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

Hotline Reports...NRSC goes after Stabenow

October 31, 2006

Is The Best Defense...

A good offense? The NRSC has bought at least $800,000 of TV ad time in MI SEN targeting Dem Sen. Debbie Stabenow. This is one day after the NRSC put in $500K in MD SEN and two days since they tossed another $300K+ in MT SEN. As for the MI SEN buy, sources tell me the buy could be as high as a $1M.

The decision to try and play a little offense in this time when Republicans are defending the lion's share of competitive Senate seats is an interesting gambit. Stabenow has been polling just over 50% in most October polling, but the sour atmosphere in Michigan has Republicans believing if voters want to dump incumbents, it might help Republican Mike Bouchard. It's a long shot, but a $1M in MI SEN might do more damage to Stabenow and Democrats as a whole than spreading out that extra $1M in MO, TN and VA [CHUCK TODD]

Kerry Insulting our Troops

Great New Ad About Democrats...

Largest DeVos for Governor Sign in the World

World's Largest DeVos for Governor sign!

It only took about 170 signs, 2.5 hours, stakes, string and a compass to construct. It is right on US-31 where over 22,000 cars go by a day.

Articles of Interest 10-31-06

7 Days to Victory!!!


Broken Promises Calendar:  No Results from Governor Granholm

PROMISE: “Jennifer Granholm will demand full public disclosure of financial interests on the part of elected officials, state officers, and key state employees.” (Blueprint for Michigan, pg. 28, September 2002).

NO RESULTS: Sorry, no results here.  But since you mention it, we would love to have more transparency into the super-secret Partners for Progress slush fund that has been used to fund the governor’s bid for re-election.  That money has been hidden from the public.

One week from TODAY…we hit the polls.  Michigan Republicans will be casting their votes, getting out their friends and neighbors to vote, working the polls and doing our part to help turn Michigan around.  It’s ONE WEEK of all out efforts…staying focused and doing what you can, a little something every day for the Team!!!

Senator John McCain is in Michigan today on behalf of Dick DeVos and Governor George Pataki is here on behalf of Mike Bouchard.  National leaders continue to come into Michigan on behalf of our candidates as we go into our final GOTV efforts statewide.

Yesterday morning I joined the Ottawa County GOP working group at their weekly Monday morning meeting…6:30am EVERY Monday!  Over 20 folks gathered as they went through city by city, township by township who is covering what, when and how they are implementing their GOTV effort.  Their headquarter walls are full of charts, maps, names and assignments.

Everything is measurable, everything is tracked, mapped and recorded!!!  They have a very impressive effort.  If you have a chance to drop by and see how their effort is set up, I would encourage you to do so.  Great job Ottawa County GOP!!!

During lunch we were back in Oakland county with Team Bouchard.  The finance team met for a final push to help maximize Mike’s final commercial buy.  Pitch in!!!

Last night I attended on of SOS Terri Lynn Land’s grassroots rallies in Grand Rapids.  She has traditionally held these rallies around the state, thanking volunteers for their efforts on her behalf and the Republican party as a whole.

We ended the evening with our State Committee and County Chairs conference call with special guest AG Mike Cox.  That call was followed by a “volunteer” conference call with all the Victory Center volunteers with special guest Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

AG Mike Cox has a new TV ad up.  His third ad this cycle.  Check it out at:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/ag_mike_coxs_ne.html

Don’t worry about those things we can’t control.   We need to focus on what we as a party can do.  The candidates are running great campaigns, they have their messages, they have their individual efforts and they are doing all they can to maximize their supporters turn out efforts as well.  The national mood is out of our control.

We need to do our part in getting out the base Republican voters.  It’s our efforts that can help put our candidates over the top.  It’s our GOTV and 72 Hour Program that has been credited with keeping Republicans in office and competitive in an environment that many have predicted would be devastating for Republicans nationwide.

Let’s give it all we’ve got…stay focused…give it that extra effort…it’s a team effort and everybody involved can be part of making history here in Michigan!

Don’t let anything distract you…I won’t…we are on the right track towards victory.

Only 180 hours left until the polls close.

Thanks again for all your doing!

Saul Anuzis

Williams accepts money from sexual predator

                 

 

Amos Williams Accepts Campaign Contribution

from Nationally-Accused Internet Sexual Predator

Lansing, MI-- Ken Gourlay, the Nation’s most notorious accused internet predator, contributed a check to the campaign of Democratic Attorney General nominee Amos Williams, Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis disclosed today.

“I am astonished that anyone running for Attorney General accepted money from someone who has been the topic of a congressional hearing, a segment on the “The Oprah Winfrey Show," “Larry King Live," numerous national network news stories, and the subject of front page New York Times stories," Anuzis said. "This goes beyond astonishing; it's outrageous," Anuzis said.  "I expect a candidate, particularly one running for the job of Michigan's Top Cop, to pay attention to who is funding his campaign.   This campaign contribution ought to have been red-flagged and returned immediately."

