Articles of Interest 4-14-06
So Mark Brewer calls a press conference to once again demand Dick DeVos’s tax returns….why because he wants them….he make accusations that there “could” be something out there….so please, prove there isn’t. What a joke.
At the same time, Governor Granholm has solicited annual donations of $25,000 each from corporate executives, lobbyist and special interests…all that have business with the state, are regulated by the state and/or might want to have a relationship with the state.
The Governor has circumvented the intent of the law by using the Kalamazoo County Democrat Party to hold this money without having to report who gave, how much the gave, how often they gave, what they received in return and where the money was spent.
This is not the way “others” have done this. In the past, elected official either used the Office Holders Expense Fund or filed a candidate 527, which requires disclosure. The Governor is using a loophole in the law to hide her contributors and their deals from public scrutiny.
This is ethically and morally a blatant attempt to circumvent the intent of the law.
Why is Governor Granholm hiding who is contributing to her efforts?
Why won’t she honestly report her contributors or expenditures?
What kind of conflicts of interest is she trying to hide?
Governor Granholm and her spinster Mark Brewer are doing all they can to deflect attention from the issues at hand. Dick DeVos listed his business interests and contributions, clearly showing he has NO conflicts with the state of Michigan.
What does Governor Granholm have to hide???
Well let’s find out. The Michigan Republican Party filed a complaint with the IRS criminal division outlining 7 clearly apparent violations of the IRS code. We pointed out that the Governor was using her 527 “slush fund” for “personal” reasons….and that means she should pay an income tax on those portions of the funds. Let me know how flying your kids to a basketball game…on a state plane….is official state business???
And she owes the IRS fines for late filings….you think you or I could get away without paying the IRS late fines..let alone taxes on personal income? Leadship by example???
Maybe Granholm should read up a little on Al Capone? To see news story goto:
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/04/granholm_violat.html
So here is the difference between the Granholm/Brewer spin machine and us….they throw out innuendos, baseless claims and asks the media to get an answer….we find specific potential violations, document the evidence and file formal inquiries based on facts, records and late reports. With the Democrats, it’s politics as usual.
Saul Anuzis
STATE STORIES
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/OPINION01/604140317/1008
Friday, April 14, 2006
Will Granholm hurt party's chances?
Adolph Mongo /
I am tired of hearing from die-hard Democrats that no matter what, Detroiters should support Gov. Jennifer Granholm despite her silence for three years when it comes to addressing Detroit's financial problems, her back door involvement in the mayoral race and her lackluster ability to lead Michigan during these turbulent times.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006604140349
Ford cuts may be Dearborn's gain
April 14, 2006
Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it would idle two pickup plants in 2008, raising hope that some production could be moved to Ford's underused crown jewel manufacturing facility, the Dearborn Truck Plant at the historic Rouge Complex.
700 Michigan employees earn $100,000 plus
4/14/2006, 4:55 a.m. ET
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The number of Michigan state employees who get a salary of at least $100,000 a year has risen to about 700 from about 375 six years ago.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1144941201286440.xml&coll=6
Ricky Holland's death deserves scrutiny
Thursday, April 13, 2006
State authorities are wrong in turning down a House request for records in the death of an Ingham County boy. Child protection issues, including analyzing what went wrong in this child abuse case, need to be looked at independently to spur reforms. The refusal of records is impeding progress. Gov. Jennifer Granholm should see to it the files are released.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/OPINION01/604140338/1068/OPINION
OT Surprise
Wage law needs some rethinking on overtime pay
April 14, 2006
It is a little difficult to comprehend how the Michigan Legislature could pass a bill to raise the state's minimum wage law without also at least debating its concurrent effect on overtime pay, since the latter could potentially cost employers way more than the wage boost. But that's what happened.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=52771
High gas prices affecting Michigan's billion dollar tourist industry
Valerie Lego
Grand Rapids - With gas prices expected to hover around the three dollar mark again this summer, Michigan's travel industry is bracing for another tough travel season.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/columns-2/114494179346940.xml&coll=7
Better communication, fewer mandates
Thursday, April 13, 2006
When Proposal A, the landmark law that changed the way public schools in Michigan were funded, passed in 1994, it didn't take a crystal ball to predict that the state would be having a lot more say over what happened in local school districts.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/columns-2/114494179946940.xml&coll=7
Anti-bullying bills too much micromanagement
Thursday, April 13, 2006
School bullying can take a toll.
