NRCC jumps in open primary instead of supporting Republicans over Democrats

This can also be titled why Campaign Committees will never receive a dime from me. It's also a reason why the best donations are to individual candidates. That way, I know I won't be spending money on attack ads on republicans (unless I choose who is attacked).

Last October, I took Liddy Dole to task due to the NRSC's spending $125000+ in negative ads against otherRepublicans. I followed up on that in February as well.

Unfortunately, the NRCC is involved in the coronation process as well, this time in an open house race in Arizona. From the AP

The National Republican Congressional Committee last week backed a candidate in the primary, launching a $122,000 advertising campaign for state Rep. Steve Huffman. The party contends Huffman is a moderate candidate who could win the district in November.

On Tuesday, Huffman's four GOP opponents took the unusual step of holding a joint news conference and delivering a message to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

"Stay the hell out of southern Arizona," said Mike Hellon, one of the candidates and a former state party chairman, in an interview following the news conference.

The four contend the NRCC had split the party, handing an advantage to the Democrats. They urged the NRCC to pull its ads and stay quiet until after the Sept. 12 primary.

"This is the granddaddy of unintended consequences," Hellon said in the interview. "They're idiots."

Mike's right. They are idiots. We have several tough seats this election, as in every election, and these idiots are wasting money in a primary. They already dumped money into the Joe Schwarz campaign, and we know how that turned out. My question for the NRCC and NRSC is as follows. "Is it an old boys network, or are your committees just the Peter Principle in action?"

With "Friends" like them, I don't need enemies. I don't think the DC establishment has learned enough of a lesson yet. Maybe a Randy Graf or Mike Hellon win there over the coronated Huffman will be some more good medicine to cure a chronic case of "Beltwayitis."

Moving

I apologize for the lack of updates here, but I've been as busy now as I've ever been in the past 30 years. I'm tied up in a lot of stuff currently. One of which is moving. As I now have to commute to Ann Arbor, I'm packing up and leaving town for Whitmore Lake (Green Oak Twp) this month. The best news for me is that I'm cutting my commute by 3/4 - probably more since I know all the back roads already to avoid the adventure known as US-23.

It's a start

From the AP

DETROIT (AP) — The average price of regular gasoline in the state has fallen more than 16 cents per gallon over the past week to levels not seen since mid-March, AAA Michigan said Tuesday.

The statewide average for self-serve unleaded is $2.60, which is 49 cents per gallon less than this time last year.

The Traverse City area had the most expensive gasoline of Michigan's metropolitan areas at $2.80 per gallon, but that was down 25 cents from a year ago, the auto club said.

I'd still like to see more domestic oil exploration, new refineries, research into biodiesel and other alternate fuels - and most of all - a giant middle finger to the Saudis.

"Walkability" plan for Howell a traffic nightmare

The Ann Arbor News has an article today about Howell and walkability. "The Pied Piper of Walkability", Dan Burden - has these recommendations for Howell to improve walkability. As someone who frequently walks and drives in Downtown Howell, these are my opinions on the matters.

1. Roundabouts

I never liked them. I don't care for them at MSU, cared for them less in Okemos, and really think they are bad for Brighton and Green Oak. The problem with them is that the only ones who know how to use them (and even that's debatable) are MSU students and graduates.

2. Reduce and narrowing lanes

All I have to say about this is to drive on D-19 near Mason around 5PM - Or Grand River near Chilson for that matter. This is a disaster.

3. Back in angle parking

I can go along with this.

4. Bumpouts to reduce parking near intersections

I support this since turning right from the alley between the Courthouse and DQ is a nightmare.

5. Bicycle lanes

I like the old days when bikes were ridden on sidewalks.

6. Pedestrian refuges

We'll see what happens here.

Burden says Howell has the opportunity to become a regional trend-setter with the proposed changes. "I think this is going to be total cutting-edge,'' he says. "You will become a model for the Midwest if developed as planned.''

Forget cutting edge or being cool. I prefer Mayberry. Some of these are good ideas, but reducing lanes and narrowing streets is going to make a traffic problem worse.

Agreement on Canadian Trash? Not so fast.

Supposedly, "Dangerously Incompetent" Debbie Stabenow(Passed one law in 10 years) and Carl Levin made a deal with Ontario halting Canadian Trash shipments to Michigan by 2010.

From the Detroit News

However, the Associated Press reported that Ontario officials estimate that the non-municipal waste not covered by the deal -- industrial and commercial waste and refuse generated at construction sites --accounts for more than half of the nearly 4 million metric tons of Canadian trash entering Michigan annually.

Levin said he believes the amount of such non-municipal waste is actually smaller. The senator's press office said a final figure on how much industrial-type trash will still enter the state's landfills will be clarified later.

The deal sets a clear timetable and commitment to stop municipal trash shipments. But even before mounting pressure in Congress and the Michigan legislature, Toronto officials had said they hoped to end their shipments by 2010.

Under the deal, Ontario is to reduce its municipal trash shipments by 20 percent by Dec. 31, 2007. Then, by the following year, it must reduce an additional 20 percent. All the municipal trash hauling would end Dec. 31, 2010. The timetable was based on when contracts were due to expire for the trash being hauled from Ontario municipalities

This only covers municipal wastes from Toronto. The one really doing real work on this is Mike Rogers. When Stabenow talked, he acted.

The bill that is scheduled to be voted on in the U.S. House Wednesday -- which is co-authored by U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, and John Dingell, D-Dearborn -- would give states authority over trash imported from foreign countries and require the U.S. government to make Canada notify it each time it sends in a trash truck.

Stabenow and Levin introduced a similar bill, but its chances of Senate are considered slim.

"We don't think this agreement is legally binding," said Sylvia Warner, press secretary to Rogers. "And we think it's more important that the people of Michigan are the ones making the decisions about their own landfill."

Meanwhile, Republican Mike Bouchard, who is challenging the freshman Stabenow in the November elections, dismissed the deal as "an election year promise from a Canadian bureaucrat."

Environmental ministry spokeswoman Kate Jordan said the deal was prompted by fears that if the Rogers-Dingell bill became law, Michigan could stop all trash shipments within 90 days.

"Our garbage trucks could have been turned back from the border as early as January 2007," said Jordan. "We needed to find a solution to avert that."

Reparations making a comeback??

From an email which used MIRS news as a source

Michigan Dems Support Reparations Study
The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) this weekend adopted a resolution calling for a study on whether financial reparations should be made to African Americans for the "deprivation, indignities and cruelty" imposed on them during the times of slavery.

The resolution called on Congress to adopt U.S. Rep. John CONYERS' (D-Detroit) legislation to put together a commission to look into the issues of payments for those African Americans who "labored in the chains of slavery on the farmlands, highways and byways of this nation, thus contributing fruitfully toward the growth and development of this nation."

The MDP measure was one of 26 resolutions the MDP adopted last week at the state party convention at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The resolutions dealt with issues ranging from opposition to the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI) to a call to eliminate insurance redlining. Most of the resolutions are predictable stands on the War in Iraq, global warming, a living wage, universal health care and other bread-and-butter Democratic Party issues.

The most eye-catching resolution, however, was the resolution supporting a study for reparations for African Americans. To beef up the case for reparations, the resolution notes that the U.S. Government and various states saw "fit to provide some balm to the wounds that they caused by their bigoted actions."

The MDP resolution noted that the federal government paid the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan $32 million as part of an 1836 treaty and that the Klamath Indians of Oregon and the Sioux Indians of South Dakota were each paid around $100 million.

Also, the U.S. government acknowledged "the cruelty, prejudice and arrogance" of confining Japanese-Americans to concentration camps during World War II by paying each survivor $20,000 a piece.

"While we applaud these token expressions of conscience on the part of the U.S. government for these acts, it does give cause to ponder the hesitancy of the U.S. government to honor broken agreements with African-Americans for those acts of criminality and immorality directed toward them," the resolution stated.

It continued by stating, "African-Americans suffered as did the Native Americans and Japanese Americans, from broken promises, broken contracts, abandonment of moral justice, deprived of land of life, of freedom and of property."

When running for governor in 2002, Jennifer GRANHOLM came out in support of reparations but later said that by the term "reparations" she didn't mean money. According to polling at the time, voters overwhelmingly disapprove of paying slave reparations.

The MDP also passed resolutions supporting diverse juries, universal pre-K, congressional recognition for Rosa PARKS and Sojourner TRUTH and an end to the "open-ended commitment in Iraq."

I support reparations. Any living person who was held a slave should receive compensation. Anyone born in the 1860's still alive? If there are no living slaves, then there shouldn't be any compensation. Time to move into the future, not the past.

Anti-Brennan campaign signs from critic, not Drick

From the Ann Arbor News.

A Hamburg Township man has admitted to placing derogatory signs about a district court judge on the morning of the Aug. 8 primary election.

The red, white and blue, 20-by-30-inch signs said "Anyone but Brennan.''

In the primary race, 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan easily outdistanced challengers Jay Drick and Christina Heikkinen, who are Howell attorneys. Brennan will face Drick in the Nov. 7 general election.

Casey Smith, an executive at a small local company, says he put up the signs because he had a negative courtroom experience with Brennan and believes she does not have the right temperament for the position. There was nothing illegal about the signs, but they caused a stir among local politicians, who speculated on who the instigator might be.

Some assumed, incorrectly, that Drick was the originator, because he launched a very aggressive campaign against Brennan, accusing her of being too liberal for conservative Republican Livingston County. Drick denied knowing anything about the signs.

Brennan has not commented on the signs.

Smith, who said he had the signs professionally made, said he is stepping forward with the admission now because he did not want people erroneously blaming Drick. He said he does not know Drick and has never met him, something Drick confirms. Although he concedes he is a registered Republican, Smith said the issue was not about politics. "It's a nonpartisan battle, and people should look at it as whether that person will make a good judge,'' Smith said.