Records on file with the Michigan Secretary of State indicate that Ken Gourlay wrote a check for $100 to the campaign of Amos Williams for Attorney General.

"It's bad enough that Williams makes his living by suing police officers and police departments.   But running his campaign by accepting a campaign contribution from someone charged with multiple felonies and numerous criminal sexual conduct counts is a new low. How can he talk about fighting internet crime when he is completely unaware of what is going on in the fight against internet predators?”

Gourlay, 28, has been charged in Wayne and Washtenaw counties with 2 separate cases and separate victims involving criminal sexual conduct. In Wayne County, Gourlay is charged with 20 counts of felony criminal sexual conduct in connection with his alleged assault of a 14-year old boy for a period of several months in 2005.   In August, a Washtenaw County judge bound Gourlay over to stand trial on 10 felony counts including the manufacture and distribution of child pornography and criminal sexual conduct in connection with Gourlay's alleged exploitation of Justin Berry that was chronicled in the New York Times in December of 2005.  Berry subsequently testified before Congress in April of this year about his alleged exploitation by Ken Gourlay.

"I call upon Amos Williams to return this contribution immediately.  I also call on Amos Williams to identify any other internet predators or pedophiles who have contributed to his campaign. And if Amos Williams fails to do so, I call upon the Governor, and former Attorney General, Jennifer Granholm to denounce this action.   But frankly, the damage is done," Anuzis concluded.

###

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with regulated funds.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee

www.migop.org

 

AG Mike Cox's New Ad

Articles of Interest 10-30-06

8 Days to Victory!!!


Broken Promises Calendar:  No Results from Governor Granholm

PROMISE: “Would appoint an environmental ombudsman to ensure what she called a responsive and consistent environmental policy.” (Gongwer 2/1/02).

NO RESULTS: After four years, no environmental ombudsman has been established under the Granholm administration.

I’m sitting here in Ottawa county at their weekly Monday Morning meeting, finishing up the clips.  These guys are on fire and doing a great job…more tomorrow.

The goal of the party is help provide the resources, volunteers and organizational base to get our vote out on behalf of our candidates.  It is YOUR efforts…YOUR phone calls, YOUR door-to-door… YOUR lit drops that makes the difference for our candidates.  We lay the foundation and provide the “army” our candidates need for victory.  Together, we can and do make a difference…and in many cases can be the difference in a close race!!!

Don’t worry about those things we can’t control.   We need to focus on what we as a party can do.  The candidates are running great campaigns, they have their messages, they have their individual efforts and they are doing all they can to maximize their supporters turn out efforts as well.  The national mood is out of our control.

We need to do our part in getting out the base Republican voters.  It’s our efforts that can help put our candidates over the top.  It’s our GOTV and 72 Hour Program that has been credited with keeping Republicans in office and competitive in an environment that many have predicted would be devastating for Republicans nationwide.

Yesterday, I emailed all the party leadership our county by county goals.  We set these goals last year with each county, based on the total votes we need to win statewide.  We then divided the statewide voter turnout projections and goals based on individual county’s past performance…and then set the goals.  Having measurable goals helps us focus our efforts and hopefully improve on our results.

I used the example of the Third Congressional District, home to Dick DeVos and Terri Lynn Land.  If the 3rd District fills all 3,224 3-hour phone shifts and 716 4-hour door shifts, they'll likely make the 290,165 calls and knock on 32,241 doors that are going to be necessary to deliver the 166,203 Republican votes needed to win the 3rd District by the 69,012 vote margin we need in order to win statewide.

Focus on results and let’s just do it!!!

Dick DeVos has been in “single digits” in polling, up and down for several weeks.  This is the closest any challenger has come in Michigan for as long as I can remember.  The race is “trending” the right way and you can just feel the excitement on the streets!

Mike Bouchard’s campaign took off after the debates.  He received both statewide and national attention because of his performance.  Despite being outspent by 4:1 in this campaign, polls have him “trending” into the “single digit” stage of the campaign.   The momentum is clearly on his side as the NRSC maxed out with pouring in $1.2 million in coordinated expenditures…that’s a huge vote of confidence, along with the fact that the President has been in twice to help his efforts.

We have laid the groundwork for victory…now it’s up to us, statewide, to implement the plan.  Every call you can make, every door you will knock on, every sign you put up makes a difference.  The campaigns will do their part and I encourage all of you to do what you can to be part of that…but we need to also do our part, help turn out our votes on election day!

Latest poll numbers show DeVos and Granholm tied!!!

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/devos_granholm_.html

Here is a very scary article that I encourage everyone to read:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/a_very_scary_ar.html

It’s all about turn out….here’s a short clip of a news story the Lansing TV station did at the Republican headquarters…doing what we have to do!  This is a good story to share with our volunteers…our GOTV effort could make the difference!!!

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/gotv_its_all_ab.html

Only 204 hours left until the polls close.

