"That's Saul, folks!"Michigan Republican Party Blog

Articles of Interest 3-31-06

First, Governor Granholm chickens out on having early debates…which would allow the people of Michigan to get a better idea of where the candidates stand on the issues.

The Governor and her campaign team would rather throw mud, duck and then hide…unwilling to talk about bringing jobs to Michigan. Strategy…distract.

Then, Governor Granholm put out a press release yesterday saying she knows the Republicans true “intentions” which is to raise taxes….come on Governor….now you’re a mind reader too???  She usually let’s Brewer “stretch” the truth, but now the Governor is getting desperate…and desperate, dangerously incompetent people do the strangest things.  No wonder her poll numbers are doing down.

On our weekly statewide radio program yesterday,  Mark Brewer admitted the Democrats don’t have a message or a plan and that they would put something together by the fall…oh, really???  A double standard...that again, doesn’t phase the Granholm campaign at all.  These guys are doing all they can to stay away from talking about the issues:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/brewer_admits_h.html

Jennifer Granholm and Mark Brewer will stop at nothing to discredit Dick DeVos, including blatantly lying.  Both have said that they will be “wrapping” DeVos in a Chinese Flag.  It is time to set the facts straight.  Granholm’s mouthpiece Brewer is unencumbered by the truth- when the facts mean nothing to you, you can say anything.

Here are the facts:

• Not a single American job was outsourced to China

• Alticor employs over 4,000 people in the State of Michigan.

• More than 300 high paying jobs were created in Michigan to support the expansion of Alticor into China.   

• At the same time Alticor invested in China, they invested three times the amount right here in Michigan, over $700,000.

• Not a single product manufactured in China is shipped to Michigan, or anywhere else in the United States.

The following articles were written debunking the China myth as perpetuated by Mark Brewer:

“Criticizing DeVos on China doesn't add up”

http://www.detnews.com/2005/business/0508/21/B01-287061.htm

“Alticor Inc.'s China connection a non-issue”

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050831/COLUMNISTS01/508310369/1007

“The Road to China”

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060326/BUSINESS06/603260314

So let’s talk about China, jobs, a world economy, jobs, international competition, jobs, management skills, jobs, slush funds, jobs, Parternership for Progress, jobs, DNR-DEQ, jobs…..there is NO wonder why companies are willing to locate and expand in Indiana while our Governor bashes responsible companies who grow and compete on the international scene.  Governor Granholm is in way over her head!

Another poll come out showing the Senator Debbie Stabenow is one of the worst rated Senators in the county.  Her job approval to disapproval is 48% to 40%….a horrible number for an incumbent legislator. She is the 84^th rated Senator in the country, and here positive rating keep falling. To see the complete nationwide breakdown goto:

http://surveyusa.com/50State2006/100USSenator060323Approval.htm

OK folks, we’re turing into a greenhouse.  Former Oakland GOP Chairman Paul Welday and 11 CD Chairman Bob Law sent us some more plants to the new office.  We need to fresh air, being down wind from the Granholm/Brewer mudslinging machine.

Thanks again to all…for everything!

Saul Anuzis

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

GM building $600 million plus plant in Mexico

3/31/2006, 4:37 a.m. ET The Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Corp., which is closing plants in the United States, says it will spend $600 million to $650 million to build a small-car assembly plant in Mexico, employing 1,800 to 2,300 workers. It is to open in 2008.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-33/114379824627140.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

Dangerous Debbie....still...

www.dangerousdebbie.com

Granholm/Brewer distraction: China???

MRP RESEARCH

DeVos and China:

The Myth versus the Reality

Jennifer Granholm and Mark Brewer will stop at nothing to discredit Dick DeVos, including blatantly lying.  Both have said that they will be “wrapping” DeVos in a Chinese Flag.  It is time to set the facts straight.  Granholm’s mouthpiece Brewer is unencumbered by the truth- when the facts mean nothing to you, you can say anything.

