Last night, the Ottawa County Republicans held a very successful dinner with special guest - former Speaker Newt Gingrich. Newt delivered a stirring speech about the need for “real change”. He talked about the failures of a 19th century government in the current world environment and how we have to mean what we say, and that is that “real change means real change”. He enlightened and entertained some 600 party activists.
A pre-reception was held at the home of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. Special guests during the evening included Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Senate candidates Keith Butler and Mike Bouchard, as well as Betsy DeVos who spoke on behalf of Dick who was in the Detroit area for another event.
A “fundraiser” quasi straw poll was also taken last night. As Paul Leidig, Ottawa County GOP Chair said when he email the result to me “Please attach an asterisk with these numbers explaining that this was a "fundraising exercise" and that it was a measure of a candidate's strength only in that it demonstrated the strength of a candidates support by how much supporters were willing to shell out for their preferred candidate. I hope everyone had fun with this, and takes it for what it was intended.”
In the U.S. Senate race Butler received 1671 and Bouchard 1570.
A free form write-in Presidential poll had McCain 948, Gingrich 357, Rice 80, Tancredo 67, Keys 34, Allen 32, DeVos 15, Frist 14, E.Dole 3, J.Bush 2, Bush 1.
You could buy a poll card for $1 or 24 for $20.
The Michigan Democratic Party released their first attack ad yesterday…against President Bush??? P.S. he is NOT on the ballot in 2006, or ever again. This is a race between Governor Granholm and her failed policies of the last 4 years and Dick DeVos and the leadership and management skills he brings to the table to help turn Michigan around.
The Democrats made a $260,000 statewide media buy and the DeVos campaign released their newest TV ad title “Unemployed” in the biggest media buy to date. The Governor can try and divert attention from the issue at hand…jobs…but we’ll do all we can to make sure we stick to the facts….Michigan continues to lose jobs under Governor Granholm’s lackluster leadership and failed plan.
And by the way, putting on a pair of safety glasses, doesn’t make you a job creator! Unless of course, they are magic safety glasses!!!
To see the newest DeVos add go to the “Multimedia” section under their web page at:
www.devosforgovernor.com/Multimedia/
Governor’s spokesman takes shot a Democratic pollster….ouch!!! From Gongwer:
"EPIC/MRA pollster Ed Sarpolus said the fact that the party is first out with ads shows how badly fundraising is going for the governor, compared to the money poured into the race already by Mr. DeVos, who according to an independent campaign finance group has spent $5.4 million on his ad campaign.
But Mr. De Witt said, "Ed has enough problems with his polling. He has absolutely no clue as to our fundraising."
Greg McNeilly, DeVos Campaign Manager put out an update last night. Here is the opening statement:
“Granholm’s re-election effort is in full swing. Here’s a quick update:
This week, using public dollars Granholm’s campaign is running “tourism” ads in Michigan. Additionally, more public monies are being used to fund the Jeff Daniels ads aimed at telling the story that Michigan will give your business the “upper hand” to Michigan audiences. (Note, the ads are also being run out of state.)
While the use of public monies to run these ads is currently legal, it is certainly not the type of political stunt that Dick DeVos will ever use with public dollars.
Nor is it new or unusually creative.
The Blanchard re-election attempt in 1990 tried this with their “Say Yes, Michigan!” campaign. A few weeks after they launched their ’90 advertising, they then went on a “Shoreline Tour,” to promote Michigan (to Michigan). We can expect the same today.
Now today, Granholm’s team launched another campaign ad through the Michigan Democratic Party. “
It’s an ad about blaming.”
If you interested to get a little more spin from the left and their attempt to completely dismiss the significance of killing Zarqawi…go to:
http://drsanity.blogspot.com/2006/06/reaction-on-zarqawis-demise-from.html
Volunteer Victory Centers have opened statewide…we need you help!
Saul Anuzis
STATE STORIES
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/AUTO01/606090416/1148
Friday, June 09, 2006
Hardest job in Detroit
Gettelfinger's burden: Protect workers, keep Big 3 afloat
Brett Clanton / The Detroit News
T he MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas went dead silent as Ron Gettelfinger took the stage as the new president of the United Auto Workers on June 6, 2002.
To many of the 2,000 UAW members gathered, Gettelfinger was an unknown quantity, a soft-spoken Southerner who had headed the union's Ford division.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2055416&business=true
Delphi, UAW discuss possible lump-sum buyouts
Jun 8, 2006 — CHICAGO (Reuters) - Bankrupt auto parts maker Delphi Corp. <DPHIQ.PK> and the United Auto Workers are in talks over possible lump-sum buyouts for hourly workers to reduce the impact of planned job cuts, a union source said on Thursday.
An agreement, which could take days or more to complete, would sharply cut the number of UAW workers facing job cuts under Delphi's restructuring plans and might make it easier to reach a deal on wage and benefit issues, the source said.
Democrats unveil new Granholm ad; DeVos airs new ad as well
6/8/2006, 6:07 p.m. ET
By KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats unveiled the first television ad promoting Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her re-election bid Thursday, the same day Republican challenger Dick DeVos shot back with a new ad of his own.
DeVos, who already has spent at least $6 million on statewide television ads, appears in an ad entitled "Unemployed" with several people talking about being laid off. "We have a crisis," DeVos says at the end of the 30-second ad. "It's not just about economic theory. It's about people's lives."
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/NEWS01/606090331/1001/news
Published June 9, 2006
[ From the Lansing State Journal ]
New ads air for DeVos, Granholm campaigns
Associated Press
Democrats unveiled the first television ad promoting Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her re-election bid Thursday, the same day Republican challenger Dick DeVos shot back with a new ad of his own.