Any parent of a bullied child can tell you its impact: Shredded self-esteem, plummeting grades, an aversion to school -- and sometimes violence, murder or suicide.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/OPINION03/604140373/1350
Friday, April 14, 2006
Tom Greenwood
Tab machines are quick, easy to use
I recently wrote a column about the one-year anniversary of the Michigan Secretary of State's automated license tab renewal machines, which have been utilized by at least 30,000 motorists over the past 12 months.
NATIONAL STORIES
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/NEWS05/604140345
Plant offers to rehire some immigrants it fired
April 14, 2006
After days of intense scrutiny that put Detroit in the center of a debate over immigration, a local meatpacking plant decided Thursday to rehire 21 workers it fired last month for taking off work to march in a rally for immigrants' rights.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1144940825286440.xml&coll=6
Illegal immigrants on the job: Is it work Americans won't do, or pay Americans won't accept?
Thursday, April 13, 2006
By Ted Roelofs
The Grand Rapids Press
MONTCALM COUNTY -- Work here starts at dawn, goes all day and gets done in all kinds of weather. Backaches and dirty fingernails come with the job, which pays $7 an hour to start.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0414/p01s01-usfp.html
from the April 14, 2006 edition
Behind Bush's hard line on Iran
After 9/11, the administration may see the US as the only one prepared to take action.
| Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
WASHINGTON – Five years with President Bush show that his administration's boldest assertions are often, in fact, statements of serious intent - whether they're about "regime change" in Iraq or educational standards for children.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/12/AR2006041201659.html
After Diplomacy Fails
Think Imaginatively About Iran
By Mark Helprin
Thursday, April 13, 2006; Page A21
Even were one to believe that, despite its low and stagnant per capita gross national product and having the world's second-largest reserves of petroleum and natural gas, Iran would invest uneconomically in nuclear power generation, one would also have to disbelieve that it wanted nuclear weapons. But with an intermediate-range strategic nuclear capacity, it could deter American intervention, reign over the Persian Gulf, further separate Europe from American Middle East policy, correct a nuclear imbalance with Pakistan, lead and perhaps unify the Islamic world, and thus create the chance to end Western dominance of the Middle East and/or with a single shot destroy Israel.
http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-0/114494142917470.xml&coll=8
Follow roadmap to nuclear face-off with an old enemy
Thursday, April 13, 2006
So who is probably the real if unwitting culprit behind Iran's attempted technological leap into the rapidly growing "nuclear club?" If you guessed the United States, you win the latest issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which features the famous fictional clock ticking its way toward mushroom-cloud Armageddon.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/OPINION01/604140304/1008
Friday, April 14, 2006
Keep options open on Iran's uranium plants
If diplomacy doesn't work, U.N. must have a Plan B
The Detroit News /
I ran's belligerent defiance of the United Nations on nuclear plants makes it almost certain the country is determined to build atomic weapons. In response, the United States and other nations should keep open the option of surgical air strikes to destroy any non-compliant nuclear facilities in Iran.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0414/p01s03-usmi.html
from the April 14, 2006 edition
Retired generals speak out to oppose Rumsfeld
They say he quashed dissent and bungled Iraq's occupation. Joint Chiefs' chair disagrees.
| Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
A growing number of retired generals are publicly opposing US conduct of the war in Iraq, breaking a decades-old tradition of not criticizing ongoing military operations.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/POLITICS/604140375/1022
Friday, April 14, 2006
Rumsfeld weathers growing criticism
Chorus of former commanders grows louder, says he should be sacked for Iraq miscues.
