Articles of Interest 9-30-06
38 Days to Victory!!!
Broken Promises Calendar: No Results from Governor Granholm
PROMISE: “Allow Public Schools to apply for MEGA grants to help teachers keep pace with new technologies.” (MEA Voice, October 2001)
RESULT: The Governor made no steps to accomplish this promise – and for good reason: It doesn’t make any sense. MEGA grants give Single Business Tax (SBT) Credits to businesses. Since schools do not pay the SBT, they can’t get the credit. One must wonder why this promise was made?
As you open up this message around 8:00am this morning, there are ONLY 924 hours left until the polls close November 7th. We have so much to do, so many voters to contact and lots of doors to hit…please join us.
The crunch is on…let’s make everyday count!
NY Governor George Pataki joined the Oakland County GOP at their annual Garden Party. It was a huge success as several hundred guests mingled among friends, talked with the Governor and took pictures. Sheriff Mike Bouchard and Lt. Governor nominee Ruth Johnson addressed the group, while Terri Lynn Land and I joined many other elected officials from around the county.
Governor Pataki gave a rousing speech as he passionately talked about what we as Republicans stand for and the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy that separates us from the rest of the world. He invoked the phrase “we the people” in discussing the values that our government is based on and stressed why it is so important that we win the Governor’s and U.S. Senate seat here in Michigan.
Many activists in attendance were impressed with the Governor. Pataki confidently worked the crowd, shared stories and overall made a great impression. Several asked, “is this guy running for President…he should,” I said “I think he is.” And so the march to 2008 continues through the grassroots of Michigan Republicans.
A special note of congratulations to Congressman Joe Knollenberg and his wife Sandi as they celebrated their 44th anniversary yesterday! Joe was in D.C. voting and Sandi joined us with Governor Pataki.
The first debate between Governor Granholm and Dick DeVos takes place this coming Monday. It’s “style” vs “substance”. If the press and the Governor play this on “style”, my guess is she has the upper hand and wins. She’s a trained actress, attorney and arguably has some of the best “stage presence” of any politician of late. However, if DeVos is able to focus the debate the issues, the Governor’s record and talk about what Governor Granholm’s record been over the last four years and who can provide the leadership to bring the change we need and jobs back to Michigan…Dick wins.
The Republican Governor’s Association started running a new ad in Michigan yesterday. Here is a copy of the ad. Very effective…hits home:
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/09/republican_gove.html
The National Republican Senatorial Committee made their first investment in the Bouchard campaign. A new coordinated expenditure ad starting playing that takes Debbie Stabenow to task for her lack of accomplishments. This is the first investment the NRSC has made in any challenger race in the country. Another great ad that started playing last night, but I don’t have a copy of it yet. Over $800,000.00…we’re in the hunt!
Polling numbers continue to improve for both Devos and Bouchard campaigns. As we challenge two entrenched incumbents, poll numbers show us within striking distance. Here are some good tracking sites that follow various polls…notice how the incumbents are barely hanging on to their leads…
http://www.pollster.com/polls/?state=MI&race=governor_race
http://www.pollster.com/polls/?state=MI&race=senate_race
The Michigan Republican Party filed a Hatch Act complaint with the United States Office of Special Counsel against Jennifer M. Granholm for possible prohibited political activity.
I held a press conference Friday to announce the complaint. “Governor Granholm has abused the public trust by using the Office of the Governor for personal political gain. From online petitions, to staging campaign commercials in official offices, to hosting taxpayer funded pictures from a trip to Japan on her personal campaign website – Governor Granholm is in clear violation of the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act expressly prohibits Governor Jennifer Granholm from using the official office for such purposes; the law was designed to prevent any on-the-job political activity. Senator John Glenn, who was the manager of the bill as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Affairs said in 1993, “We say there will be no political activity on the job. There are no exceptions to that. There will be no political activity of any kind on the job.”
These examples clearly show the governor has abused her office by using its influence to advance her own career. Michigan’s government belongs to the people, not to the Granholm for Governor campaign. Given the many problems that we face as a state, we deserve a leader in the Governor’s office who is focused on fixing those problems, not one focused on advancing a career.
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis thanked Liz Boyd this afternoon for proving his point that the Governor is using state employees and state time to campaign.
Liz Boyd was kind enough to prove our point. We are adding another section to the Hatch Act complaint and sending it in today.
Boyd is on record in Detroit Free Press reporter Dawson Bell’s story as saying “Boyd called Anuzis' complaint "a public relations stunt" intended to divert attention from the abysmal record of Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos.”
Why is Liz Boyd, a state employee no doubt talking to a reporter from a state phone on state time, attacking Dick DeVos, a candidate for Governor? This is yet another example of the Granholm administration not seeing the line between what is campaign related and what is official state business. Michigan citizens ought to be outraged.
We are now “hours” away from election day….the polls close in 924 hours.
Join us, help make every day count…every hour! OK, I’m off to Kent County as wwe kick off door-to-door and phone bank activities in Grand Rapids. Thanks for all you do!
Saul Anuzis
STATE STORIES
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609300340
Granholm is faulted over use of workers; DeVos lobbying targeted
The Michigan Republican Party complained Friday to federal authorities that Gov. Jennifer Granholm violated the law by using her office and state employees to help win re-election.
Granholm's campaign in turn questioned GOP gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos' past support for lobbying activities, including his lobbying of Congress in the 1990s for laws that helped Amway Corp. when he was company president.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609290517
Bouchard, in ad, accuses Stabenow of accomplishing little
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Mike Bouchard is accusing Sen. Debbie Stabenow of accomplishing little during her first term, portraying her as a cardboard cutout in a new ad released Friday.