DeVos, who already has spent at least $6 million on statewide television ads, appears in an ad entitled "Unemployed" with several people talking about being laid off. "We have a crisis," DeVos says at the end of the 30-second ad. "It's not just about economic theory. It's about people's lives."
Details of ninth DeVos campaign ad
6/8/2006, 4:44 p.m. ET
The Associated Press
(AP) — Details of the television ad released Thursday by Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos.
TITLE: "Unemployed"
LENGTH: 30 seconds.
http://www.mlive.com/news/statewide/index.ssf?/base/news-7/114980461362630.xml&coll=1
Democrats fire their first volley in gubernatorial TV ad wars
Friday, June 09, 2006
By Peter Luke
Lansing Bureau
LANSING -- The TV ad war that will cost millions and define the race for governor has begun in earnest.
After months of conceding the airwaves to GOP challenger Dick DeVos, Michigan Democrats took to the air Thursday with a spot promoting Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
The Michigan Democratic Party's ad shows black and white photos of Granholm with Michigan workers on the job. The DeVos campaign quickly responded with an ad showing the candidate sympathizing with workers who had lost their jobs.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/POLITICS/606090362/1022
Friday, June 09, 2006
Ad touts Granholm's economic plan
Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
LANSING -- After giving Republican challenger Dick DeVos a four-month, $5.4 million head start, the Michigan Democratic Party started airing the first campaign ad for incumbent Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Thursday.
The "Michigan First" 30-second spot touts the governor's plans to have the state buy Michigan products and to invest in high-tech state businesses.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/NEWS01/606090340/1001/news
Published June 9, 2006
[ From the Lansing State Journal ]
MEA endorses Gov. Granholm
The state's largest teachers union on Thursday endorsed Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm for re-election.
The Michigan Education Association, which also backed Granholm in 2002, interviewed the governor earlier this week. Her opponent, Republican Dick DeVos, was not interviewed.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-1/114978283161940.xml&coll=3
DeVos for ... what?
Thursday, June 08, 2006
If you have tuned into any local TV stations or cable channels in recent months, you know that Dick DeVos wants to be governor of Michigan.
Thanks to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN), we know that DeVos, a wealthy businessman from Ada, is introducing himself at a blistering pace to the people of Michigan. Even months before the traditional beginning of the campaign season, DeVos has already bought more television advertising than any gubernatorial campaign in history. The figure, collected by MCFN from 28 commercial broadcasters in Michigan and Comcast's cable sales office, totaled $5.4 million through June 1. That does not include production costs.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/OPINION03/606090328/1268
Friday, June 09, 2006
A merica continued to win its war on terror with the American Special Forces' extermination of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the al-Qaida chief in Iraq. The terrorist henchman will long be remembered as one of the world's notorious butchers, right alongside Saddam Hussein, who sponsored al-Zarqawi's stay in Iraq.
Coalition forces have not found the weapons of mass destruction that world intelligence leaders reported in Iraq, but they now have eliminated an instrument of mass destruction in al-Zarqawi, whose presence in Iraq preceded the arrival of U.S. forces.
Immigration debate enters Michigan Senate campaign
6/8/2006, 6:27 p.m. ET
By KEN THOMAS
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans seeking the nomination to challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., have criticized some of her votes on a Senate measure to reform immigration.
But when it comes down to the final language of the bill, they would have likely reached the same conclusion: a vote against it.
Zandstra ends bid for U.S. Senate GOP primary ballot
6/8/2006, 8:52 p.m. ET
By TIM MARTIN
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Jerry Zandstra said late Thursday he will not fight a state election board's decision to leave his name off the August primary ballot in the Republican U.S. Senate race.
That leaves two candidates — Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and Troy minister Keith Butler — in the GOP primary. The winner will meet Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow in the November election.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-17/114978286361940.xml&coll=3
McCain to visit Jackson
Thursday, June 08, 2006
By Larry O'Connor
loconnor@citpat.com -- 768-4926
Likely Republican presidential candidate John McCain will visit Jackson on Saturday to stump for U.S. Rep. John "Joe" Schwarz.
The U.S. senator from Arizona will rally Schwarz's campaign workers, "the folks who do the real work in the trenches," said John
Truscott, Schwarz's campaign spokesman. McCain also will appear at a fundraiser at Cascades Manor House.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/METRO03/606090374/1014
Friday, June 09, 2006
Commissioners to review new Canadian trash deal
Proposal includes foreign, out-of-state trash limits, penalties for failure to reduce waste.
Jim Lynch / The Detroit News
LENOX TOWNSHIP -- Macomb County commissioners next week will reconsider a proposed deal with Waste Management Inc. to reduce the amount of Canadian trash coming into Pine Tree Acres Landfill.
County officials will review the proposal at a special meeting Tuesday, a month after tabling it for further negotiations. The agreement calls for reductions in Canadian trash, which accounts for roughly 70 percent of the landfill capacity now, in exchange for the county allowing Waste Management to expand the landfill footprint on the company's property.
http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1149779761137500.xml&coll=4
Schools must work
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Michigan public schools are due for a windfall of public money from Lansing this summer.
Just in the nick of time.
Most public school districts in the Bay area have cut their budgets to the bone. They've turned down thermostats, altered bus routes, closed schools and laid off teachers to balance their budgets.
http://www.mlive.com/columns/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/114978194929430.xml&coll=5
Parent-teacher talks
Bill to mandate discussions could have marginal value
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Most teachers - certainly any worthy of the profession - want to meet and talk with their students' parents, particularly the mothers and fathers of those struggling to keep up.
