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

Articles of Interest 6-30-07

494 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Republicans demand reforms and savings FIRST…there are lots of options.  Let’s take our time and do this right.

2008 Budget: Right Michigan has compiled a list of possible reforms and savings the state of Michigan could implement…saving over $1.5 BILLION…balancing the budget without raising taxes.  To see and add to the growing list go to:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/right-michigan-.html

House Democrats pass the first of budget bills that INCREASE spending by almost 9%.   Where do you think those “additional” funds will come from?

Rudy coming to Michigan July 12 for joint House/State Party fundraiser.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Here is a quick summary of the House passed bills that increase spending by almost 9%.

Dept. of Community Health (HB 4344)
The H-1 budget, which was passed from the House, spends over $260 million, 8.9%, more General Fund money than FY07.  The bill spends $3.2 billion GF and a total of $11.88 billion gross.  This represents nearly $36 million more GF spending than the Governor's revised recommendation. 

Dept. of Corrections (HB 4348)
The (H-1) version of the bill passed from the House includes over $2.03 billion of GF spending.  This is an increase of $174.4 million over the FY07 budget, an increase of 9.4%.  The House passed budget includes $66.9 million more spending than the Governor's revised recommendation (as of 6/14/07).  Additionally the House budget assumes LESS savings from the elusive statutory changes to sentencing guidelines assumed by the Governor's original recommendation. 

- On July 12 Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be the special guest for a fundraising dinner benefiting the MRP and the House Republican Campaign Cmte. The event will take place at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, tickets are 1,000 / per person, please call 517-487-5413 to RSVP.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 6-29-07

495 days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Legislature passes SBT replacement…new MBT…a compromise we preferred not to have.

Governor Granholm…get a grip …where have you been for the last FIVE years as this fiscal mess developed…in charge???

Demanding that legislator not take a “vacation” is petty political grandstanding…please.

House Democrats passed the first of the budget bills…over spending AGAIN!  Democrats first set of budgets have nearly a 9% increase in spending! Hold on to your wallets.

The “comprehensive immigration” bill that provided “amnesty” was defeated in the Senate.  My commentary on “immigration” and why Hispanics and Mexican-American belong in the Republican Party:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/immigration-his.html

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- The Senate and House passed the “compromise” replacement tax for the SBT yesterday.  This was a bill that Republicans did not want, but were forced to do the best they could to make the tax as equitable and fair as possible.

Republicans push for a net reduction in the replacement tax that the Governor and Democrats would NOT accept.  They wanted a tax that was “revenue neutral” at the least and negotiation at a 2:1 disadvantage turned out the following compromise.

The new MBT promises to do the following:

· Stimulates and grows Michigan’s economy by creating a new business tax structure and replacing the Single Business Tax.

· Includes a combination of a modified gross receipts tax – rate of .80 percent; and a business income tax – rate of 4.95 percent.

· Taxpayers with gross receipts under $20 million will see a substantial tax reduction.

· The Michigan Entrepreneurial Exemption (ME-2) affords a 100-percent credit for firms with under $25 million in gross receipts and that add jobs and invest in Michigan.

· The manufacturing sector receives substantial relief with a 65-percent reduction in personal property taxes; the finance, insurance and real estate sector will see a relatively large increase in their overall tax burden; and commercial firms and telecommunications firms will receive a 23-percent tax reduction. 

This is a very different approach and bill that was passed because the Democrats control the Governorship and the House of Representatives.  We are hopeful that with the changing political tide, Republicans will be able to offer significant tax relief after the next gubernatorial election.

- Governor Granholm continues to play politics with the 2008 budget battle.  She is “demanding” that the legislature stay in session over their scheduled summer break in order to pass her Democrat tax increase?  Why?

Just because she says so???  The next fiscal year doesn’t start until October 1.  There are five months left before we need to finalize any budget.  This gives Republicans plenty of time to analyze the fiscal impact of the new MBT and determine what kind of revenues we can expect next year, review the reforms that can be implemented and put together a balanced budget WITHOUT raising any additional taxes.

Oh, but wait…the House Democrats passed the first set of budget bills and increased state spending in those bills by almost 9%.  So how do Democrats propose to pay for that?  TAXES, TAXES, TAXES.

There is NO rush for the 2008 budget.  Slow down…let’s do this right.

-Immigration.  The “Grand Compromise Immigration” bill proposed by members of the Senate was defeated today when the Senators failed to put up enough votes to stop debate.  This was a bad bill, with lots of problems that needed much work.

Now, we need to implement current laws, secure our borders, identify and register every illegal immigrant in this country and come up with a series of logical, straightforward steps to deal with this situation.

A “comprehensive” bill of this size is little more than a recipe for disaster.  We should now proceed, one step at a time, and deal with the many issues presented here as needed.

I wrote a commentary on “immigration” and why Hispanics and Mexican-American belong in the Republican Party:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/immigration-his.html

This immigration debate brought out the best of us and in many cases the worst in us.  To some this was seen as being “anti-Hispanic”…it should not have been.  At the same time, emotions on both sides boiled over time and time again.

Saul Anuzis

We are a great country of immigrants, who over the generations have joined together to make this truly our United States.  We are unique, we are a country based on laws and we are a culture based on acceptance, tolerance and patriotism.  I plan on working to keep it that way.

Right Michigan posts Reform & Savings List

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/6/28/11829/4348

Potential savings and reforms... THE LIST! (v1.0)

By Nick, Section News
Posted on Thu Jun 28, 2007 at 11:08:29 AM EST

Following hot on the heels of the action in the Senate this week, the continued intransigence of the House and the way Governor Granholm became completely unhinged there's been more and more discussion about just what exactly we CAN cut and just what exactly we CAN reform in Lansing to make sure these budget deficits don't happen in the future and more importantly, to prevent the radical left from picking our pockets and robbing us blind.

Earlier this week we broke the story and were the first to unveil the Senate GOP reform lists.  This generated some talk in the MSM.  Gongwer referenced Right Michigan and MIRS went ahead and just talked about what we'd broken without attribution... which was awfully nice of them (not that I'd really expect a mainstream news outlet to give much credit to anyone in the new media to begin with).   