"There's just not a whole lot there," Bouchard's campaign tells viewers in the ad running in television markets across Michigan.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/NEWS06/609300394/1008
Michigan law links health insurance to employees' behavior
LANSING -- Health insurers and health maintenance organizations in Michigan will be able to offer financial incentives to smaller businesses that want to reward workers for healthy behavior, under legislation Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed Friday.
State law has barred health insurance companies from offering rebates to businesses for good behavior by their employees. Larger companies that self-insure are able to offer such incentives, which can encourage exercising, not smoking or getting an annual health assessment.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/NEWS05/609300384/1007
Canadians raise stink over where to take their trash
Toronto Mayor David Miller's plan to buy a landfill near London, Ontario, to dump his city's household trash has unleashed howls of outrage.
Miller would start sending Toronto trash there in 2011, when it must stop coming to Michigan.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/OPINION01/609300331/1068/OPINION
SATURDAY STARTERS: Some points you can raise to get a conversation flowing this weekend
At the minimum, some good news
There is good economic news this weekend for Michigan workers in minimum-wage work. Effective Sunday, the state's minimum wage goes up from $5.15 to $6.95 hour. Of course, better news would be more jobs that pay more than minimum wage.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/OPINION03/609300346/1348
Laura Berman:
Marlinga case exposes dark side of campaigning
W hat does innocence look like? A federal jury this week decided it looks a lot like Carl Marlinga.
On Wednesday, after a two-week trial, a jury that was all smiles acquitted the deposed Macomb County prosecutor of bribery charges.
http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-19/115959860215660.xml&coll=2
Web site says liberals beat student GOP leader; police say no
Everybody agrees last Saturday night in Ann Arbor ended badly for Justin Zatkoff when the Republican student activist was hit in the face so hard that he couldn't recall the attack and would need hours of surgery.
But with weeks left before the November elections, rumors quickly spread in Republican circles that Zatkoff was viciously beaten for his political views in one of the state's bluest of cities.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/ELECTIONS05/609300319/1411/election
Attorney general candidate says GOP eroding liberties
Eight months after graduating from Detroit's Central High School in 1965, Amos Williams enlisted in the Army.
His peers were hoping for a high lottery number to avoid the draft. But Williams believed what he'd been taught in school about patriotism, duty and citizenship - even if in hindsight, he says, the United States probably shouldn't have been in Vietnam.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/ELECTIONS05/609300318/1411/election
Cox cites record, wants to do more in second term
Most other undergraduates were sleeping at the University of Michigan when Mike Cox used to wake up for the 5 a.m. jogs he took even before big exams.
The ex-Marine had learned discipline and efficiency in the military. Wasting little time, Cox graduated from college in three years. He stayed in Ann Arbor and earned a law degree.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060929/NEWS01/609290320
Teenage GOP leader has the right stuff
Being one of 10 siblings, Doug Waineo sought, and found, a way to be unique among his brothers and sisters.
Waineo, 17, was voted president of the Livingston County Teenage Republicans this fall after joining the organization last year.
National Stories
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060929-123433-4256r_page2.htm
Michigan woes fuel GOP election hopes
Mrs. Stabenow, he says, has spent six years in Washington with little to show for it. She has authored 68 bills, according to records kept by the Library of Congress, and only one has been approved by the Senate. The bill, S.1285, renamed a building in Detroit the "Rosa Parks Federal Building" in honor of the civil rights activist.
During that same period, she also has written 68 amendments, 19 of which were adopted by her colleagues.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009020
Secretary of Turbulence
Condoleezza Rice takes the long view--maybe too long.
NEW YORK--Condoleezza Rice arrives 10 minutes early for her interview with The Wall Street Journal, dressed in a red suit and a single strand of white pearls. She says "Hi, Condi Rice"--I can't decide if this is good manners or fake modesty--and sits for a breakfast, which she doesn't touch. No coffee or tea, either. She speaks for five minutes and takes questions for the rest of the hour.
The conversation ranges from Bolivian coca to Iranian IEDs to administration leaks. Some of what she says is bland, some of it bunk, some of it smart and some of it revealing. It all takes shape in sentences that flow one from the other, paragraphs that maintain their discipline and logic, arguments that never lose sight of their destination, even when they digress. Ms. Rice is nothing if not a pleasure to listen to, which may explain why even critics who say she's become too much a creature of the State Department would love to see her name on the Republican ticket in 2008.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/weekend/hottopic/?id=110009021
The Channel Economy
The tax-cut tide versus the Fed's headwinds.
If you're unsure about the direction of the U.S. economy, don't worry. Most of the "experts" are too, including the gurus at the Federal Reserve. This is what happens at the stage of an expansion that a friend of ours compares to a shoreline river channel: The tide is going one way but the wind is going another, creating a significant amount of chop and turbulence.
The tide in this case is still coming in, with the economy continuing to show underlying strength. While growth in the second quarter was revised downward this week to 2.6% from 2.9%, the main reason was less inventory buildup. In other words, that growth reflected real demand. The third quarter that ends today has also shown few signs of the great slowdown that many of our most quoted commentators have been predicting for months, if not years.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=17288
Braggadocio: Bill Clinton Admits to Serious Violation of Law
"I worked hard to try to kill him. I authorized a finding for the CIA to kill him. We contracted with people to kill him. I got closer to killing him than anybody has gotten since."
