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

January 15th A Done Deal!!!

The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement:

Michigan Democratic Party Statement on January 15th Primary

“The leadership of the Michigan Democratic Party today announced their intention to comply with the new state law establishing a January 15, 2008 presidential primary, and to select their delegates to the Democratic National Convention on that day.”

“Michigan Democrats are taking this step in direct response to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s statement of intent on August 9th, supported by the Democratic leadership of New Hampshire, to hold the New Hampshire primary before January 19, 2008, in direct violation of the DNC Rules that state that New Hampshire’s delegates cannot be selected at a primary held earlier than January 22, 2008.”

“Michigan Democrats believe that no state should enjoy a privileged position every four years in selecting our party’s presidential nominee. New Hampshire’s stated intent to move their primary before January 19th, in direct violation of the DNC rules, is an effort to perpetuate their self-appointed privileged position.  That makes the delegate selection process in other states, including Michigan, less meaningful, and results in the candidates paying less attention to the issues that are important to Michigan and other states.”

It looks like both the Republicans and Democrats are now on the same page!

Articles of Interest 8-31-07

434 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Presidential primary set for January 15, 2008!!!

See my “vblog” about the presidential primary bill: http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/08/house-approves-.html

Race for National Committeeman on…anonymous attack pieces are NOT helpful or fair in this process.

Budget process “on hold” by the Democrats…no solutions, no proposals…no leadership?

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- The House of Representatives today passed the “deal” for the presidential primary to be scheduled on January 15th of 2008.  Minutes after final passage, the State Senate voted unanimously to concur in that vote and granted the bill immediate effect.  The Governor has said she will sign the bill when it gets to her desk!

Republicans have said all along that holding a presidential primary on February 5th or earlier is in the best interest of the state of Michigan. It ensures maximum participation by Republican activists and supporters. Although going on January 15th is not our first choice, we will join with the Democrats and hold our primary on the same day. This puts Michigan front and center in the presidential battle ground.

Republicans agreed to back a Jan. 15 primary if Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon propose legislation to hold the primary on that date.  Legislative leaders finally worked out a consensus bill that addressed some of the technical issues raise by the DNC rules and proposed a substitute for final passage.

The reality is February 5th was NOT an option for us anymore…legislative leaders and Democrats were determined to move the date earlier to challenge Iowa and New Hampshire.  We agreed to go along and make the best of the situation…now an opportunity.

An early date in January will make sure presidential candidates from both parties come to Michigan and learn about the unique situations, problems and challenges facing our state.  Presidential candidates will develop closer relationships with our political leaders, eventually giving us greater clout in who’s ever candidate wins.  And a state run primary will insure the maximum participation from the citizens of Michigan in both parties.

Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer continues to “spin” his line that this is “only” an option.  I am surprised that he is bucking his entire leadership team and legislative leadership in favor of his presidential candidate John Edwards interests.  I would think that grassroots Democrats and partisans from other camps will soon get fed up with his gamesmanship, but Democrat leaders I talked to today indicate he is a “lone wolf” in what appears to be bigger and bigger desert?  It makes our party battles look tame J

Thanks again to everyone for their hard work.

- The race for National Committeeman continues in full swing.  Candidates have started calling party leaders statewide to make their case for their candidacies.  From all the conversations I have had, things overall are going well.  The discussions are frank, open and constructive.

However, the first “hit piece” was emailed out today against one of our candidates…and with the promise of more to come.  This is NOT helpful.  This does NOT serve the party or the process well. 

Like all of us, each candidate will have their strengths and weaknesses.  Each will have a record or something that will either be positive or not so positive from each of our own perspective.  However, if you can’t put your name behind a statement, back it up with facts and proof…it’s NOT worth saying nor is it worth considering.

I would encourage everyone to “keep it clean”…run on your record and the issues at hand.  Make you case and don’t accept any anonymous hit pieces or innuendos as anything worth reading or considering.

Our party deserves better…our candidate deserve better.

- Frustration continues to grow as the Democrat Governor and the Democrat majority in the House of Representatives have NOT offered any possible solutions or specific proposals for how to balance the budget or fund all the programs they would like to expand.

The Democrats are once again forcing state government to the verge of a shut down.  The Democrats have NO plan and NO leadership….then blame the Republican legislators for not doing the Democrat majorities work and responsibility.

Democrat Speaker Dillon and his cohorts have passed budget busting bills with NO proposals or way to pay for any of them.  The Governor has said she would like to “raise taxes”, but with no specifics and no legislation.  If the Democrats can’t put their act together to raise revenues, why do they expect the Republicans to come up with revenue enhancement or reforms that the Democrats have said they will NOT support.

The Republicans have offered reforms and costs saving proposals that continue to be rejected by the Democrats and this Governor.

The public needs to put pressure on the Democrat leaders and the Governor to act.  Their ability to play politics with this process and blame the minority for their lack of action is not only irresponsible, but our friend in the press seems to let them get away with it?

The Democrats don’t want reforms.

The Democrats don’t want to live within our means.

And the Democrats will NOT propose a solution or tax increase they say the want?

The Democrats are failing the people of Michigan and it’s time they stand up and take some responsibility.

Saul Anuzis

House Approves January 15 Presidential Primary

Chairman Anuzis discusses the Michigan legislature's approval of a joint, state-run, January 15 Presidential Primary in Michigan.

Articles of Interest 8-30-07

435 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Presidential primary bill scheduled to move in the House today.

MSU College Republicans hold their first meeting…I made it!

RNC National Committeeman race is on, many to challenge Chuck Yob.

Latest GOP Bloggers Poll online…check it out below.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- It appears a bi-partisan consensus has been forged by legislative leaders and the Governor’s office to move forward with a January 15th primary.

The House is expected to discharge the bill from committee and pass it with overwhelming numbers.

Michigan will be hold one of the FIRST in the nation primaries!!!

Thanks again to all for their work and support.

- Michigan State University CR’s held their first meeting last evening at the Union.  A group of motivated and committed college Republicans gathered to talk about how to make a difference.

I was particularly proud that my oldest son, now a freshman at MSU, will be one of the new members of the MSU CR’s.

- The phones and emails were “burning up” the wires over the last few days.  Several potential challengers have emerged and others are “testing the waters”.

I have talked to most who are interested and all have said they are trying to determine whether or not they can get the support to run.  They all said they are running “for” the position, not against someone or something.  That’s the right way to approach this.

So far, possible candidates include former Oakland County Chairman Paul Welday, Ingham County Chairman Norm Shinkle, former U.S. Senate candidate Rocky Raczkowski and other possible names that have been mentioned include former 7th District Chairman Mike Troutman, former State Party Chairman Rusty Hills and a few others are thinking about it.

I have asked everyone to make their case…keep it civil…and use this as an opportunity to fire up the party for the future…not tear it apart.

- The GOP Bloggers' twelfth 2008 Straw Poll is out.

Like thelast poll, you get to pick which candidates you find acceptable and which ones you don't and it will tally who has the largest net positive or net negative support, and you can choose which candidate is your first choice for the GOP nomination in 2008... You can indicate what state you are in, your gender and your age bracket. You may also indicate how many hours a week you spend reading blogs, and how committed you are to your first choice for president in 2008.

