For the readers and fiscal conservatives in the Clawson/Troy area, we have counterparts to our own Concerned Taxpayers Group. Taxpayers' Groups around the state need our support, and this one is no different. Paul Garfield founded the Clawson Taxpayer and is good people.
The Clawson Taxpayer
Saturday, April 15, 2006
2008 Presidential Tournament - Quarterfinals
It’s now the quarterfinals for our presidential tournament. Our 2nd round results are as follows.
GOP Bracket
8. Sam Brownback – 61%
16. Alan Keyes – 39%
4. Tom Tancredo – 74%
5. Newt Gingrich – 26%
6. Mike Pence – 81%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 19%
2. George Allen – 63%
10. Fred Thompson – 37%
Dem Bracket
9. Brian Schweitzer – 73%
1. Hillary Clinton – 27%
4. Bill Richardson – 65%
12. Tom Vilsack – 35%
3. Evan Bayh – 84%
11. Howard Dean – 16%
2. Mark Warner – 73%
10. John Edwards – 27%
Reps Tancredo and Pence continue their online dominance over other candidates. Immigration and Government spending are major issues among much of the conservative base.
Over on the democrat side, Hillary gets eliminated by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Is this due to the democrat base turning on her, or to republican cross votes? Schweitzer is seen by some as a model democrat for the future. Hillary is still considered the measuring stick by others. Mark Warner is the favorite among many of the moderate democrats. Russ Feingold is a favorite of the liberals, but was taken out early. One of the Evan Bayh’s supporter blogs linked to our polls here, so that explains the lopsided margin in his race. Indiana is represented well in both parties here.
Things get tougher now. Sam Brownback has a strong following among cultural conservatives, and he faces Tom Tancredo. Mike Pence faces George Allen. Brian Schweitzer faces New Mexico governor Bill Richardson in the battle of the West. Two frontrunners face off in the other bracket with Evan Bayh and Mark Warner going at it.
Polls are open from posting until WEDNESDAY. The top two republicans and top two democrats face each other in the semifinals. The finals will consist of the top republican verses the top democrat and third parties.
GOP Bracket
8. Sam Brownback – 61%
16. Alan Keyes – 39%
4. Tom Tancredo – 74%
5. Newt Gingrich – 26%
6. Mike Pence – 81%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 19%
2. George Allen – 63%
10. Fred Thompson – 37%
Dem Bracket
9. Brian Schweitzer – 73%
1. Hillary Clinton – 27%
4. Bill Richardson – 65%
12. Tom Vilsack – 35%
3. Evan Bayh – 84%
11. Howard Dean – 16%
2. Mark Warner – 73%
10. John Edwards – 27%
Reps Tancredo and Pence continue their online dominance over other candidates. Immigration and Government spending are major issues among much of the conservative base.
Over on the democrat side, Hillary gets eliminated by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Is this due to the democrat base turning on her, or to republican cross votes? Schweitzer is seen by some as a model democrat for the future. Hillary is still considered the measuring stick by others. Mark Warner is the favorite among many of the moderate democrats. Russ Feingold is a favorite of the liberals, but was taken out early. One of the Evan Bayh’s supporter blogs linked to our polls here, so that explains the lopsided margin in his race. Indiana is represented well in both parties here.
Things get tougher now. Sam Brownback has a strong following among cultural conservatives, and he faces Tom Tancredo. Mike Pence faces George Allen. Brian Schweitzer faces New Mexico governor Bill Richardson in the battle of the West. Two frontrunners face off in the other bracket with Evan Bayh and Mark Warner going at it.
Polls are open from posting until WEDNESDAY. The top two republicans and top two democrats face each other in the semifinals. The finals will consist of the top republican verses the top democrat and third parties.
Granholm's Detroit Backers calling from 517 area code (Lansing area)
From the Detroit News
The closest the 517 area code comes to Detroit is Genoa Township between Howell and Brighton.
WJR-AM 760 radio host and Detroit News columnist Frank Beckmann says the governor's office called his studio Friday morning and asked about the program lineup. On the schedule was Detroit political analyst Adolph Mongo, who is an outspoken critic of the governor.
When Mongo got on the air, the station's telephone lines lit up with calls from young women purporting to live in Detroit and saying they were Granholm supporters. Producer Kevin Collard was suspicious. He did a star 69.
Turns out many of those calls all came from the 517 area code, which covers Lansing.
The closest the 517 area code comes to Detroit is Genoa Township between Howell and Brighton.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Former Senator Mike Gravel declares a run for President
From the Left Wing rag The Nation
It's always fun to see the Mavericks run. I don't know much about Gravel as he's before my time, but from what I've read about him, he may be more of the Kucinich school of thought giving the establishment democrats a real headache.
The Nation -- In the tradition of the late Paul Tsongas, the former Massachusetts senator who in 1991 launched a decidedly uphill run for the Democratic presidential nomination and succeeded in making his concerns about deficit spending central to the national discourse, another former U.S. senator will launch a presidential campaign Monday that seeks to highlight big ideas -- in this case about the Constitution and direct democracy.
Mike Gravel, who represented Alaska as a maverick Democratic Senate from 1969 to 1981, will announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination with a press conference at the National Press Club.