-- William Jefferson Clinton, Sept. 24, 2006
Now there's a passage for the next edition of "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations"! It was a stunning, blatant confession -- made in the midst of a heated exchange on FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace -- that as president, Clinton sanctioned the assassination of Osama bin Laden. To put this little piece of braggadocio in context, it should be noted that no other American head of state -- sitting or former -- has ever before admitted to such a serious violation of law. Though assassination is specifically forbidden as a course of action open to U.S. officials -- including presidents -- no one seems to have taken notice -- perhaps because they were so caught up with the theater of what was happening on the screen -- and not listening to the words being said.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/30/foley.quits/index.html
House to probe resigning congressman's notes to teen
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The House voted unanimously to launch an investigation into messages allegedly sent by former Rep. Mark Foley to a male teenage page.
The six-term Florida Republican abruptly ended his congressional career Friday after public disclosure of the notes.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/30/congress.security.ap/index.html
Congress backs security bills, hoping for election boost
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress worked into early Saturday wrapping up work on legislation focused on national defense, Iraq, terrorism and illegal immigration as Republicans pinned their hopes for keeping control of the House and Senate on making national security the theme of the November 7 election.
The House and Senate both worked post-midnight sessions to finish up bills to set defense policy and improve port security.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/29/books.woodward.ap/index.html
Woodward: Card, first lady wanted Bush to fire Rumsfeld
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card twice sought to persuade President Bush to fire Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the second time with the support of first lady Laura Bush, Bob Woodward writes in a new book on the Bush administration's Iraq war policy.
Card on Friday did not dispute that he had talked about a Rumsfeld resignation with the president but said it was his job to discuss a wide range of possible replacements, including his own. He denied talking to Mrs. Bush about the subject.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/29/abramoff.wh.ap/index.html
Report: Abramoff team had 485 contacts with White House
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Jack Abramoff had hundreds of contacts with White House officials, but they brought mixed results for the convicted lobbyist's clients, according to a congressional report.
The draft report of the House Government Reform Committee said the documents -- largely Abramoff's billing records and e-mails -- listed 485 lobbying contacts with White House officials over three years, including 10 with top Bush aide Karl Rove.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/29/rights.gays.massachusetts.reut/index.html
Massachusetts judge allows out-of-state lesbians to wed
BOSTON, Massachusetts (Reuters) -- A Rhode Island lesbian couple won approval from a judge to marry in Massachusetts, paving the way for the first legal wedding of a same-sex couple from outside the only U.S. state where gay marriage is allowed.
Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. Connolly ruled that the wedding of Wendy Becker and Mary Norton, of Providence, Rhode Island, could go forward because their home state has no laws specifically banning same-sex marriages.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/09/26/scotus.main/index.html
Supreme Court to tackle race, abortion in new term
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Abortion and race: The two most divisive social issues of recent decades will get high-profile hearings this fall before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The justices begin their new term Monday but will postpone hearing arguments for a day in observance of Yom Kippur.
Hillary urges Dean to raise campaign funds
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton took a backhanded swipe at Democratic National Committee boss Howard Dean Thursday, saying Dean's long-term party-building efforts should take a back seat to fundraising for the midterm elections.
"The [Republican National Committee] is pouring tens of millions of dollars into races and we're not matching that," Clinton said during a DNC fundraiser in Washington.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=17290
New Deal for U.S. Manufacturers
In July, our trade deficit hit yet another all-time record, $68 billion, an annual rate of $816 billion. Imports surged to $188 billion for the month, as our dependency on foreigners for the vital necessities of our national life ever deepens.
China's trade surplus with us was $19.6 billion for July alone, moving toward an all-time record of $235 billion for 2006 -- the largest trade deficit one country has ever run with another. Our deficit with Mexico is running at an annual rate of $60 billion. With Canada, it is $70 billion. So much for NAFTA. With the European Union, it is running at $160 billion.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0929/p03s03-uspo.html
A ballot initiative to reform ... initiatives
LOS ANGELES – Perhaps more than any state in the nation, California loves its ballot initiatives. Over the years, citizen-led initiatives in the state have sparked tax revolts, imposed a "three strikes" law on criminals, and spurred stem-cell research.
This election year, amid concern that special-interest money and deep-pocketed corporations are unduly influencing statewide initiative campaigns, a new ballot measure comes before California voters on Nov. 7. Proposition 89 would, among other reforms, limit the amount companies and organizations can contribute to ... what else? Citizen ballot measures.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/29/AR2006092901438.html
Education's Moving Target
Common sense and conservatism, which are usually similar, said that the No Child Left Behind law, which vastly expanded the federal government's supervision of education from kindergarten through 12th grade, was problematic for two reasons: A few of the 50 state governors are apt to be wise innovators, so let policymaking remain at state and local levels. And when Washington makes a mistake, as it has been known to do, it is a continental mistake.
The federal government has recently made one that subverts a promising development in education at the state level. That development is the 65 percent requirement: 65 percent of every school district's education operational budget should be spent on classroom instruction.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/29/AR2006092901593.html
White House Disputes Book's Report of Anti-Rumsfeld Moves
New revelations that White House aides tried twice in the past two years to persuade President Bush to fire Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld fueled a caustic election-season debate yesterday over the president's wartime leadership and underscored divisions within his administration.
The latest book by Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward, "State of Denial," paints a portrait of an administration riven by personal and policy disagreements exacerbated by a deteriorating situation in Iraq that has grown even worse than Bush admits to the public. In Woodward's account, Bush has become increasingly isolated as his team has rejected advice to shift gears in Iraq before it is too late.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20060930-010821-1923r.htm
Congress OKs funds for war, detainee trials
Congress approved a series of war-related measures yesterday, including $70 billion more for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and a plan for trying detainees in the war on terrorism.