But more than that it generated some discussion on the site and about three metric tons worth of email about other potential savings that didn't make the Senate list.  We've gone over most of the savings that are out there thirty or forty times but it's always been piecemeal.  A reform here, a chance for savings there.   

I figure it's about time to get them all collected so bloggers, lurkers, readers, voters, residents, citizens, taxpayers, families, legislators, local elected officials and anyone else I may have missed can see the enormity of the potential for real savings in Lansing.

All of that said, this list is certainly NOT exhaustive.  If there's anything I've clearly and obviously missed post it after the story and we'll keep the list growing.  Any other ideas?  Let everyone know!

To see the growing list goto Right Michigan at:

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/6/28/11829/4348

Granholm's Ticket Tax

Please post this on your blog. Another attempt to raise taxes on our hard working Michigan families:

Not only is Lansing deliberating on raising our taxes on income and on the sales tax, Governor Granholm likes the idea of taxing our fun like baseball games, shows, or movies. Legislation is expecting to be introduced soon that will tax all professional sporting events, concerts, shows, and movies in Michigan by 6%. A new coalition has formed to fight the newest invasion on our wallets called Fans Against the Ticket Tax (

http://notickettax.com/

). Check out their website to read more about the issues and to call the Governor, your State Senator, or Representative and tell them to vote 'no' on any luxury tax increase!

More about the tax:

The ticket tax targets hard working Michigan families who already pay enough in taxes. If the Governor gets her way, Michigan will be the only state in the region with the highest sports and entertainment tax; Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have "0" tax on so-called luxury items (we don't call it luxury

–

most of it is simply family entertainment).

Here is some great information from the new coalition:

$24 million per year tax on sports tickets for Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Lions, Michigan International Speedway, minor league baseball, and hockey.

$48 million per year tax on shows and performances like those at the Fox Theater, Palace, DTE, Meadow Brook, Purple Rose Theater, and DeVos Arena for shows like Sesame Street Live, Lion King, White Christmas, and performances by the American Idols.

$32 million per year tax on movie tickets to every movie in every movie theater in the state:

A family of four with season tickets to the Tigers would be forced to pay new taxes ranging from $230 to more than $1,200 per year.

A family of four with season tickets to the Red Wings would be forced to pay new taxes from $597 to more than $1,900 per year.

HOW WE CAN STOP THE TICKET TAX:

Contact the Governor, your State Represenative and your State Senator.

Tell them you oppose the Ticket Tax. Spending time with your family is not a luxury to be taxed.

If you don't know your legislators' emails or phone numbers, go to

www.NoTicketTax.com

There you will find links to the Governor's email and to email addresses and phone numbers for your State Represenative and State Senator.

Or call 1-877-No-TK-Tax (1-877-688-5529) to get the phone numbers you need to call for the Governor and Legislative leaders. Email today…Call Today…Act Today Fans Against the Ticket Tax!

Together, Americans for Prosperity and Fans Against the Ticket Tax will be distributing information on this horrible tax to Michigan taxpayers at minor league baseball. If you can make it to any of these games or events to help out, please join us!!

July 13th Common Ground in Downtown Lansing July 18th at noon - Lansing Lugnuts Game July 19th at West Michigan Whitecaps Game July 30th at Great Lakes Loons Game in Midland

Be There!

What's a "Lithuanian-American" look like?!?

My friends enjoy giving me a hard time about these "Lithuanian" immigrants flooding the country side...especially on NBA and NCAA basketball teams.  Well there's more than meets the eye.

Patriotic immigration works...and has worked for a long time.

My family at last week's Lithuanian-American scout camp.

Liana & Karina at our parish's commemoration of Lithuania's independence day.

Immigration: Hispanics & Mexican-Americans belong in the Republican Party

Hispanics and Mexican-Americans belong in the Republican Party.

Much is getting lost in this so called “immigration” debate.  Many are trying to play this up as being anti-Hispanic or anti-Mexican…nothing could be farther from the truth.  Or at least it shouldn’t be.

Yes, there are extremists on both sides of this argument who are poisoning the waters.  Very few argue that we should round everyone up and ship them back.  At the same time, “amnesty” as the first act of becoming a citizen, in a country that is based on the rule of law - is a problem as well.

I come from a first generation family that emigrated from Lithuania.  I didn’t learn to speak English until I was about 6 or 7 years old.  I am very proud of my heritage, my children have learned the language, I go to a Lithuanian language Catholic Church, I’m the scoutmaster of a Lithuanian-American Boy Scout troop…but I am an American!

We are a country of immigrants…but legal immigrants…primarily patriotic immigrants who came here because they wanted to live the American dream.  They wanted to get their piece of the American promise.

Republicans also represent the values, the work ethic, and the dreams that are embodied in most immigrants.  Hispanics and Mexican-Americans find the Republican Party the “natural” home for their values, their belief system and what they want for their children.  We must work to ensure we don’t let the rhetoric of this debate lose that natural connection.  And this my friends, will be a tough job.

Republicans support immigration.  With open arms, some of the brightest and most gifted people from around the world have settled in this great country of ours.  And there will be millions more.  We have also accepted the poor, the sick and those seeking asylum.

We find it not only acceptable, but natural to protect our “homes”, lock our doors and do what it takes to secure our families future.  Why are we debating the idea of securing our “homeland”, controlling our borders, knowing who is in our “house” and for what reason? 

See what Americans think:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/rasmussen-poll-.html

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/rasmussen_poll_.html

I have posted several logical and practical approaches to “immigration reform” that the likes of Newt Gingrich or Pete DuPont have described.  We should enforce the existing laws, secure our borders and then logically come up with a way to “register” every foreign national coming into this country for whatever reason.

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/pete-dupont-has.html

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=21184

This has as much to do with the war on terror as it has to do with the rule of law.  We owe it to our country and it’s citizens to be honest with what is happening and how we will solve the problems we have.  If you are convicted of a crime and an illegal or legal immigrant, without the proper status you should be deported immediately.  We should provide for the work visas necessary to fill the jobs we need.  We should encourage those who come and learn at our universities and institutions of higher learning to stay and become citizens.  These are the folks we want…yet we have a perverse set of priorities as to who should come and who should go.