"The case is closed,'' Drick said, adding that Smith's action involves "a free exercise of his constitutional rights.''

While I agree with Casey Smith, it wasn't the best use of tactics. That said, I'm glad he came forward with this, and I hope he expands on Brennan's courtroom demeanor.

Mitt Romney's 2008 Michigan Team

I saw this in Hotline. The big battle so far is McCain/Romney. I'm not sold on either of them myself and am keeping my powder dry unless Pence or Sanford surprise me and jump in.

From Hotline

Speaker Craig DeRoche Co-Chairman; Speaker, Michigan State House of Representatives
John Rakolta, Jr. Co-Chairman; 2004 Bush Ranger, Chairman and CEO – Walbridge Aldinger Corporation
David Fischer Co-Chairman; Chairman and CEO, The Suburban Collection
Scott Romney Michigan State University, Board of Trustees; Attorney
L. Brooks Patterson Oakland County Executive
Congressman Joe Knollenberg U.S. Representative, 9th District
Yousif Ghafari 2004 Bush Ranger, Chairman – GHAFARI, Inc
Bill Danhof 2000 and 2004 Bush Pioneer; Managing Partner, Miller Canfield
J.C. Huizenga 2000 Bush Pioneer
Ed Levy, Jr. 2004 Bush Pioneer; President, Edward C. Levy Company
Bob Liggett 2004 Bush Pioneer; Chairman, Liggett Management
Paul Welday 2000 and 2004 Bush Pioneer, Former Oakland County Chairman
Peter Karmanos Chairman and CEO, Compuware
Robert Taubman Chairman and CEO, Taubman Company
Ronna Romney Former U.S. Senate Candidate
Rep. Daniel Acciavatti State Representative
Rep. Fran Amos State Representative
Rep. Richard Ball State Representative
Rep. Darwin Booher State Representative
Rep. Jack Brandenburg State Representative
Rep. Tom Casperson State Representative
Rep. Bruce Caswell State Representative
Rep. Bill Caul State Representative
Rep. Judy Emmons State Representative
Rep. David Farhat State Representative
Rep. John Garfield State Representative
Rep. Shelley Goodman Taub State Representative
Rep. Geoff Hansen State Representative
Rep. David Hildenbrand State Representative
Rep. Jack Hoogendyk State Representative
Rep. Scott Hummel State Representative
Rep. Joe Hune State Representative
Rep. Rick Jones State Representative
Rep. Jerry Kooiman State Representative
Rep. Phil LaJoy State Representative
Rep. David Law State Representative
Rep. James Marleau State Representative
Rep. Tom Meyer State Representative
Rep. Gary Newell State Representative
Rep. Michael Nofs State Representative
Rep. David Palsrok State Representative
Rep. John Pastor State Representative
Rep. Phil Pavlov State Representative
Rep. Tom Pearce State Representative
Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker State Representative
Rep. Fulton Sheen State Representative
Rep. Rick Shaffer State Representative
Rep. John Stakoe State Representative
Rep. Bill VanRegenmorter State Representative
Rep. Howard Walker State Representative
Rep. Lorence Wenke State Representative
Paul Viar Michigan Republican State Committee Member – 10th District
Bob Hogan Huron County GOP Chairman
Terri Kowal Michigan Republican State Committee Member – 10th District
Nancy Danhof Member, Michigan Board of Education
Dennis Cowan Oakland County Republican Party Chairman
Jim Carabelli Macomb County Republican Party Chairman
Dr. Tim Tarry Eaton County Republican Party Chairman
Jon Williams Jackson County Republican Party Chairman
Anthony Stackpoole Chippewa County Republican Party Chairman
Robert Law Michigan Republican State Committee Member
David Frey West Michigan Business Leader
Dan DeVine 2004 Oakland County Bush/Cheney Campaign Chairman
The Hon. William Runco Michigan Republican State Committee Member -15th District
Ilija Letica CEO, Letica Corporation
Matt Kiriluk President, Kirco
Kevin Prokop Director, Questor
Mickey Shapiro Lautrec, Inc.
Robert Shumake CEO, Inheritance Capital Group
Jerry Roe Former Executive Director, Michigan Republican Party
Robert Anderson Former Michigan Republican State Committee member
Wendy Anderson Former Michigan Republican State Committee Member
Marianne Packer Former Michigan Republican State Committee member
Steve Linder Former Michigan Republican State Committee Member
Lori Wortz Former Michigan Republican State Committee Member

Idle Attorneys still paid (Marcinkowski)

Marcinkowski's doing alright for himself right now. Hat tip to commenter "Stands" for giving this link. From the Daily Tribune in Oakland County.

ROYAL OAK -- Two city attorneys continue to collect paychecks of $1,700 to $1,875 a week for doing nothing while Royal Oak pays outside counselors to handle its legal issues and employee negotiations.

Deputy City Attorney Jim Marcinkowski and Assistant City Attorney Brian James describe themselves as the Maytag repairmen of City Hall.

"We fell from grace for some reason," James said. "You have to ask the City Commission why. It's not my decision. I didn't ask to sit here and do nothing."

Elected officials aren't talking about the situation, however. They point to an unfair labor practice charge filed by James, Marcinkowski and legal secretary Carol Schwanger, who make up the three-member Teamster Local 214.

Unionized Attorneys?

To all drivers on US-23 - The speed limit is 70, not 20

I have a bit of a rant here. I'm used to a Lansing commute. While it's 40 miles away and longer than my current commute to the People's Republic of Ann Arbor, it is actually quicker for me to get to Lansing than to Ann Arbor during that %#@!ing morning rush hour. Lansing's easy for the most part outside of the US-127/I-496 interchange. US-23 is a nightmare, especially around North Territorial.

I've never seen so many atrocious drivers in my life. I should not have to stop when there are no accidents or lane blockages. I shouldn't be going 20 miles per hour on the expressway. I almost got rear-ended today when I had to hit the brakes once again every 3 miles.

I'd like to borrow my dad's snowplow and push the lead slowpoke out of the way, but I can't do that sort of thing when I'm in law school. I will ask the slowpokes to go at least the speed limit when the weather isn't bad. That really isn't too much to ask.

Republicans moving far to the right? I don't think so.

From the Argus

The Michigan Republican Party is trying to cast Democrat Jim Marcinkowski as a flip-flopper on the issue of abortion in new automated phone calls to residents of the 8th Congressional District.
Marcinkowski, the deputy city attorney for Royal Oak, is challenging three-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton.

Marcinkowski, a former CIA agent, used to be a Republican, and even ran for the state Legislature as a member of the GOP.

The short phone calls remind listeners of that: "Running for the Legislature, he said he was pro-life with no exceptions ... Running for Congress, he says he's a pro-choice Democrat."
The calls urge people to call Marcinkowski to "ask him what he'll be tomorrow."

Apparantly, State Party is calling robocalls and giving Marcinkowski a case of the same medicine that unions have used against Mike Rogers. Personally, I hate robocalls and will not use them if I run for any office, but they are cheap, and that is why so many pols use them.

Now one thing I hear from the democrat is this perception of how the GOP is moved to the right. That's a pile of horse manure so high, that it dwarfs Mt. Brighton. While there is hyper-partisanship, both parties have moved heavily to the left.

The Republicans were at their height in 1995. That's when they were at their peak. That is the group that brought us the Contract with America. These were the main stances of a majority of that group and I'll compare that with today's stances. Ask yourselves where the move to the right is.

1994 GOP - Eliminate the Departments of Education and Energy
Today's GOP - No Child Left Behind with Ted Kennedy, Energy and Education departments still alive and kicking.

1994 GOP - Balanced the Budget, tried to make a balanced budger law
Today's GOP - Defecit better than last few years, but still unacceptable.

1994 GOP - Strongly Pro-life
Today's GOP - Strongly Pro-life

1994 GOP - Second Amendment movement in high gear
Today's GOP - Second Amendment movement successful

1994 GOP - Split on NAFTA/Trade issues
Today's GOP - Mostly pro-NAFTA/GATT (I still oppose it)

1994 GOP - Lead the way on Welfare Reform (and even Clinton after vetoing it twice followed the winners)
Today;s GOP - Not an issue.

1994 GOP - Term Limits
Today;s GOP - Not a federal issue (Found Unconstitutional)

1994 GOP - 3/4 vote for tax increases
Today's GOP - No federal tax increases, but spending is up.

1994 GOP - Tax cuts
Today's GOP - Senate RINOS fouled it up.

1994 GOP - Tort and Social Security Reform
Today's GOP - Tort Reform is talk and no action. Bush tried on Social Security. Senate Fouled it up.

1994 GOP - Opposed Gay Marriage
Today's GOP - Same

1994 GOP - Government out of Health Care
Today's GOP - Perscription Drugs.

As for the democrats - they call this a move to the right and think we need to spend MORE! Their votes on these are ALL more leftist than the leftist votes by the Republicans. I'd like to see the Republicans move to the right for once - and if we want to keep the house, we better move to the right, or the conservatives will stay home.

As for Marcinkowski - he just moved further to the left to get his 15 minutes of fame. He's only famous because he's a buddy of Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson.

Roscoe Case Update

From the Argus. This report tells more of Roscoe's side of the story.

Putnam Township supervisor candidate Shane Roscoe claimed he was innocent Saturday afternoon, hours after his release by Washtenaw County authorities who arrested him Thursday afternoon in connection with an attempted robbery and beating at an Ann Arbor-area auto dealership.
"I emphatically did not have anything to do with any robbery or assault," said Roscoe, 41, in a telephone interview.

"I'm assuming because of my old, old past, that I made a good suspect."