ONLY 204 hours left until the polls close.

Yes, I repeat myself, only 204 hours left until the polls close.

Let’s give it all we’ve got…stay focused…give it that extra effort…it’s a team effort and everybody involved can be part of making history here in Michigan!

Thanks again for all your doing!

Saul Anuzis

GOTV: It's all about Voter Turn Out!!!

Parties Making the Final Push for Votes

John Tramontana

Final Election Push Begins

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/4508356.html

In close elections voter turnout could determine who wins and who loses. Both parties are entering the home stretch and are doing just about everything to ensure their registered voters get out to cast a ballot.

"We're spending our time delivering literature, knocking on people's doors, reminding people that election day is literally 10 days away," said Saul Anuzis, chairman of the Michigan Republican party.

Anuzis says Michigan is a swing state and trypically has close elections. He says they must out-work the Democrats to win on Novermber 7th.

"If Republicans do their job and we get our voters out, we have a good chance of winning. If the democrats do a better job than we do, they have a better chance of winning," he said.

And that's why Democrats were busy taking the same aggressive action. The gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races have never been closer.

"Unfortunately not everyone makes it out to the polls for the election so we just want to identify as many supporters as possible and remind them to vote," Penelope Tsernoglou, a party volunteer said.

The parties have even mailed out absentee ballots hoping to gain support.

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/4508356.html

A Very Scary Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/29/magazine/29islam.html?pagewanted=print

October 29, 2006
Islam, Terror and the Second Nuclear Age
By NOAH FELDMAN

For nearly 50 years, worries about a nuclear Middle East centered on Israel. Arab leaders resented the fact that Israel was the only atomic power in the region, a resentment heightened by America’s tacit approval of the situation. But they were also pretty certain that Israel (which has never explicitly acknowledged having nuclear weapons) would not drop the bomb except as a very last resort. That is why Egypt and Syria were unafraid to attack Israel during the October 1973 Yom Kippur War. “Israel will not be the first country in the region to use nuclear weapons,” went the Israelis’ coy formula. “Nor will it be the second.”

Today the nuclear game in the region has changed. When the Arab League’s secretary general, Amr Moussa, called for “a Middle East free of nuclear weapons” this past May, it wasn’t Israel that prompted his remarks. He was worried about Iran, whose self-declared ambition to become a nuclear power has been steadily approaching realization...

...Given the increasing instability of the Middle East, nuclear proliferation there is more worrisome than almost anywhere else on earth. As nuclear technology spreads, terrorists will enjoy increasing odds of getting their hands on nuclear weapons. States — including North Korea — might sell bombs or give them to favored proxy allies, the way Iran gave Hezbollah medium-range rockets that Hezbollah used this summer during its war with Israel. Bombing through an intermediary has its advantages: deniability is, after all, the name of the game for a government trying to avoid nuclear retaliation.

Proliferation could also happen in other ways. Imagine a succession crisis in which the Saudi government fragments and control over nuclear weapons, should the Saudis have acquired them, falls into the hands of Saudi elites who are sympathetic to Osama bin Laden, or at least to his ideas. Or Al Qaeda itself could purchase ready-made bombs, a feat technically much less difficult than designing nuclear weapons from scratch. So far, there are few nuclear powers from whom such bombs can be directly bought: as of today, only nine nations in the world belong to the nuclear club. But as more countries get the bomb, tracing the seller will become harder and harder, and the incentive to make a sale will increase....

...the world’s Islamist movements, for whom anti-Americanism remains a rallying cry and a principle of belief. Perhaps the promotion of democracy in the region, pursued consistently by the United States over the long term, might someday allow the rise of leaders whose Islamism is tempered by the need to satisfy their constituents’ domestic needs — and who eschew anti-Americanism as wasteful and misguided. Iraq was the test case of whether this change could occur in the short term. But we failed to make the experiment work and gave Iraq’s Islamist politicians, Shiite and Sunni alike, ample grounds to continue the anti-American rhetoric that comes so easily to them. In the wake of our tragic mismanagement of Iraq, we are certainly a generation or more from any such unlinking of Islamism and anti-Americanism, if it is to occur at all. And Islamism itself shows no signs of being on the wane as a social or political force.

That means that the best we can hope for in nuclear Islamic states in the near term is a rational dictator like Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, who sees his bread buttered on the side of an alliance with the West. Such rulers can be very strong and can bring stability, but we also know that their rule (or reign) promotes Islamist opposition, with its often violent overtones. When such rulers die or otherwise fall from power, the Islamists will be poised to use the international power conferred by nuclear weapons to pursue their own ends — ends for now overwhelmingly likely to be anti-American.