The United States is "safer, stronger and more prosperous" because of the legislation, congressional Republicans told reporters before leaving town to campaign for November's midterm elections.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/30/opinion/30sat1.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Out of the Mouths of Aides
It has taken five and a half years, but at least some of President Bush’s aides have begun to acknowledge the patently obvious: There needs to be a serious effort to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Without one, the United States has no chance of salvaging its battered reputation in the Islamic world. No chance of rallying moderate Arab leaders to fight extremists or contain Iran. And no chance of ensuring Israel’s lasting security. We just hope that Mr. Bush will now make the long neglected peace effort a central priority for the remaining years of his presidency.
Iraqi Police Cited in Abuses May Lose Aid
BAGHDAD, Sept. 29 — American officials have warned Iraqi leaders that they might have to curtail aid to the Interior Ministry police because of a United States law that prohibits the financing of foreign security forces that commit “gross violations of human rights” and are not brought to justice.
The Interior Ministry, dominated by Shiites, has long been accused by Sunni Arabs of complicity in torture and killings.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/09/30/iraq.main/index.html
Police order curfew in Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A curfew is in effect in Baghdad banning virtually all
movement in the city, police said.
The curfew -- from 11 p.m. Friday (3 p.m. ET) through 6 a.m. Sunday (10 p.m. ET Saturday) -- was announced late Friday on Al Iraqiya state-run TV.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/09/29/zawahiri.tape/index.html
Al Qaeda No. 2: Bush a liar, 'spiller of Muslim blood'
(CNN) -- Calling President Bush "the murderer and spiller of Muslim blood," al Qaeda's top deputy released a videotape Friday accusing the U.S. president of being a "deceitful charlatan" who has lied to the American people.
Ayman al-Zawahiri also blasts the Bush administration for holding Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, an alleged 9/11 conspirator, in a secret prison and alleging that Mohammed gave interrogators "valuable information which has helped the crusaders to kill and arrest a number of al Qaeda."
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/29/pearl.claim.ap/index.html
Pearl father: Punish al Qaeda No. 3
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- The father of murdered Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl said a top al Qaeda operative, accused by Pakistan's president of killing the young reporter, should be punished if his role in the crime is proven.
Former al Qaeda No. 3 Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, accused of masterminding the attacks of September 11, 2001, was blamed by Gen. Pervez Musharraf in his book released this week for killing Pearl or taking part in his 2002 murder in Pakistan's biggest city, Karachi.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/29/fence.congress.ap/index.html
Congress OKs 700 miles of fence on border with Mexico
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans will go into the elections with a message that they've made great strides fighting illegal immigration, including authorizing a fence along one-third of the U.S.-Mexico border and making a $1.2 billion down payment on it.
Among its final tasks before leaving to campaign, the Senate on Friday night passed and sent to President Bush a bill authorizing 700 miles of fencing on the nearly 2,000-mile long southern border.
http://www.economist.com/images/20060930/D3906US0.jpg
The Economist
Religious prejudice may yet undo the Republicans' latest favourite
YOU can say what you want against American politics. You can call it corrupt, vulgar, interminable, and boringly limited to two behemoth parties. But you cannot accuse it of lacking in drama. The mid-term elections are still a month away, but some of the most intriguing action is taking place in the race for the presidency. Mitt Romney, the governor of Massachusetts, is making a concerted bid to seize the mantle as the leader of “the Republican wing of the Republican Party”.
Mr Romney is a scarily perfect presidential candidate. He has handsome looks—a mixture of Ronald Reagan and JFK, according to fans—and fearsome intelligence. He graduated from both Harvard Law School, cum laude, and Harvard Business School in the top 5% of his class. He is a Republican governor of liberal Taxachusetts, a sprig of a powerful mid-western political dynasty, and is much admired as a businessman. But Mitt has one big problem: Mormonism. Hence one of the liveliest debates on the right: can a Mormon win the presidency?
Two years before a presidential election might seem a bit soon for such questions. But this is the age of the “permanent campaign”. And the Republicans have a habit of anointing their champion as early as possible: George Bush had the nomination locked up by the late 1990s. John McCain has made a good job of turning himself into the party's heir presumptive. But now Mr Romney is mounting a powerful assault from the right.
On September 22nd he delighted 1,800 “values voters” gathered in Washington, DC, with a barn-storming defence of traditional marriage and patriotism. He has vocally defended Mr Bush's policies on the interrogation of suspected terrorists, and suggested that the authorities should spend more time monitoring mosques. For a growing number of conservatives he is the answer to their prayers: a man who can not only derail the McCain Express but also hold the White House in 2008.
Mr Romney's emergence as a conservative champion owes something to luck. His two biggest rivals on the right have imploded: Bill Frist because of his lacklustre performance as Senate majority leader, George Allen because of his gaffe-ridden Senate campaign. But it owes more to years of investment. Mr Romney has not only fought harder than any other governor on “social issues”, particularly gay marriage. He has done so in the heart of enemy territory.
Mr Romney won the governorship of a state where only 13% of the voters are registered Republicans, and where the congressional delegation is 100% Democratic. And he succeeded in working with a legislature where 87% of the members represent the other party. When he was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2002, he found a $3 billion budget deficit; two years later he was running a surplus of more than $700m.
His hallmark before his recent fire-breathing reincarnation was pragmatism and competence. He founded Bain Capital, one of the country's most successful venture-capital companies. He was at the heart of two dramatic turnarounds, first of Bain & Co (which was on the verge of going under when he was brought in as CEO) and then of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City (which threatened to collapse under the weight of bribery scandals and $400m-worth of debt). As governor of Massachusetts, he produced an eye-catching health-care reform that tries to use market mechanisms to solve the most pressing problem, lack of coverage for the uninsured.