Roscoe said that as a young man, he was a "hoodlum" growing up in Detroit and served time in prison for stealing cars. He said he put those days behind him when he moved to Putnam Township 15 years ago.
"My past is my past. I came out here to start a new life with my family," said Roscoe, who is married with two daughters, ages 4 and 6, and a 15-year-old stepdaughter.

While Roscoe did compile a police record as a youth, state records show that as recently as four years ago, he was sentenced for felonious assault in Livingston County; and larceny of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, and receiving and concealing stolen property in the same dollar range in Oakland County.

Acceptable/unacceptable 2008

Acceptable/unacceptable 2008 - From GOP Bloggers.

Putnam Township Supervisor Candidate Shane Noel Roscoe's Prior Convictions

The Argus has an online update on this case.

Putnam Township supervisor candidate Shane Roscoe claimed innocence Saturday afternoon, hours after his release by Washtenaw County authorities who arrested him Thursday afternoon in connection with an attempted robbery and beating at an Ann Arbor area auto dealership.

I neglected to mention in my previous post that Mr. Roscoe has a lot of priors. Even if he is innocent of this crime, this guy is a real embarassment for the Livingston Democrats. The democrats have a CONVICTED thief, robber, and stalker on their ticket.

Here's a list of his priors, courtesy of the Offender Tracking Information System. These are convictions, not charges where he was found innocent. These were all guilty or Nolo Contendere (No contest) pleas.

Prison Escape - Ionia - Sentencing Date - 9/8/86
Receiving Stolen Property - Washtenaw - 12/21/84
Receiving Stolen Property - Wayne - 11/2/84]
Breaking and Entering w Intent (Attempted) - Wayne - 10/10/84
Breaking and Entering w Intent (Attempted) - Wayne - 6/25/87
Unarmed Robbery - Wayne - 6/25/87
Stalking - Wayne - 2/12/97
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon - Livingston - 9/5/02
Larceny $1000-$20,000 - Oakland - 6/26/02
Larceny $1000-$20,000 - Oakland - 6/26/02
Receiving Stolen Property $1000-$20,000 - Oakland - 6/26/02

Now I'm not passing judgement on this current case as he is innocent till proven guilty. However, with ELEVEN priors, with the last offense on 1/25/01 (Livingston's ADW), is this a guy I'd want as a Township Supervisor? If he gets elected, I hope the treasurer in Putnam Township keeps a VERY close eye on the money for obvious reasons.

Putnam Twp candidate arrested in attempted homicide investigation

Big news in the Argus this morning. Putnam Township Supervisor candidate Shane Roscoe was busted in an attempted homicide investigation. I will say that he's innocent till proven guilty. That said, I certainly do not expect this from candidates for public office.

Livingston County Sheriff's deputies arrested Putnam Township supervisor candidate Shane Roscoe early Thursday afternoon in connection with an attempted homicide investigation in Washtenaw County.
Sheriff Bob Bezotte confirmed his deputies took 41-year-old Roscoe into custody at about 12:30 p.m. on a warrant from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department.

The warrant sought Roscoe's DNA and a search of his home, the sheriff said, referring additional inquiries to Washtenaw County Sheriff's officials.

Cmdr. Dave Egeler of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department declined to provide details, saying, "It may hamper the investigation."

Roscoe, the Democratic candidate for Putnam Township supervisor, is slated to face Ronald Rau, the Republican candidate, for the seat in November's general election.

We'll see what the evidence shows.

Too Much Time on Their Hands

From the Argus:

At its meeting Thursday, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners will consider new requirements on owners of inflatable swimming pools to sign affidavits taking responsibility for keeping the water at a certain level to comply with state law.
According to a memo to the board from Robert Kobylas, acting head of the Building Department, the pools are governed by a 2003 Michigan law mandating that pools with water more than 24 inches deep have a fence around them and for owners to get permits from the county. But because the pools are so easily purchased now, many people are assuming the law doesn’t apply, the memo said.

Kobylas wrote that his department has received complaints from neighbors of people with the pools, expressing concern for the safety of children because there are no fences. Users of the pools have argued that the pools are temporary and will be removed at the end of the summer, the memo said.

What a stupid law. I need a permit from the county to have an inflatable swimming pool? As far as the commissioners, this is ridiculous proposal and I hope they don't do the dirty work for the state here. If I wasn't going to be a lawyer and have a special ethics code to follow, I wouldn't get the permit for a pool anyway. I'm from the old school where a man's home is his castle.

Livingston Co. No. 1 in housing

From the Free Press

Livingston County ranked No. 1 of Michigan's 83 counties for the biggest increase in housing units in the last five years, census data released Monday show.

The county saw a 20% jump between 2000 and 2005, from 59,000 units to a little more than 70,000. Wayne County ranked last with 2% growth. Macomb ranked 17th with 8% growth, and Oakland County was 42nd with 5% growth

I'm not sure how much booming there will continue to be. I've seen a LOT of For Sale Signs out here.

Concerned Taxpayers Group of Livingston County

Because of time committments involving Law School, I regretfully resign my position as treasurer of the Concerned Taxpayers Group of Livingston County as well as the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County. My resignation date is September 7. As one of the founders of this organization, I still strongly support both organizations as well as the leadership of both organizations. I will be actively supporting the efforts of both organizations, and still believe all fiscal conservatives should as well. My resignation is strictly due to Law School and I will assist our organization in finding an effective replacement who understands (or will understand) the campaign finance laws so we continue our streak of ethics as we have never been fined nor received any error/ommission notices.

We still have challenges ahead of us. The Concerned Taxpayers Group of Livingston County and its twin brother - Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County are both once again getting ready for battle. Despite being outspent in every race we were involved in, we have a perfect record in millages, and batted .500 (2/4) in school board elections we have made endorsements - one seat in Howell, and another in Hartland.

Our PAC is going to be getting involved in school board elections once again next year. As before, we are going to endorse fiscally conservative candidates. I expect the endorsement process will be similar to last years where interviews and question/answer sessions are set up with candidates and a raw score and average among PAC members is used to determing who receives our endorsement. (As a side note, I'd like to see the Livingston County GOP follow a process to the Concerned Taxpayers Group in an endorsement process)

We expect major battles in Brighton, Howell, Pinckney, and Hartland.

We would like to be involved in all five Livingston County School Board Elections if possible. Unfortunately, it takes money to be effective. The least amont of money we spent campaign ways was our PAC in 2005's School elections in Howell and Hartland. That was also where we did win 100% of our races. Concerned Taxpayers Group money can not go towards Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC money by law, so this is a seperate committee that we need to fund to be effective. We would appreciate any support you give us - whether it be $5 or $500.

All those interested or have questions should email us at concernedtaxpayersgroup@yahoo.com

There are no salaries, and all of the money spent goes towards electing fiscally conservative individuals and/or defeating tax increases.

Democrat Infighting in Detroit

The mayor's race from 2005 is still ongoing. From the Free Press

The feud between Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's supporters and opponents remains a festering wound in the Democratic Party that could threaten its ability to deliver a strong voter turnout needed in Detroit to notch wins in statewide November elections.

In the latest volley on Thursday, state Rep. Mary Waters, D-Detroit, accused Kilpatrick of undermining her candidacy for the party's secretary of state nomination in an effort to strengthen the Republican Party's chances of winning offices in the November election.

Waters -- flanked by several candidates for the state Legislature from Detroit -- also said a Kilpatrick appointee told her the Democratic mayor would support the GOP ticket in November; she refused to name the appointee who gave her that information.

I'm not surprised by this. The Democrat primary races in Detroit were important as several Kwame and Freman Hendrix supporters squared off last August. With conventions coming up for both Democrats and Republicans, it's no suprised that all the interests are fighting for their candidate to be the AG and Sec of State nominee.

Donald Miller resigns from Howell City Council

From the Argus

Howell's longest-serving City Council member has resigned after 16 years.
Donald Miller submitted his letter of resignation effective immediately due to recurring health problems.

We wish Donald the best of health, and good luck to the next council member.

Put them on trial or let them go

I didn't have enough information to have an informed opinion, and was not going to jump on the "Convict them before we try them" bandwagon. I'm sure most here have heard about the ALLEGED plot to blow up the Mackinac Bridge by three Texans of Middle Eastern ancestry. It looks more and more like this is a Richard Jewel situation.

Here's the latest from the Detroit News

Two alleged terrorism cases involving men of Middle Eastern descent and bulk purchases of cell phones were in tatters Monday, and Arab-American leaders said the arrested men were victims of racial profiling.

The FBI and Michigan State Police said Monday there is no evidence linking three Texas men arrested in Caro, Mich., to terrorism or a plot to blow up the Mackinac Bridge.

I'm not going to slam profiling, and there are needs for it in some cases. That said, there's a big step between profiling and detaining. These three bought a lot of pre-paid cell phones and said then planned on reselling them in Texas. They were caught with 1000 cell phones and pictures of the Mackinac Bridge.

For some reason, I had a gut feeling about this case being "the boy who cried wolf." I was going to wait before posting something on this partly for this reason.

In this country, we are innocent until we are proven guilty. That tends to be forgotten by some

Ted Nugent endorses DeVos

"Dick DeVos is indeed the best man for MI quality of life upgrade. The Goodman will bring the same logic, responsibility, goodwill, decency, and productive work ethic & talents proven for his family and biz successes to the great state of MI!! There is no reasonable plan B. Pray & VOTE" - Ted Nugent

DeVos names Ruth Johnson as lieutenant governor nominee

From an email from DeVos Campaign

Dick DeVos today announced that Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson would join him on the ticket to bring change to Michigan this November. Johnson is a former state legislator, county commissioner, social worker and public school teacher who has devoted her career to public service.