Bobbie Eberle in an article below says: “Yes, we do need to reach out to Hispanic voters, and there are many ways to do so — but we don’t do it by granting amnesty… we don’t do it by printing more and more signs, labels, and instructions in Spanish. We do it by showing that the American dream applies to all who will work, obey the law, and embrace American culture.”  He happens to be part Hispanic.

There is a very good discussion about immigration and what could happen in the United States if we don’t “manage” our immigration policy.  It uses “gumballs” to illustrate an eye opening example about the problems we could face.  Check it out:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/immigration-pol.html

This is the greatest country in the world for a reason…and everyone is welcome…that is who comes here for the American way of life.  However, that has to mean legal, planned, patriotic immigration, based on a rule of law and not amnesty…especially for the criminal elements and gang members that are here now.

It’s the ONLY country in the world where people are willing to risk their lives in order to get in!  Think about that.

Articles of Interest 6-28-07

MORNING UPDATE:

CAFE fight continues in the House.  Nissan wins in the Senate and beats the UAW.

Tax and budget questions continue…MBT expected this week…2008 budget has time.

Senators McManus and Brown introduced vehicle bills in the Senate today - SB624 and SB625 to set the date of the Presidential Primary to February 5 or January 29, 2008.

Here is my testimony to the Senate Committee on the Presidential Primary 2008:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/senate-hearing-.html

Dick Posthumus joins the Romney campaign as Honorary State Chairman:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/posthumus-joins.html

Attention “bi-partisan” business lobbyist and company executives... in case you missed it…did you take the time to check out this vote?

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00227

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/big-labor-payba.html

My first VBLOG on Right Michigan…talking about taxes and the budget:

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/6/27/134838/817

Hispanic and Mexican-American citizens should be Republicans…what’s getting lost in the immigration debate?

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- The CAFE fight has moved over to the House.  The question is can Congressmen Dingell, Stupak and other Democrats from Michigan deliver.  Levin & Stabenow couldn’t help in the Democrat controlled Senate, as Nissan was even able to beat the UAW in the Senate passed version.  Nissan is “crowing” about their success. Now Dingell and Stupak can show what they can do in the Democrat controlled House?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4912170.html

The “dirty little secret” about this bill is that Senate Democrats actually voted for a bill that according to the UAW would “greenlight” jobs off shore, including Tennessee – home of Nissan!

Nissan: Nissan gave a major thumping to the UAW last week in the Senate.  While everyone was fighting over the CAFE standards, Nissan snuck in a provision with the support of Senators Ted Stevens and Harry Reid to remove restrictions that keep US small car production in the US, including at Wayne.  By changing CAFE, they pulled out the restrictions that protected US jobs.

Dingell:  John Dingell is going to have a lot of work to do on CAFE.  He has the left wing crazies from MoveOn.org attacking him with radio ads for pushing for sensible CAFE reform and protecting Michigan jobs.  He will face a big challenge from Taxachussetts Democrat Ed Markey and will need the support of all the Republicans and a big chunk of Democrats to make sure they don't push more jobs overseas.

Democrats are showing Michigan, the UAW, auto suppliers and others that we were much better off under Republican control.  Pay attention.

- Discussions and negotiations on the MBT continue today.  Replacement language for the SBT is raising questions and amendments, which are being offered to take care of “unintended consequences” as well as address concerns raised by various folks affected by the changes.  Action on the replacement bill is still expected this week.

Reforms and savings to start the 2008 budget negotiations are being discussed daily.  Republicans are “running the numbers” to determine what kind of savings can be had by various reforms, policy adjustments, privatization and various cost saving cuts.

If you take out increases in spending, the Governor’s newly proposed spending initiatives and one time catch up costs…the proposed short fall in revenues could be handled without raising taxes.  All of this will take a little time, but the fiscal year doesn’t start until October 1.

Public institutions and others who depend on state funds can easily begin their budgeting process by figuring in “low” numbers and not expect any unrealistic or unrealized budget increases.

Democrats and others who would like to “voluntarily” make a contribution, whether directly or by paying a “voluntary additional tax”, are more than welcome to do so.  There is NO law prohibiting voluntary contributions above and beyond the current tax rates.

TAKE YOUR TIME…do it right!

- Presidential Primary “vehicle bills” have been introduced in the Senate.  This is basically the verbage that Mark Brewer and I have been working on, but there has been a desire by some to set a specific date for the “fall back” primary date, to have some surety if the parties can’t agree on a date.  This is all still open to negotiation.

These are vehicle bills that represent the Republican’s position, that we prefer to have the primary February 5th or earlier if need be, forced by the Democrats.  The second bill reflects the Democrats position of at least matching Florida’s January 29th date.

This is nothing more than a step forward in the process…I’ll continue to keep you all informed as things develop.  Our Presidential 2008 Committee continues to work and discuss options and plans to move ahead in case this legislation does not pass.  We will be prepared for either option.

To see the specific language of these bills go to:
SB 624-McManus (this is the January 29 version)
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/Senate/pdf/2007-SIB-0624.pdf

SB 625-Brown (this is the first Tuesday in February version)
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/Senate/pdf/2007-SIB-0625.pdf

Here is my testimony in front of the Senate Committee on the Presidential Primary:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/senate-hearing-.html

- Dick Posthumus joined the Romney campaign yesterday as the Honorary State Chairman.  I think Dick is one of the truly “good” guys I have ever worked with in politics.  He got into politics for the right reasons, he honorably served our state and gracefully moved on into the private practice after losing his race for Governor.  He wasn’t in politics for the sake of politics.  He wanted to make a difference.  From my perspective, he represents the best of what public service is all about.

Congratulations to Team Romney for a big pick-up.  But more importantly, I’m glad to see Dick back in the game…we need more folks like him in the process.  Disclaimer: yup, I worked for him and greatly admire him for all his has done and what he stands for.

- The Republicans in the U.S. Senate stopped the union “card check” bill that was little more than a political payoff to big labor for their support of the Democrats in this last election cycle.