Yet Mr Romney is a devoted Mormon—a former bishop, no less—at a time when religion is playing a growing role in American politics. Opinion polls suggest that anti-Mormon feeling is one of the most enduring religious prejudices in America. An LATimes/Bloomberg poll in June found that 37% of Americans would not vote for a Mormon presidential candidate; other polls put the figure at 17%.
Anti-Mormon feeling is particularly strong among Bible-believing Christians, a vital part of the Republican base. Many evangelicals regard Mormonism as nothing more than a cult: and a cult, moreover, that is based not only on a false theology but also on a willingness to tamper with the inerrant word of God that is the Bible.
Looking past Mormonism
So will the whiz-kid governor be doomed by the Book of Mormon? Not necessarily. That 37% is certainly not an encouraging figure. But back in 1960 35% of people told pollsters that they would have qualms about voting for a Catholic, and in that year a Catholic reached the White House. Today, 21% of people say they would have qualms about voting for an evangelical; time may tell differently. For most voters, religion is just one factor among many that they consider: there is a difference between rejecting a generic Mormon and rejecting a smooth operator with a plan for universal health insurance.
As for evangelical Christians, they can be a remarkably pragmatic bunch. They have spent the past few decades building alliances with “people of faith” whom they once regarded as spawn of the devil. And they know a winner when they see one: they happily forgave Reagan his divorce and eccentric theological views. In an ideal world they might prefer a more orthodox man of faith. But if it comes to a choice between Mr Romney and a maverick like Mr McCain or an avowed social liberal like Rudy Giuliani, they may be willing to swallow the Book of Mormon.
Mr Romney's opponents may well find other weaknesses to exploit. He is a somewhat bloodless candidate, a conservative of the head rather than the heart, and approaches presidential politics rather like a Harvard Business School case study. First, prove that he can run a state; then lock up the conservative base; then pivot back to the centre . But for the moment at least it seems that conservative Republicans have found their man for 2008.
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Tuesday, September 30, 2006
John Reurink (517) 482-2125
Top 10 House Races To Watch
With the Nov. 7 election only weeks away, the respective House caucuses are narrowing their list of legitimate toss-up races. Gone are any thoughts of defeating some of the Republicans' once-vulnerable incumbents like Rep. Tom CASPERSON (R-Escanaba) or Rep. Mike NOFS (R-Battle Creek).
Likewise, the Republicans aren't talking about a defeat of Rep. John ESPINOZA (D-Croswell), Rep. Dudley SPADE (D-Tipton), Rep. Joel SHELTROWN (D-West Branch) or Rep. Pam BYRNES (D-Chelsea) as real possibilities.
Coming up with 10 legitimate "toss-up" races is becoming more difficult outside of the top two, while the other races are "maybes" for the challenger at best. Some are already looking ahead to 2008, when many more open seats will be in place and Democrats have a better shot at re-taking leadership.
* Ranking on Aug. 17, 2006 (See "Top House Races To Watch," 8/17/06)
1. 91st District, Rep. David FARHAT (R-Muskegon) v. Mary VALENTINE (D) — *2
Democrats smell blood in the water, but Republicans aren't mailing this one in by a long shot. Following at least one come-to-Jesus meeting on this race, the Republicans have at least one negative radio ad up and two negative mailers out. The strategy is to connect the former public schools employee with former presidential candidate Howard DEAN and the "fringe liberal," which apparently has worked against other political candidates in this district.
Throwing everything but the kitchen sink against a political unknown this early in the race is a testament to how worried Republicans are of losing this seat. All the while, the Democrats have plenty of ammunition to throw against Farhat. They'll remind voters about the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) situation, his connection with the drug company lobbyists, the alleged unpaid loan to the military veteran (See "Bits and Tidbits," 3/29/06).
As one Democrat observer noted, "You don't need to make things up with Farhat."
Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM's strength in West Michigan is helpful for Valentine as well.
2. 56th District, John MANOR (R) v. Kate EBLI (D) — *1
Manor's Republican primary has turned out to be a blessing of sorts for the second-time candidate. Manor's name ID is higher and it caused him to start campaigning again sooner. Ebli got off to a slow start and while she has money, the Democrats are going to need to spend money here in order to catch up.
Ebli has impressed lobbyists in town, but Democrats need to be slightly concerned about losing this seat. In a best-case scenario for them, this nail-biter goes down to the wire.
3. 64th District, Rep. Rick BAXTER (R-Hanover) v. Marty GRIFFIN (D) — *5
Baxter and fellow Jackson County incumbent, Rep. Leslie MORTIMER (R-Horton), got together to run a joint television commercial, which is interesting considering it's still September. Republicans already have one negative mailer circulating about Griffin, the Jackson mayor, which shows Baxter and Co. are taking things seriously, if nothing else.
Democrats likely will try to exploit Baxter's opposition to the minimum wage issue in their future attack pieces, but it's hard to forget that this is a 55 percent Republican seat. That's a tough obstacle to over come.
4. 75th District, Robert DEAN (D) v. Tim DOYLE (R) — *3
Doyle's hard work here gives him a distinct edge 40 days out from the election. While Dean is still in the hunt, it's fair to say the Grand Rapids city commissioner is not the most aggressive campaigner. Dean could still win if voter turnout reaches presidential-year like levels, but that's not expected. At some point, this district likely will go Democratic. It's just not likely to happen this year.
Dean has some baggage, having paid a $150 fine for resisting arrest in a 1976 picket line incident and $800 in fines and costs associated with not claiming his unemployment checks in his welfare statements. If things get closer, expect these admissions to be made more widely known.