'Ruth Johnson joins the Team for Change ready to help lead Michigan's turnaround,' said DeVos. 'Her decades of public service at the state level and in Michigan's second largest county make her qualified to assume the Governorship if necessary. She is a strong leader with a distinguished record of reform and of doing the right thing for Michigan's children, families and taxpayers.'

Johnson is the first woman elected clerk in Oakland County's 176-year history. She reformed the office, providing many online services to residents and saving Oakland County taxpayers millions of dollars. Her resume includes serving three terms as a state legislator in Lansing where she was Assistant Whip in the House. Johnson's experience as a county official and state legislator means she understands the unique local and municipal government challenges Michigan residents face and can get the job done in Lansing.

'Standing here today it is impossible to share completely all of the thoughts and feelings that I have,' said Johnson. ''Honored' and 'privileged' don't even scratch the surface. Next to the day that I married my husband Don and the birth of our daughter Emmy, this is the greatest honor. I'm ready to work with Dick to bring much-needed change to our state. We will bring opportunity back to Michigan.'

Johnson was named as DeVos' nominee today at a press conference in Lansing.

I think this is a safe pick. It geographicaly balances a ticket, as Johnson is a woman from Oakland County, as well as a moderate (who probably isn't too liberal for the base). As far as I know, this won't alienate people. Personaly, I don't care that much who is picked for LT, as long as it isn't someone like Joe Schwarz who will alienate the base.

District updates

I updated the Congressional Profiles to add primary results.

Macomb Politics

From the AP

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — At least one Macomb County commissioner is questioning Prosecutor Eric Smith's proposal to ban his assistant prosecutors from running against him or making political contributions to his election opponent.

Smith described the language as a "no-compete" clause in a proposed contract for the 60 assistants and said it has nothing to do with staffers who might want to replace him.

"I more than welcome all comers for the job. This is strictly about keeping politics out of the office," Smith told The Detroit News for a Friday story.

(snip)

This seems to insert politics in the office to me. Is first-termer Smith worried about competition in a swing county?

The Suburban Voice is back

Some may think that this is the first Livingston County on-line based news/blog/comment site. That's not the case. Back in 2004, Matthew Craig and then Livingston GOP Vice-Chair John Lin started "The Suburban Voice." Unfortunately, John has since passed away after a long fight with cancer.

The Suburban Voice is back online. Matthew Craig restarted the site. The first item is a letter to the editor by Chuck Moran over the millage proposals.

I encourage everyone in the county to click on the link and add the site to regular reading.

New Polls

Fire away!

Bouchard/Butler Results

The Butler/Bouchard race was very interesting by dynamics. It was a West Michigan vs East Michigan vs North Michigan matchup.

Butler won five counties, all in West Michigan. Allegan, Newaygo, Ottawa, Kent, and Barry County. Butler was close in Ionia, Muskegon, and Montcalm Counties as well - all west of Lansing. I expected him to do well there.

Bouchard did best in Northern Lower Michigan. 16 of his 18 best counties were Up North. Crawford County (Grayling) was his best county - where he got 75.38% of the vote. That does not surprise me. I expected North Michigan to be Bouchard dominent.

In East Michigan, I expected things to be close. Bouchard dominated. Butler only kept Bouchard under 10% in Lenawee County, and I suspect much of that had to do with Tim Walberg's coattails. Bouchard took 57.83% in Wayne County, 58.57% in Genesee County, 60.49% in Lapeer County, 60.85% in Livingston County, 62.58% in St Clair County, 62.80% in Monroe County, 66.06% in Macomb County and 68.16% in Oakland County. This was the difference maker.

Two BIG suprises to me were Washtenaw and Ingham Counties. Ingham went $62.25 for Bouchard and Washtenaw went 56.93% for Bouchard. I expected about 70% Bouchard in Washtenaw and for Butler to win Ingham County since he had a lot of core support in Lansing - or so it seemed.

Congratulations to Mike Bouchard, and good luck to him against Stabenow.

Primary Report - Races within Livingston County

I had a good baseball average in predictions this time. Overall, turnout sucked at 21.57% It was atrocious and lower than the Howell School Board race. I don't know of two better terms to descrive it besides sucks and atrocious.

US Senate (Livingston Only)
Mike Bouchard - 10484
Keith Butler - 6744

I'll address this race later. Bouchard won rather easily statewide. Butler won a few counties in West Michigan, but lost the rest of them handily. I thought it would have been a much closer race. Good luck to Bouchard.

US Congress (Livingston Only)
Mike Rogers - 15456
Patrick Flynn - 2973

About as expected here. Mike won easily overall. Patrick Flynn simply picked the wrong opponent to run against. I hope Patrick stays active in the community.

State Senate (Livingston Only)
Valde Garcia - 13385
Barton Hellmuth - 4106

This was also as expected. Barton was on Howell School Board and has more name ID than Flynn, but Garcia is popular and wasn't going to be turned out by an opponent who spent no money and ran fiscally to his left.

County Commish 5
Don Parker - 838
Susan Charron Spagnolio (sp) - 775

This was close as expected. I suspect Parker's name ID and fiscal conservatism carried him through. He's the most fiscally conservative of the county commissioners. Don's unopposed in November.

County Commish 8 (Democrat)
Dave Buckland - 417
Nick Bosak - 247

Dave Buckland will face Dennis Dolan in November. I haven't followed this race. Debby Buckland is an active democrat volunteer and I believe was Howard Dean's campaign chair for the county.

Judges:
Theresa Brennan - 14501
Jay Drick - 6704
Christina Heikkinen - 2323

Good news and bad news. The bad news is that we got crushed so far. I thought it would have been much closer. The good news is that we still made the playoffs, albeit as an "8 seed". Name ID (or lack of it) was a killer. There's three months to regroup, and with the low turnout, it's not over.

Bill McCririe - 10101
Carol Sue Reader - 6714
Linda Walker - 5368

This is about as I expected. McCririe wins, and it's close between Reader and Walker.

Probate Court:
Bob Parker - 5528
Carol Garagiola - 5390
Kathy Oemke - 4125
Suzanne Dugas - 3330
Roberta Balon-Vaughn - 2784
Lyle Dickson - 1078
Anthony Kandt - 913

This was the toughest to predict. I expected Parker to move on. I expected Vaughn to do much better considering the money she spent on this race. Oemke had a strong core following, but not the money. Dugas had roots in the county. Garagiola was a surprise second to me due to time in the county, but I underestimated last name ID. She was hitting doors as well, including my parents house in a rural area. I expect this race to be a very tough campaign on both sides.

Millages:

I predicted all renewals to pass, and all new ones to die. I was wrong here. 911 and police/fire millages usually do better than the other ones, and it showed here. Those passed.

911 (County)
Yes - 15076
No - 10835

Cohoctah proposal (Roads)
Yes - 224
No - 128

Green Oak Fire
Yes - 2270
No - 609

Green Oak Police
Yes - 2212
No - 666

Hamburg Bond
Yes - 1573
No - 1497

Hartland Fire
Yes - 976
No - 496

Howell Twp Road
Yes - 528
No - 466

Howell Area Parks
Yes - 2650
No - 3652

Brighton Fire
Yes - 3725
No - 3366

Schwarz is sent home. Other primary results

The biggest news of the day is that Joe Schwarz is sent home, replaced by Tim Walberg. Walberg brought his GOTV machine from 2004 back, and this time had enough funding to win.

Tim Walberg - 53.04% - 33144 votes
Joe Schwarz - 46.96% - 29349 votes

By County:
BRANCH
Schwarz - 1,519 - 40.75%
Walberg - 2,209 - 59.25%

CALHOUN
Schwarz - 5,648 - 57.54%
Walberg - 4,167 - 42.46%

EATON
Schwarz - 5,961 - 54.23%
Walberg - 5,032 - 45.77%

HILLSDALE
Schwarz - 1,917 - 32.16%
Walberg - 4,043 - 67.84%

JACKSON
Schwarz - 6,777 - 45.81%
Walberg - 8,018 - 54.19%

LENAWEE
Schwarz - 2,569 - 31.12%
Walberg - 5,687 - 68.88%

WASHTENAW
Schwarz - 4,958 - 55.42%
Walberg - 3,988 - 44.58%

The biggest thing here scary to some bigwigs is that establishment endorsements really don't matter all that much. Almost all of the establishment in DC and in state party leadership backed Schwarz. Most organizations did as well. They all lost. McCain, Bush, the NRA, John Engler, Saul Anuzis, John Boehner and much of Congress. Walberg certainly isn't going to owe the establishment anything. Hopefully he'll be ready to stand up to the big spenders out there. Good luck to him. We need more Tim Walbergs out there.

Out of state - Joe Lieberman is sent home in Connecticutt, but is deciding to run as an independent. We'll see what happens. Cynthia McKinney in DeKalb Georgia is also sent home. Good riddance.

I'll get to the US Senate race and county results later today.

Democrat Taxman Jim Blanchard campaigning for Joe Schwarz?

From the Lunch Bucket Conservative

Dem Blanchard campaigning for Republican Schwarz

The Hotlineblog is reporting that former Michgian Governor Jim Blanchard has recorded a telephone message in support of incumbent GOP Rep. John "Joe" Schwarz (MI07) and tha is being called into (we presume) Democrat homes in an effort to turn out non-traditional Republican primary voters. No independent LBC confirmation...but DEVELOPING.

Primary Election Open Thread

For whatever reason, the last election thread is not allowing comments, so I have this open thread here.

I'm curious about the turnout around the state. Where I was, it was rather weak. It was even weaker in my parent's precinct.

Election Day - Time to vote

UPDATED - Voted in Howell, #134 - about 70 absentees as well. Light turnout, no waiting.