It's always fun to see the Mavericks run. I don't know much about Gravel as he's before my time, but from what I've read about him, he may be more of the Kucinich school of thought giving the establishment democrats a real headache.
Race for Schwarz's seat begins in earnest
From the Lansing State Journal
Well, those are are pro-2nd amendment have an obvious choice. That choice is Tim Walberg. Joe Schwarz earned his unacceptable rating from SAFR in grand fashion. Anyone who calls pistol owners "Bubba who straps on a 9mm" needs to get sent back to Battle Creek. Go Walberg!
Tim Walberg finally has the one-on-one matchup against U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz that he wanted two years ago.
Walberg is trekking across Michigan's 7th Congressional District planting seeds that Schwarz is too liberal for Republican voters' tastes. Four months before the GOP primary, he has run radio ads criticizing the incumbent for his positions on abortion, taxes and spending.
"He's done exactly what he said he would do, and that's the reason we campaigned so strongly against him," said Walberg, a former Tipton lawmaker who finished third in a six-person primary in 2004.
"He is far more liberal than the 7th District voters expect of their congressman."
Well, those are are pro-2nd amendment have an obvious choice. That choice is Tim Walberg. Joe Schwarz earned his unacceptable rating from SAFR in grand fashion. Anyone who calls pistol owners "Bubba who straps on a 9mm" needs to get sent back to Battle Creek. Go Walberg!
Endorsements flowing in for school candidates (LOVE PAC and MEA make endorsements)
From the Argus
The endorsements are as follows.
John Arthur:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Wendy Day:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Right to Life of Michigan
Michigan Campaign for Families
Dennis McGuire:
No endorsements
Jim Pratt:
Right to Life
Valerie Webster:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)
Phil Westmoreland:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)
Over in Hartland the MEA's Hartland affiliate endorsed Cindy Sinelli and Lynn Burrill. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. In Pinckney the MEA's affiliate endorsed Laura Burwell. The Concerned Taxpayers Group did not endorse anybody for Pinckney Schools. The candidates who snubbed the Concerned Taxpayers Group were Sinelli, Burrill, Marcia Jablonski, and Richard Gass.
I hope these endorsements cause one thing more than anything else. Raise awareness among the voters and causes them to look at all the candidates and find out which candidats share their values. A turnout of informed voters is best for the schools in this county. For years, school boards have been dominated by a "good old boys" club thanks to strange election days and 3-10% turnouts. Starting last year, school elections are always on a set day in May. Last year, the millage increased turnout to 25%. I'd like to see that increase this year, especially in a conservative county such as Livingston. Us voters have a responsibility to learn as many facts as possible about the candidates running, and then show up and make our decisions. For me, the most important endorsement is the Concerned Taxpayers Group endorsement. For others, it may be the GOP, LOVE PAC, MEA, or Right to Life. For others, endorsements don't mean anything.
Education is consistantly ranked as one of the top issues in every election. Nowhere is edcation more affected, than by the people on our local school boards. This is our chance to put our money where our mouths are when it comes to education.
Endorsements flowing in for school candidates
By Christopher Nagy
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
The list of endorsements for candidates in the race for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education continues to grow, and one official from the state's largest school union said he expects it only to continue to do so — if not this year, then in the coming years.
The endorsements are as follows.
John Arthur:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Wendy Day:
Livingston County Republicans
Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County
Livingston Organization for Values in Education (LOVE PAC)
Right to Life of Michigan
Michigan Campaign for Families
Dennis McGuire:
No endorsements
Jim Pratt:
Right to Life
Valerie Webster:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)
Phil Westmoreland:
Howell Education Association (MEA's Howell affiliate)
Over in Hartland the MEA's Hartland affiliate endorsed Cindy Sinelli and Lynn Burrill. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC of Livingston County endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. In Pinckney the MEA's affiliate endorsed Laura Burwell. The Concerned Taxpayers Group did not endorse anybody for Pinckney Schools. The candidates who snubbed the Concerned Taxpayers Group were Sinelli, Burrill, Marcia Jablonski, and Richard Gass.
I hope these endorsements cause one thing more than anything else. Raise awareness among the voters and causes them to look at all the candidates and find out which candidats share their values. A turnout of informed voters is best for the schools in this county. For years, school boards have been dominated by a "good old boys" club thanks to strange election days and 3-10% turnouts. Starting last year, school elections are always on a set day in May. Last year, the millage increased turnout to 25%. I'd like to see that increase this year, especially in a conservative county such as Livingston. Us voters have a responsibility to learn as many facts as possible about the candidates running, and then show up and make our decisions. For me, the most important endorsement is the Concerned Taxpayers Group endorsement. For others, it may be the GOP, LOVE PAC, MEA, or Right to Life. For others, endorsements don't mean anything.
Education is consistantly ranked as one of the top issues in every election. Nowhere is edcation more affected, than by the people on our local school boards. This is our chance to put our money where our mouths are when it comes to education.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Update on Howell School Board Race
The Argus has us all on the Front Page due to our controversy. I do thank Dan Meisler for quoting me accurately in the article.
Here is a brief summary of the events so far in the school board race.
First, the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day due to their fiscal conservatism and answers to the questions. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC also endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. Following that, Right to Life endorsed Wendy Day and Jim Pratt. The Livingston GOP later endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day, and also endorsed Marcia Jablonski (although Jablonski’s endorsement wasn’t my resolution).