It DOES matter who controls Congress…and yes, EVERY vote counts.

If the Republicans had not stopped this bill, unions would have been able to intimidate and coerce workers on any worksite to join the union…without a secret ballot.  Voting is traditionally a private thing and workers should have the right to freely decide if they want to join a union or not.  Forced union membership is NOT democratic…it’s not right.

For those Republicans and “business” groups who like to play both sides because you think it helps…this should be a good lesson.  If they are killing you, is it really better to die a slow death of a thousand cuts?

- Hispanics and Mexican-Americans belong in the Republican Party.

Much is getting lost in this so called “immigration” debate.  Many are trying to play this up as being anti-Hispanic or anti-Mexican…nothing could be farther from the truth.  Or at least it shouldn’t be.

Yes, there are extremists on both sides of this argument who are poisoning the waters.  Very few argue that we should round everyone up and ship them back.  At the same time, “amnesty” as the first act of becoming a citizen, in a country that is based on the rule of law - is a problem as well.

I come from a first generation family that emigrated from Lithuania.  I didn’t learn to speak English until I was about 6 or 7 years old.  I am very proud of my heritage, my children have learned the language, I go to a Lithuanian language Catholic Church, I’m the scoutmaster of a Lithuanian-American Boy Scout troop…but I am an American!

We are a country of immigrants…but legal immigrants…primarily patriotic immigrants who came here because they wanted to live the American dream.  They wanted to get their piece of the American promise.

Republicans also represent the values, the work ethic, and the dreams that are embodied in most immigrants.  Hispanics and Mexican-Americans find the Republican Party the “natural” home for their values, their belief system and what they want for their children.  We must work to ensure we don’t let the rhetoric of this debate lose that natural connection.  And this my friends, will be a tough job.

Republicans support immigration.  With open arms, some of the brightest and most gifted people from around the world have settled in this great country of ours.  And there will be millions more.  We have also accepted the poor, the sick and those seeking asylum.

We find it not only acceptable, but natural to protect our “homes”, lock our doors and do what it takes to secure our families future.  Why are we debating the idea of securing our “homeland”, controlling our borders, knowing who is in our “house” and for what reason? 

See what Americans think:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/rasmussen-poll-.html

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/rasmussen_poll_.html

I have posted several logical and practical approaches to “immigration reform” that the likes of Newt Gingrich or Pete DuPont have described.  We should enforce the existing laws, secure our borders and then logically come up with a way to “register” every foreign national coming into this country for whatever reason.

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/pete-dupont-has.html

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=21184

This has as much to do with the war on terror as it has to do with the rule of law.  We owe it to our country and it’s citizens to be honest with what is happening and how we will solve the problems we have.  If you are convicted of a crime and an illegal or legal immigrant, without the proper status you should be deported immediately.  We should provide for the work visas necessary to fill the jobs we need.  We should encourage those who come and learn at our universities and institutions of higher learning to stay and become citizens.  These are the folks we want…yet we have a perverse set of priorities as to who should come and who should go.

Bobbie Eberle in an article below says: “Yes, we do need to reach out to Hispanic voters, and there are many ways to do so — but we don’t do it by granting amnesty… we don’t do it by printing more and more signs, labels, and instructions in Spanish. We do it by showing that the American dream applies to all who will work, obey the law, and embrace American culture.”  He happens to be part Hispanic.

There is a very good discussion about immigration and what could happen in the United States if we don’t “manage” our immigration policy.  It uses “gumballs” to illustrate an eye opening example about the problems we could face.  Check it out:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/immigration-pol.html

This is the greatest country in the world for a reason…and everyone is welcome…that is who comes here for the American way of life.  However, that has to mean legal, planned, patriotic immigration, based on a rule of law and not amnesty…especially for the criminal elements and gang members that are here now.

Saul Anuzis

It’s the ONLY country in the world where people are willing to risk their lives in order to get in!  Think about that.

The Champions of American Freedom

The Architects of Chaos, Decline and Defeat

vs.

The Champions of American Freedom

Flashpoints, Vol. 1, No. 3

Prepared by the Republican House Policy Committee

United States Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter, Chair

110th Congress

The Heralds of Disorder

The Heralds of Disorder are the four simultaneous generational confrontations Americans must conquer: 

The social and economic upheavals of globalization;

A third world war against terrorism's abject evil;

The rise of communist China as a strategic threat and rival model of governance; and

Moral relativism's cancerous erosion of our nation's self-evident truths. 

This quartet of generational confrontations fomented over decades and, while they must be immediately addressed, cannot be immediately resolved.  These generational confrontations and their underlying symptoms unsettle the intuitive American people, whose anxiety is intensified by the fact these challenges erupted at "The End of History."  Distressed, some Americans wonder if our free republic's institutions remain viable; and all Americans demand these Heralds of Disorder be defeated and ordered liberty restored.       

Unforgivably, this dangerous age was not ordained.  Despite the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Republicans successfully promoted economic prosperity and protected homeland security.  But these accomplishments were eclipsed in Americans' minds by a dark foreboding of chaos spawned by escalating violence in Iraq; the doddering incompetence of FEMA after Hurricane Katrina; the bloating spending, bursting debt and expanding entitlements of the federal government; the spiking costs of health care, energy, and higher education; the surging influx of illegal immigration across the unsecured borders of our nation in a time of war; declining manufacturing jobs in the northeast and Midwest commonly attributed to the communist Chinese's predatory trading practices; and unfolding Congressional scandals involving criminal corruption and immorality.  Vexed, voters sought the restoration of ordered liberty in the 2006 elections.

Such was the "change" Americans sought and the Democrats proffered, when leftist candidates portrayed themselves as more conservative than has proven the case.  Nevertheless, a misled electorate counter-intuitively chose a liberal Congress to stem the Heralds of Disorder. 

This is impossible.  Presently, the federal government is too fat to function.  If the federal government is further engorged upon higher taxes and untethered to wallow about with its designer sweats stretched to the spandex limits of the Left's confiscatory phantasms, the American public will suffer and remember:  Big government can't manage chaos; big government is chaos.

