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

Which Carl Levin do we get today???

Carl Levin backs the Democrat's policy to "redeploy" or more commonly referred to as "cut and run"...and then in his next breath he advocates "to go into Syria".

Wow...will the real Carl Levin please stand up???

Articles of Interest 2-28-07

615 Days until election day.

Senator Carl Levin doesn’t get it.  He is now bragging about working on a “binding resolution” on Iraq that will either have a  “cut and run” strategy or some “bleeding our troops out” strategy…rather than winning the war on terror.

We must continue any and all diplomatic options…the Secretary of State and others are doing so.  However, Iran isn’t listening, Iraq didn’t listen and the terrorist could care less.

This is NOT about some “civil war” in Iraq.  This is about Islamic facists who are out to destroy western civilization as we know it.  Yes, there have been mistakes made in the management of the war.  However, the answer isn’t to run away and lose.  The question is how do we change the rules of engagement and win.

Support our troops, let our troops do their job…STOP playing politics with the war on terror and provide some leadership, backbone and support to complete our mission.

If we abandon Iraq now, we transfer the war on terror from over there…to over here.  We embolden the terrorists, we reward Iran for it’s actions, we turn over billions is oil to the bad guys and most importantly we put America at risk.

Senator Levin…stop playing politics with the war on terror and back our troops to get the job done.  Congress authorized this war, the Kurds have shown how it can work in Iraq, let’s change the policies of engagement and provide the President with the political support and tools to get the job done!

So, a “Lawyer vs Logger” developing in the First Congressional District???  As rumors continue to fly about Congressman Bart Stupak and the possibility of him taking some big paying lobbying job, others are encouraging State Representative Tom Casperson to just “go for it”.

Stupak now pays his wife to run non-existing campaigns and has figured out how to bring the family income up without taking a lobbying job…so maybe he just stays on and continues to milk the system.

The citizens of 31 counties that make up the First Congressional District are going to have a choice…a logger vs a lawyer.  I like them odds!

I’ve received several calls from folks in the First asking what they could do to help.  Well, if you think Tom Casperson is the right candidate to take on Stupak & Stupak Inc., let him know…encourage him to get into the race.  If you know of anyone else who might be interested, encourage them as well.  This is a unique opportunity

Second, your new District Chairman Joel Westrom is putting together an aggressive program throughout the district…lend him a hand, get involved, join you local county party and get the “ground game” in place for the upcoming election.

The Michigan Republican Party has created a 2007 Calendar in memoriam of President Gerald R. Ford. Calendars are $12  a piece with proceeds supporting the creation of a permanent display to honor Michigan’s Republican President.  The memorial will be located at the new Michigan Republican Headquarters and will include an honorary plaque on the Wall of Honor in addition to a prominent flagpole outside the building. To purchase a calendar, please click here. Thank you for your support!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 2-27-07

616 Days until election day.

For those of you who missed the Oscars, we had a run down of some of the prizes Michigan’s Democrats won.  Well our friends at registeredmedia.com sent over a photo they captured of the Governor with her Oscar:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/granholms_oscar.html

This coming Friday, March 2nd,  Americans for Prosperity will be hosting an event in Lansing and Hillsdale on Michigan’s economic situation and a discussion about tax increases and their effect on a state trying to come out of a recession. Anyone who would like to attend should RSVP by sending an email to AHagerstrom@afphq.org or by leaving a message at 517-853-9073. 

The first session is at the Capitol Building, Friday morning from 7:45 – 9:00am in room 426…and the second session is in Hillsdale at the Lewis Emery Park Community Center from noon – 1:15pm.  Participants will include Dr. Gary Wolfram, Todd Anderson, Dan Quisenberry and others.

A reminder…Newt and former New York Governor Mario Cuomo are appearing together at Cooper Union to prove a point and set an example.  By participating in an unrestricted, Lincoln Douglas style dialogue, Newt and Governor Cuomo will demonstrate that it is possible for people from different political parties to have an impassioned, informative discussion about the future of America without degenerating into the cheap, spiteful, and ultimately trivial politics that so dominates our current political culture.  They will then hold up their exchange as a positive model in contrast with the current, political consultant-driven system of Presidential debates that overwhelms substance and spontaneity with pages and pages of rules, negativity, and highly rehearsed sound bites.

Please mark your calendars:  February 28 , 2007 -  As former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will take the stage at the histroic Cooper Union Hall to have a dialogue about some of the biggest issues facing our nation.