Therefore, a state House bill to mandate such early oral notification of learning difficulties would have only a marginal impact, yet we see no harm and the chance for some good from this legislation sponsored by Rep. Kathy Angerer, D-Dundee.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/POLITICS/606090378/1022
Friday, June 09, 2006
Proposal: Tell parents about struggling kids
Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
LANSING -- Parents whose kids are underperforming in school would get a mandatory phone call or e-mail from the teacher, under a bill backed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and to be introduced this month.
The measure, which would be in place by the start of the new school year this September, is aimed at getting parents involved before the student brings home a low or failing report card grade.
http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1149779796137500.xml&coll=4
Gladwin Schools leader's decision to cut staff hits home
Thursday, June 08, 2006
By TOM GILCHRIST
TIMES WRITER
GLADWIN - Some superintendents say it hits close to home when they have to cut school workers' jobs.
Late last month, Rick Seebeck had to lay off his sister. And he told a woman who once baby-sat him that she'd have to change jobs.
''It was horrible,'' said Seebeck, 40, the Gladwin Community School District superintendent who made $1 million in cuts that sent 30 workers packing, including Seebeck's sister, teacher Melody E. Wentworth.
Bill to nix out-of-state scholarship passes House
6/8/2006, 5:13 p.m. ET
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — High school graduates starting with the Class of 2007 could not use a $1,000 state-funded college scholarship at an out-of-state school under legislation headed to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Granholm is expected to sign the bill, which passed the House by a 61-40 vote on Thursday. The bill already has passed the Senate.
The bill to eliminate the Michigan Merit Award for those going outside Michigan was part of a budget deal reached last year by Republican legislative leaders and the Democratic governor.
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-37/1149780031158400.xml&coll=5
Activist: All should get fair shake Connerly shares view on racial preferences
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Thursday, June 08, 2006
By Marjory Raymer
mraymer@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6325
Ward Connerly insists he doesn't oppose affirmative action. It's just racial preferences he dislikes.
It's an important distinction, said Connerly, who sparked the nation's first successful anti-affirmative action ballot initiative in California and is supporting a similar measure in Michigan this November.
But opponents aren't buying the message of the man who has become a nationwide symbol in the affirmative action debate. They contend the ballot proposal will turn back the clock on civil rights gains.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4998509&nav=0RceaxBj
Bikers wait to see if Granholm will sign new helmet law
Updated: June 7, 2006 06:37 PM EDT
By RICK ALBIN
LANSING -- Hundreds of motorcycle riders converged in front of the Capitol in Lansing Wednesday, demanding the state repeal large parts of the helmet law.
But there's more to the story than that. In fact, there are several stories here - this was one of the largest rallies at the Capitol this year; the support and opposition to the bill crossed party lines; a hotly contested governor's race; and a bill that will be signed or vetoed in an election year.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=local&id=4251738
Should bikers be allowed to ride sans helmets?
Some say it should be a personal decision
MID MICHIGAN (WJRT) - (06/08/06)--Should bikers in Michigan have to wear helmets while out on the road? A law to require helmets has been in place in Michigan for decades. But now state lawmakers are working to change that.
The next step is a big one: It's the governor's desk. And that could be a big hurdle for repealing the helmet law.
The governor's office won't say if Gov. Jennifer Granholm will veto this legislation or not. But they did say that she likes the law the way it is now and hasn't heard a good reason to get rid of it.
http://www.mlive.com/columns/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-1/11497777448711.xml&coll=2
Granholm should veto motorcycle helmet bill
Softer rules unlikely to serve public safety
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Gov. Granholm may face political backlash for doing so, but she should veto legislation that would undo Michigan's longtime mandatory helmet law and allow adult motorcyclists who meet criteria to ride without the safety equipment.
The bill, which passed the House Wednesday in a 66-37 vote, would permit riders 21 and older to forsake helmets if they have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have safety training. Under the legislation, bikers would have to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance.
http://www.mlive.com/news/statewide/index.ssf?/base/news-7/114980461562630.xml&coll=1
House OKs Meijer name for state trail
Friday, June 09, 2006
By Judy Putnam
Lansing Bureau
LANSING -- Fred Meijer would get a Northern Michigan bike trail named after him under legislation easily clearing the Michigan House and headed to the Senate.
The House Thursday voted 101-0 to add the Grand Rapids retailer's name to the White Pine Trail, a 92-mile state bike trail stretching from Grand Rapids to Cadillac.
NATIONAL STORIES
After Zarqawi, No Clear Path In Weary Iraq
Difficult Questions Surround Legacy of Insurgent Leader
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A01
BAGHDAD, June 8 -- Analysts and military spokesmen said Thursday that the death of insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, killed Wednesday when two 500-pound bombs obliterated his hideout north of Baghdad, will not extinguish the sectarian conflict that he helped foment and that is now claiming many more lives in Iraq than his campaign of beheadings and bombings.
How U.S. Forces Found Iraq's Most-Wanted Man
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A01
BAGHDAD, June 8 -- To kill Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, U.S. forces first found his spiritual adviser. Then they had to wait. They tracked the adviser for weeks, until he met Iraq's most-wanted man Wednesday night in a village north of Baghdad. As the two huddled in a farmhouse, an F-16 warplane blasted it with two 500-pound bombs, killing them and at least four other people.
A Good Day in Iraq
Will the new Iraqi government, and the Bush administration, build on a rare military success, or squander it?