Democrats:  The Architects of Chaos, Decline and Defeat

Unlike totalitarian nations who claim absolute order must precede their people's paltry snippets of liberty - which never occur - Republicans understand freedom's paradox:  liberty leads to order. 

Liberty unleashes Americans to establish the true roots of American order:  the voluntary and virtuous individual, familial, and communal associations which inspire and guide a free people conquering challenges.  Thus does the liberty of our people precede, promote, and preserve American order.

In contrast, big government suffocates liberty and order by smothering and severing citizens' voluntary bonds within mediating, non-governmental institutions; and, thereby, strangles our free people's individual and collective solutions to challenges.  To prove the point, think of the body politic as any other living organism.  When big government redistributes oxygen (i.e., liberty) amongst the body politic, one part of the body politic will have less oxygen and, like any appendage, will atrophy and die. 

As a result, the Democrats' aim to reduce sovereign Americans from the masters of their destiny into the serfs of governmental dependency will not mask, manage or master the Heralds of Disorder.  It will out Democrats as the Architects of Chaos, Decline and Defeat. 

Republicans:  The Champions of American Freedom

In this chosen moment, where the fate of our free republic weighs in the balance, the Heralds of Disorder and their Democratic minions again beckon the disciples of Lincoln and Reagan to the parapets of history. 

They will rue the day.

Republicans are the Champions of American Freedom.  The day we joined our party, we promised to serve America as the vanguard of her liberty; the sentinels of her sovereignty; the centurions of her security; the promoters of her prosperity; and the apostles of her self-evident truths.   

Now we must honor our promise by combating America's quartet of generational confrontations; vanquishing the Democratic Architects of Chaos, Decline and Defeat; and, with abject honesty, inspiring and serving the American people as, together, we conquer the Heralds of Disorder. 

And we will win!  Just as Republicans have ever done and shall ever do, we will honor and serve the sacred trust of the majestic American people who, in their virtuous genius, will transcend these chaotic times, restore ordered liberty, and strengthen our nation's revolutionary experiment in human freedom.

Contributing Republican House Policy Committee Members

Hon. Mike Burgess (TX)

Hon. Shelley Moore Capito (WV)

Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL)

Hon. Gresham Barrett (SC)                        

Hon. Virginia Foxx (NC)

Hon. Kenny Hulshof (MO)            

Hon. Dan Lungren (CA)

Hon. Thaddeus G. McCotter (MI)

Hon. Steve Pearce (NM)

Hon. Patrick Tiberi (OH)

Immigration Policy Discussion..."Gumballs"

Senate Hearing on Presidential Primary 2008 - Anuzis Testimony

Posthumus Joins Romney Campaign

FORMER LT. GOVERNOR DICK POSTHUMUS

TO SERVE AS HONORARY STATE CHAIRMAN FOR MICHIGAN

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former Lieutenant Governor Dick Posthumus will serve as Michigan's Honorary State Chairman of the Romney for President campaign. As Honorary Chair, Lt. Governor Posthumus will help lead statewide efforts to build Governor Romney's Michigan campaign.

Announcing the support of Lt. Governor Posthumus, Governor Romney said, "Dick Posthumus has served the State of Michigan for over twenty years with steadfast and principled leadership. He has fought for some of our most important conservative values – lower taxes, better schools and stronger families. His counsel will be very important to me, and I am gratified that he will be helping to lead our efforts in this critical primary state."

Lt. Governor Posthumus will join a Romney for President Michigan team that includes Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Dave Camp, Pete Hoekstra and Joe Knollenberg, and Michigan House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche.

With today's announcement, Lt. Governor Posthumus said, "As I surveyed the field of candidates, it was important to me that our party's standard-bearer be a strong, conservative leader who believes in the fundamental strength of the American people. After meeting with Governor Romney and carefully studying his record, I know he is the right candidate to lead our nation forward. Mitt Romney's real-world experience in turning around difficult situations is what America needs right now. I am confident that, as the American people get to know Mitt Romney, they will see a leader who doesn't just talk about a better future, but actually makes it happen."

Background On Former Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus:

Former Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus Has Been A Leader In Michigan For Over 20 Years. His career in government service began with his election to the State Senate in 1982. He was Michigan's longest serving Senate Majority Leader and was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1998. In 2002, he was the Republican nominee for Governor. His career was marked by major successes in lowering taxes for Michigan citizens, controlling government spending, improving our schools and standing up for the Michigan values that he holds dear. As a farmer and a sportsman, he also stands out as a leader on the issues that matter to Michigan farmers, hunters and fishermen. As a husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman and community leader, Lt. Governor Posthumus has pursued his ideal of making Michigan a better place to live, work and raise a family. He currently resides on his farm with his wife Pam and is CEO of Compatico, an office furniture manufacturer in Grand Rapids.

"They don't get any better than guys like Dick Posthumus."

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 6-27-07

MORNING UPDATE:

Lt. Governor Cherry “walks” on breaking the tie…Deal or No Deal???

Governor Granholm trying to “jam” through a tax increase for 2008.

TAXES vs REFORMS…the debate is on.  Democrats are pushing for more TAXES while Republicans are pushing for REFORMS.

We DON’T have to raise taxes…hold the line and balance the budget…not the wish list.

Immigration Bill gets a second wind in the Senate…Michigan Republican Congressman Pete Hoekstra introduces a Conference Resolution that says:

“Resolved, that the House Republican Conference disapproves of the Senate immigration bill.”

House GOP Conference voted 114 to 23 to reject the Senate's Amnesty Bill.

Big Labor’s Payback bill….

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/big-labor-payba.html

Union “Card Check” set for Senate action as a payoff to another Democrat special interests.  First CAFE sell out…now this?  Can we afford to have Democrats control Congress???  I hope folks are watching…and remember!  Senate Republicans stopped it.

Economist Walter Williams provides some great food for thought as we debate tax policy and governments role in redistributing wealth:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/food-for-though.html

Here is a positive story about a small business that is actually successful!  Congrats.

http://thenewsherald.com/stories/062007/aut_20070620008.shtml

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are already abandoning the “left” as they start appealing to Republicans for support.  Democrat’s leading candidates apparently need to run away from the San Francisco Democrats asap!  You’ve got to love it!