This should be broadcast on C-SPAN nationwide at 7:30 pm.

American Solutions will broadcast the “Lincoln Douglas Style Debate” live and on-demand via web cast on www.AmericanSolutions.com.

The Michigan Republican Party has created a 2007 Calendar in memoriam of President Gerald R. Ford. Calendars are $12  a piece with proceeds supporting the creation of a permanent display to honor Michigan’s Republican President.  The memorial will be located at the new Michigan Republican Headquarters and will include an honorary plaque on the Wall of Honor in addition to a prominent flagpole outside the building. To purchase a calendar, please click here. Thank you for your support!

Saul Anuzis

Granholm's Oscar...

Our friends at registeredmedia.com sent this over:

Articles of Interest 2-26-07

617 Days until election day.

So the Oscars are done, but they missed a few that could have been given out to Michigan’s finest. "Oscars" based on Granholm playing a "role" in the last election:

Best Actress:  Jennifer Granholm - playing a job creating, tax cutting leader

Best Actor in a Supporting role:  John Cherry

Best Screenplay:  Dan Mulhern

Best Director: Mark Brewer (or the union leadership)

Worst picture of the year:  Michigans Job Climate

Best Comedy:  The Granholm "Job's Plan", which she claims is working.

Too bad not all the people of Michigan know it is all make believe!

The Democrats finished their state convention this weekend.  I actually found something I agreed with them on.

The party Dems announced its support for net neutrality legislation – which had been at the forefront of the debate over a statewide cable franchise bill last session after Google lobbied hard to get wording included. 

“To encourage broadband development and preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the Internet, Michigan consumers are entitled to access of lawful Internet content of their choice without interference by their Internet service providers,” states the resolution supporting legislation.  The party is also supporting net neutrality legislation at the federal level.

Common sense…on one issue...and then…

The Democrats adopted 45 different resolutions…here are some of the more “fun” ones with my comments in “( )”:

Supporting the study of reparations for African-Americans.
(how about a school system that works…or a job)

Supporting a national universal single payer health plan.
(because government did such a good job with Katrina)

Declaring the essence of American patriotism is to honor the Constitution.
(this coming from Trial Lawyers and activist judges…please)

Supporting domestic partner benefits.
(because health care costs aren’t high enough)

Urging action to stop global warming.
(maybe just outlaw GM, Ford and Chrysler…and/or other manufacturers)

Supporting repeal of drug company immunity.
(because losing Pfizer is not enough)

Supporting the elimination of term limits for all Michigan elected officials.
(because someone is going to re-elect them after they raise taxes)

Opposing national voter photo ID cards.
(because we would hate to stop cheating or illegals from voting…or the deceased)

Governor Granholm and the Democrats also spent the weekend talking about “moving forward” by raising taxes.  So which is it…she brags about signing 93 tax cuts but now wants to raise taxes.  Was she “irresponsible” and/or just didn’t understand that the state was spending more than it was taking in and couldn’t resist the politics of cutting taxes?

Supposedly the Democrats are going to introduce their bills to put forward their tax and spend proposal with some specifics this week.  Finally, we’ll be able to talk about more than just the Governor’s political rhetoric.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 2-25-07

618 Days until election day.

Senator Bruce Patterson introduced ‘SJR B’ which would create a “part-time legislature” and then gets rid of term limits.  Way to go Senator Patterson!  Michigan is one of only 7 states in the country that has a full-time legislature.

State Democrats gathered with not much new to offer.  They talked about MORE taxes, MORE spending and more failed solutions that keep Michigan in a single state recession.  The debate we are having about state services, government’s role, how efficiently does government work and deliver those services is VERY healthy.  Before we consider any additional tax increases, let’s make sure we take care of the “double dipping” with state salaries and pensions, DNR golf retreats, union skimming of taxpayer dollars, overpaying for services and construction to pay off political allies before we ask to raise taxes.

Governor Granholm claim’s it’s easy…. “Is the equivalent of the price of a cup of coffee a month worth making Michigan a better state?”  If it’s that easy, wouldn’t be “just as easy” for government, bureaucrats and state employee unions to “give up” that cup of coffee to live within our means…instead of constantly asking for more???

The citizens of Michigan have shown time and time again that we are willing to pay our fair share for quality services…but we have limits.  What we are NOT willing to do, is fund wasteful programs, inefficient operations and political cronies at our TAXPAYERS expense.  Ask the tough questions…force the debate…force reform before we let the Governor and Democrats raise more taxes.