None of this is inherent in the structure of Islam itself. Islam contains a rich and multivocal set of traditions and ideas, susceptible to being used for good or ill, for restraint or destruction. This interpretive flexibility — equally characteristic of the other great world religions — does not rob Islam of its distinctiveness. An Islamic bomb would not be just the same as the nationalist bomb of a majority-Muslim state, nor would it be the same as a Christian bomb or a Jewish one. But its role in history will depend, ultimately, on the meaning Muslims give it, and the uses to which they put their faith and their capabilities. In confronting the possibility of the Islamic bomb, we — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — need to remember that Islam exists both as an ideal system of morals and values and as a force that motivates actual people living today, with all the frailties and imperfections that make us human.

See the full article below or go to the link above:

DeVos & Granholm Tied!!!

Another Poll…

As I have said over and over again, beware of polls.  This late in the game numbers will be jumping up and down as voters finalize how they are going to vote.

However, the poll is too good not to share.  It shows DeVos and Granholm tied!!!

That’s’ right, a recent survey shows the race for governor is tied at 47 for DeVos and 47 for Granholm. With 2 percent undecided and the balance voting for 3rd party candidates.

Survey completed by Voter Roll Call of 526 likely voters 10-26-06.  The margin of error on the survey plus or minus 4.4 percent.

If the election for Governor were today, and you were standing in the voting booth right now, who would you vote for? Republican Dick DeVos? Democrat Jennifer Granholm? Green Party candidate Douglas Campbell? Libertarian Gregory Creswell? Or U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Bhagwan Dashairya?

47% DeVos (R)
47% Granholm (D)
3% Campbell (G)
1% Creswell (L)
0% Dashairya (UST)
2% Undecided

IMPORTANT…yes.  The poll continues to show the race is tightening and the momentum continues to move our way.  We are running against two “incumbents”, which is always an uphill battle.  But the TRENDING of polls has always been the most important factor to me, especially this late in the game.  The TREND is basically improving for our candidates ad indicates this is going to be a VERY close election!

Articles of Interest 10-29-06

9 Days to Victory!!!


Broken Promises Calendar:  No Results from Governor Granholm

PROMISE: “Restore sound fiscal management of MDOT.” (Blueprint for Michigan, pg. 79, September 2002)

NO RESULTS: Despite the poor quality of Michigan roads, more that $50 million of appropriated funding was left on the table last year.  Under Governor Granholm, there has been an utter lack of sound fiscal management.  As a result, Michigan’s bond ratings have been significantly downgraded since 2003. (Office of the State Budget, State Truckline Fund FY 04-05; Detroit Free Press, 4/14/06).

Another Poll…

As I have said over and over again, beware of polls.  This late in the game numbers will be jumping up and down as voters finalize how they are going to vote.

However, the poll is too good not to share.  It shows DeVos and Granholm tied!!!

That’s’ right, a recent survey shows the race for governor is tied at 47 for DeVos and 47 for Granholm. With 2 percent undecided and the balance voting for 3rd party candidates.

Survey completed by Voter Roll Call of 526 likely voters 10-26-06.  The margin of error on the survey plus or minus 4.4 percent.

If the election for Governor were today, and you were standing in the voting booth right now, who would you vote for? Republican Dick DeVos? Democrat Jennifer Granholm? Green Party candidate Douglas Campbell? Libertarian Gregory Creswell? Or U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Bhagwan Dashairya?

47% DeVos (R)
47% Granholm (D)
3% Campbell (G)
1% Creswell (L)
0% Dashairya (UST)
2% Undecided

IMPORTANT…yes.  The poll continues to show the race is tightening and the momentum continues to move our way.  We are running against two “incumbents”, which is always an uphill battle.  But the TRENDING of polls has always been the most important factor to me, especially this late in the game.  The TREND is basically improving for our candidates ad indicates this is going to be a VERY close election!

Governor Mitt Romney’s team dropped off another check to the Michigan Republicans which adds up to over $50,000 to support our GOTV efforts. The Romney PAC also maxed out to the House and Senate Republican Campaign Committees with a $20,000 contribution to each caucus.  Additionally, Governor Romney has doled out over $200,000 to district and county parties around the state. The Governor has been in Michigan many times on behalf of our candidates as we head into this election.  A very special thanks to Governor Mitt Romney and his team for all they have done to help Michigan Republicans this election cycle.

Friday, for the second time this year, Michigan Republicans made over 40,000 contacts through our grassroots efforts statewide.  Victory Centers and door-to-door activities are abound.  Saturday we had huge efforts all over the state as slate mail was delivered to county party headquarters and Victory Centers for pick up.

Jon Stryker is pouring over $5 million dollars to defeat Republican legislative candidates in Michigan. This is an unprecedented effort of which the likes has never been seen in Michigan.  The House and Senate Campaign Committees are mounting a defensive campaign to hold this effort at bay.  Your help is critical.  Join the fight, help your local legislative candidates where ever you can. To get a better understanding of what he is up to, read this:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/stryker_funding.html

Only 228 hours left until the polls close.

We had a great weekend of activity on behalf of Republicans statewide.  We are entering our final week before election day.  We need volunteers every day to get our message out.  If there is anyway you can join us, for a few hours, a few shifts or with a few who are actually taking a few days off of work for the cause…Michigan needs you.

