. Brian Schweitzer - Montana Governor

5. Russ Feingold - Wisconsin Senator
12. Tom Vilsack - Iowa Governor

4. Bill Richardson - New Mexico Governor
13. Tom Daschle - Former Senate Majority/Minority leader

6. Barack Obama - Illinois Senator
11. Howard Dean - DNC Chair

3. Evan Bayh - Indiana Senator
14. Janet Napolitano - Arizona Governor

7. John Kerry - 2004 Democrat Nominee
10. John Edwards - Former North Carolina Senator

2. Mark Warner - Virginia Governor
15. Phil Bresden - Tennessee Governor

Round 1 (GOP) Results are as follows:

1 Mitt Romney – 49%
16 Alan Keyes – 51%

I did not expect this at all. After the disaster from Keyes in 2004, I thought this would be 80-20 Romney. The rest were close to what I expected.

8. Sam Brownback – 53%
9. Tommy Thompson – 47%

5. Newt Gingrich – 64%
12. Mike Huckabee – 36%

4. Tom Tancredo – 70%
13. Chuck Hagel – 30%

6. Mike Pence – 64%
11. Bill Frist – 36%

3. John McCain – 42%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 58%

7. Rudy Giuliani – 39%
10. Fred Thompson – 61%

2. George Allen – 74%
15. George Pataki – 26%

Latest Gubenatorial Poll - TIED!

This deserves a seperate post.

Dick DeVos - 44%
Jennifer Granholm - 44%

Latest Senate Poll - Jerry Zandstra best chance to beat Stabenow

I've long said that Jerry Zandstra is the best chance for us to win. While this is only one poll, this shows who has the most bang for the campaign dollar.


Debbie Stabenow (D) 51%
Michael Bouchard (R) 37%

Debbie Stabenow (D) 50%
Keith Butler (R) 36%

Debbie Stabenow (D) 48%
Jerry Zandstra (R) 37%

11 points down in April isn't that bad when the incumbent is at 50% or less. Spence Abraham has a 20 point lead at Labor Day. Zandstra's principled stances on issues, and his knowledge of the economy is respected and will make the difference this November.

Jerry Zandstra in 2006!!!

Richard Trost joins District Judicial Race

From the Argus

Long-time attorney Richard Trost announced Thursday that he is seeking to replace retiring District Judge A. John Pikkarainen. Vying with Trost for the judgeship is Assistant Prosecutor Bill McCririe, Brighton attorney Carol Sue Reader, and Fowlerville attorney Linda Walker.

I know the name, but that's about it. I don't know anything about him.

Two major votes in Congress today (527 reform, Guest Workers plan), also a budget update

Today, there were two major votes in Congress. One was in the House, and one was in the Senate.

In the House, 527's were much more heavily restricted. The democrats (with seven exceptions like Marty Meehan who are the diehard campaign finance reformers) all voted against regulating 527, which were effective for them in 2004. The McCain/Feingold bill had a loophole that allowed rich leftists like anti-freedom advocate George Soros to dump $15 million in a thinly disguised campaign donation for John Kerry. Since the republicans were hurt by this, the democrats opposed this. Since the democrats supported McCain/Feingold, this showed their extreme hypocracy. Unfortunately, most republicans let their anger at Soros get the best of them. It's no secret that Soros was the main target here.

Even though this hits Soros, I'm going to be consistant and as such, oppose this bill. 527s were not the problem. Inane government regulations are the problem, and this was a symptom. Lawyers, campaign treasurers, and campaigners are all going to look for loopholes and will eventually find them. The ones I respect here are people like Mike Pence who are consistently against new government regulations over campaign finance matters. Mike Pence and John Shadegg said it best:

Pence - “Some in Washington want to rein in 527’s with greater government control and regulation, and that is certainly their right and a path that is consistent with the letter and spirit of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act,” Pence said after the vote. “However, I believe instead of greater government control of political speech, more freedom is the answer and that is why I could not support this bill.”

Shadegg - "Once again, Congress has decided to protect itself by subverting the American people's right to free expression. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 was wrong, and this bill is wrong. I know that a handful of wealthy liberals are taking advantage of the current law, but more regulation is not the answer. This bill is a wrong-headed, short-term response that will only drive political spending further into the shadows. We need sunshine and openness for groups involved in the political process -- not new bureaucratic rules that infringe on our First Amendment rights."