Red State has a post on “10 Defects” with the current immigration bill.  Here is some good information to help formulate questions to ask you members of Congress:

http://www.redstate.com/stories/featured_stories/top_10_defects_of_the_amnesty_bill

Pre-summer break is a dangerous time for the legislature (state & federal) to be in session!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Deal or No Deal?

What happened to the Democrats in yesterday’s Senate session?  At a 19-19 tie on the Senate bill to change the public employee healthcare system, Senator Mark Schauer took his vote off of the board, killing the bill-- without John Cherry having to take a position. 

So, was there a deal from the Gov's office, or wasn't there?  After the vote, John Cherry and Mark Schauer exchanged "heated" words, bystanders said. I wonder what that was about?  Either the Lt. Governor was a YES vote and the Senate Democrats sabotaged it, or he was a NO Vote, but didn't want to be on record as a NO after the Govorner sent her letter out saying that there was a deal on this issue...so deal, or no deal?

The Democrats were not even willing to pass some of the most basic and minimal reforms yesterday.  The Democrats played the worst partisan games one could imagine.

The Governor has some “great” spending programs…but the money is NOT there.  We can make some basic reforms, hold the line on spending and state employee raises and if needed, make some cuts in state government.  We DON’T need to raise taxes.

Talk about erratic behavior…someone needs to listen to some “leadership” tapes…or read her husbands “leadership” columns?

- The comprehensive “Immigration Bill” gets a second wind in the U.S. Senate.  Despite the lack of public support for “amnesty”, Democrats with some Republicans are trying to push through a bill full of problems, loopholes and long-term consequences.

Levin votes yes and is selling us out…again!  CAFE wasn’t bad enough?

Stabenow votes NO…thanks for listening to your constituents.

See what America thinks of the bill, only 22% support it:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/rasmussen-poll-.html

Check on the “cloture” vote in the Senate:

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00228

- Why is “Big Labor” afraid of giving their members the right to vote by a secret ballot?

This is little more than a “payback” to the “Big Labor” for their effort to finance Democrat congressional campaign last time around and will have devastating effects around the country.

Lucky for us, the Republicans in the U.S. Senate stopped this bill.  It does make a difference who is in charge.

When you hear of tactics like this, I’m not surprised folks are looking at how to make Michigan a Right to Work state and protect workers rights from being dictated by union bosses.

- MSNBC reports that Fortune Magazine has a story about Hillary Clinton's courtship of big business, including a Bush Ranger or two. And then remind those same lefty bloggers that in Barack Obama's first TV ads, he features a GOP state legislator (who has endorsed John McCain, by the way) talking about his ability to build consensus. Seriously, there are a lot of influential folks on the left who hate when Democrats look like they are reaching out to Republicans. It will be interesting if Edwards tries to capitalize on this. Then again, both Clinton and Obama need to prove electability, so the more their GOP courtships are reported, the better for each of them -- particularly Obama, who is counting on independents (and even some Republicans) to crossover (in both Iowa and New Hampshire in particular) and vote for him in the Dem primary or caucuses.
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/07/09/100121742/index.htm?postversion=2007062509 and http://iowa.barackobama.com/page/invite/juneiaads

The Republican who appears in Obama’s new ad (and who has endorsed McCain) tells the Chicago Tribune: “’Certainly I care what Republicans think, but Sen. Obama is a personal friend, someone I worked closely with on issues we’re both proud of. He’s my United States senator and I think his candidacy, whether he wins or loses, is good for Illinois and it’s good for the United States.’” http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama_tuesdayjun26,1,1411245.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

Michigan Liberal and Michigan “labor” should have a lot of fun with this one!!!

Saul Anuzis

Newt's Ad on the Immigration Bill

Big Labor Payback Bill.... A Must Watch Video

Food for Thought

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Liberals love to talk about this or that human right, such as a right to health care, food or housing. That's a perverse usage of the term 'right.' A right, such as a right to free speech, imposes no obligation on another, except that of non-interference. The so-called right to health care, food or housing, whether a person can afford it or not, is something entirely different. It does impose an obligation on another.

If one person has a right to something he didn't produce, simultaneously and of necessity it means that some other person does not have right to something he did produce. That's because, since there's no Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy, in order for government to give one American a dollar, it must, through intimidation, threats and coercion, confiscate that dollar from some other American. I'd like to hear the moral argument for taking what belongs to one person to give to another person."

---Walter Williams

Pete DuPont has a good idea on Immigration

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pdupont/?id=110010253

Security First
How to protect the borders while welcoming the immigrants America needs.

BY PETE DU PONT
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 12:01 a.m. EDT

The immigration bill may be back on the Senate floor this week, and the policies that are adopted will have a significant impact on the sovereignty, security, economic growth and opportunity of America in the coming decades.

America's modern immigration trend began in 1986 when President Reagan's bill granted amnesty to some three million illegal immigrants yet failed to improve border security. That amnesty sent a message to people across the border: If you slip into America you will be able to work and live here, and nothing negative will happen to you. Almost 20 years went by before any serious effort was undertaken to secure our borders, so that three million 1986 illegal immigrants have turned into 12 million today. About eight million people have entered the U.S. during the current Bush administration, half or more illegally, and according to the Washington Post, undocumented workers now make up "about 5 percent of all employees nationally."

The Secure Fence Act of 2006 authorized 750 miles of fence to be built along our border with Mexico, where almost all of our illegal immigrants enter--over 80% of them come from Mexico and Latin American countries--but only about 150 miles of that border fence will have been built by the end of this year.

With this growing influx of illegal entrants into America, there are five essential actions the Senate should take next week:

First, secure the Mexican border so that America is closed to illegal immigration. Controlling our borders is essential to our national security. The additional 600 miles of border fencing authorized by the 2006 law must immediately be built; and we must add surveillance technology and more border security agents to our entire southern border. President Bush has agreed to add an upfront $4.4 billion to the bill to strengthen border security, enforce our immigration law, and prosecute employers who hire illegal workers--a good first step to solve our illegal immigration problems.