(Full disclosure – I did not vote for Marcia Jablonski’s endorsement and abstained there for conflict of interest reasons, as the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC does not support her – and personally, I would not vote for her because of her lack of support to the taxpayers)
As to this article here, I think Jim Pratt has nothing to worry about ethics wise. All the GOP did was to endorse two of its most active members. His party affiliation will not be on the ballot. He can still run this as a nonpartisan race if he chooses to. The Republicans are not actively opposing any candidates and nobody’s party affiliation is on the ballot itself.
So why did we do it? The reasons stated in the article are two of them. This is a 63% Republican County that usually has high turnout in elections. The main exception to high turnout is in school board races. This is despite polls placing education as a top issue to voters year after year. In most years, people have trouble finding out information about school board candidates. I remember one year when I was living in Brighton where we had a 3% turnout for a contested race. That is sad. Another year we had a 9% turnout. Last year with the enhancement millage, it was 25%. A 25% turnout is usually bad, but for a school election, it was great.
Because of the low turnouts, we want to give the voters more information and give them choices to make. We are giving them a service. The job of the Concerned Taxpayers’ Group is to let voters know who the most fiscally responsible candidates are. The job of the Livingston County Republicans is to let voters who are active Republicans. The job of the MEA is to let voters who support the teachers’ union. The Press and Argus’ job is to give readers information. Combined, these should raise the turnout in school board races.
Lastly, the final judge of all of this is the voters. If the voters support us, it will show in the polls. If they oppose us, it will show in the polls. Voters make the final decision. I just hope we don't have one of these 3% turnout races from the good ole boys clubs like we did in the old days.
A candidate for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education who is also a federal employee said he may have to exit the race because county Republicans gave out endorsements in the contest.
That's just the latest reaction to the county GOP's decision to endorse candidates in two local school board races, in Howell and in Pinckney Community Schools.
Under the Hatch Act, federal employees cannot run in partisan races. Jim Pratt, who works for the Federal Aviation Administration, said he has suspended his campaign while he waits for a ruling from the Office of Special Counsel on whether the GOP endorsements mean the campaign has become partisan and he is no longer eligible to run.
Here is a brief summary of the events so far in the school board race.
First, the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day due to their fiscal conservatism and answers to the questions. The Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC also endorsed Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney for Hartland Schools. Following that, Right to Life endorsed Wendy Day and Jim Pratt. The Livingston GOP later endorsed John Arthur and Wendy Day, and also endorsed Marcia Jablonski (although Jablonski’s endorsement wasn’t my resolution).
(Full disclosure – I did not vote for Marcia Jablonski’s endorsement and abstained there for conflict of interest reasons, as the Concerned Taxpayers Group PAC does not support her – and personally, I would not vote for her because of her lack of support to the taxpayers)
As to this article here, I think Jim Pratt has nothing to worry about ethics wise. All the GOP did was to endorse two of its most active members. His party affiliation will not be on the ballot. He can still run this as a nonpartisan race if he chooses to. The Republicans are not actively opposing any candidates and nobody’s party affiliation is on the ballot itself.
So why did we do it? The reasons stated in the article are two of them. This is a 63% Republican County that usually has high turnout in elections. The main exception to high turnout is in school board races. This is despite polls placing education as a top issue to voters year after year. In most years, people have trouble finding out information about school board candidates. I remember one year when I was living in Brighton where we had a 3% turnout for a contested race. That is sad. Another year we had a 9% turnout. Last year with the enhancement millage, it was 25%. A 25% turnout is usually bad, but for a school election, it was great.
Because of the low turnouts, we want to give the voters more information and give them choices to make. We are giving them a service. The job of the Concerned Taxpayers’ Group is to let voters know who the most fiscally responsible candidates are. The job of the Livingston County Republicans is to let voters who are active Republicans. The job of the MEA is to let voters who support the teachers’ union. The Press and Argus’ job is to give readers information. Combined, these should raise the turnout in school board races.
Lastly, the final judge of all of this is the voters. If the voters support us, it will show in the polls. If they oppose us, it will show in the polls. Voters make the final decision. I just hope we don't have one of these 3% turnout races from the good ole boys clubs like we did in the old days.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Time to Veto Granholm and kick the Single Business Tax to the curb
From the AP
I'm not the biggest Brooks fan, but he and I agree on this one. We need to get rid of this trash as once and help stop the flow of jobs out of this state. I'll sign this petition ASAP.
In related news, Granholm hired one of RINO Bill "Turn out the Lights" Milliken's jokers. Robert Kleine was hired as state treasurer by Granholm. He WROTE the Single Business Tax 30 years ago.
The good news is that we can make a change in November and elect Dick DeVos as our next governor.
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Board of State Canvassers on Tuesday approved the form of a petition that would repeal the Single Business Tax at the end of 2007.
The petition is being pushed by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who wants to gather enough signatures by May 31 to bring the initiative to the Legislature.
Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm last month vetoed a bill that would have eliminated the state's main corporate tax at the end of 2007, about two years earlier than now scheduled. She said she wanted a plan to replace the nearly $2 billion in lost revenue as part of any deal to kill the tax.