Over in the Senate, a compromise Guest Workers bill passed. It was a partial amnesty plan.

Under the accord, as many as 8 million undocumented workers who can prove they have been in the country for five years or more would be granted work visas, after they pay a $2,000 penalty and any back taxes and undergo a criminal background check. After five years, they could apply for citizenship, provided they remain employed, learn English and do not commit crimes.

About 2.8 million illegal immigrants who have been in the country for more than two years and less than five would have three years to return to a land port of entry, such as El Paso, Texas, cross the border and apply for one of 450,000 green cards - IDs for permanent residents who do not have U.S. citizenship - that will be available each year. Kennedy said the whole process could take less than a day, and the immigrants could then return to their U.S. homes. But Republican aides warned that there would be no guarantees and that some of those immigrants could be stuck across the border.

Of the 450,000 green cards that would be available every year, as many as 300,000 would go to low-skilled workers, Senate aides say. With a green card, those workers also would be eligible to apply for citizenship but would not have a guaranteed path to becoming Americans.

Illegal immigrants who have been in the country for two years or less would have to return to their home countries.

In addition, foreign workers seeking access to the U.S. labor market would be eligible for 325,000 new guest worker visas annually.

I'll take this bill over nothing, but I do not support this. That's not good enough. I only support a guest workers bill where ILLEGAL immigrants must return to their home country before applying for citizenship. We can not reward illegal immigration, and we need to stop the political correctness that goes along with this debate. I don't care if the illegals are from Canada, Mexico, Central/South America, Africa, Britain, or even my ancestors' Ireland. Illegal is illegal, and until we get tough on this issue and most of all those who hire illegals - it will continue to be a problem.

Lastly, the House of Representatives is at a budget standoff. If it's not a balanced budget, I can't support it.

Livingston County Republicans endorse John Arthur and Wendy Day for Howell School Board

Tonight at the Livingston County Republican meeting, Howell School Board candidates John Arthur and Wendy Day were endorsed by the party's executive committee. They are active members of the committee and party, and share the principles and values of our party. Good luck to them.

John and Wendy are also endorsed by the Concerned Taxpayers' Group. LOVE PAC has not endorsed anyone yet. I am uncertain if the MEA or local affiliates have endorsed anyone.

Tentative Schedule for Presidential Tournament

Saturday - Democrats' First Round Begins

Tuesday - 2nd Round of 16 (all)

Saturday - Quarterfinals

Wednesday - Semifinals

Monday - Final (GOP winner vs Democrat Winner vs Green/Libertarians/Constitution/Natural Law Parties)

Thursday - Winner decided.

So far, we have a possible upset in the making. Alan Keyes, who I actually threw in as a joke due to his disaster campaign in Illinois, is actually leading Mitt Romney in the polls here. I gave Mitt a 1 seed since he's a native Michigander and the winner of the Livingston County Straw Poll. There must be a "Stop Mitt" movement right now somewhere.

UPDATE - Mitt has gained the lead, but it is still close.

Concerned Taxpayers Group endorses candidates

The Concerned Taxpayers’ Group PAC of Livingston County has made their endorsements. Overall, four people were endorsed.

For Howell Schools, we endorse John Arthur and Wendy Day.

For Hartland Schools, we endorse Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney

The Concerned Taxpayers Group’ extended invitations to all of the candidates of contested school board races. Of the fourteen candidates who received questionnaires, ten candidates chose to be interviewed. Every candidate in Howell chose to be interviewed and I tip my hat to all of them for that.

We used a math system in our endorsements. Our five PAC members all graded the choices individually. All the scores were averaged out, and the two highest acceptable scores in the district received our endorsement. Our grades were based on eight core questions, with a couple of extra core questions depending on the school district.

Our PAC board was majority independent, and one of our active republicans, Bill Johnston, was by his own choice not a voting member on our PAC board. I was a voting PAC member, but I did not grade on partisanship as both Republicans and Democrats got us into the schools’ mess, and I am looking for fiscally responsible candidates to get us out of this mess. I am a Conservative first, Concerned Taxpayer Second, and Republican third.

Speaking for myself and not the Taxpayers’ Group - John and Wendy will have my vote. Jim Pratt is my third choice, and while I will not speak for others, one question made the difference among those in my own scorecard. It was close. Of those three, it is a case of good vs. best. Phil Westmoreland, Valerie Webster, and Dennis McGuire all seem like nice people, and all of these people I think will be an improvement over at least one, if not two of the incumbents at Howell who are stepping down. I did not see an arrogance factor in any of those six candidates. Howell schools will see an improvement in its board, no matter who wins election this May.