It’s also important to take our message of fiscal responsibility and less taxes on the road.  We are making an attempt to hit local media markets around the state and raise important issues for the voters…and yes, the taxpayers to consider.  Here is an example of how things worked out last week in the Flint/Saginaw area:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/on_the_roadsell.html

Here is a great video about our soldiers coming home….if you want to get inspired and even shed a tear…this is a must watch news report:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/welcome_home_a_.html

It took some folks in Australia to express what is probably not said enough about Vice President Dick Cheney:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/a_picture_worth.html

And here is another classic from the Democrats….this is why we love folks like Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich….Democrats at their best:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/no_stringsoh_ho.html

This week we are off to C-PAC, the national Conservative Political Action Committee conference in Washington DC.  We have lined up some buses and will be helping almost 100 College Republicans from Michigan head over to the conference and get a first hand opportunity to hear America’s conservative leaders.

Michigan has a strong College Republican organization and our Teen Age Republicans are building more and more clubs all the time.  Please support our youth in their effort to get involved…they are the future of our party!

Saul Anuzis

On the Road....Selling the Republican Message

No Strings...oh How We Love Kucinich...Dean...

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words...thank you Dick Cheney

Welcome Home A Hero....Must See News Story

Articles of Interest 2-24-07

619 Days until election day.

When a TAX is not a TAX…but a FEE…is when Governor Granholm and the Democrats can get away with TAXING you and me…again!  And again!  And again!

Out of work…don’t think about fishing or hunting for food, Granholm and the Democrats just raised the FEE to do that.

If you are interested in seeing your FIRST  TAX-FEE increase goto:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/granholms_fee_h.html

One of our activists/readers shared the following:

Pretty soon Granholm will set up booths at major road entries to Michigan and charge people to get in Michigan called "Entry Tax."

Granholm won't be satisfied until everything we do, eat, and breathed is taxed. No one will want to come and visit Michigan. It's the TAX STATE!  You don't have to go through Michigan to get anywhere and it might also become known with this tag line "Avoid Michigan - at all costs".

Western Michigan University College Republicans will be hosting former Attorney General John Ashcroft on March 13th at 7pm on campus at Miller Auditorium.  The event is free and open to all, but for a $50 donation per person we will give reserved seating at the front of the Auditorium and also allow people to go backstage to the private book signing following the event.  The donation helps us defray some of the costs of hosting this event.  Checks can be made payable to "WMU College Republicans" and mailed to Tom Barrett at:

4711 Dover Hills Dr. Apt 102
Kalamazoo, MI 49009

You can contact Tom via email and/or his phone if they have questions. 

Tom Barrett
Chairman, WMU College Republicans
tom.barrett@wmich.edu
269-547-8946

National Taxpayer Union released it’s 2006 legislative ratings.

http://www.ntu.org/main/misc.php?MiscID=13

There is a very interesting article written by Grover Norquist about the “leave me alone” coalition.  Put this way, it forces us to think about how we should message to our coalition?  I would appreciate any thoughts or comments on this.

Saul Anuzis

Granholm's Fee Hikes...Hidden Tax Increases

Fee hikes

Here's a sampling of $115 million in fee increases in Gov. Jennifer Granholm's budget plan for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1:
Liquor license -- $21.9 million
Commercial mobile radio system -- $18.6 million
Hunting and fishing license -- $16.9 million
Air emissions -- $16.6 million
Corporation fees -- $6.5 million
Land and water permits -- $6.2 million
Solid waste surcharge -- $6 million
Securities fees -- $4.2 million
Groundwater discharge permit -- $3.1 million
License and regulation fees -- $2.6 million
Hazardous waste user fees -- $2.5 million
Pollution prevention program fees -- $2.4 million
Local judiciary user fees -- $1.7 million
Teacher certification fees -- $1.5 million
State police fingerprint fees -- $1.5 million
Source: Senate Fiscal Agency

Proposed increases

Resident deer hunting license $15 to $30

Resident all-species fishing license $28 to $40

Senior citizens fishing license $11.20 to $32

Class C liquor license $600 to $1,800

Teacher certification $125 to $160

Sources: Michigan Dept.
of Natural Resources;
Michigan Dept. of
Management and Budget

For complete article goto:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20070223/POLITICS/702230402/1050/SPORTS06

Articles of Interest 2-23-07

620 Days until election day.

Escanaba to Newberry…and lots of God’s country in between.  We had a day packed with meetings, press interviews and strategy sessions with Republican activists throughout the Upper Peninsula.  Joel Westrom and I did a talk radio show together and had a chance to meet with excited activists who are ready for 2008.