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis said “Granholm and Brewer’s comments are both disingenuous and hypocritical.”

Here are the facts:

· Not a single American job was outsourced to China

· Alticor employs over 4,000 people in the State of Michigan.

· More than 300 high paying jobs were created in Michigan to support the expansion of Alticor into China.   

· At the same time Alticor invested in China, they invested three times the amount right here in Michigan, over $700,000.

· Not a single product manufactured in China is shipped to Michigan, or anywhere else in the United States.

The following articles were written debunking the China myth as perpetuated by Mark Brewer:

“Criticizing DeVos on China doesn't add up”
http://www.detnews.com/2005/business/0508/21/B01-287061.htm

“Alticor Inc.'s China connection a non-issue”
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050831/COLUMNISTS01/508310369/1007

“The Road to China”
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060326/BUSINESS06/603260314

Stabenow misleading donors

National Republican Senatorial Committee

For Immediate Release:                                                                 Contact: Brian Walton

Thursday, March 30, 2006                                                                               202.675.6037

Stabenow’s Distortion: Third Time’s A Charm

Two Days Left to Come Clean, Senator

WASHINTON, DC—Today, the National Republican Senatorial Committee issued the following statement after Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), for the third day in a row, sent a fundraising e-mail to supporters in which she claimed to stand up to special interests, but neglected to mention that she has accepted thousands of dollars in campaign donations from them:

“For the third straight day Debbie Stabenow is raising money through distortion of the truth,” said NRSC Spokesman Brian Walton.  “Stabenow claims she has ‘stood up’ to the insurance industry, yet BlueCross BlueShield is currently her second largest contributor – is that ‘standing up’?”

In her fundraising pitch, which counts down the days until the end of the 1^st quarter FEC filing period, Stabenow opined: “My opponents are well-organized and well funded, with large contributions from the pharmaceutical industry, big oil companies and the insurance industry.  I’ve stood up to this administration and these powerful special interests again and again…” (Stabenow Fundraising E-mail, March 27, 28 and 29, 2006).

But was Stabenow “standing up” to trial lawyers when she accepted nearly $1 million from lawyers and law firms for her campaign? Was Stabenow “standing up” to the insurance industry when she was BlueCross BlueShield’s number three recipient of contributions over a 15-year period?  Was Stabenow “standing up” to the insurance industry when she accepted over $40,000 from one of the nation’s largest insurance companies?

According To The Non-Partisan Center For Responsive Politics, Stabenow Was The Number Three Recipient Of Contributions From BlueCross BlueShield From 1990 Through 2004, Receiving $65,700.  (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed March 30, 2006)

According To The Non-Partisan Center For Responsive Politics, Insurance Company BlueCross BlueShield Is Stabenow’s Second Largest Contributor This Cycle, Giving $41,350.  (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed March 27, 2006)

Since 2001, Stabenow Has Taken Almost $1 Million From Lawyers And Law Firms.  Lawyers and law firms have contributed $990,381 since January 1, 2001.  Lawyers and law firms represent Stabenow’s number one industry that she receives campaign contributions from.  (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed March 27, 2006) 

Brewer stoops to new low!?!

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       CONTACT: Sarah Anderson

MARCH 30, 2006                                                                   (517) 487-5413

Mr. Mud goes too Low

Governor should be embarrassed by her hatchet man

Lansing- Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer stooped to a new low today by attacking Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos for resigning from a position to be with his family following his father’s heart attack.

“Unbelievable,” said Saul Anuzis, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.  “Dick stepped down from the State Board of Education after his father had a severe heart attack.  His place was with his family.  Clearly Brewer – Mr. Mud – does the Governor’s bidding, but even this stunt is too low for her negative campaign standards.

“It’s obvious Mr. Mud has no shame.  The question is, does the Governor?  This is a serious question of character – does Governor Granholm believe that attacking family is a legitimate part of a campaign?  Voters have a right to know.”