UPDATED - I added a School Board Poll as well.

Penn and Teller on Gun Control

This is a funny video from Showtime's Penn and Teller (Libertarian Comedians) on Gun Control. WARNING - The Video has Strong Language (including a couple of f'bombs) and isn't for young kids. In fact the title of the video is - Gun Control is Bull#@^%!!!

Republican Michigander's Presidential Tournament

After the March Madness tournament with Survey St Louis, the Republican Michigander has decided to post a tournament of our own here, although with a different twist. Half of the possible candidates are going to be democrats. We're going to have a Republican Bracket and Democrat bracket with a Republican vs Democrat bracket in the final round.

Since this is Michigan, it's well known that parties have orchastrated shenanigans when it comes to primaries. Democrats have voted for McCain, and Republicans have voted for Fieger. I'd like to see the democrats vote in the democrat bracket, and republicans vote in the republican bracket, but just like Michigan's primaries - that may not happen. Because I can't screen everyone, this is going to be by a "general election format" where tickets can be split.

Since this is going to be a tournament of 32 and Pollhost is limiting me to 15 polls (30 candidates), we're going to have two seperate round one polls for each party, with the remaining rounds combining all candidates. The brackets are as follows.

Republicans

1. Mitt Romney - Massachusetts Governor, Michigan Native
16. Alan Keyes - Former Ambassador, frequent candidate

8. Sam Brownback - Kansas Senator, attended Mackinac Conference
9. Tommy Thompson - Former Wisconsin Governor, known for Welfare Reform, attended Mackinac Conference

5. Newt Gingrich - Former Speaker of the House
12. Mike Huckabee - Arkansas Governor

4. Tom Tancredo - Colorado Congressman and Immigration Reformer
13. Chuck Hagel - Nebraska Senator

6. Mike Pence - Indiana Congressman and Fiscal leader
11. Bill Frist - Senate Majority Leader

3. John McCain - 2000 candidate and Arizona Senator
14. Tim Pawlenty - Minnesota Governor

7. Rudy Giuliani - Former NYC Mayor
10. Fred Thompson - Former Tennessee Senator and actor.

2. George Allen - Virginia senator and former governor
15. George Pataki - New York Governor

Democrats
1. Hillary Clinton - New York Senator and former first lady
16. Dianne Feinstein - California Senator

8. Joe Biden - Delaware Senator
9. Brian Schweitzer - Montana Governor

5. Russ Feingold - Wisconsin Senator
12. Tom Vilsack - Iowa Governor

4. Bill Richardson - New Mexico Governor
13. Tom Daschle - Former Senate Majority/Minority leader

6. Barack Obama - Illinois Senator
11. Howard Dean - DNC Chair

3. Evan Bayh - Indiana Senator
14. Janet Napolitano - Arizona Governor

7. John Kerry - 2004 Democrat Nominee
10. John Edwards - Former North Carolina Senator

2. Mark Warner - Virginia Governor
15. Phil Bresden - Tennessee Governor

I did not include Condi Rice, Dick Cheney, Jeb Bush or Mark Sanford as they said they were not running. I did not include Al Gore on the democrats side as he said he was not running.

Tancredo Wins March Madness 2006

Survey Saint Louis' March Madness 2008 is all over, and it wasn't even close. Tom Tancredo's online brigade ran through everybody, including Mike Pence, who I supported.

Several interesting developments have come from this.

1. There's a significant Stop McCain movement. I've said on several occasions that I can not support him under any circumstance. Many others I'm sure feel the same way. He lost to Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorn.

2. The only first tier candidate to get to the final four was George Allen. Rudy lost in the Sweet 16. Romney in the elite 8 (Both to Pence). McCain lost in the first round. Other rumored candidates Newt Gingrich lost in the elite 8 to Tancredo. Brownback lost to Fred Thompson in the Sweet 16. Tommy Thompson lost in the 2nd Round to Mike Pence. Mike Huckabee lost in the 2nd Round to Tom Coburn. Chuck Hagel lost in the 1st round to Lindsay Graham. Bill Frist lost to Mike Pence in the first round.

3. The top two finishers had hot button issues among President Bush and Congress' weak points among the right flank of the party. Tancredo is known for immigration reform. Pence is known for spending reform. Both are also conservatives on other issues, such as life and the 2nd amendment. These issues will be major in 2008.