Second, make sure the bill contains the provisions of the Isakson Rule (proposed by Sen. Johnny Isakson, R., Ga.) that no other immigration reform programs can be implemented until the border is secure.

Third, once the border has been secured, require tamper-proof ID cards of all immigrants. Today there are no such cards, and verifiable identification is essential to both immigration policy and national security. We must know who is entering our country and what their background is.

Fourth, identify the skills required for the jobs immigrants need to fill, so that immigration policy will reflect America's economic needs. The Senate bill contains a merit-based system for evaluating immigration applicants. It encourages higher education, those skilled in specialist occupations (including scientists, engineers and technicians) and people who have previously worked in America and speak English. Working skills should be the focus of our immigration policy, so we must move from the current "chain migration" policy which gives preference to extended families of current immigrants--like sisters, cousins, uncles, and grandparents, to one that admits the skilled working people we need. Sen. Barack Obama tried to sunset this merit program after five years, and fortunately his attempt was defeated.

Fifth, get rid of the existing "visa lottery" that randomly selects 50,000 immigrants from the application list each year. An effective immigration policy isn't based on gambling.

These are the essential elements of any immigration policy, and all must must be enacted to have both a secure America and enough guest workers for a prosperous society. Passage of them would greatly improve our immigration system, our economy, and the quality of our workforce.

Then comes the difficult question of what to do about the aforementioned 12 million undocumented aliens who are in the country already. Sen. Ted Kennedy proposes allowing them to stay indefinitely and pursue citizenship. They would have to apply for a Z visa (temporary legal status) by admitting they have broken the law, pay an initial $1,000 fine, and submit to a background check. They would still not then eligible for welfare benefits or food stamps, and if they wanted a green card and permanent legal status, they would have to pay an additional $4,000 fine, learn English, and then return to their home countries to file for it. The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that some 15% to 20% of the 12 million illegal immigrants in America have criminal records and would be ineligible for Z visas or green cards.

Granting blanket amnesty to the 12 million illegal immigrants would be abandoning the rule of law, and deporting them would be difficult and chaotic. So a serious, enforceable visa plan makes sense.

America's illegal immigrant admission has accelerated over time. Congress and President Reagan granted amnesty to three million illegal aliens in 1986; and the current President Bush wants to legalize another 12 million now, which sends an arithmetic signal to other immigrants who want to slip into America that 20 years from now whoever is president will perhaps grant amnesty to 48 million illegal immigrants.

We do need to secure our borders, issue legal ID cards to immigrants, and admit people skilled in the jobs we need to fill. But experience shows that our government lacks the political will to enforce such an immigration policy. Georgia state employee Reagan W. Dean was recently quoted in the New York Times: "Maybe it is possible to secure the border. Maybe it is possible to establish an employee identification system. But I don't have any confidence it will be done."

Many Americans agree with him, so a serious and substantive bill that would restore the people's confidence is the Senate's task this week.

Mr. du Pont, a former governor of Delaware, is chairman of the Dallas-based National Center for Policy Analysis. His column appears once a month.

Articles of Interest 6-26-07

MORNING UPDATE:

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson did a great job yesterday in Detroit for the Michigan Republicans and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

TAXES vs REFORMS…the debate is on.  Democrats are pushing for more TAXES while Republicans are pushing for REFORMS.

Union “Card Check” set for Senate action as a payoff to another Democrat special interests.  First CAFE sell out…now this?  Can we afford to have Democrats control Congress???  I hope folks are watching…and remember!

And you wonder why folks are talking about Right to Work?

John Edwards on unions?  The rhetoric doesn’t match reality…he should visit Michigan and see why we are in a single state recession…and he wants to be President?

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/john-edwards-ta.html

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Liberals love to talk about this or that human right, such as a right to health care, food or housing. That's a perverse usage of the term 'right.' A right, such as a right to free speech, imposes no obligation on another, except that of non-interference. The so-called right to health care, food or housing, whether a person can afford it or not, is something entirely different. It does impose an obligation on another. If one person has a right to something he didn't produce, simultaneously and of necessity it means that some other person does not have right to something he did produce. That's because, since there's no Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy, in order for government to give one American a dollar, it must, through intimidation, threats and coercion, confiscate that dollar from some other American. I'd like to hear the moral argument for taking what belongs to one person to give to another person." ---Walter Williams

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson was our guest of honor at our POWER roundtable at the DAC in Detroit.  The Senator gave us a legislative update and then answered questions from the group.  State GOP Co-Chair Jane Abraham arranged for the Senator to spend an hour and take some pictures with our POWER group before the NRSC event over lunch.  It served as a great networking opportunity and everyone enjoyed meeting a great leader who happened to have voted with Michigan against unrealistic CAFE standards!

Senator Hutchinson later hosted a luncheon for the NRSC as they prepare to go into 2008 with the hopes of wrestling control from the Democrats of the U.S. Senate.  Mark & Claudia Valente along with Spence and Jane Abraham put together the luncheon for the NRSC and got commitments for several other events for swing Senate seats in 2008.

Texas is booming and I couldn’t help but wonder what Michigan might look like if we have Republican leadership like her representing us…just a little wishful thinking!

- TAXES vs REFORMS.  Budget and tax talks to continue all week.  As details emerge on the Governor’s SBT replacement, Republicans are attempting to “smooth” out some of the inequities and deal with some of the “unintended” consequences that are coming to light as the details of the plan emerge.

Revenue estimates from reviewing various models are showing there were “much more” than the Democrat’s “revenue neutral” proposal.  Adjustments are in the works.

Republicans are analyzing what kinds of reforms and costs savings can be realized throughout state government.  A number of very interesting and encouraging proposals are being discussed.

Taxpayers deserve NO less.  The legislature should analyze how our dollars are being spent and how they can be spent more effectively.

Overall spending and general fund spending should be frozen FIRST.  Then we analyze the reforms that are necessary and then reprioritize the savings to adjust the state budget.

Michigan is NOT under taxed.

- The Senate is scheduled to begin a bill called the "Employee Free Choice Act" .

The plan called the "Employee Free Choice Act" which gives employees the kind of "choice" favored by Tony Soprano -- the kind you can't refuse.