The goal of the party is help provide the resources, volunteers and organizational base to get our vote out on behalf of our candidates.  It is YOUR efforts…YOUR phone calls, YOUR door-to-door… YOUR lit drops that makes the difference for our candidates.  We lay the foundation and provide the “army” our candidates need for victory.  Together, we can and do make a difference…and in many cases can be the difference in a close race!!!

Thanks again for all you do!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 10-28-06

10 Days to Victory!!!

Broken Promises Calendar:  No Results from Governor Granholm

PROMISE: “Jennifer Granholm will bring stability and solvency to Medicaid.” (Blueprint for Michigan, pg. 35, September 2002).

NO RESULTS: The governor has not.  Under the Granholm administration, Medicaid costs have skyrocketed from $5.6 billion to $7.2 billion- an increase of $1.6 billion – and Granholm has no plan to control the costs (Department of Community Health).

Today we have a big day planned statewide. Hopefully a little rain won’t scare too many folks away, we always have phones on the inside of Victory Centers! Thousands of volunteers around the state will be hitting the street, making phone calls, putting up signs and organizing literature and dropping it to our neighbors.  Thanks to each and every one of you who believe enough in our system of democracy to get involved, do you part and help elect Republicans across our great state.  This is a huge team effort and the local party leadership has been critical to making this year a success!!!  Thanks again!

Dick DeVos and Mike Bouchard continued with a day filled with campaigning statewide yesterday.  DeVos continues his bus tour visiting cities and towns throughout Michigan.  Mike Bouchard received a big boost as National Republican Senatorial Committee maxed out with it’s $1.2 million coordinated expenditure on behalf of his campaign.

The Washington Post article below highlights the Michigan U.S. Senate race as polling continues the show the race tightening.  I emailed it out last night as well.

Republican activists and volunteers statewide continue their efforts to get out our votes.  You can feel the excitement and momentum going our way!

It’s an uphill battle against an incumbent Governor and incumbent U.S. Senator…we cannot underestimate the power of incumbency.  That means we have to do everything right…working together and making that extra effort.

The “Stryker” $5.2 million dollars is being poured in against our state House and Senate candidates.  Those of you who can help your local legislators financially in the swing districts…we need your help. Don’t underestimate their effect or their intent to change the social fabric of our state. That makes our grassroots efforts all the more important.  To see who Jon Stryker is and the radical agenda he supports go to:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/stryker_funding.html

Mark Brewer and I taped a televised debate called “Michigan Matters’’ hosted by Carol Cain.  It airs on CBS Detroit – 11:30 a.m. Saturday and UPN/CW 50 Detroit 9:30 a.m. Sunday.  If you get a chance to catch it, we both give our take on how the elections will play themselves out.

Attorney General Mike Cox and Amos Williams held their debate yesterday on Off the Record.  Mike Cox did a great job, he laid out his record, explained his initiatives and made the case why he should be re-elected.  Amos Williams was rude, arrogant and took cheap shots that demeaned the office he seeks.

During the debate Cox made the point that “this election is about results.  As Attorney General, I have delivered results – for consumers, for children, for crime victims and for seniors”.  Exactly why he deserved to be re-elected and has been endorsed by every major law enforcement group and associations statewide.

Mike Cox citied the record-breaking accomplishments of his office, including:  directly refunding twice as much money to Michigan consumers as his predecessor; collecting over $30 million dollars in unpaid child support that directly benefited nearly 3,400 Michigan children; arresting 107 internet sexual predators that would seek to harm Michigan’s children; improving the quality of care at nursing facilities across Michigan; and writing the law that made nursing home employees have to undergo criminal background checks.

The Attorney General debate (Mike Cox and Amos Williams) is now available online:

http://wkar.org/offtherecord/program.php?num=2007-17

The previous week Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Carmella Sabaugh held their debate on Off the Record.  Terri just dominated the program and made you feel very comfortable she is our Secretary of State.  Poised, confident and steady…always focused on improving services and the job her office does for the citizens of our state.

If you missed it last week, you can see it (Terri Lynn Land and Carmella Sabaugh) again on the web at:

http://www.wkar.org/offtherecord/program.php?num=2007-16

Detroit State Senator Buzz Thomas…should he support Dick DeVos?  This is the subject of an article written by Akindele Akinyemi.  He talks about an urban agenda and who would actually be better for the residents of the City of Detroit. Check it out at:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/buzz_thomas_sho.html

Jane Abraham’s mother was taken to the hospital yesterday when she had congestive heart failure.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Only 252 hours left until the polls close.  Today will be a busy day for most of us.  Our slate pieces and church pieces were delivered statewide to every Victory Center. County should be able to pick them up this morning for door-to-door activities. 

We continue to fill in slots for our 72 Hour GOTV programs around the state…if you can help, please join us as we prepare for victory November 7th!!!