I'm not the biggest Brooks fan, but he and I agree on this one. We need to get rid of this trash as once and help stop the flow of jobs out of this state. I'll sign this petition ASAP.
In related news, Granholm hired one of RINO Bill "Turn out the Lights" Milliken's jokers. Robert Kleine was hired as state treasurer by Granholm. He WROTE the Single Business Tax 30 years ago.
The good news is that we can make a change in November and elect Dick DeVos as our next governor.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Round Two of the 2008 Presidential Tournament Begins!
Round Two Begins. Since the hits were much less, as expected for the democrat vs democrat voting, we are going to start Round 2 about an hour early. Both the democrats and republicans are going to be up at the same time. Polling will be open from the time they appear until SATURDAY, when we will move on to the Quarterfinals.
Round 2 Brackets:
16. Alan Keyes
8. Sam Brownback
5. Newt Gingrich
4. Tom Tancredo
6. Mike Pence
14. Tim Pawlenty
10. Fred Thompson
2. George Allen
1. Hillary Clinton
9. Brian Schweitzer
12. Tom Vilsack
4. Bill Richardson
11. Howard Dean
3. Evan Bayh
10. John Edwards
2. Mark Warner
I am still shocked that Keyes upset Romney after the disaster of a campaign he ran in Illinois. I am not as shocked about Tancredo and Pence with their strong online support. George Allen is the last real “front running” candidate among the Republicans in this tournament.
On the Democrats side, Warner, Bayh, and Richardson all had very strong showings. Hillary won, but by a lesser than expected margin. Part of that may be due to cross votes. I am surprised Obama was upset in the first round since he’s the most famous (and not infamous) senator among democrats outside of Hillary. I thought Feingold would win the first round as well due to his strong following among both the left and some libertarians.
Round 1 part 2 Results
1. Hillary Clinton – 61%
16. Dianne Feinstein – 39%
8. Joe Biden – 42%
9. Brian Schweitzer – 58%
5. Russ Feingold – 37%
12. Tom Vilsack – 63%
4. Bill Richardson – 79%
13. Tom Daschle – 21%
6. Barack Obama – 46%
11. Howard Dean – 54%
3. Evan Bayh – 74%
14. Janet Napoilatano – 26%
7. John Kerry – 20%
10. John Edwards – 80%
2. Mark Warner – 75%
15. Phil Bresden – 25%
Round 1 (GOP) Results are as follows:
1 Mitt Romney – 49%
16 Alan Keyes – 51%
8. Sam Brownback – 53%
9. Tommy Thompson – 47%
5. Newt Gingrich – 64%
12. Mike Huckabee – 36%
4. Tom Tancredo – 70%
13. Chuck Hagel – 30%
6. Mike Pence – 64%
11. Bill Frist – 36%
3. John McCain – 42%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 58%
7. Rudy Giuliani – 39%
10. Fred Thompson – 61%
2. George Allen – 74%
15. George Pataki – 26%
Round 2 Brackets:
16. Alan Keyes
8. Sam Brownback
5. Newt Gingrich
4. Tom Tancredo
6. Mike Pence
14. Tim Pawlenty
10. Fred Thompson
2. George Allen
1. Hillary Clinton
9. Brian Schweitzer
12. Tom Vilsack
4. Bill Richardson
11. Howard Dean
3. Evan Bayh
10. John Edwards
2. Mark Warner
I am still shocked that Keyes upset Romney after the disaster of a campaign he ran in Illinois. I am not as shocked about Tancredo and Pence with their strong online support. George Allen is the last real “front running” candidate among the Republicans in this tournament.
On the Democrats side, Warner, Bayh, and Richardson all had very strong showings. Hillary won, but by a lesser than expected margin. Part of that may be due to cross votes. I am surprised Obama was upset in the first round since he’s the most famous (and not infamous) senator among democrats outside of Hillary. I thought Feingold would win the first round as well due to his strong following among both the left and some libertarians.
Round 1 part 2 Results
1. Hillary Clinton – 61%
16. Dianne Feinstein – 39%
8. Joe Biden – 42%
9. Brian Schweitzer – 58%
5. Russ Feingold – 37%
12. Tom Vilsack – 63%
4. Bill Richardson – 79%
13. Tom Daschle – 21%
6. Barack Obama – 46%
11. Howard Dean – 54%
3. Evan Bayh – 74%
14. Janet Napoilatano – 26%
7. John Kerry – 20%
10. John Edwards – 80%
2. Mark Warner – 75%
15. Phil Bresden – 25%
Round 1 (GOP) Results are as follows:
1 Mitt Romney – 49%
16 Alan Keyes – 51%
8. Sam Brownback – 53%
9. Tommy Thompson – 47%
5. Newt Gingrich – 64%
12. Mike Huckabee – 36%
4. Tom Tancredo – 70%
13. Chuck Hagel – 30%
6. Mike Pence – 64%
11. Bill Frist – 36%
3. John McCain – 42%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 58%
7. Rudy Giuliani – 39%
10. Fred Thompson – 61%
2. George Allen – 74%
15. George Pataki – 26%
Detroit may stay home in 2006
From the Detroit News' Nolan Finley.