Visit the following link to vote:

http://www.gopbloggers.org/mt/archives/005053.php

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-29-07

436 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

January 15th presidential primary vote is expected in the House Thurdsay.

Race for National Committeeman is on…at least 3 possible candidates are considering running against Chuck Yob.

The World’s Smallest Political Quiz…interesting, clearly simplistic, yet thought provoking perspective & self analysis:
http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

Clinton, learning from Edwards, who got financed by Feiger…oh my!!!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118826947048110677.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Consensus is growing around a January 15th date for the presidential primary in Michigan.  Legislative leaders have negotiated the technical amendments to the Senate passed version and our lawyers have signed off on the language…so we’re OK.

I have been on the phone all day yesterday and today we will be working with House members to insure a bi-partisan vote in favor of the newly amended bill.

Our State Committee unanimously voted on a set of rules to govern the delegate selection process for January 15th and we are confident this will be a great opportunity for Michigan.  Our activists, voters and leadership will have a unique opportunity to get to know the next president of the United States, regardless of what party, and make sure the candidates get to know Michigan.

Call your member of the House of Representatives and encourage them to vote YES for the presidential primary bill.

- Wow, how quickly we jumped into the next party race.  The National Committeeman seat will be up at the February convention next year.

Today, Chuck Yob announced his intention to run for re-election as National Committeeman. 

Within hours Ingham County Chairman Norm Shinkle and former Oakland County Chairman Paul Welday sent out emails asking folks to “keep their powder dry”.  Later last night I received several calls from folks that U.S. Senate candidate Rocky Raczkowski was considering entering the race as well.

Rumors have also emerged about possible challenges to National Committeewoman Holly Hughes, but not have seemed to materialize into anything more than names being thrown out at this time.

Websites already have an on-line poll out, judging the temperature out there.
http://bconservatives.blogspot.com/

My suggestion to all…as someone who has gone through two races for Chairman, listen to the candidates, judge their record and performance, keep the discussion civil and respectful and may the best person for the job win.

- I took the The World’s Smallest Political Quiz distributed by the Advocates for Self Government…obviously a libertarian leaning organization.

The Quiz was a very quick and simple approach to look at where you stand on the political spectrum in a different way.  What I liked about the Quiz is that it goes beyond the simple “left vs right” comparison of where folks fall on the political spectrum.

It uses the Nolan Graph, designed by a political scientist that argues the political spectrum should be measured on a x & y matrix…with a very interesting approach to suggesting where you political leanings could be.

Different question would obviously push you around the chart…I was rated as a conservative-libertarian…but as I look at the questions, it would have been easy to find myself all over the “conservative-libertarian” part of the chart…but I found it very thought provoking.

It is simplistic, the questions are very broad, but it is an interesting approach that I would encourage you to check out.

Go to:  http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-28-07

ORNING UPDATE:

Mayor Rudy Giuliani in town for his presidential bid…and catches the Tigers play the Yankees.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigns…thank you for your service to our country.
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/08/attorney-genera.html

Tax Hike Gambit a bad deal…Live within our means…Reform state government…Make Michigan competitive.

TODAY: Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer and I, live on talk radio’s “The Big Show” with Michael Patrick Shiels every Tuesday morning…more info below.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- I joined Rudy Giuliani and a group of his supporters for a fundraising dinner and then the Tigers game afterwards last night. The Mayor continued his campaign for president in Michigan and delivered an upbeat message of hope and opportunity.

With Michigan moving up it’s primary, this will be an important state for Rudy and the polling numbers show him to be very competitive at this point.

- The resignation of Attorney Alberto Gonzales was politically the right thing to do…and the right thing to do for our country.

I think he made some mistakes, primarily political ones.  But he served our country and president well.

The Attorney General has become a political distraction for the Administration and a political whipping boy for the Democrats…resigning takes away one more lighting rod for the Democrats.  No Rove…no Gonzales…who will the Dems pick on next?

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/08/attorney-genera.html

- I can think of nothing more detrimental to Republican prospects in the 2008 election than supporting an increase in Michigan's personal income tax. Except, maybe, if that tax increase is tied to an expansion of casino gambling.

Yet that is exactly the option Michigan House Democrats are dangling in front of Republicans who control the state Senate. They are trying to entice a few GOP senators to go along with a "temporary" increase in the state income tax by agreeing to repeal it should Michigan voters approve an expansion of casino gambling at horse tracks.
Given the thrashing voters gave a similar casino expansion plan in 2004, the odds of a different outcome next year are pinched tightly between slim and none.

Still, this gambit by House Democrats is a siren song designed to lull the GOP into the rocks of Election Day defeat. Republicans in the Michigan Legislature should avoid this latest hair-brained scheme and take the opportunity to finally force state government to live within its means. If working families can make the hard decisions required to tighten the belt, Lansing can, too.

Thankfully, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop reiterated last week that the Republican caucus' intention to balance Michigan's budget without a general tax increase.

Make no mistake; there has never been a "temporary" tax of any kind that went away on its own. Once ensconced in statute, this tax increase will live on in perpetuity, or at least until Michigan once again has a Republican governor with sense enough to know that more tax revenue is created by letting 9.5 million people decide how to spend their own money than by turning over that task to the government.

Resist spending tantrums.

For months, every agency bellied up the public trough has been to Lansing predicting an end to civilization unless there is an increase in funding. Just like the teenager throwing a tantrum for a new pair of designer jeans, these public rent-seekers have been turning up the volume to drown out the more measured and prudent call for fiscal restraint. They will settle for nothing less than more of our money.

It is time for Republicans in Lansing to stiffen their resolve and send these spoiled children to their rooms until they learn to behave.

The drumbeat for a tax increase is deafening, and many good, fiscally conservative lawmakers are starting to march along to it. That's unfortunate, and it won't bode well for Republican chances next year. Voters will rightly question whether we've abandoned our principles.

The ill winds that blew last November, changing the balance of power in Washington and Lansing, are blowing again. Republicans rose to prominence in the 1990s -- nationally and here in Michigan -- with a pledge to fight for beliefs and values that matter to families, and to be, most of all, a party of change and innovation.

Supporting a tax increase is a bit like playing Russian roulette. The fact that Democrats are promising to eliminate such a tax increase if voters approve an expansion of gambling only adds one more bullet to the revolver.

If that's the best solution Democrats can come up with, Republican shouldn't give them the votes to accomplish it. Michigan voters will remember when the elections roll around.

- Listen to our weekly debate/discussion between Democrat State Chairman Mark Brewer and myself every Tuesday morning, between 9:05am - 10:00am, as we discuss the issues of the day.

The show is available live on-line at www.wjimam.com , and you can listen to it live at the stations listed below.

Saul Anuzis

Attorney General Gonzales Resigns

A good man who got caught up in the political process resigns.

I think he's doing the right thing for the country and the president, because he has become such a controversial figure and distraction for the Adminstration.

It's too bad that the Democrats continue to enjoy the politics of personal destruction.  But I'm glad people like Alberto Gonzales are willing to put their country first...and do the right thing under these circumstances.

We wish Attorney General Gonzales all the best and thank him for his service to our country.