Saul Anuzis

Buzz Thomas should support DeVos???

Sen. Buzz Thomas Need To Stop Playing and Support DeVos

by Akindele Akinyemi

State Senator Buzz Thomas is at it again. He is so desperately trying to support a asanine governor who thinks she has an urban plan for Detroit.

There is NO plan for Detroit. Period. The person that he is supporting does not even have a Urban plan for ANY urban community in Michigan.

Senator Thomas has attempted to answer my question of what has Gov. Granholm has done for Detroit.

He states the following from this week's Michigan Front Page newspaper:

The other action the governor has not participated in is immediatedly cutting funds to Detroit to solve budget problems.

This governor has cut revenue sharing from Detroit. This is a fact and even the Michigan Citizen reported that the Detroit City Council was looking into suing the State of Michigan to get back their portion of revenue sharing.

He also says:

Because of this, having Granholm as governor has been a refershing change.

Senator Thomas is NOT looking at the facts:

Currently, the Michigan ranks 50th in employment growth, 49th in business tax climate, 49th in income growth. (Bureau of Labor Statistics; Tax Foundation; Forbes Magazine).
Since Jennifer Granholm has been governor, Michigan has lost nearly 100,000 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Since Governor Granholm introduced her “Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow Plan”, Michigan has lost nearly 40,000 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

In 2005, Michigan was the only state in the United States that was not hit by a hurricane to report a net job loss (Escanaba Daily Press, 2/8/06).

Overall hiring of college graduates in the State of Michigan will decrease by 43%. The rest of the country will see a 6% increase. (Collegiate Employment Research Institute, 2005-2006 Recruiting Trends Survey)
Michigan’s unemployment rate is 7.1%, this is the nation’s highest and is 50% above the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Nearly 20% of Michigan’s children are living in poverty (Detroit Free Press, 8/30/06).
Michigan’s median income has dropped below the national average for the first time ever (Detroit News, 8/30/06).
In 2005 89,473 Michigan citizens filed for bankruptcy. This represented an all-time high in filings. (Detroit Free Press, 9/18/05; United States Bankruptcy Court)

From February 2004 to February 2006, the rate of home foreclosures in Michigan doubled to a rate that is 2 ½ times higher than the national average. (Muskegon Chronicle, 2/27/06)

Michigan’s foreclosure rate is now the 6th highest in the nation (Detroit News, 9/13/06).
Including Washington DC, Michigan ranks 51st in the nation in home values. (CNN Money, 12/1/05)
Detroit is the 2nd most impoverished city in the United States (Detroit Free Press, 8/30/2006).

So what is he talking about?

He goes on to say:

She has proposed sweeping changes to the insurance system in Michigan and I am proud to say that many of the suggestions came from close consultation with me and other members of the Detroit delegation.

There has not been any changes to insurance for that we are subsidizing for the rest of the State of Michigan in insurance rates. While he has proposed a bill to cut 20% in insurance we are still using our cousin's address in Battle Creek.

He goes on:

Gov. Granholm's economic plan is to fund more high-techand cutting edge projects throughout Michigan, and Detroit has benfitted from her economic plan.

What the hell is he talking about? Did he know the following?

Since Granholm introduced the “Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow Plan”, Michigan has lost nearly 40,000 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

· Since Granholm became governor, the state of Michigan has seen an increase in unemployment and has lost 84,200 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

· Since Granholm became governor, the state of Illinois has seen a decrease in unemployment and has gained 104,900 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

· Since Granholm became governor, the state of Pennsylvania has seen a decrease in unemployment and has gained 139,300 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

· Michigan now ranks 51st in job creation, being the ONLY STATE including Washington D.C., to lose jobs in the past year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

To add on:

The educational level in Detroit is at a 6th grade level.
10% of Detroiters only have a 4-year college degree.
4% of Detroiters only have a graduate dgree.
0.2% only have a doctorate degree.
47% of Detroiters are functionally illerate.
Detroit leads the country in STDs.
The unemploymet rate in Detroit is 8%.

So what economic plan is Buzz Thomas talking about that benefits Detroit?

He also goes on to say the following:

Detroit Public Schools have benefitted by not being the target of budget cuts and by knowing that they will have their fair share or funding from Lansing. Imagine planning the school year when you lose millions of dollars in the middle of the year because the State of Michigan might arbitrarily cut your funding. That is no longer a concern for Detroit schools.

This is a weak and pitiful position to protect Governor Granholm. His homegilr, Gov. Granholm said this in a TV ad recently:

But here's what I won't do. I won't cut health care or schools, or make you pay more in taxes so that wealthy corporations can pay less.”

It is a well known fact that Granholm was the first governor in over two decades to cut K-12 funding and has made cuts to higher education as well. All of this while proposing over $2 billion in tax increases.