DeVos resigned his position from the State Board of Education in early 1993 after his father had a heart attack and was forced to retire; resulting in Dick’s assuming the presidency of the former Amway Corporation, now Alticor.  DeVos’ decision allowed for someone else to serve on the State Board.

Brewer: admits his double standard

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                 CONTACT:  Sarah Anderson

March 30, 2006                                                                                 517.487.5413

                        

Brewer admits error in attacking DeVos

Call for a DeVos plan is nothing but rhetoric

                        

Lansing – Today, Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer admitted that his attacks against Dick DeVos have been unfair and without merit.  Despite criticizing DeVos for not having a plan, Brewer conceded it is the Democratic Party that has no plan, and it is too early to be expected to have one.  Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis issued the following statement in response to Brewer’s admission.

“It’s always nice when Mark Brewer can admit he’s wrong.  After months of attacking Dick DeVos for not having an economic plan, Brewer is forced to breakdown and confess that it is actually his party that has no plan.  Dick DeVos has been traveling through the state of Michigan, visiting every single county, telling people about his plan to make Michigan better.  Because Democrats have no plan, Jennifer Granholm and Mark Brewer have resorted to baseless attacks.  They hold themselves to a completely separate standard.

“Not even a man as immune to the truth as Brewer can shift the blame for Michigan’s economy away from this Governor.  Republicans seek a battle of ideas; we will be waiting patiently for the Democrats to come up with some.”

This morning on the Big Show with Dave Scott, Mark Brewer was asked if he thought his party could “really win without a clear message.”  Brewer’s response: “We will have that.  You may recall back in ’94 the Republicans didn’t roll out their so-called Contract on America (sic) until September.  We will have a clear alternative for voters when the voters start focusing on the elections.” 

####

Articles of Interest 3-30-06

This morning I’ll be joining Mark Brewer on our weekly radio show….please tune in, the information is set out below.  As a mouthpiece for Governor Granholm and her campaign, I am dismayed at the lengths they will go to distort and mislead the general public on the issues.  We had a debate in Lansing yesterday and I was “shocked” to find that  when you are unencumbered by the truth, you can say anything.  When the facts don't matter to you, you can say anything.  This is clearly the Granholm/Brewer strategy…just listen in.

The count is in and our web ad featuring “Dangerously Incompetent” Senator Debbie Stabenow hit all kinds of records for downloads.  For hours, our T-1 was backed up as literally over 3,000 downloads took place the mornig we put it up.  If you missed this ad, and you need something to get you started in the mornings, goto:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/stabenow_danger.html

Listen to our weekly debate/discussion between Democrat State Chairman Mark Brewer and myself every Thursday morning, between 9:15am - 10:00am, as we discuss the issues of the day.

The show is NOT recorded, but you can listen to it live at the stations listed below, or live on the internet at their web site.

"The Big Show with Dave Scott" on the Michigan Talk Network:

WJIM 1240 Lansing

WTRX 1330 Flint/Saginaw

WMMI 830 Mt Pleasant

WKMI 1360 Kalamazoo

WSCG 1380 Greenville

WBCH 1220 Hastings

WODJ 1490 Muskegon

WWKK 750 Petoskey

WJML 1110 Petoskey

WDJM 1320 Marquette

WIAN 1240 Ishpeming

And live on the Internet on the home page of www.mlive.com

To download a "free" version of "real" software to listen on-line goto:

http://forms.real.com/netzip/getrde601.html?h=software-dl.real.com&dc=316315314&f=windows/RealPlayer10-5GOLD_bb.exe&p=RealOne+Player&oem=dlrhap_bb&tagtype=ie&type=dlrhap_bb

There is an article from “The Hill” from Washington DC that predicts the DeVos ads won’t create much of a buzz. Again, it shows what some of the folks in Washington know.  The head of the Republican Governor’s Association, Govenor Mitt Romney said it was “one of the best introductions to a candidate” ads he’s ever seen.  Polling over the last few weeks show that Michigan voters appreciate the ad and what it says…showing Granholm and DeVos in a virtual dead heat.