Articles of Interest 8-27-07

438 Days until election day.

Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer and I, live on talk radio’s “The Big Show” with Michael Patrick Shiels every Tuesday morning…more info below.

After a long march on the 2008 process…I managed to catch my youngest son’s first football game with the Lansing Catholic Jr. Cougars!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Listen to our weekly debate/discussion between Democrat State Chairman Mark Brewer and myself every Tuesday morning, between 9:05am - 10:00am, as we discuss the issues of the day.

The show is  available live on-line at www.wjimam.com , and you can listen to it live at the stations listed below.

"The Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels" on the Michigan Talk Network:

WJIM 1240 Lansing
WJNL 1210 Traverse City
WTRX 1330 Flint/Saginaw
WMMI 830 Mt Pleasant
WKMI 1360 Kalamazoo
WSCG 1380 Greenville
WBCH 1220 Hastings
WODJ 1490 Muskegon
WWKK 750 Petoskey
WJML 1110 Petoskey
WDJM 1320 Marquette
WIAN 1240 Ishpeming

Past shows are recorded posted on our website at www.migop.org .

- Even when all this political stuff seems to wrap us up…we need to remember what we are ultimately doing all this working for.  Here’s a short family update, for those who asked.

My oldest son Matas, moved out and is starting his freshman year at Michigan State University.  As expected, we “think” he’s doing well, we’re sure we’ll hear from him soon?!?  Mom is waiting for a call J

Tadas, our junior at Lansing Catholic Central, he started in his first game on the Cougar’s football team Friday night (defensive end, slot and kick off return).  While I missed the game due to our “pizza and politics” event and the rules process, they won and he said he had a “good” game, almost scoring a touch down.  Our sophomore Vytis, played in his first tennis match for LCC and won that!  Mom’s favorite sport, so she’s very happy…and yeh, I missed that one as well due to our policy/rules process.

Yesterday, I was able to attend my youngest son Marius first football game, as a member of the Jr. Cougars.  He starts the 6th grade at Resurrection. The were defeated by Grand Ledge…on a great football Sunday afternoon.

As for mom, she’s hanging in there, holding down the fort and carrying all the water on the home front as I run around the state.  We watched a moving “together” Saturday as I sent and returned emails on my laptop.  You guess it, I was in trouble of that one!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-26-07

439 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Michigan Republicans unanimously approved early Presidential Primary rules and procedures.

Democrat National Committee slaps Florida Democrats…toss-up or “anti-Democrat…a great opportunity

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THE REST OF THE STORY:

Thanks again to all the State Committee and County Chairs who worked so hard to set up our 2008 process and allow use to come out of the State Committee meeting united and ready for victory!

I appreciate everyone's hard work, patience, willingness to compromise and come to a general consensus.  I understand some may not be completely satisfied, but the system worked because all of you made it work.

We agreed to disagree on certain points...but lets keep in mind our end goal is to elect Republicans....and lets start focusing our energies on them...not one another.

The Michigan Republican State Committee of the Michigan Republican Party, during its quarterly meeting held in Lansing, unanimously approved a Jan. 15, 2008, state-run presidential primary and its corresponding rules.

We unanimously support a state-run primary. We are united. Moving up the primary will make Michigan the first major industrial state to hold a presidential primary and will give our voters a chance to educate the next president of the United States about Michigan and its specific issues. Republicans and Democrats agree that Michigan must move up its primary in order to be relevant in the presidential selection process.

In addition to affirming its preference for a state-run presidential primary, the Michigan Republican State Committee also established rules to apportion delegates to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Specific action by the committee decided today included:

· Affirming its support for a semi-open/semi-close presidential. The exact date currently being negotiated between legislative leaders and Governor Granholm;
· Apportioning delegates by winner-take-all by Congressional Districts and at-large delegates by a percentage of the raw vote for presidential candidates;
· Adopting, unanimously, the rules that will govern the Republican convention that will follow that primary, where delegates will be apportioned; and,
· Ratifying a contingency plan in the event a state-run primary is not held. If such a circumstance was to occur, a Republican state convention will be held on Jan. 25-26, 2008. The state committee also unanimously approved rules to govern the process for such a convention.

On Wednesday, the Michigan Senate passed legislation setting Jan. 15, 2008, as the state for a joint Republican and Democrat presidential convention. The state House of Representatives currently will be considering the legislation next week.

We encourage everyone who supports this process to call your State Representative, Republican or Democrat, and encourage them to vote for the Presidential Primary.

-The Democratic National Committee voted to take away 100% off all the delegates from Florida to the their National Convention.  Wow…could we be so lucky?

RNC rules say if you go early, states could lose 50% of their delegate.  Very few believe that will happen - unless there is a brokered convention that such sanctions would actually stand.

However, the Democrats at the DNC just went wild this weekend.  Could you imagine if the DNC said the same thing to Michigan….please slap the Democrats around.  All “The Mayor” has to do…and maybe the Governor is “sit on their hands”.  Disenfranchise the Democrat base and Michigan tilts our way.

I’m sure the Florida Democrats will fight back as well.  Could you imagine some of their top constituent groups or leadership saying the same thing?  You poke a stick in our eye, we’ll poke back!

As with both Republicans and Democrats, ultimately the nominees will want to unite the parties behind their candidacy and go into November 2008 with one voice…seating everybody.

It’s the system that has encouraged this “leap-frogging” ahead.   The system is broken and there is every incentive to “violate” these rules.  If you attempt to live within the rules, which I believe most start out planning to do you risk being irrelevant on the national scene.

So we have to make a choice.  The Michigan Democrats announced early that they would challenge the “system”.  We announced early that we preferred to go on February 5th, but would follow the Democrats if “we have to” because we prefer to hold a primary.

Everyone is talking about “reform”.  We’ll see.  But we have decided to go with the Democrats, and in a bi-partisan effort, to hold an early primary to make Michigan relevant.  Let’s see if the Democrats really over-play their hand and give us a unique opportunity as they disenfranchise their party loyalist and grassroots troops!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interst 8-25-07

440 Days until election day.


Because of my full schedule this morning resulting from today's State Committee meeting on the Michigan Republican Presidential Primary rules, there will not be a commentary today.  A commentary, including a full summary of the events of today’s meeting will be sent out in tomorrow’s edition of the Articles of Interest.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-24-07

441 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE

House Democrats continue to defy logic…and common sense…try to expand casino gambling with threat of permanent tax increase.

Liberal Mark Schauer…He’s in…No, he’s out….Wait a minute, he’s definitely…umm…in…Either way he way too liberal for the 7th Congressional District and just plan wrong for Michigan.

House Dem pay back huge campaign ‘debt’ to Stryker…oppose efforts to end same-sex partner befits at public universities…talk about a sharp stick in the eye of the Michigan Constitution…and too boot, hey, how about in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

Michigan drawing national attention on Prez Primary…Mackinac Conference draws ALL presidential contenders…Dem Party Chair Brewer ducking for cover???

Question: What do you do when the state’s School Aid Fund?…If you are House Democrats, the answer is to spend about a half billion dollars.

I represented Michigan tonight at the RNC Midwest Leadership Conference opening dinner in Indianapolis…still managed to make the conference call from here!