As one of the first acts as governor, Granholm slashed K-12 funding by 3.8% (MIRS Capitol Capsule, 1/15/03).
During Governor Granholm’s tenure, funding for all 15 of Michigan’s public universities has been cut. (House Fiscal Agency, 2006)

Governor Granholm has cut Michigan universities by $150 million. (Higher Education Budgets, 2003-2006).
During Granholm’s tenure, Michigan colleges and universities increased tuition by nearly 50%. Last year alone, tuition in Michigan increased 12%, the third highest increase in the United States. (College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2005, 11/18/05; Detroit Free Press, 7/27/06).

Since being governor, Jennifer Granholm has increased fees and taxes on drivers licenses, vehicle registration renewals, business permits and cigarette and liquor sales (Executive Budgets, 2004-2007; Michigan Legislature Public Acts, 2003-2006).

Since Jennifer Granholm has been governor, she has VETOED 14 pieces of legislation that would have cut taxes for Michigan citizens and businesses (Michigan legislature, Public Act Tables, 2003-2006).

Governor Granholm promised to reduce class sizes, but today, class sizes in Michigan are larger than when they where when Granholm took office (Blueprint for Michigan pg.4, 9/02; Taxpayer Network 50 State Comparisons, 2002 and 2005).

Senator Thomas ends by saying:

Why would we want a change?

Because we have a governor who has lied, manipulated and deceived people on her pitiful and woeful record.

She claims DeVos has no health care plan. Hey BuzZ, can ANYONE in the Democratic Party answer the following:

The governor first announced the Michigan First Health Care Plan in her 2006 State of the State Address. Three years AFTER taking office. Despite the intrigue of legislative leaders who have asked for more details on the plan, none have come forth to date. (Gongwer 1/27/06)

Even Governor Granholm has said that at best, The Michigan First Health Care Plan will not be in effect until April of 2007. How does that help laid-off workers now? (Office of the Governor Press Release, 9/15/06).

Financing the entire plan is dependent upon $600 million that Michigan would receive in federal money. There is no guarantee that this money will be granted to the state and the governor has been anything but forthcoming about the specifics of the negotiations. (MIRS Capitol Capsule, 5/11/06)

The other $400 million of the plan is supposed to come from the state, but Granholm has given no ideas as to where the $400 million to fund the program. (Bay City Times, 5/10/06)

Even though legislative approval is necessary to implement the plan, no legislation has been introduced from the governor’s office (Detroit News, 10/23/06).

Even though federal approval of a waiver is necessary to implement the plan, no waiver request has been submitted to the federal government from the governor’s office (Detroit News,10/23/06).

Thanks a lot Buzz Thomas for trying to attempt to answer my question. However, the truth remains that Granholm cannot produce and this is a fact. Granholm even sold your good friend, Mayor Kilaptrick, up the river for Freman Hendrix in last year's mayorial election. She waffled on charter schools when Bob Thompson offered to build 15 charter high schools in Detroit. And hey, why are Blacks in YOUR PARTY following Mark Brewer, a person who has a history of railroading Blacks in the party and setting them up for failure (i.e. Amos Williams, Mary Waters and Butch Hollowell) and defended the Ku Klux Klan? Every single time I ask this question I am met with silence on the Democratic side. Is slavery that thick over there?

Buzz, your friend Granholm is so damn pitiful that she did not even have to common decency and respect to give Scott Bowen a phone call to let him know what was going with the AG nominations on AFTER she asked him to STEP down from a judgeship in Grand Rapids to run for Attorney General on HER behalf. Granholm sold him up the river. She did not even say I'm sorry for putting you through that hard work, stress and dedication. Not one single phone call. She left him to hang and dry and he made an public ass out of himself all across Michigan with billboards on every Interstate.

And she will sell you up the river too if you're not careful.

Remember, Granholm sold Benton Harbor, another Black community, up the river when the city burned for three whole days due to racial violence. She did NOTHING.

And I still have yet to hear from ANY Democratic precinct delegate, the Granholm team, MDP Network or Young Dems or union person on what Granholm has done for Detroit.

Sen. Thomas, come on over and support someone who will get the job done for us. 

Dick DeVos.

Newt: Choosing to Protect America

Choosing to Protect America

By: Newt Gingrich 
The Ripon Society,  October 27, 2006 

This November American voters will vote in the third federal elections since the 9/11 attacks.  Once again as in 2002 and 2004, we are having an important national dialogue as to how we will win the war against our enemies and protect Americans from an increasingly organized anti-American coalition of terrorists and dictators.

In this dialogue, voters should first consider five big facts.

See the complete article below:

Articles of Interest 10-27-06

11 Days to Victory!!!

Broken Promises Calendar:  No Results from Governor Granholm

PROMISE: “Would institute a new profits tax while the [SBT] phase-out continues.” (The Review, 6/6/02).

NO RESULTS: After four years, the governor has not eliminated the job-killing Single Business Tax or instituted a new profits tax.  And Michigan remains mired in a single state recession, the only state to lose jobs in each of the last three years.