The bottom line, don’t let polls or any experts sway you.  It’s going to be close and the work we all do together will make the difference!!!

Are we going to get any reform???

Articles of Interest 3-29-06

Sorry I’m a bit late this morning.  We had some “drivers” issues this morning with my kids.  I’ve finally sitting at the “Center Right Coalition” meeting here in downtown Lansing.  The room has filled out with “home schoolers” who are having a “Lansing Day” and getting started on the “right” foot.  Grover Norquist formed this group nationally and has encouraged states to undertake a similar effort state by state. Grover has been encouraging me and/or our staff to attend…we will make every attempt to have a representative here on a regular basis. Representative Jack Hoogendyk is leading up this effort.  Kudos to Jack for his work.

Another “house warming” plant arrived at our offices today from SOS Terri Lynn Land and her staff.  Unlike the plant that came from our friends at www.michiganliberal.com , we didn’t feel compelled to run any toxicology tests or run it through any x-ray machinesJ.  It will be a nice addition to our office.  Thanks for thinking of us.

We put a great cartoon on the blog….trying to find out if Senator Debbie Stabenow supports her fellow Democrats in their move to censure the President???  Why won’t she take a stand?

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/sowhere_is_sena.html

Spence Abraham has teamed up with the law firm of Pepper Hamilton in Detroit. I have included their press release in my blog:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/abraham_joins_w.html

Right to Life of Michigan updates their endorsement page.  As the controversy grows over the latest ballot proposal, RTL pulled it’s endorsement of Jerry Zandstra.  We have not yet seen a formal announcement or explanation:

http://www.rtl.org/html/elections/endorsed.html

Phyllis Schlafley of Eagle Forum will be in the Detroit area for a conference, Saturday, April 29, 2006 at the Laurel Manor for a 9:30am breakfast reception.  The conference starts at 10:30am.  For more information, email Debbie DeBacker at DeBackerD@aol.com .

What about forwarding my email and getting added to this email list….YES, please go ahead and do so.  If you know of interested parties that you think might enjoy seeing my daily email, please feel free to email them.  If anyone would like to be added to the list, just have them send me an email and I’ll add them to the list.  As most of you are aware, an archive is posted on the web daily on my blog at:  www.migop.blogs.com  -- so you can also find all the earlier posts and commentaries there.

Empowering the grassroots with information, news and up to the minute political news you can use will help our activists around the state be better Republican warriors.  We have a great opportunity to help turn Michigan around, you can help keep folks engaged by sharing this information.  So feel free…the more the merrier!

Saul Anuzis

National Taxpayers Union's 2008 Ratings

Who's the fairest friend of the taxpayer among the '08 candidates? The right-leaning National Taxpayers Union is out with its 2008 presidential scorecard.

For GOPers, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) get an "A" with a 78% score; Sen. Chuck Hagel gets an "A" with a 76% score. Sens. Frist, Brownback and Allen all merit B+ ratings with scores in the mid seventies. The Democrat scoring the best: Sen. Russ Feingold, who gets a rating of 20, which translate to a "D." Every other Dem gets an "F".

http://www.ntu.org/main/page.php?PageID=97

New Chief of Staff...Joshua Bolten

Bush: New chief of staff is a 'man of candor and humor'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joshua Bolten, President Bush's new chief of staff, is the chief number-cruncher at the White House, but he's no stuffed shirt.

So...where is Senator Stabenow on censure???

Once again, we can't get a straight answer out of Senator Debbie Stabenow...is she for censure?

Abraham joins with Pepper Hamilton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Polly W. Coxe
Pepper Hamilton LLP
215.981.4528

Joseph McMonigle
The Abraham Group LLC
202.393.7700

Pepper Hamilton and The Abraham Group Form Strategic Alliance
Group Headed by Former Michigan Senator and
Energy Secretary Aligns with Law Firm

Detroit, MI – March 28, 2006 – Pepper Hamilton LLP and The Abraham Group LLC, an international strategic consulting firm, announced that they have entered into a strategic alliance to provide a comprehensive range of legal and business consulting services.