Tom Raum / Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Crusty and unapologetic, Donald H. Rumsfeld is the public face of an unpopular war and a target of unrelenting criticism. A growing number of commanders who served under him say he has botched the Iraq operation, ignored the advice of his generals and should be replaced.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/13/AR2006041301238.html?nav=hcmodule
Replace Rumsfeld
Friday, April 14, 2006; Page A17
With luck, Iraq will make a fresh start soon with the formation of a new government. The Bush administration should do the same thing by replacing Donald Rumsfeld as defense secretary.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/12/AR2006041201947.html?nav=hcmodule
Troops in Support Of the War
By Wade Zirkle
Thursday, April 13, 2006; Page A21
Earlier this year there was a town hall meeting on the Iraq war, sponsored by Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), with the participation of such antiwar organizations as CodePink and MoveOn.org. The event also featured Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), a former Marine who had become an outspoken critic of the war. To this Iraq war veteran, it was a good example of something that's become all too common: People from politics, the media and elsewhere purporting to represent "our" views. With all due respect, most often they don't.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/13/AR2006041301687.html
Judge in CIA Leak Case Threatens Gag Order
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 14, 2006; Page A03
The federal judge presiding over the pending trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby threatened yesterday to impose a gag order barring statements or disclosures to the news media by Libby's defense team or by the special prosecutor investigating alleged wrongdoing by the former White House official.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/12/AR2006041201726.html
Red Ink Run Amok
Thursday, April 13, 2006; Page A21
The interview with Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee was scheduled for April 7, the final day that Congress would be in session before taking another vacation, this one a two-week break. It was expected to be a busy day in the House, with final floor debate on the budget resolution to set the nation's fiscal policy for the coming year.
http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=14048
How Long Must Kids in Failing Schools Wait?
by Dan Lips
Posted Apr 14, 2006
Last week, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings unveiled a new school choice proposal aimed at helping low-income children trapped in underperforming public schools. In New York alone, where Spellings delivered her speech, an estimated 125,000 students attend persistently failing public schools. President Bush’s proposal would give thousands of these children-and their peers throughout the nation-the ability to attend a better school.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/13/AR2006041301926.html
Hurt Feelings in 2000 Recalled as McCain Stumps in Iowa
By Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 14, 2006; Page A05
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, April 13 -- Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) campaigned across Iowa on Thursday, sending a clear signal that he is ready to start building a relationship with a state he spurned in his presidential campaign six years ago.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LAURA_BUSH?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
First Lady campaigns for GOP candidates
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Laura Bush, a reserved former librarian who only reluctantly warmed to politicking, said often and somewhat nostalgically in 2004 that her husband's re-election bid was the couple's last campaign. So much for that idea.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008226
The Minority Maker
The clever GOP strategy for defeat in November.
Thursday, April 13, 2006 12:01 a.m. EDT
If Republicans lose control of Congress in November, they might want to look back at last Thursday as the day it was lost. That's when the big spenders among House Republicans blew up a deal between the leadership and rank-in-file to impose some modest spending discipline.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/12/griffin.conyers/index.html
Congressman accused of using staff to baby-sit
By Drew Griffin
CNN
Wednesday, April 12, 2006; Posted: 10:07 p.m. EDT (02:07 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two former staff members of U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Michigan, say the longtime Detroit congressman made them baby-sit his children, run errands and work on political campaigns while they were on his congressional payroll.
Kennedy reaches across political aisle
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If the Democratic Party were the military, Sen. Edward Kennedy would probably be drummed out for fraternizing with the enemy.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0414/p02s02-wmgn.html
from the April 14, 2006 edition
When the Tax Man cometh, they don't answer the bell
Tax resisters say refusal to pay all or part of their taxes is an act of civil disobedience. The IRS and US courts say it's illegal.
| Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor
When Ruth Benn of Brooklyn filed her federal income taxes this week, she left out an important element: the check.
"In good conscience I cannot pay this money to the US government," Ms. Benn wrote in a letter to the IRS that accompanied a completed, but unpaid, 1040 form. "I do not want my tax dollars to be used for killing and war."
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/POLITICS/604140369/1022
Friday, April 14, 2006
IRS goes after champion of tax evaders
Peter Hendrickson dubs tax season as "the criminal rites of spring."
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Peter Hendrickson has taken avoiding paying taxes to a new level.
After spending a year in federal prison for his part in a 1990 firebombing of a Royal Oak Post Office box on tax day, Hendrickson wrote a book about how to avoid paying federal taxes.
His Web site sells "Don't Tread on Me" shirts and dubs tax season as "the criminal rites of spring."
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Thursday, April 13, 2006
Has The Gov. Neutralized the SBT Issue?
Pundits don't agree on whether Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM has managed to neutralize herself on the Single Business Tax (SBT) issue a day after she asked the Legislature to eliminate the tax at the end of this year as opposed to at the end of 2007, which is what the Republicans wanted.
Republicans scoffed at her idea, saying it was an election ploy, which is funny, considering that's what Democrats saw the Republicans' original proposal as being.
In fact, there was little or no consensus of opinion on any of the questions MIRS asked them this week.