5. 55th District, Rep. Kathy ANGERER (D-Dundee) v. Matt MILOSCH (R) — *8
Republicans and Angerer really like the numbers in this race. Apparently, some of the polling numbers looked good and Republicans feel Milosch was more a victim of Democratic presidential candidate John KERRY in Pittsfield Township than a victim of Angerer. The GOP is pushing the fact she didn't get a single bill passed.
Of course, time will tell whether Monroe County citizens pick up on the fact Republicans wouldn't have let the vulnerable Democrat pass a bill. Angerer has an edge in this race. Her constituent work is wonderful. Only Rep. Mike SAK (R-Grand Rapids) and Rep. Ed GAFFNEY (R-Grosse Pointe Farms) had more cash on hand during the last filing than Angerer.
6. 107th District, Rep. Gary McDOWELL (D-Rudyard) v. Jay DUGGAN (R) — *4
Does anybody get their name in the local newspaper more than McDowell? The first-term Yooper lawmaker got an entire article in the Petoskey News Review this week in order to respond to a newspaper ad Duggan and the Republicans ran against him concerning supporting more Detroit Schools money. Up to now, Republicans are liking what they're seeing out of Duggan's numbers.
Duggan is up on television and is hitting McDowell with his initial take-no-sides position on the Mackinac Bridge Authority flap a couple years ago. Yoopers are typically pretty loyal to their legislators unless they're given a good reason why they shouldn't be. That's an advantage for McDowell. The long-timer county official was able to keep his hands clean and his mouth from getting him into trouble his first term in office.
7. 65th District, Rep. Leslie MORTIMER (R-Horton) v. Mike SIMPSON (D) — *10
Mortimer didn't make the smartest political move when she applied for some 21st Century money for a hydroponics vegetable project, but it doesn't appear as if the media hit she took will be fatal. The Jackson Citizen-Patriot editorial on the hydroponics application recognized that Mortimer was attempting to do a good deed and basically told the Democrats to check their criticism.
Mortimer is on television with Baxter and she's doing her mail. Simpson is starting to get some push from Citizens for Progress, the anti-Republican Jon STYKER group. Democrats almost stole this seat from the Mortimer clan after the death of Jerry KRATZ in 2002. They're not sneaking up on anyone this year.
8. 67th District, Barb BYRUM (D) v. Don VICKERS (R) — *9
A recent Lansing State Journal letter to the editor raised an interesting question: Why is Barb Byrum allowed to run as Barb Byrum when her legal name is Barb DELANEY, her married name? House Democratic Spokesman Dan FAROUGH called the letter "more politics as usual" before slamming the Vickers campaign for not talking about the real issues, like out-of-state trash, drug immunity.
Asked again what Byrum's legal name is, Farough said this "sad" attack is a thinly veiled attack on Byrum's mother, House Minority Leader Dianne BYRUM (D-Onondaga). Asked a final time what name appears on Byrum's driver license, Farough said that's all the information he was able to provide.
9. 38th District, Rep. David LAW (R-Commerce Twp.) v. Lisa BROWN (D) — *7
The national interest from Emily's List is high in this race. Law is pro-life and not in support of embryonic stem cell research, giving the pro-choice Emily's List a reason to go after the GOP vulnerable.
This district voted for Granholm, John KERRY, 2000 presidential candidate Al GORE and 2002 Democratic attorney general candidate Gary PETERS, but Law is neutralizing these factors by being endorsed by environmental groups and the Michigan Education Association (MEA). If they need it, Democrats have Law's 2005 drunk driving arrest in their back pockets.
10. 110th District, Dave SCHMIDT (R) v. Mike LAHTI (D) — *NR
Lahti comes into this race with a strong advantage, but Schmidt is a workaholic and could catch the deep-pocked Lahti off guard, similar to what Casperson did in 2002. It's an open seat and one worth watching if nothing else.
Also On The Radar Screen:
94th District, Bob BLAINE (D) v. Ken HORN (R) — *6
Reports from Saginaw County are that Blaine is struggling to gain enough traction to pass Horn in this 56 percent Republican district. If Blaine were up against a weaker candidate, the Democrat may have a fighting chance, but Horn is taking nothing for granted and is viewed as a strong favorite at this point.
101st District, Rep. David PALSROK (R-Manistee) v. Dan SCRIPPS (D) — *NR
The word is that Palsrok has finally woken up and realized he does have an opponent to beat if he wants to show up for a third term in the House. The new daddy is raising money again and is ready to take out a challenger who may be more of a realistic option for 2008 than 2006.
97th District, Rep. Tim MOORE (R-Farwell) v. Dave SCHWAB (D) — *NR
Moore did a good job in his first term inoculating himself from future campaign attacks. Despite being the House Republican representing the most Democratic district, Moore is so safe that he's nearly falling off the radar screen.
78th District, Rep. Neal NITZ (R-Baroda) v. Judy TRUESDELL (D) — *NR
Nitz did face a tough primary and Truesdell is campaigning hard with what little money she has. It's hard to see a situation in which Nitz loses this one, but the seat remains on the Dems' wish list.
69th District, Mark MEADOWS (D) v. Johnny KNOWLES (R) — *NR
This seat is trending Democratic in a hard, fast way and it's hard to see Meadows blowing this, but you can't drive through East Lansing without seeing at least three Knowles signs. Johnny Knowles is, seriously, everywhere.
Battling The 'Bouchard Losing Ground' Perception
Amidst news media scuttlebutt that Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike BOUCHARD is losing ground in his race, Republican National Committeeman Chuck YOB circulated a Washington Times article today to counter that analysis.