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A22
THE KILLING of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, is a big gain for the U.S. mission in Iraq and the country's new government, the more so because it comes at a critical moment. With one airstrike, U.S. forces deprived Iraq's insurgency -- diverse and fragmented though it is -- of its sole widely recognized leader, probably its biggest fundraiser and recruiter, and the organizer of some of the most spectacular and demoralizing attacks in Iraq, from the bombing of the United Nations headquarters three years ago to the beheadings of foreign hostages to the massacres of Shiite worshipers in Najaf and Karbala. Although al-Qaeda in Iraq makes up only a part of the Iraqi insurgency, it has been the organization most intent on fomenting sectarian war between Sunnis and Shiites; the elimination of its leader will surely contribute to stanching that civil conflict.
http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1149779764137510.xml&coll=8
Monster's death in Iraq ends one reign of terror
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The killing of one of the world's most despicable terror leaders, announced by President George W. Bush this morning, is cause not only for relief, but for a welcome interlude of optimism in what has been a grim war in Iraq. The personal reign of terror conducted by al-Qaida leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi there is now over.
Zarqawi was among those slain in a terrorist safe house hit by a pair of bombs delivered in a U.S.-directed special operations strike. It may be that others in the Zarqawi cell were struck down as well. If so, this would be the most significant blow to the insurgency since the cornering and killing of Saddam Hussein's two sons, and the capture of the former Iraqi president himself in 2003.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AL_ZARQAWI?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Bush: al-Zarqawi death won't end violence
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush hailed the killing of "the most-wanted terrorist in Iraq" but said Thursday it wouldn't stop the violence there or bring a speedy withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Officials were on the watch for possible retaliation in this country, while Bush laid plans for an Iraq strategy meeting with advisers early next week.
Confidence in the president's handling of Iraq was at its lowest point ever, according to an AP-Ipsos poll taken before the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was announced.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/OPINION01/606090335/1008
Friday, June 09, 2006
Death of al-Zarqawi shows waning support for terrorists
Iraqis provided key intelligence on leader's hideout
The Detroit News
Wars are won by killing the enemy and taking out their leaders. The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is an unqualified victory for American anti-terrorist efforts in Iraq.
The terrorist leader, head of al-Qaida in Iraq, had led his forces in bombings, murders and beheadings in an attempt to derail American and coalition attempts at helping the faction-riven Iraqis build a viable democratic government.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/columns-2/1149780134158410.xml&coll=7
Lawmaker trips need oversight
Thursday, June 8, 2006
Far too many members of Congress have no problem with domestic and international travel paid for by corporations, trade associations and other private groups.
A study by the Center for Public Integrity, American Public Media and Northwestern University's Medill News Service showed that members of Congress and aides took almost $50 million worth of such jaunts between January 2000 and June 2005.
Ex-Aide to DeLay Often Traveled on Others' Tab
Study Details Travel By Staffers on Hill
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A04
A former chief of staff to then-House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) was described yesterday in a nonprofit groups' study as one of the top two recipients of privately financed travel among congressional staff from 2000 to 2005, including some trips paid indirectly by companies with business pending before Congress.
DeLay Pulls No Punches In Final Speech to House
Unrepentant, 'the Hammer' Urges GOP to Keep Up Fight
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A03
Former House majority leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) said goodbye to Congress yesterday in typical fighting form, delivering a pugnacious defense of the iron-fisted partisanship that defined his decade in power.
"Given the chance to do it all again, there's only one thing I'd change," DeLay said in a defiant retirement speech on the House floor. "I'd fight even harder."
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DELAYS_REPLACEMENT?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Democrats want DeLay's name on ballot
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Democratic Party won a temporary restraining order Thursday blocking the process that would name a replacement for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay on the November ballot.
State District Judge Darlene Byrne ordered Texas GOP Chairwoman Tina Benkiser not to convene party officials to decide on DeLay's replacement until after a June 22 court hearing.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RAID_ON_CONGRESS?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Black Caucus opposes Jefferson treatment
WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Democratic leaders are determined to sanction Rep. William Jefferson, scandal-scarred but unindicted, despite a blunt reminder from the Congressional Black Caucus that he is entitled to a "presumption of innocence."
"It's about to blow up in their face," predicted Rep. Melvin Watt, chairman of the CBC.
The North Carolina Democrat added Thursday night that black voters might wonder why a "black member of Congress" would be stripped of his committee post with neither rule nor precedent to justify it.
Specter Offers Compromise on NSA Surveillance
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A04
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has proposed legislation that would give President Bush the option of seeking a warrant from a special court for an electronic surveillance program such as the one being conducted by the National Security Agency.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/POLITICS/606090341/1022
Friday, June 09, 2006
Police suspect VA laptop sold to student
David Stout / New York Times
WASHINGTON -- If the police are right, a high school or college student in the Washington area recently bought a laptop computer at a bargain price, unaware that it would become, in a sense, one of the most expensive computers of our time.
Jim Nicholson, the secretary of veterans affairs, summoned to Capitol Hill again Thursday to talk to lawmakers about the recent theft of personal information on some 26.5 million military people, said the police in Montgomery County, Md., had offered a theory on why the laptop was stolen.
Police Believe VA Computer Was Not Stolen for Data, Official Says
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A21
Police believe that thieves who stole a laptop and external hard drive from a Department of Veterans Affairs employee were interested in selling the equipment, not harvesting the sensitive personal information it contained, VA Secretary Jim Nicholson said yesterday.
Iraq war, hurricane funding deal reached
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon and hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast states can breathe a little easier. Lawmakers have agreed to a long-sought $94.5 billion bill to pay for the war in Iraq and deliver an infusion of hurricane relief.