Q. Has the governor neutralized the SBT elimination issue with her call for the Legislature to do it all this year?
"This is the most bizarre political maneuver I've seen her make over the past three and a half years," said Bill NOWLING of Sterling Corp. "Granholm has more positions on the SBT than President (Jimmy) CARTER has fewer liver pills. First she wants to get rid of it. Then she didn't want to get rid of it. Then she doesn't want to get rid of the sunset on it. Then she wants to keep the sunset. She hasn't neutralized the issue, she's neutralized herself as a factor on the SBT."
But Craig RUFF of Public Sector Consultants said he thinks it may have, to some extent, neutralized the issue for her.
"I think it has certainly helped to neutralize it," Ruff said. "The question now is whether or not the Republicans buy it. And that all depends on whether they just want this as a political issue or will they want to do something from a policy standpoint.
"You know, getting rid of the SBT will mean that they'll have an awful lot of money to replace," Ruff continued. "I don't see how they'll do it without some sort of equivalent tax or cuts. And I don't see where they'd make those cuts."
Stephanie McLEAN of GMT Strategies said the governor's challenge has neutralized the issue.
"Yeah, I think she has neutralized it," McLean said. "Frankly, I think the whole call for eliminating the SBT by the Republicans is just a political ploy. It sounds great to talk about lowering or eliminating taxes, but how are we going to pay for things like homeland security and the state police?"
Inside Michigan Politics Editor Bill BALLENGER said Granholm is behind the eight ball on this issue.
"Not at all. She's playing catch-up ball, and odds are that she'll never catch up," Ballenger said. "She blew her big opportunity when she didn't sign the bill the Legislature sent her to rescind the SBT at the end of next year. A bolder governor, with a strong sense of direction and knowledge of how to run the state Capitol railroad, would never have squandered that opportunity.
"She doesn't seem to understand that, reasonable or not, the SBT has come to be viewed not only by the business community, but the rank-and-file citizenry as the symbol of what's ailing Michigan economically. The SBT today is what property taxes for school operations were for 25 years before Proposal A."
Q. What effects would the Citizens for Life proposal have on the November election if it gets on the ballot?
"For starters, it would wreak havoc in the pro-life community," Ballenger said. "How would Right to Life react to the proposal's presence on the ballot now that (Right to Life of Michigan head) Barbara LISTING has said her group doesn't support the effort to bring it before the voters?
"Either Right to Life would have to meekly submit to reality and endorse it or actually stick to their guns and urge a 'no' vote. If they do that, they'll give every pro-choice candidate in the state a pass. All the abortion rights candidates will have to say is, 'We're with Barbara Listing. This amendment is too extreme. We oppose it."
Ruff said he doesn't think the proposal will have much impact at all.
"I think at most it may create a little bit larger turnout," Ruff said. "I think it will bring out a few more people on both sides of the issue. So, really, I'd guess its effect would be somewhat neutral. I just don't see it having a huge impact. I suspect extremists on both sides of the issue tend to vote anyway, and this may bring out just a little bit more in pretty much equal numbers."
McLean said she thinks a lot will depend on what organized pro-life groups do.
"I really don't know what's going to happen, but a lot may depend on what the Catholic Conference and Right to Life do," McLean said. "If those groups decide to get behind it, I suppose it might drive turnout to some extent."
Nowling said he doesn't expect traditional pro-life groups to actively work for the proposal, so it will probably have no real impact on other aspects of the election.
"It has some potential for bringing out a few more pro-life voters but without the institutional support of Right to Life I think that effect will be very diminished," Nowling said. "For the past 20 years the abortion issue has broken pretty much 50-50. I think those who are ardent on one side of the issue or the other already vote. So it might make a little difference in numbers on the margins, but without that grassroots organizational support, I don't see it having much effect on other issues and races."
Q. Do Democratic claims that the Republicans represent a culture of corruption have impact beyond the Democratic base?
"Absolutely it will have an impact beyond the Democratic base," McLean said. "Have you seen the polling? It is really affecting independent voters. It's independents who are really turned off. We saw that recently in the California race (to replace Randy "Duke" CUNNINGHAM who resigned over a scandal). The closest Republican only got 15 percent.
"The big question to me is what effect Tom DeLAY resigning will have," she added.
Ballenger said he doesn't think it will have much effect.