I can not blame Detroiters for staying home. Detroit is staunchly democrat, but they support populist democrats with blue collar appeal. They like Coleman Young, John Conyers, and John Dingell. Jennifer Granholm is more of an Ann Arbor style rich leftist attorney who went to UC Berkeley and Harvard, and lives in the McMansion suburbia haven of Northville. As one Detroit Democrat I know says - "She ain't one of us." He's right. She's doing nothing for Detroit or Michigan as a whole, while the jobs are moving South to Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and elsewhere.
Democrats continue their march away from working families and towards rich leftists in Hollywood and elsewhere. Middle America isn't George Soros, Warren Buffett, Peter Lewis, Hollywood, Andrew McKelvey (Monster.com), Wes Boyd/Joan Blades (Moveon.org founder and dot com zillionaires), Stephen Bing, Frank Lautenberg, Maria Cantwell, and Jon Corzine's Culture of Corrpution.
Let's support Working Families and vote for conservative Republicans.
Detroit may stay home
Mongo says the impact won’t necessarily be that hard-core Democrats flock to Republican Dick DeVos this fall. But they may be less likely to write checks and roll up their sleeves on Granholm’s behalf.
Granholm needs a strong showing in Detroit, where she’s been AWOL. Yet Mongo predicts a repeat of the Blanchard-Engler contest in 1990, when disgruntled city voters stayed home in droves to express their disdain for the Democratic incumbent.
It’s a long time until Election Day. Democrats who bellyache about their leader today may be singing her praises from the rooftops by fall, particularly since the alternative is about as Republican a candidate as has ever run in Michigan.
But it’s tough enough to win re-election when the other side is pulling out the big guns. It becomes considerably harder when you have to dodge bullets fired by your own party
I can not blame Detroiters for staying home. Detroit is staunchly democrat, but they support populist democrats with blue collar appeal. They like Coleman Young, John Conyers, and John Dingell. Jennifer Granholm is more of an Ann Arbor style rich leftist attorney who went to UC Berkeley and Harvard, and lives in the McMansion suburbia haven of Northville. As one Detroit Democrat I know says - "She ain't one of us." He's right. She's doing nothing for Detroit or Michigan as a whole, while the jobs are moving South to Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and elsewhere.
Democrats continue their march away from working families and towards rich leftists in Hollywood and elsewhere. Middle America isn't George Soros, Warren Buffett, Peter Lewis, Hollywood, Andrew McKelvey (Monster.com), Wes Boyd/Joan Blades (Moveon.org founder and dot com zillionaires), Stephen Bing, Frank Lautenberg, Maria Cantwell, and Jon Corzine's Culture of Corrpution.
Let's support Working Families and vote for conservative Republicans.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Saul Anuzis interview with Gun Owners of America
A tip of the hat from Paul Garfield, Michigan GOA leader.
Go to this link to the World Information Center, click on Live Fire, and then click on the 4-8-2006 link. You can link to the interview through Saul's blog
It's a long and good interview. It's good to see that our state party chair is strongly pro-2nd amendment. The party of freedom is the Republican Party, and the democrats are the party of rich leftists like George Soros who hate freedom and gun owners.
Go to this link to the World Information Center, click on Live Fire, and then click on the 4-8-2006 link. You can link to the interview through Saul's blog
It's a long and good interview. It's good to see that our state party chair is strongly pro-2nd amendment. The party of freedom is the Republican Party, and the democrats are the party of rich leftists like George Soros who hate freedom and gun owners.
The Political Matrix
Interesting political quiz over here.
My results:
Economic score: +5.94
Social score: 0.00
Your score pegs you as economically capitalist and socially centrist.
Capitalists generally support an open free market and lower taxes, but also support government restrictions on blatantly abusive industry. Capitalists also often differ from their more extreme peers in that, while they may support significantly lower taxes, they are less apt to support complete elimination of taxation or near-complete elimination of government.
Social centrists generally believe in a mix of individual liberties and controls, corresponding to what they see as moral or best for society.
My results:
Economic score: +5.94
Social score: 0.00
Your score pegs you as economically capitalist and socially centrist.
Capitalists generally support an open free market and lower taxes, but also support government restrictions on blatantly abusive industry. Capitalists also often differ from their more extreme peers in that, while they may support significantly lower taxes, they are less apt to support complete elimination of taxation or near-complete elimination of government.
Social centrists generally believe in a mix of individual liberties and controls, corresponding to what they see as moral or best for society.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Part One of Round one over - Now the democrats are up
It’s now time for Pt 2 of Round One in the Republican Michigander 2008 tournament. The democrats are up as soon as the polls are created. The polls will be open till Tuesday. Starting the 11th, candidates of all parties will be matching up on the same day.
On Tuesday (11th) – We’ll start the 2nd Round of 16.
Next Saturday (15th) – We’ll start the Quarterfinals
Wednesday after that (19th) – Semifinals
Monday after that (23rd) – Finals –
Thursday (27th) – Winner Declared.