The talk comes the same day Bouchard put out arguably his most effective television ad since the primary. The hit ad against Stabenow features a pair of suited individuals carrying around a cardboard cutout of Stabenow to emphasize her perceived ineffectiveness. The ad closes with the line, "Debbie Stabenow. There's just not a whole lot there." The ad is paid for by the National Republican Committee (NRC), the first sign during the campaign that the national party is willing to spend its own money in Michigan.
Bouchard is trying to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Debbie STABENOW (D-Lansing). One poll that came out this week (the MRG poll) had Bouchard a lengthy 22 points behind Stabenow. Meanwhile a Zogby poll, also released this week, had her leading by only seven points, 49-42.
The Zogby polls are based on an unusual methodology. What's more, the Zogby poll is problematic for Republicans, because if they tout the close poll on the Stabenow-Bouchard race, how can they discount the Zogby poll on the gubernatorial race, which has Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM holding the biggest lead (49 percent to 40 percent) over Dick DeVOS she's had since January?
Basically, most political insiders took the MRG poll more to heart, which resulted in whispers about Bouchard's campaign being in big trouble.
Today at the press conference where Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Chair Saul ANUZIS announced the filing of more charges that Granholm has morphed her role as Governor with her role as candidate he was asked if Bouchard is "running out of money" (See related story).
"No, quite the opposite," Anuzis replied. "Just this week he raised $360,000 when the vice president came in. Last night (First Lady) Laura BUSH was here for him, as well."
But MIRS asked Ed SARPOLUS, vice president of Lansing-based polling firm EPIC/MRA if the use of a chicken suit (which the Bouchard campaign dusted off this week) is a sure sign that a campaign is hurting for funds.
"It's not just the use of a chicken suit," Sarpolus quipped. "It's if you can't afford a better chicken suit."
But the gist of the Washington Times story was that in Michigan it could be the Republicans who are "riding a surge of voter discontent — with Democrats holding both Senate seats and the Governor's mansion, while Michigan is "suffering the worst economy of any state in the nation."
Are Democrats Spending Wisely?
Sources close to the campaign of Democratic Attorney General candidate Amos WILLIAMS have been complaining behind the scenes lately that the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) isn't channeling enough money to Williams' campaign.
The argument is that yes, the Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM gubernatorial campaign should be the top priority for Democrats in the state but that Williams, as an African American candidate, could drum up votes in urban areas where Granholm isn't getting as much traction as her campaign might have been hoping for. The idea is that Williams might bring more blacks to the voting booths where, while they're casting their votes for him, they'll also likely vote for Granholm.
Of course such campaigns have a tendency to believe they're getting short-changed on the money front, and that effect can be expected to be magnified this year with the governor's race is dominating the political stage. But, do the Williams people have point? Could some more investment in Williams actually pay off better for Granholm tossing every loose dollar onto her campaign?
"In a lot of ways I think their (the Williams camp) argument makes perfect sense," Inside Michigan Politics Editor Bill BALLENGER said. "My sense is that Granholm's standing among African Americans is pretty wobbly. Williams probably could help her in certain parts of the state."
"On the other hand, the Williams campaign fought it out with the Scott BOWEN campaign, which by most accounts was in a better position to raise money," Ballenger continued. "You can't have it both ways. First they say 'take us' over someone who could have had more self-funding, and now they say they should be given more money. I think particularly in the year most people should have known the name of the game was to raise your owns funds. It was no secret that the Governor's race was going to eat up most of the dollars. So, I do think there's something to the argument Williams' people are making, but at the same time I can't really blame the Democratic Party for focusing on the Governor's race."
Ed SARPOLUS, vice president of Lansing-based polling firm EPIC/MRA, said there shouldn't be much distinction made between the Williams campaign and the Granholm campaign.
"He needs her to do well more than she needs him to do well," Sarpolus said. "Both campaigns should be working on the same thing — turnout. So I would argue that money spent on her is at the same time being spent on his behalf as well. According to polling, he doesn't have as much chance of winning, but she's in a tight race. I just don't think it would make much sense to direct extra money to him. That's like Carmella SABAUGH saying she can deliver Macomb County for Granholm, but she can't say she can actually help her win statewide."
MDP Spokesman Jason MOON pointed out that the party has "maxed out" ($68,000) in terms of what it could officially contribute to the Williams campaign. Today, the MDP also featured Williams in a news release, which included a thumbnail of his biography.
"Williams has been preparing to be Attorney General his entire life," the release opened. "He brings to the office a career marked by unparalleled commitment to protecting and defending our citizens."
Amos Williams grew up in Detroit, the eldest of 5 siblings. He graduated from Detroit Central High School and went to work at Dodge Main in Hamatramck as a member of the United Auto Workers.
In February 1966, he joined the Army's 101st Airborne Division and fought with them in Viet Nam during 1967 and 1968.
MRP Files Complaint Against Granholm
Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Chair Saul ANUZIS told reporters today that Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM has used her taxpayer-funded office for her campaign. Anuzis said he has filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel claiming that she violated the federal Hatch Act.
"Governor Granholm has abused the public trust by using the Office of the Governor for personal political gain," Anuzis said at a press conference in Republican headquarters Friday morning. "From online petitions, to staging campaign commercials in official offices, to hosting taxpayer funded pictures from a trip to Japan on her personal campaign Web site - Governor Granholm is in clear violation of the Hatch Act."
This week Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS called for tightening restrictions on interactions between state officials, state-elected officeholders and lobbyists, and on more disclosure of campaign financing. He even released an ad this week on the topic. In short, this week DeVos has picked up on a theme of "cleaning up corruption" in Lansing.
MIRS asked Anuzis if the MRP and the DeVos campaign are coordinating the theme leading into Monday's opening gubernatorial debate.