The bill won't clear Congress for President Bush's desk until next week, but the official submission of the House-Senate agreement Thursday night eases Pentagon worries of a money crunch.
Deal Reached on Spending Bill for Iraq, Storm Relief
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A06
House and Senate negotiators reached agreement last night on a $94.5 billion package to pay for Iraq war and hurricane recovery costs, after shaving numerous extraneous provisions that the Senate had wanted to stuff into the bill.
http://www.dailymail.com/news/Opinion/200606084/
Emergencies need to be pork-free
Sen. Byrd should do his part
to restrict the bill to real needs
Thursday June 08, 2006
WHEN it comes to pork-barrel politics, Sen. Robert Byrd's mastery is seldom
questioned. As ranking minority member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Byrd has steered a dollar or two to West Virginia.
Now a group in Washington, D.C., has launched a million-dollar ad campaign in West Virginia, Michigan and Rhode Island, appealing to senators in those states not to load up national security.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CABLE_PHONE_TV?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
House seeks to open cable TV market
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Monopolies in many cable TV markets could end under House-passed legislation that supporters said would increase competition and drive down prices.
The far-reaching telecommunications legislation, passed 321-101 Thursday night, would encourage telephone companies and others to enter video markets by scrapping the time-consuming system where prospective providers must negotiate individually with every locality.
Osama bin Laden keeping a low profile
6/9/2006, 5:21 a.m. ET
By MATTHEW PENNINGTON
The Associated Press
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Tracking down Osama bin Laden has proven tougher than getting to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi because the top al-Qaida leader keeps a lower profile, surrounds himself with far more faithful followers and has more places to hide, intelligence experts say.
The mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks avoids using satellite phones and the Internet. He is believed to be holed up along Pakistan's border with Afghan in rugged, remote terrain, protected by loyal tribesmen.
Iraq orders driving ban to prevent attacks
6/9/2006, 6:51 a.m. ET
By KIM GAMEL
The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) — Iraq's prime minister imposed a daytime driving ban in Baghdad and in the province where Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed by American bombs, fearing insurgents will seek to avenge the death of the al-Qaida in Iraq leader.
As Iraqi and U.S. leaders cautioned that al-Zarqawi's death was not likely to end the bloodshed in Iraq, an American general said another foreign-born militant was already poised to take over the terror network's operations.
Results: AP-Ipsos poll on Bush, Iraq
The Associated Press-Ipsos poll on public attitudes about President Bush, Iraq and the nation's direction was conducted Monday through Wednesday and is based on telephone interviews with 1,003 adults from all states except Alaska and Hawaii. It was completed before news of the killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the naming of new Iraqi ministers of interior, defense and national security.
Results were weighted to represent the population by demographic factors such as age, sex, region, race and income.
Iranian President Warms to Dialogue
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, June 9, 2006; Page A16
TEHRAN, June 8 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday signaled Iran's readiness to renew negotiations "to resolve misunderstandings in the international arena."
"On behalf of the Iranian nation, I'm announcing that the Iranian nation will never hold negotiations about its definite rights with anybody, but we are for talks about mutual concerns," Ahmadinejad said in the city of Qazvin, to which the hard-line conservative traveled on the latest of his campaign-style trips outside Iran's capital.
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Thursday, June 8, 2006
John Reurink (517) 482-2125
Dems Go Up With Granholm Ad
Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Chair Mark BREWER today unveiled what many will likely consider to be the first television ad for Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM in the 2006 gubernatorial election.
The 30-second ad, which went up on TV stations across the state today, basically opens with a few short negative hits on President George W. BUSH before spending the bulk of the 30 seconds touting Granholm for fighting for Michigan jobs and Michigan workers.
The ad went up just weeks before the artificial July 1 deadline that many so-called experts claim marks the end of opportunities to pick up political points before the electioneering really kicks in during the late-summer and early-autumn period.
EPIC/MRA Vice President Ed SARPOLUS told MIRS that Granholm supporters "told her" to get her campaign spots on the air. Sarpolus noted that "most of the voters make up their minds by the end of June" and to wait beyond that would make some supporters "lose confidence" in her ability to turn this contest around.
With regard to the length of the current ad run, which Brewer refused to confirm, a source at WILX-TV reported the buy is slated to end on June 14. If the MDP does not continue with more commercials, Sarpolus said the one week "doesn't do much . . . it will be a blip on the screen."
Note that most observes agree that a typical viewer needs to see the same commercial at least seven times before the message resonates with him or her. Reaching that plateau with just one week of ads would be very difficult.
Sarpolus said he believed Granholm is "severely in trouble" and is "worse off than former U.S. Sen. Spencer ABRAHAM was when he faced an eventual losing battle against his challenger, then-U.S. Rep. Debbie STABENOW almost six years ago.
"This is a blood sport," Sarpolus contended, but the governor is approaching it from a corporate board room-collegiality perspective. The pollster said she needs to show her supporters that she can be a fighter instead.
The ad script follows:
Announcer: "Outsourcing, Bush Economics, Corporate profits and jobs shipped overseas."
(Upbeat music score)
Next the viewer sees a Black screen and then text reading: "OUTSOURCING. BUSH Economics. Corporate Profits and JOBS shipped OVERSEAS. (The text is white, except for red lettered: Outsourcing, Bush, Jobs, Overseas)
Announcer: "It's time to stand up and fight."
Next the viewer sees a black & white photo of Granholm with workers.
Next at top in yellow there appears text: "The Granholm Jobs Plan"
Text at bottom: "Fighting back for Michigan"
Announcer: "We have the best business and workers on the planet."