"Little, if any," Ballenger said. "This is a federal issue, and at this point there is no visible Republican member of Congress in Michigan who appears vulnerable on this issue. Heck, the Republicans are trying harder to link Jack ABRAMOFF to Sen. Debbie STABENOW (D-Lansing) right now."
Ruff said he doubts the culture of corruption tack will have a significant impact.
"Well, state elections are usually decided on state issues," Ruff said. "I don't think this election is likely to be nationalized. I could be wrong about that, but I don't think it will. Absent any scandal or corruption issues at the state level arising between now and Election Day, I don't see this having any impact."
Nowling said he doesn't think it's effective beyond the Democratic base.
"Polling has been pretty consistent in showing that the mood is to put a pox on everybody's house," Nowling said. "Yes, a lot of people don't like the Republicans, but that hasn't resulted in them liking the Democrats. It just looks like people don't like those who are in office right now.
"So, I don't think it impacts the voters who are in the middle who decide elections," Nowling said. "The public may not be following politics very closely all of the time, but they're not stupid. They know that if there's a culture of corruption it's not just one party, it's in all of Washington, D.C., and the way things are done there."
Q. Will we see John ENGLER in a campaign ad for Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS this year?
"Only Dick DeVos and John Engler would know for sure," Ruff said. "I don't think we can rule it out. But usually the luster of one personality doesn't rub off on someone else. Just ask governors and presidents and candidates of the past."
McLean said Engler would not appear in an ad.
"No," McLean said. "He didn't do it for (former gubernatorial candidate) Dick POSTHUMUS."
Ballenger said if he does it would be a mistake.
"Who knows what bone-headed ideas lurk in the minds of campaign strategists? This would surely be one of them," Ballenger said. "The only thing Engler could ever really sell was himself or Proposal A, and that was because the alternative he presented was invariably so bleak or terrifying.
"John Engler in an ad for Dick DeVos would be just what the Republicans don't want — a rallying cry to every Democratic voter in the state to get out and vote," Ballenger continued. "Remember Engler's near 'guarantee' of victory for George W. BUSH in the 2000 presidential primary against John McCAIN? Every Democrat (and Independent) in sight crawled out of the woodwork to take a whack at Engler. Remember, one of the reasons Granholm was originally elected in 2002 was because she wasn't Engler."
Nowling said, no, Engler would not make a DeVos ad.
"First of all, he has a national stage and platform to consider," Nowling said. "But even from a political standpoint I don't think you'd want to use a former governor in an ad. The minute John Engler stepped onto the stage the issue would become John Engler. If you're Dick DeVos I think that would be the last thing you'd want to see happen."
Lansing Insiders: Granholm Wins In Close Election
Those within the Lansing Beltway believe Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM will be easily re-elected.
Some 58.7 percent of Lansing insiders polled throughout the month of March believe that the governor will earn a second term this November. Although it should be noted the survey commissioned by MIRS and circulated by the polling firm of Denno Noor were completed in early March just as the television campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS was getting under way.
The governor's biggest supporters (not surprisingly) were executive branch personnel. Of those surveyed, 75 percent said they believe the governor would win re-election. While 75 percent are pulling for the boss, 25 percent of executive branch personnel said they were either unsure or were backing DeVos.
Granholm also has an advantage among women "insiders."
Some 66.7 percent of female insiders chose Granholm, with 20 percent choosing DeVos. Among males, Granholm's edge was 56.3 percent to 27.2 percent. Even among the GOP majority Legislature, Granholm was chosen by 66 percent compared with 28 percent for DeVos. The lobbying community sees a tighter race with 44 percent going for Granholm. Another 32.4 percent see a DeVos victory and a 23.5 percent feel "unsure" about the outcome.
The survey was mailed out to some 620 Lansing insiders (all lobbyists and state department staff listed in the Rossman Group Lobbying Guide as well as all 148 state lawmakers) and had a response rate of 33.5 percent. Of those, 26 percent said they felt DeVos would win.
Regardless of who wins, a very strong majority (76 percent) of beltway observers said they believe that the election winner will win by 52 percent or less. Only 20 percent of Lansing insiders predicted the winning candidate would hold a margin of 53 percent or more.
For some of the other top races this year:
- Former District Court Judge Scott BOWEN will win the Democratic nomination for Attorney General, beating out Detroit Attorney Amos WILLIAMS and Rep. Alexander LIPSEY (D-Kalamazoo), according to 55 percent of Lansing's insiders.