UPDATED 2 - Secretary of State's election results

Today's the primary. All informed voters should vote. It's particulary important for Livingston County residents as several tax millages are also on the ballot. Besides the judicial races (Vote Jay Drick!!!) covered extensively, we have primaries for US Senate, US Congress (Go Mike), State Senate (Go Valde), and District 5 County Commissioner (Howell, Cohoctah, Conway Twp). The democrats have a primary for county commissioner in Hamburg.

For central Oakland County residents, Joe Knollenberg needs our support. He's facing a challenge from a RINO.

In the 7th District, Go Tim Walberg!!!

For state rep - I hope Mike Bosnic and John Knowles get the nod.

Democrats I could stomach - Patrick Baker in Lansing. John Gleason in Flint. Gleason's pro-2a. Baker's pro-life. Those are solid democrat districts about as democrat as Livingston County is Republican. Baker and Gleason are the best we can get there.

Over in Connecticutt, Joe Lieberman is in serious trouble. Cynthia McKinney is in a runoff election today in DeKalb County, Georgia.

County Election Results - Click here

Lunch Bucket Conservative blog also will have some election Results

Redstate is good for national results.

I may or may not be online later with updates.

Top 10 Reasons Joe Schwarz Must Go

From the folks at REDSTATE

Today is election day in Michigan and we are hoping Tim Walberg wins. Walberg is a pro-life tax cutting Republican who will work to reduce government and encourage the free market. We've been reviewing the top ten reasons why Joe Schwarz Must Go. Before we get to number one, let's review the list:

10. Schwarz Opposes ANWR drilling.
9. Schwarz Supports Government Subsidized Viagra.
8. Schwarz Is Wrong on Marriage -- he supports same sex marriage.
7. Schwarz Is Wrong on Private Property -- he supports the Kelo decision.
6. Schwarz Is A Tax & Spend Liberal.
5. Schwarz Is Pro-Choice -- he's being backed by Planned Parenthood and other liberal pro-abortion groups.
4. Schwarz Is Anti-Free Speech -- he voted for BCRA and against protecting blogs from the FEC.
3. Schwarz Is A Hypocrite -- having voting for BCRA, he violated it to try to win this campaign.
2. Schwarz Is A Tax Hiker -- he's on record willing to repeal the President's tax cuts.

And the number one reason Joe Schwarz Must Go . . .

1. It will send a message to Republican leaders in Congress.

For the past two years, Republicans have governed in the Joe Schwarz mould. They have expanded government, expanded spending, and otherwise ignored the GOP's conservative base. In fact, conservatives, who are the largest part of the GOP base, have been dumped on, ignored, and shoved aside in favor of politicians like Joe Schwarz.

Republicans in Congress will not get the message if they lose the majority -- they'll blame conservatives. Republicans in Congress will get the message if we take a stand in Republican primaries and start tossing liberals. Let's send this wake up call today.

Grebner's voting experiment

Mark Grebner, an Ingham County Commissioner most known for his political business, Practical Political Consultants, is under fire for a mailing he did.

From the Argus

Shock quickly turned to anger when Hamburg Township resident Karl Schwanik opened his mail one day last week.
He had received a letter containing his voting record — a list of the elections in which he had gone to the polls to cast ballots, and those he hadn't — from an East Lansing firm known as Practical Political Consulting Inc.

The letter also contained the voting records of his neighbors and promised a follow-up letter that will indicate who voted in the coming Tuesday primary election

I have mixed views on this. It's certainly legal, and rather easy to find out who voted and who did not vote as it is public record. It's also easy for me to preach about voting since I'm classified as an 8 or a 9 voter (never missed a contested election).

However, there are several reasons people don't vote. Some are lazy. Some don't know enough about the candidates. Some are informed and don't like anybody on the ballot.

I wish those who didn't like anyone showed up and left the ballot blank, voted third party, or wrote themselves in. That sends more of a message than staying home where they are ignored.

The ones who don't know enough about the candidates I don't want voting. Ignorant people should not vote. I'm NOT referring to those I disagree with on issues. I'm referring to the fools who vote for superficial reasons (IE - Vote for Granholm because she's a woman, Vote for DeVos since he's Dutch) instead of deciding based on where the candidates stand on issues, voting records, competency, or candidate's character.

I find out as much information as I can on each candidate before I make a decision. I have never filled in the straight ticket circle. I go down each list and make the decision. If I don't know anything about the people, I skip that race. If I don't like any of the choices, given I leave it blank, write someone in, or vote third party.

The ideal situation is for a 100% turnout of well informed voters. I don't mind my vote being cancelled out to a well informed voter I happen to disagree with. I hate it when my vote is cancelled out to some joker who thinks Granholm is hot and votes for her because of that reason.

While we all have the right to vote, it's also a major responsibility to make sure we really know who we are voting for and the reasons we are making those decisions. If Grebner's list gets uninformed people to the polls, he's doing us all a disservice. If he's getting informed people to the polls, he's doing us all a service.

Districts

I've gotten behind on the districts. I'll update the current ones after the primary to show the general and add the rest of them once time permits. I'd like to finish them before the general, but between work and school it may have to wait.

Primary Predictions

I'm going to probably stick my size 13 boot in my mouth with some of these, but we'll see.

Primary Predictions
Outstate:
Ned Lamont beats Joe Lieberman in Connecticutt 54-46
Cynthia McKinney hangs on in Dekalb County GA's runoff against Hank Johnson 51-49

Senate - Upset Special:
Keith Butler edges Mike Bouchard 51-49. Evangelical turnout causes a shocker. I'm still undecided on this and will likely be so until I show up at the polls.

Congress:
District 7 - I hope I'm wrong, but I think Schwarz hangs on due to establishment support, a lucky break by the NRA's poor decision, and democrat crossvotes. That said, it will be very close. 52-48 Schwarz.

District 8 - Mike Rogers wins easily. Flynn gets some hardliners and democrat crossvotes, but not enough. Mike's no Joe Schwarz and keeps most of his conservative support. 82-18.

District 9 - Pan Godchaux is running on the left flank of Joe Knollenberg. Knollenberg's faced tough challenges before in generals (David Fink), but not in primary. The bad news for Godchaux is that primaries bring out conservative voters, and gun owners will be out for Knollenberg as well for this one. Knollenberg wins 71-29.

State Senate
Valde Garcia is challenged by Barton Hellmuth. Hellmuth isn't spending a dime, and his comment in the paper on raising diesel taxes is not going to go over well here. 82-18 Garcia wins.

Judicial Races
District - Theresa Brennan and Jay Drick move on to the general. 42-40-18 Brennan, Drick, and Heikkinen in that order - setting up a major battle in November.

District - Bill McCririe has the most election experience and will move on to the general. The other spot is probably a tossup. I except the west side to back Linda Walker, and Carol Sue Reader to do better in the Howell and Brighton area. The question is whether Fowlerville votes for Walker as much as they did for Hune.

Probate - Toughest for me to predict since anything can happen in six way races. I'll predict Bob Parker and Roberta Balon-Vaugn due to election experience, but anything can happen here. If I'm wrong in a prediction, it'll be here.

Millages
Renewals pass
ALL of the new ones FAIL.

The Argus adds comment sections

Is the Argus following in my footsteps here? They've added comment sections on their online stories. Interesting move and a gutsy one depending on how they decide to moderate them.

A Mini-Interview with Tim Walberg

John Hawkins of Human Events interviews Tim Walberg who is running against Joe Schwarz. I have Tim's response to two questions here, but I recomment everyone clicking on the link to see the whole thing. I'd vote for Tim if I could, but lucky for Mr. Schwarz, the district stops at the Pinckney/Dexter line. If you are a fiscal conservative, Walberg's your guy. If you're a social conservative, Walberg's also your guy.

Now, you've called yourself the "conservative choice" in the race. Why would you say Joe Schwart isn't a conservative?

Walberg: Well, a guy who votes for pork barrel items...is generally not considered a conservative. One who supports amnesty for illegal aliens is not considered a conservative. ...When you get down to the...definition of marriage being between one man and one woman and you're the only Republican member of the House delegation from Michigan that opposes the President's push for defining being between one man and one woman, that doesn't (seem) conservative.

Then you need to look at his endorsers. Organizations like a bunch of unions, Planned Parenthood, Triangle Foundation, Pride Pac, Log Cabin Republicans -- you don't normally see those organizations endorsing Republicans unless they're extremely liberal...So, in my mind, it's not difficult to define Joe Schwarz as being liberal in contrast to my side of the ledger, where I am a conservative ...having support from organizations like all of the right-to-life (groups), The Club for Growth, The National Taxpayers Unioin, Citizens Against Government Waste, ...Gun Owners of America...I think it's a clear distinction...

Now, what kind of message do you think it would send to Congress if you were able to knock off Joe Schwarz?

Walberg: It says that conservatives can win. It says that...if people have a chance to choose between one liberal and one conservative, they'll choose a conservative every time. I think it also says that the Republicans need to understand that people are tired of (candidates) talking like Republicans, but acting like Democrats.

They're tired of this administration, not because of George Bush's policies, but because he has been unwilling to stand up and veto excessive spending that Reagan would have choked on. Reagan vetoed a highway funding bill because it had a 121 pork barrel items. He called that unconscionable. This (highway bill) has 6,000 pork barrel earmark items in it. Reagan would have had no trouble vetoing that.

When they look at a Congress that stands up for all the liberal causes and votes for minimum wage increases, led by Republicans -- the people back in the conservative districts...are saying, "Enough is enough. You're using us conservatives. You expect us to carry you through and get you into office, but then you walk away from us. We're going to...take an incumbent, that was put into office as a Republican, but voted liberal, and we're going to throw him out."