Viewers then see another black and white photo of Granholm with workers.
Text at top in yellow states: "The Granholm Jobs Plan."
Text at bottom in white states: "Investing in Michigan first."
Announcer: "That's why Granholm has ordered the state to buy Michigan products first."
Viewers then see another black and white photo of Granholm workers.
Text at top states "The Granholm Jobs Plan."
Text at bottom in white states "85 percent of state purchases are going to Michigan businesses. - Michigan Dept. of Management & Budget Report, 2006"
Announcer: "And is putting money into Michigan businesses who hire Michigan workers."
Viewers then see another black and white photo of Granholm with workers.
Announcer: "Because if they can't count on their state government, who can they count on?"
Viewers then see a black screen, big white lettering: WHO CAN THEY COUNT ON?
Announcer: "With Jennifer Granholm Michigan comes first."
Text at top: go to:www.thejobsplan.com
Text at bottom: Paid for by the Michigan Democrat Central Committee.
The ad buy by area is as follows: Alpena: $3,577, Detroit: $99,625, Flint: $31,910, Grand Rapids: $68,180, Lansing: $27,690, Marquette: $9,670 and Traverse City $20,030.
Total buy: $260,682
MIRS asked Brewer if there was a special reason why the photos used in the ad were black and white.
"These were the pictures that were available to us," Brewer responded. "Obviously, with this sort of ad, we can't get the Governor to pose for pictures."
In response to a reporter's question, Brewer said the spot had not been put before focus groups before going up.
MIRS asked Brewer how the ad was paid for.
"With money I raised," Brewer quipped, before adding that the ad is funded by soft money.
Many of the questions from the press Brewer fielded today were about the Democrats attacking Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS through Bush, whose job performance poll numbers are very low.
However, although the ad clearly touched on the "Bush is the problem" argument, the ad seemed more aimed at boosting Granholm, than diminishing Bush.
In response to a question posed by MIRS as to whether he would consider the ad to be positive, Brewer said, "Yes, I certainly do consider it to be positive."
Brewer said he wouldn't answer inquiries as to how long the ad would be up.
"We're not going to tell the Republicans our entire strategy," Brewer said.
(Senior Capital Correspondent Tim SKUBICK contributed to this article).
Marleau Goes After Gov On Plane Travel
Rep. Jim MARLEAU (R-Lake Orion) introduced a bill today he said is designed to stop what he called "extravagant" use of the state airplane for political and personal purposes. HB 6172 simply states a state agency cannot allow "a state elected official or state employee to use state-owned aircraft for any use other than official state business."
The implication is that Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM has used the state plane on taxpayers' dime, pointing to trips she took to the women's Final Four basketball championship in Indianapolis. He said during tight budget times, the Governor shouldn't be flying around.
"In such a tight year, we can't afford these bourgeoisie perks," Marleau said. "Our taxes need to be spent on improving roads, not the governor and her friends flying overhead while the rest of us are stick in a traffic jam on M-24 in my district.
"Michigan is the original home of the automobile. Aircraft will still be available for official state business under this law. But it's clear we need tougher standards against the personal or political use of expensive aircraft."
Granholm's office was not impressed.
"I'm not going to challenge the Representative's character the way he challenged the Governor's, but Rep. Marleau doesn't know what he's talking about," said Granholm Press Secretary Liz BOYD.
Boyd said Granholm has gone out of her way to minimize expenses on her state trips, going as far as to reimburse the state tens of thousands of dollars for trips that were "absolutely related" to state business, including travel to the National Governors Association (NGA) meeting, former President Ronald REAGAN's funeral and the state budget tour.
State taxpayers have paid far less for the Governor's travel since Granholm took office than they paid during John ENGLER's final years, Boyd said. Also, she added, Marleau would benefit from learning that the Department of Transportation (MDOT) policy and boilerplate written into the MDOT budget is reported.
MIRS reported last year that Granholm had reimbursed the state for 58 percent of state plane flights taken since the beginning of her term until the middle of 2005 because it was debatable whether the entire flight in question was for state business (See "Gov Reimbursed 58% Of State Plane Flights," 11/28/05). As part of the report, MIRS looked through copies of checks written from the governor's non-taxpayer-funded administrative account to reimburse the state for several plane trips.
DeVos Has New Ad, Too
Today, as Democrats put out the first television ad for Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM this election cycle, Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS introduced a new ad as well (See related story).
If nothing else the two ads present a contrast. The Granholm ad is primarily about how she's taking action to preserve and attract Michigan jobs, while the DeVos ad is about the state's unemployment "crisis."
The DeVos ad opens with DeVos in a now very familiar position — driving an automobile.
DeVos said that as he's driving all over Michigan, he keeps hearing from people who are really "hurting."
Next, the viewer sees a woman who says, "One day someone came in and said that my position was being eliminated."
Then, there is another woman who states that she is one of "the invisible unemployed."
Next, a man appears on the screen and says, "Michigan needs a lot of help." He then continues by stating that the situation is just starting.
At one point the screen goes black, with white text that states that Michigan is losing one job every 10 minutes.
DeVos is then pictured talking with a room full of people. He says that this "is not just about economic theory, it's about people's lives."
GONGWER- Volume #45, Report #110 --Thursday, June 8, 2006
Larry Lee (517) 482-3500
1ST AD FOR GRANHOLM BLAMES BUSH FOR STATE ILLS
The initial television ad to boost the re-election campaign of Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm picks up on a theme she has used often in recent months: blaming the state's ills on Republican President George W. Bush. The ad also hints at another frequent Democratic Party target - outsourcing of jobs to China and other overseas markets - as it depicts Ms. Granholm as standing up for Michigan.