- Ultimately, incumbent Attorney General Mike COX will win re-election, according to 60 percent of respondents.
As far as seats in the state House and Senate go in Election 2006, Lansing insiders said they believe the Republicans will easily maintain their majorities in the House and Senate. Some 76.4 percent said the Republicans will control the Senate after the election, and 87.5 percent said Republicans will control the House after the election.
However, in the Senate, it's clear to the beltway that Democrats have a shot to make in-roads into the GOP's current 22-seat margin. Some 73 percent of Lansing insiders said that Democrats will have "some success" in gaining seats. Only 5 percent of Lansing insiders said the Republicans will see a net seat gain in the Senate.
By a slight majority (52.4 percent) Lansing insiders also indicated that House Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Dianne BYRUM (D-Onondaga) will see a gain in seats this November. Some 23 percent said Republicans would gain seats while 6.3 percent said neither party would gain.
Look for details on who insiders say will win the post of senate majority leader and the take on various ballot proposals in Friday's edition.
Brewer Fears DeVos Hiding Something
Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Chair Mark BREWER tried to coax Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS into releasing his 2005 tax returns today by suggesting that the Grand Rapids billionaire may be hiding some foreign earnings or some other funny business within those documents.
Brewer confessed he had no proof that DeVos was doing anything illegal and that the release of the DeVos tax documents would reveal anything out of the ordinary. But until DeVos comes clean with an official document he signed under penalty of perjury, as opposed to the lengthy summary document he gave reporters two weeks ago (See "DeVos Releases Financial Details …" 3/31/06), nobody will know for sure if DeVos is clean, he said.
"All we have is suspicions. Prove me a liar," Brewer said. "Release your tax returns. Until he does all we have is suspicion."
Brewer's press conference came a day after Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM and First Gentleman Dan MULHERN released copies of their federal, state and local returns to the media (See "Granholm Releases Income Tax Returns," 4/12/06). The First Family reported a total income of $178,000. She paid $36,708 in taxes and gave back $5,777 to the state through her voluntary 5 percent, after-taxes salary giveback.
Brewer denied repeatedly that his income tax request is a veiled attempt to see how much money DeVos makes so he can waive that figure under the noses of politically undecided working class voters. Asked specifically if he's trying to instigate "class warfare," Brewer said, "This isn't about wealth. We already know he's a billionaire."
What would we find from DeVos' returns? Brewer suggested DeVos could have off-shore transactions or some overseas income he's trying to hide.
But if DeVos was actually trying to hide some type of illegal activity, why would he openly report it to the Internal Revenue Service, which could turn around and investigate him? Brewer turned the question around on reporters and responded, "That's a good question. That's why we want to see the returns."
Brewer had allowed Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Chair Saul ANUZIS to attend today's press conference inside MDP Headquarters and gave Anuzis the floor to respond after the Democratic chief finished talking.
Anuzis said the information Brewer is claiming to want to see in DeVos' tax returns isn't there. He said Brewer's press conference today was "cheap politics" and a way to extract a document from DeVos that the Dems could use later to craft negative attacks against DeVos.
The tax returns are fairly irrelevant, he claimed. They contain personal information. It's not required gubernatorial candidates give them up to the public. Former Democratic gubernatorial candidates Geoffrey FIEGER and David BONIOR didn't.
Also, using the guilty-until-proven-innocent approach on DeVos isn't fair, Anuzis said.
"It's like claiming someone's a devil worshipper and then asking them to prove that they're not," Anuzis said. "Let's see your church records."
Contacted about Brewer's shindig, DeVos Spokesman John TRUSCOTT added that as Michigan's economy continues to struggle, voters are more concerned about improving the economy more than they care about what a particular candidate's salary may be.
Anuzis tried to turn the gathered media's attention to Granholm's "Partners for Progress," a "sub-account" within the Kalamazoo Democratic Party that has no federal expenditure filing requirements that Granholm is using to raise money, presumably for issue ads to be used later this campaign (See "Gov. Raises Money For Secret Fund …" 1/31/06).
Money is being used for the campaign. Unlike Granholm's regular gubernatorial campaign, we don't know who's giving to it. We don't know where the money is going, Anuzis said.
"The chair of the Michigan Democratic Party — Mr. Mud — attacked Dick DeVos regarding the disclosure of his personal financial information and yet the governor refuses to fully disclose details regarding this secret fund," Anuzis said.