State Committee meets this weekend to finalize our rules for the 2008 presidential Primary….we’re ready to go.

THE REST OF THE STORY

-If you haven’t heard of the latest from Lansing, you’re going to love this.  House Democrats want to raise your income tax….yeah, that’s old news, you say.  But there’s a catch. They want to put a ballot measure on the November ’08 ballot to expand casino gambling to horse tracks. If it passes, the tax increase goes away.

Here’s a sneak peak at on On-Ed I am working on for the Detroit News:

“I can think of nothing more detrimental to Republican prospects in the 2008 election than supporting an increase in the personal income tax. Except, maybe, if that tax increase is tied to an expansion of casino gambling…

“Make no mistake; there has never been a ‘temporary’ tax of any kind that went away on its own.  Once ensconced in statute, this tax increase will live on in perpetuity, or at least until Michigan once again has a Republican governor with sense enough to know that more tax revenue is created by letting nine-and-a-half million people spend their own money than by turning over that task to the government.”

- Breaking his word that he would not run, liberal congressional candidate Mark Schauer announced that he’ll be challenging Congressman Tim Walberg in 2008.  Schauer is squarely on the wrong side of one of the most important domestic issues facing our country today, and is clearly the wrong person to represent the people of Michigan’s 7th Congressional Delegation.

As a state representative, Schauer established his far-left record by voting against a resolution that would require a person to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to apply for a Michigan state driver’s license. The common-sense legislation he voted against would have authorized the Michigan Secretary of State to report any individual whose application contains information that he or she was in the country illegally.

Let’s start with the fact that Mark Schaurer’s first act as a liberal congressional candidate is to break his word to the people of Michigan’s 7th Congressional District that he would not run. Add to that his opposition to the law to keep illegal aliens from getting a Michigan driver’s license and what you have is an extreme liberal who is out of step with the hard-working people of the 7th Congressional District.

For more information on Schauer’s vote please visit:  http://www.michiganvotes.org/2001-HB-5497
Congressman Tim Walberg has shown a commitment in the U.S. House to fighting illegal immigration and protecting our nation’s borders and he has a record to prove it.

n      Walberg voted to fully fund the construction of a border fence as mandated by Congress (House Roll Call 490)
n      Walberg voted against allowing illegal immigrants to form unions (House Roll Call 117)
n      Walberg voted to prohibit taxpayer funding for cities that harbor illegal immigrants or "sanctuary sites" (House Roll Call 485)
n      Walberg voted for a measure to provide funding to assist state and local governments in removing illegal immigrants (House Roll Call 469)
n      Walberg voted to increase funding for border security (House Roll Call 471) Walberg voted against giving illegal immigrants government healthcare benefits under SCHIP that will be paid for by benefit cuts for America’s seniors and tax increases on hard working Americans. (Roll Call Vote 787)
n      Walberg voted for legislation that would prevent illegal immigrants access to federal housing assistance, which is intended for low-income Americans.  (House Roll Call 814) .

-The Democrat-controlled Michigan House of Representatives this week, accomplished much for its radical extreme-left supporters but nothing for the hard-working, legal residents of the state.

It what can be only described as a baffling combination of ham-handed political pandering and utter incompetence, House Democrats allowed illegal immigrants to attend state universities at the same tuition rate as legal Michigan residents, and refused to make universities follow the Michigan Constitution which prohibits public institutions from offering benefits to same-sex partners.

If you need an example of why the public distains elected officials, you need only look at what House Democrats accomplished this week in the name of Michigan taxpayers. Again, in one fall swoop, Democrats chose to allow in-state tuition for people living in Michigan illegally and refused to stop public universities who thumb their nose at the will of the people and the state constitution by offering benefits to same-sex partners.

That’s one helluva payback to liberal billionaire Jon Stryker who pumped $5 million into state legislative races last fall.

-We continue to wait and see if the Democrats will do what is best for Michigan, or will Mark Brewer and the Edwards partisans get a “cheap” win to revive his failing presidential campaign?

Moving our date to January 15th makes sense.  It’s good for Michigan, it’s good for our parties and it’s good public policy.

Call your State Representatives and urge them to support the January 15th presidential primary election!!!

-And finally, no commentary would be complete without the latest example of  free-wheeling spending going on in the Democrat-controlled house.  For some reason, the image of drunken sailors on liberty comes to mind.

Without any care for where the money would come from, Democrats appropriated nearly a half-billion dollars from the School Aid Fund that doesn’t exist. House Republicans worked through the night to put common-sense limits on how the state spends it money and Democrats blocked each attempt.  What’s worse, Democrats, through a series of behind-the-scenes procedural maneuvers, refused even to let members vote on them. This is why the public hates politicians.

House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche offered the amendments which were scuttled by Democrats.  Specifically, those amendments to House Bill 4350 would have required (actual language from proposed amendment):

· A UNIVERSITY THAT RECEIVES AN APPROPRIATION UNDER THIS ACT SHALL NOT REDUCE OR DISCOUNT THE NET TUITION AND FEES PAID BY AN INDIVIDUAL ILLEGALLY RESIDING WITHIN THIS COUNTRY BELOW THE STANDARD NONRESIDENT TUITION AND FEE RATE CHARGED BY THAT INSTITUTION.

· THE STATE TREASURER SHALL WITHOLD FROM A UNIVERSITY WHICH EXPENDS FUNDS APPROPRIATED IN PART (1) FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO UNMARRIED PARTNERS AN EQUIVILANT AMOUNT TO THAT WHICH WAS EXPENDED UPON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO UNMARRIED PARTNERS FROM THE MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS UNDER SUBSECTION (1) PAID TO THE UNIVERSTIY ELIMINATES THE BENEFIT.

Now, doesn’t that sound like a couple radical ideas to you?…I thought so.

The State Committee will meet this weekend to finalize the rules for the 2008 presidential process.  It looks like we will have a state run, joint primary with the Democrats to be held on January 15th.

We are going to pass a set of rules for the primary and our fallback position of a state convention, in case something falls apart on the Democrat side.  We are ready to move forward and do what we think is best for the citizens of Michigan…an early statewide primary that showcases the unique position of Michigan to the next President of the United States.

Saul Anuzis

Some Democrats continue to play games to scuttle this process.  Some Republicans are trying to mess with our system and the rules.  I’m a firm believer that in the end, the good guys usually prevail.

Articles of Interest 8-23-07

442 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Presidential primary bill passes the Senate, on it’s way to the House…Governor has said she will sign it….setting our primary for January 15th, 2008!!!

Edwards campaign and Dem Chair Mark Brewer make strange bedfellows?

House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche proposes $1 TRILLION FOR SCHOOLS $607,000 per student…Hey, why not?

House Dems worked all night to preserve in-state tuition for illegals and to allow unversities to offer same sex benefits- and spend $495 million on k-12 that does not exist.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- We are one step closer to having a state run presidential primary that every registered voter in Michigan will have the right to participate in.  This “semi-open” primary process was designed to meet the Democrat National Committee rules, which are more restrictive than ours…but really, it doesn’t make a difference to us.