The airing of the spot follows some four months of non-stop advertising by Republican challenger Dick DeVos, who polls show has drawn to a statistical tie with Ms. Granholm.
The DeVos campaign responded with an immediate ad of its own, putting a personal touch on Michigan's continuing job losses, and saying that the crisis is not about economic theory but people's lives.
The Democratic ad opens with the announcer saying, "Outsourcing, Bush Economics, Corporate profits and jobs shipped overseas."
With voice and graphics overlaying still black and white photos, the ad concludes with the announcer saying, "Because if they can't count on their state government, who can they count on? With Jennifer Granholm, Michigan comes first."
While the spot includes a voice segment that the governor has ordered the state to buy from Michigan companies first and a graphic refers to the governor's jobs plan, none of her economic or tax proposals are mentioned, though it refers to a Democratic Party Website that contains information about her plans for immediate investments in infrastructure, targeted funds for high-tech and other growth industries, and other aspects.
The ad notes that 85 percent of state purchases are made through Michigan businesses, which Mr. Brewer said he believes represents an increase from the prior administration but said those kind of statistics were not kept previously.
The ad (script), which GOP sources say cost Democrats some $260,000 in station airtime in buys lasting through June 20, is being run in seven media markets: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Alpena, Traverse City and Marquette.
Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer, who would not confirm the ad costs or duration, said he decided last weekend that it was time to respond to the DeVos ads. "Now that the filing deadline has passed and its clear what the race is all about, it was time to start responding," he said. "It was time to let the people know what she's (Ms. Granholm) doing."
Mr. Brewer said the ad "shows how Governor Granholm is fighting against the Bush economic policies. She's doing what state government can do." He said even while not mentioning Mr. DeVos by name, it draws a contrast between him and the governor, as well as the president's "failure to stand up to China. DeVos is a supporter of outsourcing and free trade."
Mr. Brewer cites the loss of 236,500 manufacturing jobs in the state in a slide that began in 2000, with 183,500 of those coming since Mr. Bush has been in office, and he has repeatedly attacked Ms. DeVos for investing in China while cutting some 1,400 jobs at Alticor/Amway, a strategy he calls outsourcing jobs.
Mr. DeVos has said no outsourcing has occurred, saying the China operations actually have resulted in adding or retaining 300 jobs in Michigan, and that no products made in China by the company are imported for sale domestically.
Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis called the Democratic ad "pathetic," saying it will be hard for voters to believe that Mr. Bush is "single handedly responsible for Michigan's bad economy. It's absolutely pathetic that the first campaign ad for Governor Granholm is a negative ad attacking President Bush, when Governor Granholm is alone in America presiding over a declining economy in a single-state recession," he said.
Mr. Anuzis said Ms. Granholm has failed to provide any real plan for economic growth, adding, "This election is about leadership to turn Michigan around."
The new DeVos ad - the ninth he has run - cites job losses in Michigan in the past three years with a graphic saying a job has been lost every 10 minutes, and features Mr. DeVos listening to several individuals talking about being thrown out of work.
Shown first as he is driving a car, Mr. DeVos says, "I've been traveling all over Michigan. I hear the same thing everywhere. People are really hurting." The ad then cuts to four persons recounting how the economy has left them stranded.
The new DeVos ad was timed to take some of the attention off the Granholm spot, and DeVos campaign spokesperson John Truscott said it "represents the reality of today." In his seven principles of turning around the state's economy, Mr. DeVos says acknowledging reality is the first step.
"A lot of people will see themselves in this ad," Mr. Truscott said. "During the course of this campaign, people will realize Dick DeVos represents the change Michigan needs."
The DeVos ad is sharing rotation time with the prior "innovation" spot.
Granholm campaign spokesperson Chris De Witt said the DeVos ad is "ironic" given that the people appearing in the spot most likely lost their jobs due to policies the candidate supports. "Dick DeVos is an outsourcerer who is trying to pull another illusion on the people of Michigan," he said. "The trick he doesn't talk about is that when he headed up Amway, 1,400 Michigan jobs disappeared while magically he created thousands of jobs in China."
And, a Democratic Party response said Mr. DeVos, because of his business record and support of trade policies, is "part of the problem, not the solution." It continued to criticize Mr. DeVos for having no plan, while referring to Ms. Granholm's infrastructure and high-tech programs.
Mr. Brewer said the Democratic message is that Michigan is especially hard hit by the Bush administration policies because it is the most auto-dependent state. And he said Mr. DeVos has been an ardent supporter of the Bush policies.
Mr. Brewer said the contrast will be made even more explicit as the campaign develops further and will address issues such as health care and education. "The central issues will be jobs and the economy," he said.
He said the initial reaction he has received is that "they're glad we're fighting back."
Mr. De Witt would not disclose any plans by the gubernatorial campaign to run its own ads.
EPIC/MRA pollster Ed Sarpolus said the fact that the party is first out with ads shows how badly fundraising is going for the governor, compared to the money poured into the race already by Mr. DeVos, who according to an independent campaign finance group has spent $5.4 million on his ad campaign.
But Mr. De Witt said, "Ed has enough problems with his polling. He has absolutely no clue as to our fundraising."
SPENDING: Spending on the state's gubernatorial race from all sources - including the candidates, state parties, and interest groups - could hit $100 million, Mr. Brewer speculated given what has been spent to date. That starts with $60 million he says the DeVos campaign is prepared to spend and $20 million combined by the Democrats and the Granholm campaign.