Brewer noted that Engler used these sub-accounts. Anuzis himself uses these accounts. There's no legal requirement to release the information.
SBAM: OT Loophole Pay Bad
The governor knew. The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) chair said he knew. Legislative Republicans were apparently aware, but the state GOP chair was not.
The issue is the overtime loophole in the recently signed boost in the state's minimum wage that will force some employers to cough up overtime bucks for 12 categories of employees, including small newspaper reporters, movie theater employees, taxi drivers and truck drivers.
Apparently when Michigan's minimum wage exceeds the federal rate, exemptions for overtime pay expire for a certain class of workers. Anybody who works more than 40 hours a week would now be required to receive time and a half pay.
Barry CARGILL from the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) said he feels some employers will not let their employees work overtime and he predicted that some jobs may be lost.
"It's bad for Michigan," Cargill said.
Employee groups that could be impacted when the new law takes effect Oct. 1 also include car mechanics, live-in nannies and doctors paid by the hour.
Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Chair Saul ANUZIS said he was not aware of the loophole but his counterpart, MDP Chair Mark BREWER was and he said he would love to see the Republican-led Legislature try to change the loophole before the election.
Brewer said he thinks it would be a bad idea to cut the salary for any worker, even if it is overtime, on the eve of the election.
Bits And Tidbits
Stabenow Warchest Grows to $6.2M
U.S. Sen. Debbie STABENOW (D-Lansing) is prepared to report to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) this weekend that she raised $1.02 million in the first quarter of 2006 and now has $6.26 million in cash on hand.
Stabenow's camp spent $413,865 in the first three months of 2006. The freshman senator raised more than $1 million each quarter in 2005 and had $5.658 million in the bank as she started 2006.
Walberg's Cash On Hand Tops $300,000
Republican Congressional Candidate Tim WALBERG (R-Tipton) has announced that his campaign raised $180,243 in the first quarter of 2006 and ended March with $304,199 cash on hand.
"Our strong fundraising demonstrates my common-sense conservative message is resonating and that we are effectively gathering the resources necessary to win," Walberg said. "I am proud to receive financial support from thousands of Republicans who support reducing government spending, expanding tax relief, and standing up for the right to life. I am definitely not the choice of the status quo forces in Washington D.C."
The Walberg news release took a rhetorical slap at his GOP primary rival, incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe SCHWARZ (R-Battle Creek), stating that, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, 66.2 percent of Schwarz's campaign contributions in 2005 came from political action committees (PACs), totaling $435,271.
But Schwarz spokesman John TRUSCOTT said Walberg is no one to be complaining about insider support from Washington, D.C.
"Tim Walberg is a captive of an out-of-the-mainstream Washington group (Club for Growth) that is giving him all of his funding," Truscott said. "It's a group that backs some Democrats and would rather see some Republicans lose their races. They don't represent mainstream Republicans."
Secchia/Weiser Give The Money, Get The Name
Former U.S. Ambassador to Italy Peter SECCHIA and former U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic Ron WEISER each chipped in $250,000 to help purchase the new Michigan Republican Party (MRP) building, which is why their names appear on the building.
MRP Chair Saul ANUZIS reported the party is still trying to unload its old headquarters on Grand River Avenue in Lansing.
GONGWER Volume #45, Report #71 --Thursday, April 13, 2006
MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH PLAN DRAWING STATE INTEREST
A newly-signed Massachusetts law requiring universal health insurance coverage for all residents has "changed the calculus" of the issue in Michigan, and officials here are going to watch with interest how the new system develops in the Bay State with an eye towards the future possibility of attempting a similar proposal here.
No one is yet willing to endorse a proposal similar to the Massachusetts plan here, but several people said the fact that a Democratic Legislature and Republican governor - and one with a Michigan connection - could reach agreement on the issue means a similar consensus could be reached in Michigan.
No matter who is governor a year from now, said Kevin Kelly of the Michigan State Medical Society, "universal coverage will be a topic."
Governor Jennifer Granholm's administration already is working on a proposal that could provide insurance coverage to some 500,000 uninsured Michigan residents. A spokesperson for the Department of Community Health said a proposal for universal coverage may be the next logical step for the state to consider.
But again, officials are proceeding cautiously, wanting to see how the system in Massachusetts gets up and running.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Sen. Bev Hammerstrom (R-Temperance) was in Boston last week for another purpose and spoke a with a member of that state's Senate about the universal coverage. "She was pretty excited about it, so I started paying more attention," Ms. Hammerstrom said. "It's an interesting concept."