The announcement was made by Spencer Abraham, chairman and CEO of The
Abraham Group, who was formerly a U.S. Senator representing Michigan and U.S. Secretary of Energy, and Robert E. Heideck, Pepper Hamilton’s executive partner.

“Our clients turn to us for solutions to complex legal issues,” said Mr. Heideck.

“Increasingly, they also seek strategic advice concerning international expansion and opportunities in energy-related industries, areas in which The Abraham Group has deep knowledge and experience. We believe that Spence Abraham and his team will offer clients terrific value with their strategic counsel, and we are excited to work with them.”

Secretary Abraham said, “Pepper Hamilton is an outstanding and highly respected law firm. We look forward to helping the firm grow its practice, and to consulting with its clients on government regulatory and international matters. Our strategic alliance provides The Abraham Group with a great platform and offers our clients looking to act on our strategic advice access to an array of top-flight legal services.


“Spence Abraham has strong ties to Michigan,” added Barbara Rom, the partner
in charge of Pepper Hamilton’s Detroit office. “Our relationship with The Abraham Group will provide many opportunities for the Detroit office and the firm.”

Areas in which The Abraham Group and Pepper Hamilton have mutual interests
and experience include government and regulatory affairs, corporate transactions (including venture and private equity), international affairs, and energy and natural resources. By forming a strategic alliance, The Abraham Group and Pepper Hamilton can offer their respective clients a variety of services to assist with many business challenges and opportunities in these areas.

About Pepper Hamilton

Pepper Hamilton LLP (www.pepperlaw.com) has been practicing in downtown
Detroit for 27 years and was one of the first national law firms to enter the Detroit market.

Lawyers in the office handle bankruptcy and reorganization, corporate and securities (including venture capital and SBIC), environmental, labor and employment, litigation, public finance, real estate and tax matters. The office offers clients all the resources of a large, multi-office firm with a national and international practice.

Pepper Hamilton is a multi-practice law firm with 400 lawyers in six states and the District of Columbia. The firm provides corporate, litigation and regulatory legal services to leading businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout the nation and the world. The firm was founded in 1890.

About The Abraham Group

The Abraham Group LLC (www.abrahamgroupllc.com) is an internationalstrategic consulting firm that assists clients seeking opportunities or solutions in the United States and global market. The firm’s major focus and specialization is the international energy sector. Spencer Abraham, the firm’s chairman and CEO, served as U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2001-05, and as a U.S. Senator representing Michigan from 1995 - 2001.


Other partners in the firm include Joseph McMonigle, president, who is a former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Energy and former vice chairman of the International Energy Agency Board of Governors; and Majida Mourad, vice president, who served as a senior advisor to Secretary Abraham and a lead Energy Department representative on international energy matters. Each of the firm’s principals has extensive experience working at senior levels in Congress, the Executive Branch and international affairs. The firm has founded in October2005.

# # #

Bolton: An Excellent Choice

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                 CONTACT:  Sarah Anderson

March 28, 2006                                                                                 517.487.5413

                        

Bolten will serve the President well

Card resigns, POTUS replaces with Joshua Bolten

                        

Washington D.C. –With the announcement of the resignation of White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and the appointment of Joshua Bolten to replace him, Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis issued the following statement:

“Bolten is an excellent choice.  His reputation precedes him and his record of performance is unmatched.  He is an excellent legislative technician and a brilliant strategic thinker.  His dedication to this administration and the fight for freedom will help to continue the President’s mission.  I have only met him in passing, but he is tireless and will serve the President well.”

####

Happy Birthday Bill Ballenger

I just confirmed that today, March 28th is Bill Ballenger's birthday....hard to believe even guys like him get older!!!