I'd like to see Mike Pence run. I'd also like to see Tom Tancredo run. If nothing else, these two candidates will bring issues to the debate that need to be addressed. It took Ross Perot's candidacy to bring a balanced budget to Washington thanks to the Class of 1994 Congress who got Mr. Clinton to sign it kicking and screaming (Although he signed it - give credit where it's due).

The Republicans need to remember their base. The move to the left on fiscal issues and immigration is dangerous if we want to keep the house, senate, and presidency.

March Madness Championship Game

While the Florida Gators are the NCAA national champions this year, we have another national championship game from Survey St Louis. Tom Tancredo vs Mike Pence.

It's currently not looking good for Pence, as the Tom Tancredo supporters are out in force. While Tom Tancredo's a good guy who brings many issues the establishment hates to the GOP debate, Mike Pence is the leading voice of fiscal conservatism in Washington.

We need to support fiscal conservatism and send a small, but important message to the party. Vote for Mike Pence!

Granholm selling Judicial appointments???

Saul Anuzis lets the cat out of the bag.

Granholm selling Judicial appointments???
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Monday, April 3, 2006

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If this is the case, then the Governor should simply list these judicial positions on eBay and let the highest bidder be appointed.”

— Former State Supreme Court Justice candidate Martin BRENNAN on his belief that Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM hands out appointments based on political contributions.

Brennan: Granholm For Sale
A former Democratic-nominated Supreme Court justice candidate, J. Martin BRENNAN said Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM is living in a "parallel universe inhabited by moneyed sycophants," that she's so obsessed with money and competing with Dick DeVOS that it's guiding her decision-making.

Brennan said he believes he has been a team player for the state Democratic Party, but when he ran for the Court of Appeals in 2002, he asked for a Granholm endorsement and the request was denied.

When he secured the party's nod for the State Supreme Court in 2002, he complained he and Judge Maggie DRAKE "were treated like the proverbial red-headed step-children by the governor and her entourage."

More recently, this year, he applied for a vacancy to replace Judge Hilda GAGE, but, despite an endorsement from the Justice Caucus of the State Democratic Party and the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, he was rejected.

Brennan concluded Granholm and her husband are "nothing but Harvard elitists who profess to support the working class, but are truly clueless as they continue to pursue those with deep pockets to support another campaign."

He said there are rumors that "people who either heavily contributed to the governor's campaign or would contribute significantly to the upcoming campaign would be provided with the appointment."

"If this is the case," he went on, "Then the governor should simply list these judicial positions on eBay and let the highest bidder be appointed."

Brennan described the governor as being "self-centered, mercenary and hypocritical."

The reference appeared to be toward Granholm's alleged consideration of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Deborah TYNER for the Gage position. Tyner had given Granholm and her leadership fund $2,000 over the past two years. The Tyner family has been active in campaign fundraising circles. Tyner didn't get the position after a TV reporter found that Tyner spent her afternoons at the spa, the mall or the gym, as opposed to the courthouse.

The governor's office said it bases its judicial appointments on the recommendations from the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Panel, which evaluates the fitness of candidates to serve and "We have not appointed anyone who hasn't met those qualifications."

Which, of course, is a polite way of saying Mr. Brennan did not measure up.

As for the allegation about buying nominations, the governor's office said, "That is absolutely not true."

Tom Delay drops out of his race and takes one for the team.

From RedState

Just breaking on MSNBC's "Scarborough Country".
Tom DeLay just phoned Chris Matthews to give him the scoop that DeLay will be announcing tomorrow that he's dropping out of his Texas congressional race and will be leaving Congress.

Apparently, Rep. DeLay felt that he couldn't overcome the downward trends in the polls, his numbers weren't improving and likely wouldn't improve with the various scandals surrounding him, and he felt his chance of winning was no better than 50/50.

DeLay also felt another Republican candidate would walk into the job, and so he fell on his sword.

Pretty stunning news. And I'm assuming this isn't some delayed April Fools Day news story.

It's a smart move considering the black cloud around him. If he's guilty nail him. If he's innocent, he could make a comeback at some point.

State Senate District Profiles

I've started profiling the State Senate districts of Michigan. They aren't as hyped up as Congress, but there are several competitive and potentially competitive races here.

The first eight are completed. These are all in Wayne County.