Probate Judge

I gotten a lot of calls asking me who the Republicans, and pro-lifers are in the Probate Court race. There are four republicans running. Lyle Dickson, Suzanne Dugas, Carol Hackett Garagiola, and Roberta Balon-Vaughn are Republicans. Bob Parker has given to both parties including Debbie Stabenow and Joe Hune. Kathy Oemke has a history of supporting democrats. I do not know anything about Anthony Kandt outside of what I've seen in the debates.

Right to life has endorsed Parker and Oemke. I also know personally that Roberta Balon-Vaughn and Lyle Dickson ARE pro-life (despite no endorsement) going back over the last 4 years. RTL said they would only back two people because of two positions open in the primary. That's their decision, but I want to make clear that Bobbi and Lyle are both pro-life.

I have two people I consider friends running in this race, so I'm keeping my vote quiet.

Response to Letter (Judges)

Former Green Oak Trustee and well known democrat Sally York wrote a letter to the editor today. You can find it here. I'd like to make two points in response.

1. The GOP did not endorse the Andersons in that school board race. The county GOP endorsed the opposition to the countywide enhancement millage. Carney won due to a combination of the teachers union support, and also conservative mad at incumbents due to the millage. I know some straight GOP votes in that race who were looking for a fifth choice, only voting for one of the Andersons and leaving the rest blank.

2. The problem is not just that Ms. Brennan was appointed or a democrat. This isn't a moderate Jim Barcia type of democrat we are dealing with. Granholm appointed the most leftist judge she could find - One of Debbie Stabenow's top supporters. The same Stabenow who prevents judges in Michigan from having an up or down vote in the senate. Ms. Brennan is also a supporter of radical MI List, the Emily's list of Michigan. Only partial birth abortion supporters need apply. If that isn't enough she organized a war protest with Bob Alexander. Those are mainstream views in Ann Arbor, but not in mainstream Livingston County.

When is it litterbug season?

If there is one thing that really bothers me, it's jerks that go out and litter beer bottles. On my way back from my dad's house in the middle of the country, I saw two beer bottles in the middle of the road. How much effort does it take to take them back to the store for 10 cents?

It's times like this when I wish the DNR would put in place a litterbug season during the summer between turkey and deer season.

They have no taste in beer either. Miller Lite?

Breaking: Jerry Zandstra endorses Keith Butler for Senate

I got this in an email. I've been undecided and going back in forth since Jerry dropped out. Since he dropped out, Jerry returned to Acton Institue and has also formed a pro-life PAC. Pro-life Federation of Michigan. I hope Jerry stays active as our party needs a shot in the arm with more ideal candidates as our struggles nationally are mostly due to too many Republicans suffering from "beltwayitis", acting like leftist democrats with our spending, and forgetting where we came from.

Zandstra Endorses Butler

Former U.S. Senate candidate Jerry Zandstra announced his support for Keith Butler at a press conference held in Grand Rapids today. "The Detroit News said it best, Keith Butler is brimming with intelligence, character and compassion. He is a true conservative and pledges to help return the Republican Party to its principles. That is why I support him, we need a U.S. Senator with the character to stand up to the career politicians and special interest groups and do what is right for Michigan and the Country," said Jerry Zandstra.

Keith Butler and Michael Bouchard are in tight battle for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate. Today's announcement could have a profound impact on the primary battle. Zandstra has a strong committed following of supporters who appreciate his message of economic and political reform.

Keith Butler said, "I want to thank Jerry for his support. I don't plan on going to Washington to pad my resume or for a paycheck, I want to go to D.C. to make a difference. We need to end the corrupt practice of special interest earmarks in our budget process and we need to end the cozy relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers. Your support Jerry is very gratifying and will greatly help us get our message out in this last week of the primary."

Recent polls by Strategic Vision show a very tight primary battle with as much as 20% of the primary voters undecided.

I'm still undecided in this race but this one certainly took me by surprise. All I can say so far is that I will be supporting Stabenow's opponent after the primary.

Clawson Tax Measure Aug 8

A friend of mine out in Clawson emailed me asking me to post his fight against the tax hiking city council out in Clawson. Here's his website. Clawson Taxpayer

Some of the stuff there may sound familiar to those of us here in Livingston County. Good luck to the taxpayers of Clawson.

From our friends at GOA - Go Walberg!!!

Sent: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 16:24:29 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: A Clear Choice

A Clear Choice: Second Amendment Champion vs. Politician Who Treats
Your Rights With Disdain

Gun Owners of America Political Victory Fund E-Mail Alert
8001 Forbes Pl Suite 102
Springfield VA 22151
703-321-8585
http://www.gunowners.org

August 1, 2006

Dear Friend of the Second Amendment,

Our Second Amendment rights are at stake in the Republican primary in
Michigan's 7th congressional district, and the choice is clear: Tim
Walberg is a consistent defender of second amendment rights, while
Congressman Joe Schwarz is not.

The election is coming up soon, on August 8th, so please read on and
act quickly.

Tim Walberg vigorously defended our Second Amendment rights during
his 16 years in the Michigan House of Representatives. He is an avid
sportsman and understands the Second Amendment is a constitutionally
protected individual right. Tim is the type of principled, bold
fighter for gun owner rights that we need in Congress.

Tim's opponent, Congressman Joe Schwarz is no friend of gun owners.
Schwarz does not believe the Second Amendment is an individual right
(Detroit Free Press, 7-5-02). Schwarz opposed Michigan's
concealed-carry law and even called it "nuts" (MIRS, 8-31-02).
Beyond opposing pro-Second Amendment legislation, Schwarz called gun
owners "bubbas" (MIRS, 8-31-02) and described gun owners as
"the
foaming, salivating concealed weapons crew" (MIRS, 8-31-02).

Joe Schwarz has brought his anti-gun philosophy to Congress. On June
28, Schwarz opposed a pro-gun amendment to repeal a mandatory trigger
lock requirement.

Gun Owners of America is dedicated to preserving and defending our
Second Amendment rights. Firearms ownership is a freedom issue and
Tim Walberg is the only consistent defender of freedom in this race.
GOA-PVF proudly endorses Tim Walberg for Congress.

However, one person alone cannot win an election, so please join me
in supporting Walberg for Congress. This primary race is highly
competitive, and the side that mobilizes best will win.

The election is fast approaching. Your donation of $100, $75, $50,
or $35 will go a long way in helping Tim reach out to undecided
voters.

Even if you don't live in Michigan, it is important that you help to
elect this pro-gun champion.

You can use the enclosed reply form and mail a contribution directly
to the campaign at 6769 Teachout Road, Tipton, MI 49287.

Even better since time is short, visit the special webform just for
GOA supporters at http://www.walbergforcongress.com/goa/ to make an
online contribution.

GOA supporters have come through in the past. With your help, over
15 GOA-backed candidates won in the previous congressional
elections.

Now we have an opportunity to improve our numbers even more in this
August 8th primary.

By working together we will send Tim Walberg to Congress, where he
will be a leader and trusted fighter for the Second Amendment rights
of all Americans.

Sincerely,

Tim Macy
Vice-Chairman

P.S. If you live in the 7th Congressional District, please remember
to vote in the August 8 Republican primary.

Even if you live outside the district, Tim will be ardently
representing your views in Washington. Please consider a generous
contribution to the Walberg campaign using either the online form at
http://www.walbergforcongress.com/goa/

Cougars in Livingston County?

From the Michigan Gun Owners Message Boards.

Here's one for ya! One of our cattle farming friends over in the northwestern part of livingston county boardering Ingham on lovejoy road and i forgot the cross road.
Shot himself a new predetor to the area. A Cougar yep a Cougar and according to animal control and the sheriffs department it wasnt the biggest cat in the area.
Well he found that out the following night when his mare was attacked. She survived the attack with battle scars to show for it. A nice set of claw marks down her back with about a 6 inch long and 1 inch wide laceration on her hind quarter. Someone took the dead cougar he didnt say who.
Wouldnt you think it would have made the Papers? or the news to let people with kids know!

Probably Conway Township. I've heard cases of cougar up north, but didn't know they are this far south. Heads up to all of you with pets.

Argus endorses Brennan. In other news, the Pope is still Catholic

In a move that surprises nobody, our liberal paper - The Argus - endorsed Brennan. This is the same paper that endorsed John Kerry in 04 and almost the entire democrat ticket in 2002, including Granholm, Gary Peters, Butch Hollowell, Carl Levin, and even Joe Hune's opponent. I would have been shocked and wonder what's going on if they didn't endorse Brennan. The Argus has the right to their opinion, but I take issue with this statement here.

Drick followed that up with a campaign mailing that accused Brennan of not supporting our troops in Iraq. It was a shameful, unjustified attack

She organized the war protest. People who have war protests do not support the troops. Period.

Campaign Finance Reports Due Today

Today is campaign finance day for those in the primary election. All ballot question committees and candidate committees are due in today. (Outside of those who spent under $1000)

I took a look at Theresa Brennan’s filing. It’s an interesting combination. Mostly democrats like Joe Carney and Steve Manor which is no surprise. The ones that aren’t democrats are big developers. That’s not a good combination for rural republicans here who would like to keep the rural character of Livingston County. I don’t want to see us turn into another Oakland County or Washtenaw County. I also wonder what will happen if a mobile home park case comes to her desk......

It’s just another reason why we should support Jay Drick for Judge.

Raise the Diesel Tax? NO!

Fuel taxes are 2nd to Property Taxes on my bad list. The Argus had a story about Valde Garcia and his primary challenger Barton Hellmuth. I planned on voting for Garcia anyway, but this article solidifies it.

Hellmuth said more money should be spent to bring school districts that get less money from the state more in line with those at the top of the funding ladder

To pay for that, he recommended some budget cuts in the Corrections Department for spending on "luxuries" to prisoners. He also suggested an increase in the diesel tax, which he said is lower than it is in Indiana and Illinois, to help pay for road repairs.