Bart Stupak and state House seats dominated the conversations.  You can’t compare the excitement and interest that has grown over the last two years that I have witnessed here in the U.P..  Activist have plans, ideas, candidates and the “fire” to make a difference.

Rumors of Bart Stupak’s retirement and move to a lobbying career…and just the realization that Republicans would have a chance with someone like Tom Casperson, has the First District a buzz.  Joel Westrom and his team are off an running…keep an eye on the U.P.

Yesterday was one of those days at the Capitol that are all about paying back a special interest group. The Democrats might as well have just proclaimed yesterday to be “Trial Lawyers Payback” day in Michigan.

Yes, the same trial lawyers who shower money on the Democratic Party. And, yes, it was a festival of trial lawyer legislation on the floor in the Democratic controlled house yesterday.

Think about it. The budget is in crisis. The economy in Michigan is STILL in a single state recession. So what’s the first meaningful piece of business to come before the House? Declaring open season on the life sciences industry. The trial lawyers lawyers ordered up a bill to start rolling back the Republican tort reforms of the 1990s. But get this: it wasn’t enough to just repeal those reforms that prevent lawsuits against drug companies whose products have been approved by the FDA. They repeal those reforms RETROACTIVE to 1996!

CAN YOU THINK OF ANYTHING DUMBER? Or less constitutional? Uncorking a blizzard of lawsuits — 11 years worth — all at once?

In the Democrat House they can ALWAYS think of something dumber. They voted to allow complaints against drug companies under the Consumer Protection Act. The Democrats defeated, however, a Republican amendment to bring attorney misconduct under the Consumer Protection Act too. Naturally.

But guess what? While that’s the bad news, there’s even worse news: the Democrats are not done caving in to the demands of the trial lawyers. Next up: allowing more lawsuits under our no-fault auto insurance laws. The industry estimates that the Democrat’s plan will push up the cost of auto insurance roughly 15%.

Then, with the trial lawyers paid off (at least for a little while!), the Democrats will turn their full attention to...that’s right...raising your taxes.

So add it up folks. This is what a Democrat-controlled House of Representatives costs Michigan. Higher prescription drug prices. Higher auto insurance rates. Higher taxes. Higher unemployment. (And it’s only February!)

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 2-22-07

621 Days until election day.

As we head back through Trout Creek Michigan (north of Wisconsin), we just finished our first “Listen & Learn” session in the Upper Pennisula.  First District Chairman Joel Westrom has done a great job organizing a series of meetings, press interviews and “Listen & Learn” sessions throughout the great white north.

We left Lansing this morning at 7:00am that put us through cancelled flights, a drive to Metro, delayed flights due to fog, not so well marked roads, a few deer and finally making to “the corner” in Bruce Crossing…no address, just the local tavern.

Six of the seven western U.P. county chairs gathered along with other activists at our “Listen & Learn” session.  We are driving down to Escanaba tonight and will be slowly heading east through the U.P. tomorrow and Friday.

Congressman Bart Stupak seems to be on everyone’s mind.  There was lots of discussion about how he has “lost touch” with the values of the U.P. and now votes with the San Fransisco liberal Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, rather than the people of northern Michigan.  State Rep. Tom Casperson is the most mentioned possible challenger in 2008!!!

The budget debate continues up north as well.  This region of our state has been hit longer and worse than most.  Three letter words like ‘DNR’ and ‘DEQ’ take the place of four letter words folks prefer not to hear or talk about.  There are examples after examples of job providers either leaving northern Michigan or never coming her because of the excessive regulatory and tax climate in Michigan.

Business as usual, politics as usual and the  tax and spend policies of the Democrats just won’t do anymore. Real change requires real change.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 2-21-07

622 Days until election day.

We were back in Grand Rapids yesterday for a press conference at the county GOP headquarters to raise the fundamental issue that separates Republicans from Democrats in Michigan:  how we view this financial “crisis” facing us today.

Republicans approach this from the spending side.  Are we doing a good job of spending the state $41,500,000,000 in general funds…can we find some places to cut, reform or adjust before we raise TAXES.

The Democrats are approaching this from the revenue side.  Governor Granholm and the Democrats are looking for ways to raise a NEW $3 billion in TAXES.  This does NOT include most of the Governor’s NEW 17 spending programs she proposed during the State of the State address.

The time for reform…for living within our means…is now!  Michigan is NOT under TAXED.  State government is NOT too small.