We originally tried to get legislation passed to hold our primary on February 5th.  The Democrats, led by Senator Levin, nationally challenged New Hampshire and Iowa “first in the nation” status and said they would push to move the Michigan process as early as they could.

I spent over a year negotiating legislative language with Dem Chair Mark Brewer to prepare for the option of holding a same-day, jointly held, state-run primary that would meet their rules and fit our process as well.  We basically finalized the language during last December’s “lame duck” session and waited for the Democrats to work our their internal politics.

In the meantime, Republicans passed a resolution authorizing a February 5th or earlier state run primary to be held with the Democrats and are in the process of passing rules for that and our “backup” plan which appears to be moving toward a state convention if things were to fall apart.

This last weekend Democrat leaders, legislative leaders and others met with the Governor and word leaked out that they had proposed to hold a statewide primary with us and that the consensus date was January 15th.  We quickly jumped on that rumor and said we would join the Democrats, even though not our first choice, and make the best of an opportunity to put Michigan front and center in the presidential process.

What I was not aware of was that apparently Mark Brewer was “not” negotiating in good faith and apparently was working with some of his “union friends” to support the position of John Edwards, who would prefer a caucus…where some unions feel they would have greater influence.

Edwards’s supporters started raising “red herrings” about of why this was a bad idea…at the 11th hour.

Congressman Bart Stupak, (“Yes” on pay hikes and $150,000 to his wife in slush funds) came out and expressed concern that this election would cost the state “extra” money and was an unnecessary expense.  Well, first, what can be more important than a presidential primary, exercising our most fundamental and important civic duty…to vote?  Secondly, the legislation switched the date and made the presidential primary date, on presidential election years the “consolidated election” for the state that quarter.  It’s already paid for and budgeted for…sorry Bart…you missed it again.

Then Mark Brewer started a rumor that Republicans would use the primary to run various issues, stage petition campaigns or other sideshows that would hurt the process and the Democrat party.  So I called on Mark Brewer and the Democrats to commit not to distract us from the unique opportunity this presents.  I said:

This is a unique opportunity for our state and for Republicans and Democrats to educate the next president of the United States about what is unique and special about Michigan.  We should not let political gamesmanship and special interest pandering detract us from this national spotlight.  Let’s keep the focus where is should be: on a bipartisan discussion about what’s best for the people of Michigan. January 15th  is not our preferred choice, but Republicans have agreed to this date determined by Democrats in order to conduct a joint primary and ensure that Michigan receives attention and prominence it deserves on the national political stage.

Then the Democrats said there were technical and DNC amendments that needed to be changed.  This is a “red herring”…Mark Brewer was part of this…all the way.

Mark Brewer was part of ALL the bill drafting discussions, he reviewed ALL the language, signed off on ALL the edits, and was the only one of the two of us to actually propose any amendments….so if Mark has a problem with the language of the bill - he either left the language in there on purpose during the drafting, put the language in there while we were amending it…or didn’t get his money’s worth as a law student at Harvard and Stanford!?!

We are willing to accept any of their technical amendments…as long as they are technical.  This is NOT an issue.

We have a presidential primary bill that has now been sent to the House and is ready for action.  This bill and process is good for the state, good for our party and good for the process as a whole.

The Edwards/Brewer contingency on the Democrat side that is trying to scuttle the bill is probably fighting an uphill battle and NO ONE is falling for their “misrepresentations” of why there are these 11th hour problems with the bill.  Edwards self interest vs Michigan’s best interests…that’s the question for the Democrats now.

Michigan deserves to have a presidential primary.

Michigan deserves to take advantage of the early primary to be relevant.

Michigan Democrats should do what is good for the state, not any of their specific candidates…especially when Michigan has the opportunity to shine.

Call your State Representatives…Republican and Democrats alike and encourage them to vote for the presidential primary bill as amended to be held on January 15th.

- House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche released the following:

With his tongue planted firmly in his cheek, House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche today proposed an amendment to the Democrats’ School Aid budget to increase funding for schools by $1 trillion.  The DeRoche amendment, which would establish a $607,000 per pupil foundation grant, came in response to the Democrats’ plan to spend $495 million more than the state has available.

“With this budget plan, Democrats are recklessly spending $495 million more than we have,” DeRoche said.  “So my question to them is if we can simply spend as much as we want no matter how much money we actually have, why should we stop at only $495 million more?  Our schools and our students are very important; let’s spend $1 trillion on schools. 

“In all seriousness, this isn’t a budget; it’s a headline grab.  Worse yet, it’s a $495 million broken promise to our schools and students and it does nothing to help schools plan for the year ahead because it’s a budget based on bad numbers.

“You simply can’t spend more money than you have,” DeRoche continued.  “Last year, House Republicans succeeded in increasing funding for schools by simply living within our means.  This year, the Democrats are making promises and busting budgets in a transparent move to raise people’s taxes.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-22-07

443 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Michigan State Senate to move the presidential primary bill, amending it to January 15th.  Some Democrats still working to scuttle the consensus.

House Democrats continue to pass budget busting bills…they are passing bills beyond even the Governor’s recommendation…trying to force some tax increases.  Watch it!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- The Michigan Senate is scheduled to move the presidential primary bill forward today as we move towards final agreement on holding a state run primary on January 15th.

Some Democrats have now emerged to scuttle this “consensus” amongst the Democrat leadership last weekend, raising red herring scare tactics and supporting an Edwards caucus move etc.  I thought our internal politics was fun, but theirs are almost as fun just to watch.

Michigan is unique.  On the Republican side, Guiliani is leading in early polls, McCain beat Bush here in 2000, Romney was born and raised here with growing support and Thompson’s potential candidacy is polling fairly well...all of the major contenders for the Republican nomination, under different scenarios have a chance to win Michigan…making this a battle ground state for them all.

On the Democrat side, we are the home of the UAW, AFL-CIO and the Teamster (my guys), not to mention a large activist African-American contingency that makes this a very important state for any potential Democrat nominee.

A large, mid-western industrial state with a representative demographic cross-section of America right here…not to mention the home of the “Reagan Democrat”…makes us important.

Add all those sets of facts and circumstances together…Michigan becomes a very important bell-weather state for the presidential sweepstakes.

Republicans have said all along that holding a presidential primary on February 5th or earlier is in the best interest of the state of Michigan. It ensures maximum participation by Republican activists and supporters. Although going on January 15th is not our first choice, we will join with the Democrats and hold our primary on the same day.

The reality is February 5th is NOT an option for us anymore…legislative leaders and Democrats are determined to move the date earlier.  I continue to believe we have no option and fully support whatever the earlier date will be to get a primary.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-21-07

444 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Democrats are pushing a graduated income tax…two income families will take the brunt of the hit…middle class tax hike.  For more info see:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070819/OPINION03/708190347/1008/OPINION01

Michigan House Democrats perpetuate the “culture of corruption” with Grand Rapids Representative Mike Sak (D) as he abuses his power as a member of the Appropriations Committee…the full story here:
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/8/17/83540/6359

Consensus “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” and a series of proposed amendments were sent out to State Committee and County Chairs.

TODAY….Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer and I, live on talk radio’s “The Big Show” with Michael Patrick Shiels every Tuesday morning…more info below.