He believes the DeVos campaign has spent $10 million to $12 million.
"There's a lot of money that could get spent on this race," he said, though he added the numbers are only his seat of the pants guess based on current data.
CAMPAIGN NOTES
CHAMBER ENDORSES COX: The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Attorney General Mike Cox for re-election, citing his efforts on arresting Internet sexual predators and his effort to improve child support collection.
DE VOS/R.G.A. FUNDRAISER: A June 20 event in southeast Michigan to raise funds for Republican candidate Dick DeVos and the Republican Governor's Association will feature Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Michigan Governor John Engler.
Also scheduled to appear at the Regional Roundtable are Mississippi Governor Hailey Barbour and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. The RGA is also holding Regional Roundtables the day before in Philadelphia and Pittsburg.
POLLING CONSORTIUM: Voters will see statewide election data this year with tracking polls, a traditional election exit poll and actual results under a new consortium supported by a Detroit newspaper, television stations in Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids and a Detroit radio station.
Lansing's EPIC/MRA will provide regular comparative candidate and issue tracking polls, as well as a telephone survey of voters on election day, and former Detroit newspaper reporter Tim Kiska, who established credibility with the most accurate exit polls in recent Detroit elections, will provide traditional exit polls on election day based on interviews as voters leave the polls.
The work is supported and will be carried in the Detroit News, WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit, WILX-TV 10 in Lansing, WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids, and WWJ-AM 950 in Detroit.
MC CAIN VISIT: U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), an expected presidential candidate in 2008, followed up his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Battle Creek) with a planned campaign stop. The event is planned for 1 p.m. at Cascades Manor House, 1970 Kibby Road in Jackson.
Mr. McCain made similar appearances on behalf of Mr. Schwarz during the 2004 election.
TAX LIMIT GROUP BACKS SCHWARZ
U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Battle Creek) was presented the Hero of the Taxpayer Award by Americans for Tax Reform, which stands as the election endorsement by the group. The group supports tax reduction and simplification efforts and the award is provided to incumbents who vote for those efforts.
"Politics in Washington is a continuing battle between taxpayers and the special interest spending groups on Capitol Hill who want to steal more of the taxpayer's money," said Grover Norquist, president of ATR. "Rep. Schwarz has chosen wisely and sided with American taxpayers."
"ATR and I share the same fiscally conservative philosophy," Mr. Schwarz said. "To be recognized for my work on behalf of Michigan taxpayers is a true honor."
Mr. Schwarz, who is running for a second term in the U.S. House, faces an August primary match-up with former state Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton.
CIVIL RIGHTS SEEKS INVESTIGATION OF M.C.R.I.
The Civil Rights Commission is convinced that people were duped into signing the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative petitions and it is now asking Attorney General Mike Cox to launch a formal investigation into those allegations. And, in a report to be released Monday, it is asking the Supreme Court to define exactly which body has the authority to take action on the allegations.
Operation Kings Dream, the ballot committee operated by By Any Means Necessary, the more militant group opposing the proposal, is also using those findings as the basis for a federal lawsuit to be filed next week.
The commission found, after a series of hearings around the state, that there was widespread practice among petition circulators of telling potential signers that the measure would constitutionally protect, not prohibit, use of affirmative action programs.
But the report also leaves the commission as now the second body with no official power to take any action on those allegations. The report did not include any possibilities of civil rights actions against the ballot committee or the circulating companies it used.
The courts have already ruled that the Board of State Canvassers did not have authority to address the alleged fraud. The two Democratic members of the board faced contempt charges from the Court of Appeals for not voting to place the measure on the ballot after that court ruled the board had authority only to look at the validity of signatures, not the tactics used for gathering them.
The question of the canvassers' authority is now before the Supreme Court, which the commission has asked to rule not only whether the canvassers can address questions of voter fraud, but what other body would be able to address the questions raised about the signature gathering.
Neither side of the issue found the commission's report and recommendations surprising.
"In January '04, before a single signature was gathered, they said it was a fraud," said Jennifer Gratz, executive director of MCRI. "The real fraud is the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, which has been taken over by this group BAMN and used any means necessary to try to discredit this. They clearly have become a political body and are working with a group that is on the FBI terrorist watch group."
Shanta Driver with BAMN and David Waymire with One United Michigan, which are both opposing the proposal though not working together, said the testimony at the commission hearings spoke for itself.
Mr. Waymire said circulators for MCRI said they were told to say whatever was necessary to get people to sign the petitions. "It's clear that there was widespread fraud used in collecting the signatures," Mr. Waymire said. "It's unfortunate that that appears to be legal."
But he said the same tactics on a recall petition would have landed circulators and leaders in jail.
"What it really goes to the heart of is the entire organization that Ward Connerly has put in the state and its intention to deceive voters right from the start with its name, with his use of out of state money to buy his way onto the ballot, with his failure to recognize that women will be the group hurt the most," Mr. Waymire said.
Ms. Driver said that is the message BAMN and Operation King's Dream hoped to send to MCRI supporters with a recent letter alerting them to the fraud investigation. "There are certainly some people been surprised by the information and want to know more about it," Ms. Driver said. "I believe that at least some of the people who contributed to this cause would not support violating the voting rights of black voters and would not support an initiative that would no be on the ballot if they had not lied to black voters."
With Michigan courts still reviewing the issue, Ms. Driver said the group plans to take its caused to the federal courts. She said BAMN would be filing a federal voting rights violation lawsuit as early as next week in yet another attempt to have the issue pulled from the November ballot.