"No," Anuzis responded. "I don't think the DeVos campaign has even looked at this (the Hatch Act complaint) yet. This isn't a coordinated theme heading into the debates. We haven't even talked about the debates."
Later, after reporters pressed him for more specifics on the DeVos "clean up Government plan," Anuzis did draw a comparison between the latest DeVos theme and Granholm as the MRP is attempting to paint her.
"I think Dick DeVos is saying he's going to do something about these things that are bothering people, while Jennifer Granholm is using her office for her campaign. If this [here he motioned toward the thick stack of supposedly documented wrong-doings by Granholm] had been John ENGLER, there would have been headlines plastered all over the newspapers."
Meanwhile, Granholm campaign Spokesman Chris DeWITT couched his response with a reference to other activities Anuzis has been involved with lately, namely the livestock-oriented (a chicken suit and Anuzis with a duck-claiming she's ducking debates) theme Republicans have started using against U.S. Sen. Debbie STABENOW (D-Lansing).
"Yesterday Saul was hanging around barnyard animals," DeWitt said. "Today he's making frivolous complaints and wasting taxpayer money. Saul should stick to barnyard animals."
In addition, the Granholm for Governor campaign put out a news release challenging DeVos' clean government stance, based on what they claim is his own less-than-untarnished past record. This release looked almost identical to points brought up in the article published this week on the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Web site (See "Democrats Response: 'DeVos Is A Special Interest,'" 9/27/06).
Then, later this afternoon, the campaign issued a release that attempts to link DeVos to tainted Washington, D.C. lobbyist Jack ABRAMOFF.
Among the "possible" prohibited political activities included in the GOP complaint are five major examples:
- Republicans say that Granholm's Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow plan is a central point to her campaign Web site and has been used as a campaign prop, including at the Michigan Democratic Party Convention in August.
"The jobs plan has been established as a campaign piece, and despite the claim not printed at taxpayer expense, IRS forms filed by the governor's Executive Office Administrative Account, nor the Governor's campaign finance reports show paying for the creation, production and preparation of the Jobs Plan," Anuzis said. "One is left to assume that the jobs plan was created, produced and prepared by State of Michigan employees under the direction of Governor Granholm."
- Granholm's online gas petition, which she later utilized as a list for campaign purposes. Anuzis has complained about this previously. Granholm solicited support from citizens who signed a government-sponsored online petition ostensibly to send a message to President George W. BUSH in protest to rising gas prices. Then Granholm's campaign sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to her office for the list of names and used the list for campaign purposes.
- Pictures and documents contained in the Governor's Jobs Journal, which Republicans say were created and prepared at public expense (and hosted on a state government website) also appear on the Governor's official campaign Web site.
- The GOP claims that Granholm held a 'private' press conference in July to announce Google's decision to expand its business presence into Michigan and has used it for her campaign. They argue that the Michigan Democrat Party (MDP) was allowed access to the press conference, though members of the public were barred entrance, even though the event was held in the 'Michigan Room' within the State of Michigan office building. According to Republicans portions of the event appeared in a Granholm campaign commercial.
- On Sept. 15 the campaign to re-elect Governor Granholm began airing a television advertisement entitled "Real Jobs Maker," in which at least two scenes of the advertisement were filmed at State of Michigan offices.
"These examples clearly show the Governor has abused her office by using its influence to advance her own career," Anuzis said.
Two Votes at a Time
Talk about your retail politics.
Just after Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Ruth JOHNSON finished an appearance before a local chamber of commerce luncheon, she was getting in her SUV when she spotted two senior citizens who had missed their bus at Zehnder's Restaurant in Frankenmuth.
Johnson immediately offered to haul the stranded tourists to their next stop. A reporter upon seeing all this, stuck his nose in the vehicle and inquired as to the political affiliation of the two hitchhikers.
"What's the right answer?" the stranded woman asked as she sat on the lap of her hubby, not wanting to say the wrong thing and end up on the curb.
Johnson added, "They'll be Republicans when I get done with them." And off they went … with perhaps two more votes in the Dick DeVOS-Johnson column.
As for her speech to the Saginaw Chamber group, Johnson observed that more folks play softball than participate in the political process as she urged everyone to get in the game.
She rehashed a litany of things there were wrong in the state including too many home foreclosures, 100,000 lost jobs, declining home values and more residents leaving the state.
Having laid out the bad news, she added that Michigan is a great place to live and reported that the Upper Peninsula in the summer time was rated among the top ten destinations right next to the Greek Isles.
"I want to bring hope and opportunity to our kids," she explained adding, "We need to do more than just kick the tires. The engine needs a complete overhaul."
She ended by saying Dick and me are "ready to deliver change."
Also in the audience was Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM's representative from the Saginaw office who lamented, "I wish we had had equal time."
Dems Release New Ad
The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) released today its fourth gubernatorial ad, which will be broadcast throughout the state.
The latest ad called "Express" attacks GOP gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVOS and his family for giving millions of dollars to Republicans. The ad also asserts that the DeVos family got a $19-million tax break designed specifically to benefit the DeVos family and Amway, into a tax bill.
The text of "Express" is as follows:
It's no secret that Dick DeVos cut jobs in Michigan and opened a factory in China, creating thousands of jobs there.
But now we find out, after Dick DeVos and his family gave Republican leaders millions of dollars…they slipped in a last-minute 19 million dollar tax break, designed just for DeVos and Amway.
Some called it a middle of the night deal. Great for Dick DeVos…and what did you get?
The bill.
The ad shows a pan of the Capitol at night and gradually closes in on the dome. At the end of the ad, when the announcer says, "great for Dick DeVos," the ad switches from fo