Democrats
1. Hillary Clinton - New York Senator and former first lady
16. Dianne Feinstein - California Senator
8. Joe Biden - Delaware Senator
9. Brian Schweitzer - Montana Governor
5. Russ Feingold - Wisconsin Senator
12. Tom Vilsack - Iowa Governor
4. Bill Richardson - New Mexico Governor
13. Tom Daschle - Former Senate Majority/Minority leader
6. Barack Obama - Illinois Senator
11. Howard Dean - DNC Chair
3. Evan Bayh - Indiana Senator
14. Janet Napolitano - Arizona Governor
7. John Kerry - 2004 Democrat Nominee
10. John Edwards - Former North Carolina Senator
2. Mark Warner - Virginia Governor
15. Phil Bresden - Tennessee Governor
Round 1 (GOP) Results are as follows:
1 Mitt Romney – 49%
16 Alan Keyes – 51%
I did not expect this at all. After the disaster from Keyes in 2004, I thought this would be 80-20 Romney. The rest were close to what I expected.
8. Sam Brownback – 53%
9. Tommy Thompson – 47%
5. Newt Gingrich – 64%
12. Mike Huckabee – 36%
4. Tom Tancredo – 70%
13. Chuck Hagel – 30%
6. Mike Pence – 64%
11. Bill Frist – 36%
3. John McCain – 42%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 58%
7. Rudy Giuliani – 39%
10. Fred Thompson – 61%
2. George Allen – 74%
15. George Pataki – 26%
On Tuesday (11th) – We’ll start the 2nd Round of 16.
Next Saturday (15th) – We’ll start the Quarterfinals
Wednesday after that (19th) – Semifinals
Monday after that (23rd) – Finals –
Thursday (27th) – Winner Declared.
Democrats
1. Hillary Clinton - New York Senator and former first lady
16. Dianne Feinstein - California Senator
8. Joe Biden - Delaware Senator
9. Brian Schweitzer - Montana Governor
5. Russ Feingold - Wisconsin Senator
12. Tom Vilsack - Iowa Governor
4. Bill Richardson - New Mexico Governor
13. Tom Daschle - Former Senate Majority/Minority leader
6. Barack Obama - Illinois Senator
11. Howard Dean - DNC Chair
3. Evan Bayh - Indiana Senator
14. Janet Napolitano - Arizona Governor
7. John Kerry - 2004 Democrat Nominee
10. John Edwards - Former North Carolina Senator
2. Mark Warner - Virginia Governor
15. Phil Bresden - Tennessee Governor
Round 1 (GOP) Results are as follows:
1 Mitt Romney – 49%
16 Alan Keyes – 51%
I did not expect this at all. After the disaster from Keyes in 2004, I thought this would be 80-20 Romney. The rest were close to what I expected.
8. Sam Brownback – 53%
9. Tommy Thompson – 47%
5. Newt Gingrich – 64%
12. Mike Huckabee – 36%
4. Tom Tancredo – 70%
13. Chuck Hagel – 30%
6. Mike Pence – 64%
11. Bill Frist – 36%
3. John McCain – 42%
14. Tim Pawlenty – 58%
7. Rudy Giuliani – 39%
10. Fred Thompson – 61%
2. George Allen – 74%
15. George Pataki – 26%
Friday, April 07, 2006
Latest Gubenatorial Poll - TIED!
This deserves a seperate post.
Dick DeVos - 44%
Jennifer Granholm - 44%
Dick DeVos - 44%
Jennifer Granholm - 44%
Latest Senate Poll - Jerry Zandstra best chance to beat Stabenow
I've long said that Jerry Zandstra is the best chance for us to win. While this is only one poll, this shows who has the most bang for the campaign dollar.
Debbie Stabenow (D) 51%
Michael Bouchard (R) 37%
Debbie Stabenow (D) 50%
Keith Butler (R) 36%
Debbie Stabenow (D) 48%
Jerry Zandstra (R) 37%
11 points down in April isn't that bad when the incumbent is at 50% or less. Spence Abraham has a 20 point lead at Labor Day. Zandstra's principled stances on issues, and his knowledge of the economy is respected and will make the difference this November.
Jerry Zandstra in 2006!!!
Debbie Stabenow (D) 51%
Michael Bouchard (R) 37%
Debbie Stabenow (D) 50%
Keith Butler (R) 36%
Debbie Stabenow (D) 48%
Jerry Zandstra (R) 37%
11 points down in April isn't that bad when the incumbent is at 50% or less. Spence Abraham has a 20 point lead at Labor Day. Zandstra's principled stances on issues, and his knowledge of the economy is respected and will make the difference this November.
Jerry Zandstra in 2006!!!
Richard Trost joins District Judicial Race
From the Argus
I know the name, but that's about it. I don't know anything about him.
Long-time attorney Richard Trost announced Thursday that he is seeking to replace retiring District Judge A. John Pikkarainen. Vying with Trost for the judgeship is Assistant Prosecutor Bill McCririe, Brighton attorney Carol Sue Reader, and Fowlerville attorney Linda Walker.
I know the name, but that's about it. I don't know anything about him.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Two major votes in Congress today (527 reform, Guest Workers plan), also a budget update
Today, there were two major votes in Congress. One was in the House, and one was in the Senate.
In the House, 527's were much more heavily restricted. The democrats (with seven exceptions like Marty Meehan who are the diehard campaign finance reformers) all voted against regulating 527, which were effective for them in 2004. The McCain/Feingold bill had a loophole that allowed rich leftists like anti-freedom advocate George Soros to dump $15 million in a thinly disguised campaign donation for John Kerry. Since the republicans were hurt by this, the democrats opposed this. Since the democrats supported McCain/Feingold, this showed their extreme hypocracy. Unfortunately, most republicans let their anger at Soros get the best of them. It's no secret that Soros was the main target here.