Dust off the old boy scout motto: be prepared…the Democrats are ‘a coming.

National Journal’s Hotline reports that Mitt Romney will begin airing his first ads 2/21 in IA, NH, SC, MI, and FL in "select markets." The 60-second spot describes Romney as a "business legend" (Johnson, AP/Newsday, 2/20). Full text below, produced by Alex Castellanos et al:
ANN ROMNEY: "Every place that Mitt has gone, he has solved problems that people said were nearly impossible." ANNCR: "Mitt Romney. Business legend. Rescued the Olympics. The Republican Governor who turned around a Democratic state." MITT ROMNEY (from a town hall event of sorts): "I believe the American people are overtaxed and the government is overfed. I believe we're spending too much money and that's got to stop. I believe our laws ought to be written by the people and not by unelected judges. Look, these are critical times we face. We face attack from jihadists. We face tougher competition than we've ever known before coming from Asia. We;re spending too much money here. We're using too much oil here. Our schools are failing too many of our kids. This is not a time for more talk and dithering in Washington. It's a time for action. I believe in the people of America. Free American people are the source of this land's great strength." ROMNEY V.O.: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message" (2/20).
To see the FIRST 2008 Presidential commercial to hit the airwaves goto:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/romney_first_pr.html

Please mark your calendars:  February 28 , 2007 - Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will take the stage at the histroic Cooper Union Hall to have a dialogue about some of the biggest issues facing our nation.

This will be an unusual "discussion" of ideas...not soundbites or a structured "show".

This should be broadcast on C-SPAN nationwide and should prove to be a great political event/discussion...one that many of us miss in today's style of 30 second commercials and 10 second soundbites.

American Solutions will broadcast the event live and on-demand via web cast on www.AmericanSolutions.com.

We are on our way to the Upper Pennisula today, the snow starting melting down here due to all the “hot air” coming from the Democrats.

Got to love those Spartans, now that was some great basketball!!!

Saul Anuzis

Spartan Basketball!!!

Romney: First Presidential Ad of the Season

Polico Online breaks the news on Mitt Romney's first campaign ad:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0207/Romney_Goes_Up_On_TV.html

Articles of Interest 2-20-07

623 Days until election day.

Kent County Republicans kicked off Lincoln Day season with a very special guest, U.S. Senator John Thune from South Dakota.  Senator Thune defeated former Democrat Leader Tom Daschle and has been one of the shining lights in the Senate ever since.

I had a chance to talk with the Senator a bit before the dinner.  He was adamant about the need for our party to stick to our core principles of less government, lower taxes and personal responsibility.  He pointed out during his dinner speech that the Democrats “non binding” vote on Iraq was nothing more than a political ploy.

In fact, he stressed the need for an open and intense debate about the War on Terror and reminded us as our forefathers fought the Nazi’s and the Communist…today we are in a very real war against the radical wing of Islam, or as some have referred to them as Islamo-facists.  This is an important battle and those who are waging this war are out to destroy western civilization as we know it.

Senator Thune did a great job to a packed house of Republican activist and supporters from around the state.  The Kent County Republicans made a conscious effort to bring in several tables of students to give them an opportunity to hear an important national leader and hopefully catch the political bug.  Job well done.

State Senate and House members were involved in lots of discussions throughout the evening about the Governor’s tax increase proposal.  There was almost unanimity in folks perspective that we have to hold the line on spending first, make some of the necessary structural reforms before we even discuss raising additional revenues.

Today I’m on the road in Jackson and Kent counties again to talk about various cuts and spending reforms that the state can undertake to balance our budget without raising TAXES.  It is clear that the people of Michigan do NOT believe they are under TAXED.

The Governor and the Democrats have proposed new spending proposals that has her asking for new business taxes, new sales tax on services, increase cigarette tax, increase liquor tax, increase “death” tax, add vending machine tax, add telephone usage tax, truck and trailer tax, commercial real estate tax….you get the picture.  To see a copy of the Govenor’s proposed tax bills goto:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/C1-6_115969_7.pdf

Here is another way of putting it in very simple terms:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/02/granholm_is_onl.html

Follow the debate, get the facts, engage your legislative and opinion leaders in your communities to put everything on the table.  The time for real change is now and as our good friend Newt Gingrich likes to say, “real change requires real change”.

Saul Anuzis

Granholm is ONLY asking for $3 Billion

Prison Reform Needed

For complete article goto:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20070219/POLITICS/702190368/1022