I received a phone call along with the attached letter from Dave Dishaw this morning.
I welcome the addition of Dave’s support to the overwhelming number of grassroots, Party leaders, and elected Republicans who are supporting my continued chairmanship of our Michigan Republican Party. I am confident that we can work together toward a new Republican vision for Michigan and this great country of ours.
I am very optimistic about what the future holds for the Michigan Republican Party. We are the party of hope, optimism and opportunity.
You, the grassroots of the Michigan Republican Party accomplished much this last cycle. We turned out more Republican votes than any other gubernatorial year. We made more voter contacts, added more “id’s” to our list, knocked on more doors, delivered more literature and raised more money than every before!
We did a great job in the face of a national “anti-Republican tsunami” that hit the entire country. Michigan Republicans re-elected our two statewide office holders, we re-elected EVERY Republican member of Congress and we held onto our majority in the State Senate.
We did better than almost any state in the country, considering what happened nationwide.
Thank you for sharing in this dialogue and for being a part of this Grand Old Party.
As you celebrate with your families this week, join me in giving thanks for all that God has given us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Saul Anuzis
From: Dave Dishaw [mailto:dave@dishawforchairman.org]
Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 10:03 AM
To: Saulius "Saul" Anuzis
Subject: State Chair Race
Dear Republican,
Our party had a very rough Election Day, and the grassroots leaders of our party have begun the process of examination and analysis.
We believe that when things go badly, change is a necessary step. That is why I announced my campaign for Chairman of the Michigan Republican State Committee. Within days we received the support of 5 District Chairs, 33 State Committee Members, 18 County Chairs
But we have to ask: To what end? The goal is not a long and protracted fight for control of the party. The goal is to fix the party and win elections. No more, no less. It has become clear in recent days that although there was significant support for a new Chairman, there was not overwhelming consensus that change at the top was the only way to achieve our aim of a rededicated, renewed Michigan Republican Party.
The following concerns, as well as your feedback, need to be part of an improved operation in 2007-2008:
1) Act on the concerns of the local grassroots leadership. Local elected officials and grassroots leaders should have a say in who their field representatives are, how they function, and what strategies are used in local races.
2) Create better strategies with regard to the Election Day Operation program, particularly the credential and challenging logistics.
3) Communicate with grassroots and party leaders via regular phone consultation and make sure that all party leadership is a part of the decision making process.
4) Use more caution in selecting GOTV lists that are based on micro-targeting data.
The good news: In both public and private settings these last few days, the Chairman and I have been in agreement on these and other issues! I know he will stay committed to these improvements, and I will stay committed to being a part of the solution as well.
To my friends and supporters who have stood with me, to the grassroots leaders who are willing to fight for a better Michigan GOP, you have my undying gratitude. I can only hope to repay the debt I owe you with an increased focus on winning in November of 2008, and with my constant appreciation of all you have done for me.
In the spirit of Party unity, and confident that he will do a good job, I endorse Saul Anuzis for re-election as Chairman of the Michigan Republican State Committee and encourage my supporters to do the same. Saul and I agree there is much to be done—now is the time to move forward. Now is the time to unify. I am confident that is in the best interests of our party, and I am confident that together we will turn this blue state red in November of 2008.
Sincerely,
Dave Dishaw