Even though this hits Soros, I'm going to be consistant and as such, oppose this bill. 527s were not the problem. Inane government regulations are the problem, and this was a symptom. Lawyers, campaign treasurers, and campaigners are all going to look for loopholes and will eventually find them. The ones I respect here are people like Mike Pence who are consistently against new government regulations over campaign finance matters. Mike Pence and John Shadegg said it best:
Pence - “Some in Washington want to rein in 527’s with greater government control and regulation, and that is certainly their right and a path that is consistent with the letter and spirit of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act,” Pence said after the vote. “However, I believe instead of greater government control of political speech, more freedom is the answer and that is why I could not support this bill.”
Shadegg - "Once again, Congress has decided to protect itself by subverting the American people's right to free expression. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 was wrong, and this bill is wrong. I know that a handful of wealthy liberals are taking advantage of the current law, but more regulation is not the answer. This bill is a wrong-headed, short-term response that will only drive political spending further into the shadows. We need sunshine and openness for groups involved in the political process -- not new bureaucratic rules that infringe on our First Amendment rights."
Over in the Senate, a compromise Guest Workers bill passed. It was a partial amnesty plan.
I'll take this bill over nothing, but I do not support this. That's not good enough. I only support a guest workers bill where ILLEGAL immigrants must return to their home country before applying for citizenship. We can not reward illegal immigration, and we need to stop the political correctness that goes along with this debate. I don't care if the illegals are from Canada, Mexico, Central/South America, Africa, Britain, or even my ancestors' Ireland. Illegal is illegal, and until we get tough on this issue and most of all those who hire illegals - it will continue to be a problem.
Lastly, the House of Representatives is at a budget standoff. If it's not a balanced budget, I can't support it.
In the House, 527's were much more heavily restricted. The democrats (with seven exceptions like Marty Meehan who are the diehard campaign finance reformers) all voted against regulating 527, which were effective for them in 2004. The McCain/Feingold bill had a loophole that allowed rich leftists like anti-freedom advocate George Soros to dump $15 million in a thinly disguised campaign donation for John Kerry. Since the republicans were hurt by this, the democrats opposed this. Since the democrats supported McCain/Feingold, this showed their extreme hypocracy. Unfortunately, most republicans let their anger at Soros get the best of them. It's no secret that Soros was the main target here.
Even though this hits Soros, I'm going to be consistant and as such, oppose this bill. 527s were not the problem. Inane government regulations are the problem, and this was a symptom. Lawyers, campaign treasurers, and campaigners are all going to look for loopholes and will eventually find them. The ones I respect here are people like Mike Pence who are consistently against new government regulations over campaign finance matters. Mike Pence and John Shadegg said it best:
Pence - “Some in Washington want to rein in 527’s with greater government control and regulation, and that is certainly their right and a path that is consistent with the letter and spirit of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act,” Pence said after the vote. “However, I believe instead of greater government control of political speech, more freedom is the answer and that is why I could not support this bill.”
Shadegg - "Once again, Congress has decided to protect itself by subverting the American people's right to free expression. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 was wrong, and this bill is wrong. I know that a handful of wealthy liberals are taking advantage of the current law, but more regulation is not the answer. This bill is a wrong-headed, short-term response that will only drive political spending further into the shadows. We need sunshine and openness for groups involved in the political process -- not new bureaucratic rules that infringe on our First Amendment rights."
Over in the Senate, a compromise Guest Workers bill passed. It was a partial amnesty plan.
Under the accord, as many as 8 million undocumented workers who can prove they have been in the country for five years or more would be granted work visas, after they pay a $2,000 penalty and any back taxes and undergo a criminal background check. After five years, they could apply for citizenship, provided they remain employed, learn English and do not commit crimes.
About 2.8 million illegal immigrants who have been in the country for more than two years and less than five would have three years to return to a land port of entry, such as El Paso, Texas, cross the border and apply for one of 450,000 green cards - IDs for permanent residents who do not have U.S. citizenship - that will be available each year. Kennedy said the whole process could take less than a day, and the immigrants could then return to their U.S. homes. But Republican aides warned that there would be no guarantees and that some of those immigrants could be stuck across the border.
Of the 450,000 green cards that would be available every year, as many as 300,000 would go to low-skilled workers, Senate aides say. With a green card, those workers also would be eligible to apply for citizenship but would not have a guaranteed path to becoming Americans.
Illegal immigrants who have been in the country for two years or less would have to return to their home countries.
In addition, foreign workers seeking access to the U.S. labor market would be eligible for 325,000 new guest worker visas annually.
I'll take this bill over nothing, but I do not support this. That's not good enough. I only support a guest workers bill where ILLEGAL immigrants must return to their home country before applying for citizenship. We can not reward illegal immigration, and we need to stop the political correctness that goes along with this debate. I don't care if the illegals are from Canada, Mexico, Central/South America, Africa, Britain, or even my ancestors' Ireland. Illegal is illegal, and until we get tough on this issue and most of all those who hire illegals - it will continue to be a problem.
Lastly, the House of Representatives is at a budget standoff. If it's not a balanced budget, I can't support it.