Raise the tax of something that's already $3 a gallon? You have to be kidding me. That also raises shipping costs more, which raises the cost of everything shipped by truck.

I have an idea to save money. This is going to earn me the wrath of the Michigan Municipal League, but too bad. Consolidation. I think we're one of the few states in the country with townships. There are over 100 elected officials in Livingston County alone. 16 Township Supervisors, Clerks, and Treasurers. 4-6 trustees in every township. Multiply that by 83 counties and you have some serious money. I think the townships should be "unincorporated" and brought to the county level. It's at least something to think about with Michigan's budget.

We should do it in schools as well. Do we need 5 different superintendents and groups of assistant superintendents in our county based schools? Create the Livingston Consilidated School Districts. We can still have the rivalries between schools. Milford and Lakeland are both KVC schools under the same district (Huron Valley). This could save a few bucks with admin salaries at the top, without costing teachers and students.

Slight Granholm Rebound

From the AP

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A poll released Wednesday shows 47 percent of voters said they'd back Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm if the election were held today, while 44 percent would back GOP challenger Dick DeVos and 9 percent were undecided.

Granholm's numbers have improved slightly since a June poll. Then, 46 percent said they'd back DeVos and 44 percent said they'd back the governor, with 10 percent undecided.

Both polls were conducted by Lansing-based EPIC-MRA for a consortium made up of The Detroit News and television stations WXYZ of Detroit, WOOD of Grand Rapids, WILX of Lansing and WJRT of Flint.

EPIC/MRA polls lean democrat as I've said before. That said, the race is close and anything can happen between now and election day. I'm not discouraged by this poll, and I wasn't declaring victory on the others.

That comes November 7.

Debates

I was at the Fowlerville and Howell Judicial Debates. Tonight's the Hamburg debate. I'll probably be unable to make that one.

The Probate Article is linked there. Seven are running and two will run off in the general election. I don't think there was a clear winner in Probate. All brought their strengths to the race. I do think one candidate hurt himself in the debates with his arrogance. I have no idea who is going to win there. Anytime there's a seven way race, anything can happen.

The open District race was discussed here. All three did very well in both debates. This race has slipped through the radar some. I think all three candidates would make a good judge.

The other district race was the last debate. I suspect the Argus set it up that way so people stay.

I thought Jay had a very slight edge over the others in the first debate in Fowlerville. He gained two votes from his answer on small claims matters which IMO gave him the slight edge. Other than that, I'd call the Fowlerville debate a draw.
Brennan performed well in Fowlerville (Where there was no political question), although I thought she was a little defensive and irritated in the Howell debate. In the Howell debate, Jay was excellent. He was prepared, thought well on his feet, and handled all questions well. The political question was first, and Jay was ready and answered it correctly. While party label does not matter, philosophy does.

One other thing that should be mentioned. Bill McCririe pointed out to the audience that district judges are now assigned some circuit court cases. That makes judicial activism an issue now at the District Court level (outside of moving up to Circuit/Appeals). Why does that matter? Because now injunctions can be issued. If the ACLU wants to make things tough against pro-lifers - injunction. If new development around Howell Gun Club leads to Ann Arbor transplants trying to shut it down - injunction. These things would happen at Circuit Court, and if District Judges are assigned to Circuit Court, philosophy now matters there as well.

Updates

I've been swamped with work, law school stuff, and elections lately, so I haven't had time to update this site.

The Argus is hosting a debate among the judicial candidates tomorrow at Howell High School. 6PM. I believe there's a debate tonight in Fowlerville as well, and one Thursday in Hamburg. I'll try and make at least one of them and post updates.

The Argus has another story on the Drick/Brennan race. I have to take issue with this comment.

Earlier in the campaign, he said his previous literature assailing Brennan's values was just trying to point out that Brennan was appointed, not elected by the people.

Assailing? That's not assailing. Dan Meisler is letting some bias show there. All Drick's campaign literature said referring to Brennan was that it is our choice this election on who picks the judges, not Granholm's.

Lastly, some joker also was defacing Mike Rogers' signs in Brighton Township. That doesn't speaking highly of Marcinkowski's supporters. It's also destruction of property and bigtime illegal. Is that the road you all want to go down. For those who don't want their signs messed with, get some cameras with the license plates down and don't get mad....get even!

Saw my first Granholm/Cherry 06 Sticker - on a riceburner

In a fitting display of job losses in Michigan, I saw my first Granholm sticker this year. Fittingly, it was on a riceburner - a Nissan. It was an obvious democrat activist who owns that, since there was also Wes Clark and pro-abortion stickers there as well.

It never fails to amaze me how many "pro-union" and "pro-jobs" democrats drive foreign cars. Don't they know that each foreign car/truck they buy takes jobs away from Michigan?

And before someone attacks the quality of American cars and trucks, I've never had problems with my Ford.

NRA endorses anti-gunner

The rumors are true. The NRA gave Schwarz an A rating and endorsed him in the 7th district. At best, they have a short memory and forgot Joe Schwarz' term in the state senate. At worst, they were games playing. For whatever reason, it's sad to see possibly the most powerful grass roots organization in the country endorse someone with this bad of record on the 2nd amendemnt.

Should one decent term make up for his 16 year anti-2a record in the state senate? I don't think so. While Schwarz has a top level press secretary, a record speaks for itself.

Joe Schwarz campaign on gun grabs when he ran for governor in 2002 against Dick Posthumus. He was the most anti-2a candidate running that incluces David Bonior and Jennifer Granholm circa 2002(and Granholm has improved greatly on this issue - enough to no longer earn an unacceptable rating from SAFR). In 2004, he still supported the ugly gun ban and was booed out of a townhall meeting in Jackson because of this issue.

As I said on November 20

I'm not a fan of Mr. Schwarz. This goes back to his days in the state senate where he was a frequent critic of gun owners, pro-lifers, and tax hawks. I can respect honest disagreement, but when I'm told that I'm a "bubba who straps on and packs a 9mm" because I support the right of law abiding citizens to carry concealed pistols or that I am a "zealot" because I am pro-life, well I'll be supporting his primary challenger. I will give Schwarz credit for some honesty where he said that he "didn't give a shit" (exact quote) if he got the votes of pro-lifers and 2nd amendment supporters. That much is obvious by his mouth. In the 2002 primary debate in his gubenatorial campaign, he stated that he was not opposed to tax increases. He also brought up his anti-gun views there.

I will concede that Schwarz hasn't been terrible as a congressman, even surprisingly supporting the gun lawsuit ban, but I have to look at a 16+ year record over two years. He is unrepentantly anti-gun. He was one of the anti-conceal carry leaders. He is also pro-abortion and ran on that in the 2002 gubenatoral primary. Add the tax support, and it's three strikes and yer out.

NRA's wrong. SAFR and GOA are right. If you want someone you can count on when it comes to the Second Amendment, vote for Tim Walberg.

Pelosi's No Gingrich - This is no 1994

A good warning article from former Rep. George Nethercutt.

Some political pundits are speculating that the Democrats are poised to retake control of the House of Representatives this fall, much like the GOP did in 1994, when it dramatically ended 40 years of Democratic control. As a proud member of 1994's "New Majority" Republican class in the House, I understand the historic dimensions of that victory and the dynamics that made it possible. I also know why neither will apply to the elections in November. Those who predict a Democratic takeover of the House are wrong--but maybe by just a couple of years.

In the summer of 1994 I was a congressional challenger trying to persuade skeptical voters (and sometimes myself) that my run against a sitting speaker of the House was more than just a long shot. No sitting speaker, after all, had been defeated since before the Civil War. But the more I campaigned, the more I sensed that voters were ready for change. As I walked the main streets and worked the coffee shops and neighborhoods of eastern Washington state, I met more and more restless people. They were frustrated with Washington, D.C., and weary of a Congress that seemed more enthusiastic about scoring points in political gamesmanship than actually getting anything done.

But voter unrest does not by itself portend wholesale electoral change. Even disgruntled Americans are reluctant to "fire" incumbents if they think they're just trading in one pol for another, regardless of party. That's the lesson of 1994.
Led by Newt Gingrich, the GOP candidates that year responded to the disillusionment of voters with the refreshing and specific ideas of the Contract with America. They proved that voters are drawn to issues and genuine political leadership, even in the absence of complete ideological agreement. In my own case, the voters in my district seemed electrified by the positive promise of specific policy proposals related to issues they cared about--fiscal responsibility, ensuring the safety of our homes and streets and schools, securing family values, family-oriented tax policies, strong national defense and commonsense legal reforms. And this was not just a Republican phenomenon. The Contract spoke to a wide cross-section of all voters.
(snip)

The problem the democrats have is few ideas. The problem the republicans have is that we lost our ideas that gave us the majority in the first place. If we want to keep our majority, we need to go back where we came from.

Property Tax Reform

I got this sent in an email from one of our commenters that I think should be posted. I agree with most of these ideas and think that property taxes, more than any other tax, kills us here in Michigan.

The proposals for property tax increases in the upcoming election are making me re-evaluate the entire concept of property taxes. These are some of the problems I see with property taxes on real estate:

Problems with property taxes:

- High property taxes must be paid even if a person is unemployed or living on a fixed income. High property taxes can force families into bankruptcy and encourage retired families to relocate to tax friendly states.
- Property taxes penalize families for improving their homes.
- Property taxes discourage people from getting building permits for improvements due to fear of higher taxes and permit fees.
- The Headlee amendment limits tax increases for long time homeowners, making it difficult or impossible for some people to move because of the potential for a big tax increase.
- Local governmental bodies spend large sums of money each year to reassess property values and to deal with complaints over assessments.
- Crushing tax burdens within cities are encouraging families to migrate outward from urban areas to suburban and rural areas with lower tax rates, helping to fuel the decline in urban areas.
- Property taxes discriminate against families who choose to live in single family homes and give preferential treatment to families living in apartments and mobile homes, even though all families receive the same level of services. This is fundamentally unfair.
- Voters who choose to live in apartments and mobile homes have little incentive to take an active interest in local issues because tax increases have little effect on them. These residents can enjoy the higher level of services which result from tax increases while paying very little for them.