President Bush was in town last night to fire up the troops and raise some more campaign funds for Sheriff Mike Bouchard.  It was a great event with almost 500 people coming out to see Mike and the President.  The President made the case why it’s important to keep a Republican Congress and what specifically a Speaker Pelosi and other Democrats would mean for America.  It wasn’t pretty?!?

Mike Bouchard continues to build momentum and is on the roll.  A new campaign ad hits the airwaves that explains the difference between himself and Debbie Stabenow.  The Bouchard campaign is putting on an aggressive push in the final days to let the people of Michigan know that do nothing Debbie must go!

Matt Godlewski, Bouchard’s campaign manager and I had a chance to pull Karl Rove aside for a few minutes.  We pitched him on the opportunities and unique position Mike was to take out Stabenow.  He was very impressed with the efforts here in Michigan and said he had discussed this race with both the RNC and NRSC earlier yesterday and we were definitely on the radar screen for additional resources.  Michigan is the best chance in the country Republicans have to take out an incumbent U.S. Senator!

With only 276 hours left until the polls close, we need you to make that extra effort to help our entire Republican ticket get over the finish line.

On my way home last night we stopped to fill up with gas and grab another diet Dr Pepper.  While pumping gas I engaged the guy standing next to me who asked how the campaign was going.  Before we were done he took a couple DeVos and Bouchard stickers for both his cars and asked for more of the “fire Granholm” stickers.  The guy in the aisle next to us over heard the conversation and saw me hand the guy the stickers and came over and asked if he could have both a Bouchard and DeVos sticker!!!  Then when we went to pay inside, two others engaged in the conversation and everyone but the young lady behind the counter were ready to vote for change!

Make every day count…take every opportunity to turn a vote…we have friends everywhere!!!

Dick DeVos continued his statewide bus tour and is met at every stop with renewed optimism and excitement about Michigan’s future.  We are sending out multiple pieces of mail to targeted households on the contrast between Dick DeVos and Jennifer Granholm.  The Governor has a FOUR year record of job losses, mis-management, indecisive leadership and flat out failure that leaves Michigan in a single state recession.  We are the only state in the country to lose over 86,000 net jobs over the last 3 years while nationally 49 other states have gained over 6.6 million NEW jobs.

Michigan needs a change!!!

SOS Terri Lynn Land and AG Mike Cox continue their non-stop campaign tour to every corner of Michigan.  Land has a statewide radio ad that hightlights her accomplishments and has peppered the state with signs.  Cox now has two different TV spots that are running that talk about his record and aggressive efforts to keep criminal behind bars.  Two great efforts that are sure to help bring out more Republican voters as we support two of America’s finest public servants.

Rightroots conservative internet bloggers fundraisers are pushing Mike Bouchard’s race for the U.S. Senate.  Check it out…help Mike get over the top!!!

http://www.humanevents.com/rightangle/index.php?id=17471&title=rightroots_10_candidates_10_days&tb=1&c=1

Great new Bouchard ad…this hits the nail on the head!!!

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/new_bouchard_ad.html

People moving out…why, because of the economy…stupid?!?  Check out a clever parody produced by one of our activists:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/639_outbound_mo.html

Jon Stryker is pouring over $5 million dollars to defeat Republican legislative candidates in Michigan.  To get a better understanding of what he is up to, read this:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2006/10/stryker_funding.html

Google “bombing”….what is it and how does it work?  Check it out and help our folks make a difference.

http://beltwayblogroll.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/10/google_bombs_on.php

http://www.humanevents.com/rightangle/index.php?id=17464&title=google_bomb_these_democrats

With only 276 hours until the polls close we need your help.  We need to stay focused on the task at hand and help get out our vote!!!  The GOTV effort during the last 72 Hours of this election cycle are critical to our success.  We are recruiting thousands of volunteers to fill tens of thousands of shifts around the state to help with this effort.

There are all kind of things you can do.  Each county has all kinds of different efforts and every county has something you can do to help.  Put up a lawnsign, make some calls, knock on some doors, serve as poll watchers or help with lit drops…it’s all part of our overall effort where every little bit helps.

Give an hour…give a few…join our Republican team as we head towards victory!!!

Saul Anuzis

Rightroots Push Bouchard!

Rightroots conservative internet bloggers fundraisers are pushing Mike Bouchard’s race for the U.S. Senate.  Check it out…help Mike get over the top!!!

http://www.humanevents.com/rightangle/index.php?id=17471&title=rightroots_10_candidates_10_days&tb=1&c=1

63.9% Outbound Moves...Thanks Jennifer Granholm?!?

Stryker funding the Left in Michigan

Billionaire Spends Liberally On State Politics

http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-0/116186671379500.xml&coll=6

Billionaire's PAC running ads attacking GOP in Legislature

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/politics-0/1161871177275160.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

Billionaire aims to unseat GOP

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006610250311

New Bouchard Ad...Awesome!!!