Livingston County Republicans endorse John Arthur and Wendy Day for Howell School Board
Tonight at the Livingston County Republican meeting, Howell School Board candidates John Arthur and Wendy Day were endorsed by the party's executive committee. They are active members of the committee and party, and share the principles and values of our party. Good luck to them.
John and Wendy are also endorsed by the Concerned Taxpayers' Group. LOVE PAC has not endorsed anyone yet. I am uncertain if the MEA or local affiliates have endorsed anyone.
John and Wendy are also endorsed by the Concerned Taxpayers' Group. LOVE PAC has not endorsed anyone yet. I am uncertain if the MEA or local affiliates have endorsed anyone.
Tentative Schedule for Presidential Tournament
Saturday - Democrats' First Round Begins
Tuesday - 2nd Round of 16 (all)
Saturday - Quarterfinals
Wednesday - Semifinals
Monday - Final (GOP winner vs Democrat Winner vs Green/Libertarians/Constitution/Natural Law Parties)
Thursday - Winner decided.
So far, we have a possible upset in the making. Alan Keyes, who I actually threw in as a joke due to his disaster campaign in Illinois, is actually leading Mitt Romney in the polls here. I gave Mitt a 1 seed since he's a native Michigander and the winner of the Livingston County Straw Poll. There must be a "Stop Mitt" movement right now somewhere.
UPDATE - Mitt has gained the lead, but it is still close.
Tuesday - 2nd Round of 16 (all)
Saturday - Quarterfinals
Wednesday - Semifinals
Monday - Final (GOP winner vs Democrat Winner vs Green/Libertarians/Constitution/Natural Law Parties)
Thursday - Winner decided.
So far, we have a possible upset in the making. Alan Keyes, who I actually threw in as a joke due to his disaster campaign in Illinois, is actually leading Mitt Romney in the polls here. I gave Mitt a 1 seed since he's a native Michigander and the winner of the Livingston County Straw Poll. There must be a "Stop Mitt" movement right now somewhere.
UPDATE - Mitt has gained the lead, but it is still close.
Concerned Taxpayers Group endorses candidates
The Concerned Taxpayers’ Group PAC of Livingston County has made their endorsements. Overall, four people were endorsed.
For Howell Schools, we endorse John Arthur and Wendy Day.
For Hartland Schools, we endorse Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney
The Concerned Taxpayers Group’ extended invitations to all of the candidates of contested school board races. Of the fourteen candidates who received questionnaires, ten candidates chose to be interviewed. Every candidate in Howell chose to be interviewed and I tip my hat to all of them for that.
We used a math system in our endorsements. Our five PAC members all graded the choices individually. All the scores were averaged out, and the two highest acceptable scores in the district received our endorsement. Our grades were based on eight core questions, with a couple of extra core questions depending on the school district.
Our PAC board was majority independent, and one of our active republicans, Bill Johnston, was by his own choice not a voting member on our PAC board. I was a voting PAC member, but I did not grade on partisanship as both Republicans and Democrats got us into the schools’ mess, and I am looking for fiscally responsible candidates to get us out of this mess. I am a Conservative first, Concerned Taxpayer Second, and Republican third.
Speaking for myself and not the Taxpayers’ Group - John and Wendy will have my vote. Jim Pratt is my third choice, and while I will not speak for others, one question made the difference among those in my own scorecard. It was close. Of those three, it is a case of good vs. best. Phil Westmoreland, Valerie Webster, and Dennis McGuire all seem like nice people, and all of these people I think will be an improvement over at least one, if not two of the incumbents at Howell who are stepping down. I did not see an arrogance factor in any of those six candidates. Howell schools will see an improvement in its board, no matter who wins election this May.
UPDATED - I added a School Board Poll as well.
For Howell Schools, we endorse John Arthur and Wendy Day.
For Hartland Schools, we endorse Nora Kessel and Dennis Tierney
The Concerned Taxpayers Group’ extended invitations to all of the candidates of contested school board races. Of the fourteen candidates who received questionnaires, ten candidates chose to be interviewed. Every candidate in Howell chose to be interviewed and I tip my hat to all of them for that.
We used a math system in our endorsements. Our five PAC members all graded the choices individually. All the scores were averaged out, and the two highest acceptable scores in the district received our endorsement. Our grades were based on eight core questions, with a couple of extra core questions depending on the school district.
Our PAC board was majority independent, and one of our active republicans, Bill Johnston, was by his own choice not a voting member on our PAC board. I was a voting PAC member, but I did not grade on partisanship as both Republicans and Democrats got us into the schools’ mess, and I am looking for fiscally responsible candidates to get us out of this mess. I am a Conservative first, Concerned Taxpayer Second, and Republican third.
Speaking for myself and not the Taxpayers’ Group - John and Wendy will have my vote. Jim Pratt is my third choice, and while I will not speak for others, one question made the difference among those in my own scorecard. It was close. Of those three, it is a case of good vs. best. Phil Westmoreland, Valerie Webster, and Dennis McGuire all seem like nice people, and all of these people I think will be an improvement over at least one, if not two of the incumbents at Howell who are stepping down. I did not see an arrogance factor in any of those six candidates. Howell schools will see an improvement in its board, no matter who wins election this May.
UPDATED - I added a School Board Poll as well.
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