A vote could come as early as today. Let's make sure that vote is a vote to defeat union strong-arm tactics and to defend American workers. Call Senators Levin and Stabenow and tell him or her to oppose the Employee Free Choice Act. Let the Senate know that everyone else may have forgotten about this big labor payback act, but we're still paying attention.

Saul Anuzis

Rasmussen Poll on Immigration

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/just_22_favor_stalled_immigration_bill

Just 22% Favor Stalled Immigration Bill

Monday, June 25, 2007

As the Senate prepares to resume debate the “comprehensive” immigration reform bill, the legislation continues to face broad public opposition. In fact, despite a massive White House effort, public opinion has barely moved since the public uproar stalled the bill just over two weeks ago.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that just 22% of American voters currently favor the legislation. That’s down a point from 23% a couple of weeks ago and down from 26% when the debate in the Senate began. Fifty percent (50%) oppose the Senate bill while 28% are not sure.

Among the public, there is a bi-partisan lack of enthusiasm for the Senate bill. It is supported by 22% of Republicans, 23% of Democrats, and 22% of those not affiliated with either major party. It is opposed by 52% of Republicans, 50% of Democrats, and 48% of unaffiliateds.

From an ideological perspective, the bill is opposed by 59% of conservatives, 54% of liberals, and 45% of political moderates. Among those for whom none of the traditional ideological labels apply, just 20% are opposed.

Support is found from 20% of conservatives, 32% of liberals, and 18% of moderates.

Just 32% believe it would be better to pass the current bill instead of doing nothing. Forty-five percent (45%) believe it would be better to pass nothing at all.

If the current bill passed, 71% of American voters believe that another bill would be required to focus on securing the border and reducing illegal immigration. That’s up from 65% in our previous survey.

Rasmussen Reports and other firms have consistently found majority support for a hypothetical bill combining border security and legalized status for the 12 million or so illegal aliens already in the country. However, the data has also shown a huge gap between support for the actual legislation and a hypothetical bill. The reason for the gap is simple—reducing illegal immigration is the first priority for voters but only 16% believe the Senate bill would reduce illegal immigration. In fact, 41% believe the Senate bill would make things worse and lead to even more illegal immigration.

Rasmussen Reports was the first polling firm to document the broad public opposition to the Senate bill. Since then, the findings have been confirmed by and NBC/Wall Street Journal survey and by the Democratic polling firm Greenberg Quinlan. Even polls touted by supporters of the legislation showed a strong desire for more serious enforcement measures. A CBS News/New York Times survey, found that 69% of Americans want illegal aliens prosecuted and deported.

Just 15% of voters say that President Bush is doing a good or an excellent job on the immigration issue. That’s even lower than his ratings on Iraq. Senator John McCain, a man visibly and vocally identified with the Senate bill, has seen his poll numbers collapse across the board. The man once considered the dominant frontrunner for the GOP nomination is now a distant third in the polls and struggling to stay in double digits. Over the past month, McCain has lost a net ten points to Hillary Clinton in general election match-ups and just 16% of all voters say they would definitely vote for McCain if he is on the 2008 ballot.

Earlier surveys have shown that 72% of voters consider increasing border security and reducing illegal immigration to be Very Important. Just 29% say the same about legalizing the status of illegal aliens.

John Edwards talking to "organized labor"...making the U.S. like Michigan?

International Association of Machinists District 751 in Seattle was the backdrop for Machinists and other union members to talk openly with presidential candidate John Edwards about the issues that matter to the middle class and his plan to help organized labor.

Articles of Interest 6-25-07

MORNING UPDATE:

TAXES…REFORM first!  The Senate and House Republicans are pushing the Governor and Democrats to reform first before we just raise taxes…we are NOT under taxed.

Get ready for the Governor’s political rhetoric…schools, police & Tigers!?!

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/06/granholm-prepar.html

CAFE…Congress should set standard to match the average of their own driving.  The hypocrisy of all the SUV and gas guzzling car drivers is amazing?!?

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson in town Monday for a POWER event.  More below.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Michigan is NOT under taxed.  If you combine the personal and business taxes paid in Michigan, we are one of the higher taxed states in the country.  This is a problem.

There is well over $1 BILLION we could save by making reforms, requiring competitive bidding, cutting certain programs and privatizing others.  Why should WE the TAXPAYERS pay for inefficient government, special interest deals and Democrat’s constituency pay offs.

NO RUSH on 2008.  Once the SBT replacement is done, lets take our time and study how state government can be reformed FIRST, before we allow the Governor and Democrats to jam any TAX HIKES through the legislature.

The fiscal year doesn’t start until October 1….we have time to do this right.

SLOW DOWN…Michigan can’t afford to just keep being TAXED into oblivion.  The Democrats will NOT successfully tax Michigan out of our single state recession.

The Senate passed CAFE standards that will cost the auto industry BILLIONS and hurt Michigan workers and retirees.  Now it goes to the House.

Remember…the House and Senate are controlled by the Democrats.  And our Democrats have not done much to stop this bill.   Levin could have filibustered this bill.  Now we need to see what Dingell, Stupak and other Democrats can do with their friends.

The hypocrisy is inconceivable.  The Democrats are trying to pander to the San Francisco liberal and environmental extremists who are trying to “punish” the auto industry. 
They drive SUVs and other gas guzzling cars. Wouldn’t it be funny to check the average fuel mileage by cars driven by those who voted for CAFE.  They should set the standards based on the average of the cars they drive…lead by example, not political rhetoric.

Do the Democrats want to outlaw boats next?  Maybe dirt bikes and RVs?  Snowmobiles?  How much more can the Democrats do to beat up on middle America…that’s why we have “Reagan Democrats”.

- POWER Political Briefing with Senator Hutchinson…Please join Jane Abraham for a POWER Political Briefing with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson on Monday, June 25, 2007 at the Detroit Athletic Club. 

Current POWER members receive complimentary invitations to the event.  If you are not a member and would like to join POWER and attend the event, please contact Michelle Rudoni at 517-487-5413 or email her at michelle@migop.org.  Membership is $1,000 annually and can be paid in one lump sum or in quarterly installments.

Saul Anuzis