Can we do better?

Property taxes are used to finance schools and local government, so if we eliminate them we must find some other way to finance these services. The question is, how can we change the tax system to levy the tax load more evenly while continuing to support local services and still giving taxpayers a say in how their dollars are spent? Looking at the taxes we have in Michigan, the fairest tax we have is the flat rate income tax (Aside from the fact that the state government keeps tinkering with it to make it less flat). Nobody likes paying taxes but I hear fewer complaints about the flat income tax in Michigan than I do about any other tax.

I've seen the proposals for a "Fair Tax" floating around, but as far as I can tell they don't include any real estate property tax reform.

So I starting thinking . . . what if we were to get rid of the cumbersome property tax system that we all suffer under and replace it with a flat residential tax, where every residence in a taxing jurisdiction pays the same tax, regardless of property value or residence type? Any solution needs to keep the current financial independence of local governmental units and give voters as much incentive as possible to become involved in the decisions of local governments.

Replacing the real property tax with a flat residential tax

Concept: Eliminate all current property taxes on land and buildings used for houses, mobile homes, or apartments. Also eliminate fees on mobile homes, fees for building permits, and fees for transferring property. Replace the lost revenue with a flat residential tax, where all residential units within a given taxing jurisdiction would pay the same annual tax regardless of housing type or value of property. This flat residential tax would vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction because tax proposals in each jurisdiction would still be voted on by taxpayers, giving voters in each individual school district, city, county, and township the flexibility to decide what types and level of services are wanted. So a residence would pay a flat tax to each of the local school district, county, and city/township jurisdictions that residence is located within, just as property taxes are currently paid to these governmental units. The difference is that the new FLAT tax would be the same for each residential unit located within these same jurisdictions, rather than based on value as it is now.


- The tax would be levied on each address regardless of the type of housing. This would make it possible for more families to buy their own homes, and for large families to move into larger homes.
- A flat residential tax would save Michigan taxpayers millions of dollars every year due to a reduction in staff currently used to assess and reassess property values.
- Homeowners would have no excuse for failing to pull permits for improvements.
- Spreading the burden for schools and local government more evenly over the population is the most fair way to tax elections.
- Having every family within a jurisdiction pay the same flat residential tax gives everyone an equal stake in property tax increases. This would encourage more people to take an interest in these issues and make it harder for local governments to raise taxes.
- A flat residential tax would allow people to move freely without having to worry about major tax increases.
- A flat residential tax would allow blighted areas to be rebuilt because owners would not face a big tax increases for improving their properties, giving a big boost to efforts to revitalize cities like Detroit and Flint where tax rates are monumental. Quite honestly, this might be the cheapest and easiest way to encourage revitalization in urban areas.
- This would remove a major objection to mobile home parks because mobile home residents would pay the same taxes as homeowners.
- This removes the need for the Headlee amendment because property taxes would no longer rise with property values. Essentially, this permanently fixes the single biggest problem with a tax system based on property values. Local units of government would see revenue increases only from new residential units or from property tax increases approved by voters (I know I've not addressed the issue of commercial and industrial property)


To give this proposal a real shot at being implemented I feel that it should be revenue neutral, otherwise local officials statewide would rise up against it. A revenue neutral proposal allows this proposal to be considered solely based on it's own merits. (Sorry, taxpayer groups)

Obviously there are more issues that would need to be addressed as this is just a simple outline. But I think the basic idea is good and I would like to hear commentary from others on this idea about potential issues and about ways in which it might be fine tuned to make it work better. So fire away . . .

Concerned Taxpayers Group and Livingston Taxpayers Association featured in Argus

From the Argus

It would take an act of God before David Hamilton could support a tax increase.
Hamilton's Livingston County Taxpayers Associa-tion has been tracking millage increases since 1990, and he said the only reason a local government would legitimately need higher taxes is a natural disaster.

"The only time a tax increase needs to be in order is an act of God ... a devastating tornado or hurricane," he said.

William Johnston and his Concerned Taxpayers of Livingston County have a very similar outlook. "I do see a crisis coming in an excess of government spending," he said.
The two groups have plenty of fodder in the August primary. There are four millage or fee increases up for a vote in various parts of the county, and either Hamilton, Johnston or both have weighed in against all of them.

While Hamilton's group has a long history and Johnston's is relatively new, both gained higher profiles when county schools sought a 3-mill increase in property taxes last year. The measure was overwhelmingly defeated, and both men took some of the credit.

It's good to see both of our county's fiscally conservative organizations active, since with all of the tax measures planned and attempted the last couple of years and in this economy, we need some organized opposition.

Also from the Argus - A listing of tax or fee increases on the August 8 ballot.

Livingston County: $1 per month per phone increase in fee for 911/emergency dispatch, from $3 to $4.


Hamburg Township: $3.5 million bond for a new fire station, estimated millage of 0.3243 mills in 2006 and average millage of 0.3982 mills over the 10 year life of the bond. One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of a property's taxable value.


Brighton Area Fire Authority: Increase in millage from 0.95 mills to 1.25 mills.


Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority: New 1-mill levy for operating, maintaining and improving the parks system, and acquiring new parkland.

Millage renewals

Cohoctah Township: 1.44 mills for road improvements


Green Oak Township: 1.45 mills for fire protection, and 1.54 mils for police protection.


Hartland Township: 1.88 mills for Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority.


Howell Township: 0.95 mills for road improvement and maintenance.

Full Article on Endorsements

From the Argus

After weeks of internal divisions and public controversy, the Livingston County Republican Party Executive Committee issued a statement Friday saying that all nine judicial candidates who responded to its endorsement questionnaire share the "core values" of the party.
"Based on their answers, we have found their statements of core values to be consistent with those of the Republican Party," the statement said.

I do have one correction that needs to be made.

On Friday, Wholihan declined to comment other than to say that he voted for the statement.

Actually my statement on "he voted for the statement" was "I didn't vote Nay." Take that how you wish.

Technically, the statement given in the press release would be issue advocacy if used in a broadcast ad. It did not use the "magic words" of endorse, support, for, elect, against, defeat, or reject. However, if this was federal and in a broadcast ad, this statement - "Based on their answers, we have found their statements of core values to be consistent with those of the Republican Party," - is viewed as an electioneering communication in support of those judicial candidates under the BCRA(McCain/Feingold) Act (unless it is a 527).

Technicalities aside - to the readers reading this, does that statement look like an endorsement?

Dems, GOP agree to partially closed presidential primaries

From the AP. We'll see how this works. I prefer a caucus system, but it's better than what we had before. I expect this will work in 2008 as both sides will have major primaries, but what about 2012?

Dems, GOP agree to partially closed presidential primaries

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state Democratic and Republican parties have agreed to hold a 2008 presidential primary that would force voters to publicly choose between casting a ballot in the GOP or Democratic contests.

The deal was described Friday as a cross between an open primary in which voters can cast ballots for candidates from both parties and a closed system that requires voters to register with either party.

The "semi-open" primary would take place on the same day, assuming both sides could agree on a date. The proposal still needs the approval of the GOP-controlled Legislature and Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, and is designed to stop Democrats from voting in GOP primaries and Republicans from joining Democratic caucuses.

Michigan Republicans have blamed John McCain's victory over George W. Bush in their 2000 primary on Democrats who crossed over. Democrats have long had concerns about Republicans' influence on George Wallace's 1972 primary win in Michigan.

"The goal is to avoid gamesmanship and to encourage each party to participate in their own primaries," state GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis said. He also described the proposal as a "softer, gentler" way of ensuring that Democrats and Republicans vote in their own primaries while also letting independents participate.

Under the hybrid proposal, voters would walk into a polling place and choose either the Democratic or GOP ballot. Their choice would be recorded by state election officials.

Livingston GOP releases "endorsements"

From the Argus

The Livingston County Republican Executive Committee Thursday night announced that nine judicial candidates have "core values" consistent with the party, but stopped short of issuing an endorsement in any of the three Aug. 8 primary judicial races.

While it wasn't a technical endorsement - if nothing else, these candidates were acknoledged as the better candidates for judge.

The names mentioned were Jay Drick, Christina Heikkinen, Bill McCririe, Carol Sue Reader, Linda Walker, Roberta Balon-Vaughn, Carol Hackett Garagiola, Lyle Dickson, and Suzanne Dugas.

The Circuit Judge race was not addressed as that race is not on the primary, but only the general election.

Howell doesn't need tax increase

I missed this guest column from Bill Johnston June 12 in the Argus. Bill's the President of the Concerned Taxpayers' Group of Livingston County and does a good job making the case for a no vote on August 8.

Howell doesn't need tax increase

If you live in the Howell School District and reside in the city of Howell or in Genoa, Marion or Oceola townships, the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority millage request will be on the Aug. 8 ballot. Residents will be asked to approve a new millage of 1 mill to operate the newly formed Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. This will increase taxes $100 to $300 per year for most homeowners in the authority if the millage passes.
Recreation in the Howell area is currently taxpayer-funded with about a $600,000 contribution from the city of Howell, along with subsidies from township budgets amounting to about $81,000, $54,000 and $65,000 from Oceola, Marion and Genoa townships, respectively. The balance of the current recreation budget comes from family user fees.

The city of Howell's past Parks and Recreation Department has become too expensive for Howell to operate.

I encourage eveyone to click on the link and read the rest of the article.