On a personal note, my oldest son Matas starts Michigan State this fall and we moved him into his dorm this morning…talk about time just flying by!!!  Good luck buddy!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

-  We’re a week away from our State Committee meeting.  The “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” passed out of Policy Committee by a 15-0 vote and passed out of the 2008 Presidential Preference Committee by a 11-3 vote.

The “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” draft of the rules has been emailed out to all the State Committee members and County Chairs.  A .pdf file copy is available for download by anyone at our web page… www.migop.org .

Coming up with the “consensus” agreement has required a great deal of effort and compromise.  I understand and agreed to raise any and all the “issues of controversy” before the State Committee as a whole so that we could pass our “consensus” items by near acclamation…and yet allow open debate on the items of disagreement.

Every amendment, every change, risks losing votes and/or consensus support for the overall rules. I would ask that the committee consider each amendment with the idea of trying to develop a consensus agreement towards each amendment…not to put passage of the final product at risk.  So your prudence and consideration as to what is in the best interest of the party versus any specific presidential candidate would be greatly appreciated.

- Listen to our weekly debate/discussion between Democrat State Chairman Mark Brewer and myself every Tuesday morning, between 9:05am - 10:00am, as we discuss the issues of the day.

The show is available live on-line at www.wjimam.com , and you can listen to it live at the stations listed below.

"The Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels" on the Michigan Talk Network:

WJIM 1240 Lansing
WJNL 1210 Traverse City
WTRX 1330 Flint/Saginaw
WMMI 830 Mt Pleasant
WKMI 1360 Kalamazoo
WSCG 1380 Greenville
WBCH 1220 Hastings
WODJ 1490 Muskegon
WWKK 750 Petoskey
WJML 1110 Petoskey
WDJM 1320 Marquette
WIAN 1240 Ishpeming

Past shows are recorded posted on our website at www.migop.org .

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-20-07

445 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

Republicans win as conservative reformers.

Karl Rove did a great job on Sunday talk TV…I can’t wait to hear from him when he’s “unleashed”…he’s a great spokesman and knows the behind the scene stories.

Micheal Deaver R.I.P.

Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer and I, live on talk radio’s “The Big Show” with Michael Patrick Shiels every Tuesday morning…more info below.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Let’s quit complaining about what went wrong in 2006.  Let’s look forward.  Let’s take up the challenge of defining what it means to be conservative reformers.  We’ve heard all the doom and gloom—let’s drop it.  We realize there are those beltway denizens in our party who didn’t represent our values—they got the message!?!  Republicans, conservative win with a center-right coalition that provides real life solutions, to real life problems that are not necessarily just more government programs

I wish the country would view the Granholm vs. GOP legislators policy debates as a microcosm of where Democrats want to go, and how the Republican offer pragmatic and principled reform.  Raising taxes is NOT the answer.

We want an efficient, effective and responsive government.   First, we support reform.  Government by definition is NOT efficient.  There are no market incentives to serve customers, there are no competitors to force change and a growing bureaucracy that fosters a bureaucratic decision making process is the norm.

We must demand the best services, at the most reasonable price…because it’s our money.  Taxpayers deserve no less.

Raising taxes and putting more money into another government program is rarely the answer.  We have invested more in education over the last 10-15 years than in the history of our country.  Still, we are not preparing our children for the challenges of the 21st century, let alone the challenges from China and India.  We need more flexible, accountable and reliable education that graduates kids ready to compete.  I would argue, we worry less about political correctness and more about reading, writing and arithmetic.

We have to be willing to take on any bureaucracy that allows for responses like Katrina, porous borders and bridges to nowhere to become a reality.  If you look at the response the Twin Cities had to their recent crisis, it’s an example of how government and a community can work together.

We need to grow our coalition…there has to be a real center-right coalition that has faded away this last election.  We lost the “center” and some of the “right” as we failed to articulate how we, together make up a governing majority which delivers real reform. 

Economic conservatives need to understand the values that bring social conservatives to the table and why those values are not mutually exclusive.  Social conservative have to respect the concerns of gun owners, property rights advocates and educations choice folks to build our coalition.  Libertarian-conservatives have to realize the alliances that we make to provide for a responsive government, without over regulation, burdensome taxation and an overly intrusive bureaucracy. 

We have to respect one another’s right to disagree on certain issues, while allowing those things that bring us together, unite us into a center-right coalition that can win elections.

Putting together a winning coalition is not easy.  Much of it depends on our record, but also on the message our candidates and party puts forward.  I am optimistic that our Republican candidates for President in particular, have a message of hope, opportunity and reform that will resonate with the American people.

Republicans win as conservative reformers.

- I had a chance to meet and talk with Mike Deaver several times.  Most recently, we attended a NATO reception in D.C. where he had befriended the Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S.  He was a great friend to emerging democracies in Eastern Europe.

Deaver was a “master” at setting the image and message that would come out of any public appearance of President Reagan.  He was a trusted advisor and friend of the President.  Our thanks and prayers are with his family.

- Listen to our weekly debate/discussion between Democrat State Chairman Mark Brewer and myself every Tuesday morning, between 9:05am - 10:00am, as we discuss the issues of the day.

The show is available live on-line at www.wjimam.com , and you can listen to it live at the stations listed below.

"The Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels" on the Michigan Talk Network:

WJIM 1240 Lansing

WJNL 1210 Traverse City

WTRX 1330 Flint/Saginaw

WMMI 830 Mt Pleasant

WKMI 1360 Kalamazoo

WSCG 1380 Greenville

WBCH 1220 Hastings

WODJ 1490 Muskegon

WWKK 750 Petoskey

WJML 1110 Petoskey

WDJM 1320 Marquette

WIAN 1240 Ishpeming

Past shows are recorded posted on our website at www.migop.org .

Saul Anuzis

Democrats Push Graduated Income Tax

For more information goto:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070819/OPINION03/708190347/1008/OPINION01

Articles of Interest 8-19-07

446 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Grand Rapids Representative Mike Sak abuses his power as a member of the Appropriations committee to break the law…the full story here:
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/8/17/83540/6359

U.P. - Saulte Ste. Marie talk radio with Paul VanWagoner every Monday morning at 8:30am on 1400 (WKNW) Streams on the net.  www.talkradio1400.com .

Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer and I, live on talk radio’s “The Big Show” with Michael Patrick Shiels every Tuesday morning…more info below.

Sunday Talk Show “Tip Sheet” by POLITICO…a great tool:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5435.html

Don’t Forget To Visit The Michigan Republican Party Online Store! Our secure, user-friendly site offers a variety of Republican items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, travel mugs, and more!  Perfect for personal use, holiday presents, or volunteer gifts, our items will allow you to confidently display your Republican pride. Visit www.migop.org/store to view, purchase, or comment on our selection of unique Republican items.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Every Monday morning at 8:30am I join Paul VanWagoner on his talk show to discuss issues affecting the Upper Pennisula and Michigan as a whole.  The U.P. - Saulte Ste. Marie talk radio show is on 1400 (WKNW) which streams on the net at: www.talkradio1400.com . . .You have to download a free version of Win Amp to listen, but it's there for anyone that would like to get a “Yoopers” perspective!