Articles of Interest 3-28-06

Get ready folks….I expect Governor Granholm to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Dick DeVos.  We’ve already heard rumors they are going to “wrap him in a Chinese flag”…what does that mean???  Cheap shots, distorted statistics, and overall one of the most bizarre games of “connect the dots” we’ll ever see.  Stay tuned…why?

The latest Ramussen poll came out with the race for Governor in a dead heat.  Again, this early in the process we shouldn’t get too excited, but it’s sure trending in the right direction.  If you look at the link, you’ll see the rolling average numbers, which are probably a bit more reflective of reality…but the bottom line is, this is going to be a close election and the issues are on our side.  To see the Rasmussen release goto:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/great_numbersbu.html

The Detroit Free Press cartoon in yesterday’s paper is pretty telling.  This show’s why Republicans are “fired up” about the election and reflects the sad fact that Michigan voters are starting to pay attention.  This Governor’s policies have been a disaster….or as Debbie Stabenow has said: “dangerously incompetent”.  Help is on the way!

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/oh_how_true.html

Efforts are on their way to repeal the Single Business Tax (SBT).  If you would like to help and/or just download a petition, please goto:

www.repealsbt.com

Congressman Mike Rogers posted a very moving and interesting letter he received from Iraq.  Written to the men and women who serve our country.   I would suggest you take a minute and read it:

http://www.mikerogers.house.gov/media/pdfs/thankyou.pdf

Bill Ballenger of Inside Michigan Politics has a scrolling update of the MRG poll that was taken last week.  They showed Granholm 43% and DeVos 41% in a statewide poll.  For mor commentary see:

http://www.insidemichiganpolitics.com/

Zhe Clampitt, the Chair of the Redford Republican Club has started her own blog.  She is a great activist who is committed to growing the party.  I’ve had a chance to meet with her several times and believe she can be one of our rising stars.  Follow her commentary:

http://zheclampitt.blogspot.com/

The bottom line folks, this is going to be one close election and our grassroots efforts will make the difference!!!

Saul Anuzis

Yzerman scores!

Yzerman Ties Lemieux With 690th Goal

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Steve Yzerman scored his 690th goal to tie Mario Lemieux for eighth place on the career list and help the NHL-leading Detroit Red Wings beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1 on Monday night.

The 40-year-old Yzerman scored midway through the second period off a scrum that started with Niklas Kronwall's shot from the slot. Blues goalie Patrick Lalime made the save on Kronwall, but the rebound ended up on Yzerman's stick just to the left of the goal, and the Detroit captain buried it for his 12th goal of the season.

Next up for Yzerman is Mark Messier, seventh with 694 goals.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/sports/AP-HKN-Red-Wings-Blues.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Great numbers...but....

As I said Saturday in my Daily Articles of Interest:

Poll numbers this week have been very encouraging…but let’s all remember, it’s very early and all we are really looking for are trends.  The good news is that we are trending up…in the right direction.  The Governor has gone flat and is starting to slide!!!

With this election obviously being this close, there will be polls where we are ahead, others where we will be behind.  As the “base” electorate “comes home” we will ultimately be in a battle for the “undecided” voters.  Expect the Ganholm machine to increase it’s attacks, come up with negative advertising and massive efforts to distort the facts. The good news is that we have the right candidate who is right on the issues!!!

Rasmussen poll:

Rasmussen Reports: Michigan Governor: Granholm-DeVos Tied

The latest Rasmussen Reports poll in the race for governor of Michigan shows Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm and Republican Dick DeVos tied, 44% to 44%. This confirms the tightening of the race first reported last month.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/March%202006/Michigan%20Governor%20March.htm

Oh, how true!!!

Mike Thompson

Music to his ears

We are not going to turn Michigan around....until Michigan gets a new Governor. Let's remember, 49 others states have come out of a national recession and are sharing in over 4,000,000 new jobs that have been created under President Bush's national policies. Cutting taxes, reforming the regulatory climate and competing internationally on a fair basis works!

Governor Granholm has vetoed bills that would help create "real" jobs. She either can't or won't do what it takes to lead Michigan into the future....help is on it's way!