Rep. Ed Gaffney (R-Grosse Pointe Farms), chair of the House Health Policy Committee, said: "I'm kind of excited about it. I'm anxious to see it come through. Health care insurance shouldn't only be for the rich."
A spokesperson for the Democratic vice chair of the House committee, Rep. Stephen Adamini (D-Marquette), said he had requested a copy of the Massachusetts law and hopes to talk to administration officials about the proposal.
The law that Governor Mitt Romney, son of Michigan's former Governor George Romney, signed on Wednesday, would create a lower-cost state health insurance system and require residents who are not covered by other means to either purchase a low-cost policy or pay a state tax penalty. Mr. Romney vetoed a portion of the bill that would have required companies with 11 workers or more to provide health insurance.
While there has been controversy over the bill, with a number of economists questioning the true cost of the measure, it has also generated significant praise. An economics column in the New York Times said the legislation deals deftly with two critical components of universal coverage: the cost and ensuring that people actually have the coverage by assessing a penalty to those that do not acquire the coverage.
That is a provision that does have a number of people in Massachusetts worried, however. A recent national radio talk show heard from a number of people in the commonwealth, some unemployed, who questioned how they would be expected to pay for the required policy.
Ms. Granholm identified dealing with the uninsured as a priority in her January State of the State address. Her Michigan First proposal, which would require a federal waiver to implement, is slated to provide insurance coverage for about 500,000 people, half the estimated 1 million that are without coverage now.
While administration officials had hoped they would apply for the waiver at the end of April, the actual application will occur later as state and federal officials are still in discussions on the proposal.
T.J. Bucholz, spokesperson for DCH, said the administration's focus is now on the Michigan First proposal, but a universal coverage proposal could "be the next logical step."
While the dispute over universal coverage has long festered in national politics, Mr. Bucholz said a number of states now recognize the linkage between insurance coverage and overall health care and state costs.
The medical community is also intrigued by the proposal. Mr. Kelly said universal coverage is one of four themes the organization has chosen as part of its future of medicine program.
The society is also planning to create a workgroup on essential coverage, he said.
The Massachusetts act is important because it shows universal coverage can be accomplished on a bi-partisan basis, he said.
Finding a way to provide health insurance coverage is critical, Mr. Kelly said, because "when you have one million people without coverage it is tearing apart an already fragile system."
Kevin Downey, a spokesperson for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, said his organization is still reviewing the law and has no official stance yet.
"The concept is a good one," Mr. Downey said. "It makes more sense to address health care costs up front through prevention, health screenings, regular sources of primary care rather than the uninsured waiting for their conditions to worsen before seeking treatment."
Mr. Gaffney said Mr. Romney supporting the bill does add to its intrigue. "Mitt Romney is a reasonable guy, a conservative guy," he said.
Ms. Hammerstrom said there are some factors in Michigan that would have to be addressed before such a proposal could be adopted here. For example, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan is the state's insurer of last resort and has tax benefits for that. How the company would be affected would have to be studied, she said.
And Ms. Hammerstrom said she is interested in finding a way to expand the use of health savings accounts, but making sure that those accounts remain practicable by not requiring deductibles so large they essentially provide no help to lower income individuals.
SOMETHING TO HIDE? BREWER, ANUZIS THINK SO
The possibility that Michigan's major party gubernatorial candidates are hiding financial details that voters should know about was raised in point/counterpoint accusations Thursday by Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer and Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis. At issue is the refusal of GOP candidate Dick DeVos to release his tax returns and a fund for Governor Jennifer Granholm whose contributors are not disclosed.
The two traded allegations in an unusual press conference at Democratic Party headquarters, where Mr. Anuzis sat in as Mr. Brewer asserted that the DeVos stance on tax disclosure is an indicator he has something to hide. Mr. Anuzis was then invited to the table where he called that allegation irresponsible politics and demanded the governor disclose the contributors to the Partners for Progress Fund.
In neither case is disclosure required by state law. The state did enact a broad financial disclosure law in 1975 covering sources of income, assets and creditors of candidates, officeholders, top administration appointees and members of licensing boards, but it was part of a broader political reform law that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional.
Tax return disclosure has been a political football in other elections - such as 1990 when incumbent Democratic Governor James Blanchard released his returns and then made discl