- Listen to our weekly debate/discussion between Democrat State Chairman Mark Brewer and myself every Tuesday morning, between 9:05am - 10:00am, as we discuss the issues of the day.

The show is  available live on-line at www.wjimam.com , and you can listen to it live at the stations listed below.

"The Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels" on the Michigan Talk Network:

WJIM 1240 Lansing
WJNL 1210 Traverse City
WTRX 1330 Flint/Saginaw
WMMI 830 Mt Pleasant
WKMI 1360 Kalamazoo
WSCG 1380 Greenville
WBCH 1220 Hastings
WODJ 1490 Muskegon
WWKK 750 Petoskey
WJML 1110 Petoskey
WDJM 1320 Marquette
WIAN 1240 Ishpeming

Past shows are recorded posted on our website at www.migop.org .

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-18-07

447 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

January 15th Presidential Primary a real possibility!?!

United effort on proposed “Policy Committee Unity Resolution”…but some causing confusion and anxiety.

Sunday Talk Show “Tip Sheet” by POLITICO…a great tool:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5435.html

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- So what’s the deal on the Presidential Primary process…is it January 15th.

I don’t know…but I think so…is the honest answer.

Yesterday Democrat leaders huddled in person and on conference calls discussing the option of holding a “joint” semi-closed primary.  The rumors from Democrat “insiders” is that the date being discussed was January 15th.

However, no formal decision had been made and no formal announcement from Democrat leaders was put forth.

The Governor confirmed publicly again, what she said on talk radio earlier, that she preferred an early primary in January and that she would sign primary bill if it made it to her desk.

Senator Levin has been pushing for an early January date…continuing his long standing battle to break the monopoly Iowa and New Hampshire have on being the first in the nation primary and caucus.  I have to tell you, I agree with Senator Levin on this one and have never been able to figure out why or under what divine intervention do Iowa and New Hampshire hold their position.  It’s a touchy subject at RNC meetings, but no one is ever willing to challenge them directly.  If we get the January 15th date…it will clearly challenge the status quo and put NH and IA on notice that things are going to change.  Chuck Todd of MSNBC said it this way: “It's a mess, and Levin apparently was determined to break the calendar, rather than try and play within the loose set of rules that seemed to be developing between the early states. This guarantees that both the DNC and RNC will have to take up reforming the calendar for 2012 at their respective 2008 conventions.” For that, you have to give Senator Levin credit.

Our State Committee passed a resolution authorizing me to negotiate a February 5th or earlier primary with the Democrats.  Dem Chairman Mark Brewer and I have been working on specific language for over a year.  The legislation introduced in the State Senate setting the date on February 5th has the basic foundation and wording of our last negotiated language.  There maybe a need to amend some of the language to either clarify some things and/or better adapt to the DNC rules which are more restrictive than ours…but we have agreed to cooperate for the sake of having a state run joint primary.

After news leaked out about the Democrats meeting and the proposed January 15th date by Democrat leaders I issued the following statement:

LANSING – Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis today said the decision by state Democratic leaders to hold a presidential primary on Jan. 15 gives Republican and Democrat voters more influence in determining the respective parties’ nominees for the White House.

Comments from Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis:

“Republicans have said all along that holding a presidential primary on February 5th or earlier is in the best interest of the state of Michigan. It ensures maximum participation by Republican activists and supporters. Although going on January 15th is not our first choice, we will join with the Democrats and hold our primary on the same day. This puts Michigan front and center in the presidential battle ground.”

The Michigan Senate could act on legislation, as early as next week, to set a date for a joint presidential primary. ###

I also told the Associate Press that Republicans would back a Jan. 15 primary if Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, a Republican, and Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon propose legislation to hold the primary on that date.  My understanding is that discussion between legislative leaders is/was going on to come to some final agreement.

The reality is February 5th is NOT an option for us anymore…legislative leaders and Democrats are determined to move the date earlier.  I continue to believe we have no option and fully support whatever the earlier date will be to get a primary.

An early date in January will make sure presidential candidates from both parties come to Michigan and learn about the unique situations, problems and challenges facing our state.  Presidential candidates will develop closer relationships with our political leaders, eventually giving us greater clout in who’s ever candidate wins.  And a state run primary will insure the maximum participation from the citizens of Michigan in both parties.

- RULES: Lots of emails and confusion about what is going on with the rules that were passed by the Policy Committee and the 2008 Presidential Preference Committee.

They are EXACTLY the same…Policy voted 15-0 and 2008 Committee voted 11-3.

Policy Committee Chairman Glenn Clark sent out an email implying that the “Unity Resolution” was amended and that additional amendments “in light” of their action was required.  I then sent out the following email to State Committee members:

“Your email is a bit deceptive and/or misleading.

What the 2008 Presidential Preference Committee did last night and what their Chairman Norm Shinkle explained at the meeting and on the call was that their resolution did the following:

1) They passed and substituted the "Policy Committee Unity Resolution" set of rules with NO amendments into their original set of rules.  In other words, they passed EXACTLY what the Policy Committee passed out as their "recommended" set of rules with NO amendments.

2) They then passed a recommendation in the same resolution for the State Committee as a whole to take consider 3 amendments.  This is exactly the same thing Policy did, except rather than have two separate resolutions they put their language into one and the proposed the specific language for the resolution.

Your misinterpretation of these actions and any other rules/amendments is nothing more than that...a misinterpretation, misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to confuse the issue and continue to cause dissent among State Committee members.

The Policy Committee and the 2008 Presidential Preference Committee pass EXACTLY the same set of rules....and both suggested several amendments be considered by the State Committee as a whole...which every and any member of the State Committee has a right to ask that an amendment to a resolution or set of rules be considered.

I believe you are raising unnecessary concerns and controversy over this process.  I understand not everyone is going to agree with any or all the amendments...that's OK.  But please do NOT confuse the issue or try and cause unnecessary grief of the members.

We have worked very hard to come to a consensus....the Policy Committee Unity Resolution passed 15-0 and 11-3 in BOTH committees, and if the amendments were in a separate resolution, I believe both committees would have passed the "Unity Resolution" 15-0.

Again....NO amendments were passed that were added to the "Policy Committee Unity Resolution"....both committees presented and passed resolutions to have various amendments considered by the State Committee as a whole.

Both committees did EXACTLY the same thing....and both committee pass the EXACT same rules.

You have the right to have another committee to discuss whatever you want...but let's be clear that you are only doing this to address your concern with amendments that will be offered at State Committee....and I know others have called and said they have some amendments they are offering.

The rules will be methodically, carefully and slowly discussed at the State Committee meeting, every amendment we get in advance will be written up and sent to members early.  Every amendment will have a chance to be discussed and voted on...and ultimately we will pass our rules.

I am asking everyone to consider what is being offered, but my recommendation is that we don NOT lose sight of our end goals and pass the SAME resolution that was passed by BOTH committees with NO amendments.”

Hopefully the above discussion will help you all understand a little better what is going on.  We have a “consensus” on the rules and I think it is a good compromise that I would encourage all to support.  The presidential angling and personal power plays are not in the best interest of the party.

Talk about a busy Friday!!!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-17-07

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If `Thou shalt not covet' and `Thou shalt not steal'
were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free."

-- John Adams (A Defense of the American Constitutions, 1787)

Reference: The Works of John Adams, C.F. Adams, ed., vol. 6 (8-9); The Founders Constitution <http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/docum

2008 Presidential Committee accepts the “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” as a substitute for their previously passed rules by a 11-3 vote!

Legislative leaders are discussing “presidential primary date”…we are hoping for a  bi-partisan agreement…we want Feb 5th or earlier…some pushing earlier dates.

See my latest vblog on Right Michigan:
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/8/16/202025/303

Don’t Forget To Visit The Michigan Republican Party Online Store! Our secure, user-friendly site offers a variety of Republican items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, travel mugs, and more!  Perfect for personal use, holiday presents, or volunteer gifts, our items will allow you to confidently display your Republican pride. Visit www.migop.org/store to view, purchase, or comment on our selection of unique Republican items.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Consensus continues to grow for the “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” that was passed out of Policy Committee by a 15-0 vote and passed out of the 2008 Presidential Preference Committee by an 11-3 vote.

I want to thank both committees for their hard work and effort preparing for the 2008 process.  Consensus means compromise, understanding and patience…almost everybody in the process made an effort to work together and we have accomplished much.

The Policy Committee passed another resolution asking the State Committee of the whole to consider 4 issues: 1) the various “fallback” options 2) the date of the selected option 3) the “Precinct Delegate Preference” and 4) delegate allocation by “winner take all” vs “proportional” for the various options.

The 2008 Presidential Preference Committee recommended several additional amendments be considered by the whole State Committee: 1) a revised precinct delegate preference proposal 2) elimination of the 9th District apportionment language and 3) a resolution to adopt the “Florida amendment” to we send a “full” delegation to the Republican National Committee regardless of the date our process is held.

We will draft proper language for all these amendments and any others state committee members propose.  As the language is prepared, we will email all State Committee members and County Chairs a copy of those proposed amendments for your review and analysis.  Having all or at least most of the amendments drafted in advance will allow everyone sufficient time to study the proposed changes and consider their implication…preparing for discussion at our state committee.

The “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” draft of the rules has been emailed out to all the State Committee members and County Chairs.  A .pdf file copy is available for download by anyone at our web page… www.migop.org .

Coming up with the “consensus” agreement has required a great deal of effort and compromise.  I understand and agreed to raise any and all the “issues of controversy” before the State Committee as a whole so that we could pass our “consensus” items by near acclamation…and yet allow open debate on the items of disagreement.

I believe (guess) the State Committee as a whole would probably cast over 100 votes for the consensus “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” as passed by both standing committees without ANY amendments.  I also believe these rules would serve us well, work well and insure as much unity as is possible given we are in the middle of the presidential campaign.

Every amendment, every change risks losing votes and/or consensus support for the overall rules. I would ask that the committee consider each amendment with the idea of trying to develop a consensus agreement towards each amendment…not to put passage of the final product at risk.  So your prudence and consideration as to what is in the best interest of the party versus any specific presidential candidate would be greatly appreciated.

-Discussions continued today with legislative leaders on the presidential primary bill.  The Senate Republicans are prepared to move the Feb 5th bill on August 22nd, but we have all said we would accept an earlier date if the Democrats and legislature decided to go that way.

The language in the bill reflects the general agreement Dem Chair Mark Brewer and I worked out as to the process…but we have agreed to work with the Democrats to make sure the legislation meets the requirements of the DNC.  We may need some minor amendments, but that is being discussed and analyzed as well.

I am still cautiously optimistic there maybe a bi-partisan agreement that will allow these bills to pass with near unanimous support from legislators in both parties…a consensus.

I think almost everyone agrees the presidential primary is the preferred system of nominating our presidential candidates; it gives Michigan the greatest opportunity to introduce our respective candidates to the issues facing our state and maximizes citizens’ participation.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 8-16-07

449 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Mr. Rove is no Merlin or Rasputin, as much as liberals and some reporters want to believe it. He is above all a George Bush man. His rare mastery of history, demographics and policy made him a formidable political force, and we suspect it is his success far more than his methods that infuriates his critics.”

WSJ OpinionJournal: Rove's Brain Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Why the White House aide drives his opponents so crazy.
http://opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010468

Everybody supports a Presidential Primary except state Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer…rumor has it, he’s doing John Edward’s bidding.

Jobs are leaving Michigan….Granholm going on a European vacation….Michigan job providers are having a hard time competing.  See email below.

Levin and Stabenow are now our Democrat Senators representing us in a Democrat controlled Congress…follow the dots…more below.

Policy Committee passes rules on a 15-0 vote.

Don’t Forget To Visit The Michigan Republican Party Online Store! Our secure, user-friendly site offers a variety of Republican items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, travel mugs, and more!  Perfect for personal use, holiday presents, or volunteer gifts, our items will allow you to confidently display your Republican pride. Visit www.migop.org/store to view, purchase, or comment on our selection of unique Republican items.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Republicans have supported a Presidential Primary to be held on February 5th or before from day one throughout all our negotiations.  I spent nearly a year, working and negotiating legislative language with Dem Chair Mark Brewer to pass a bill to have a Presidential Primary in Michigan.

The Republican Party supports it…the Republican Congressional Delegation supports it….the Republican legislators support it….we’re united.

The Democrat leadership appears to support it…Governor Granholm has said she will sign the bill…Senator Levin said he would support it….Senator Stabenow and Democrat Congressional leaders support it…apparently most unions are for it or neutral…..but John Edwards and Mark Brewer don’t.

Even the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press BOTH support a primary, and an early primary at that, for the good of Michigan…to greater expose the issues effecting Michigan to both parties presidential candidates.

Why is Mark Brewer putting his personal presidential preference over what’s best for our state and our process???
To further confuse the issue, Brewer issued a press release claiming I’m supporting one presidential candidate over another…primarily by playing “connect the dots”…we hire one person or have another consultant who happens to be supporting a certain candidate.  I guess a Harvard/Stanford lawyer can play “connect the dots” better than University of Michigan “drop out” as Brewer referred to me.

The fact that Brewer has a staffer/consultant working for him that is an Edwards operative is probably “purely” a coincidence….or double standard….or the standard hypocrisy we have come to expect from Mark.

Don’t worry folks…we’ll put this all together…and make peace for the good of the state…but I can’t let Mark play his hypocritical games and get away with it.

Let’s join together for the good of the state…to maximize our state’s exposure…to highlight our issues and support a presidential primary on February 5th or earlier.

- As Governor Granholm starts her European vacation, we continue to lose jobs in Michigan and can’t seem to create enough new jobs to hold our state’s greatest assets…our young…here.

I receive this email yesterday from a friend:

Just an FYI.  In the small town of Grass Lake, at least three recent
college grads from our town are taking jobs outside of Michigan.  Two
are joining police forces, one in Indiana and one in South Carolina -
both states pursued and wooed these recent grads.  One is taking a
teaching job in North Carolina.  All young adults are close to their
family and friends and if had good offers in Michigan would have stayed.
Surprisingly they did not look to European countries for jobs. :)

- Senators Levin and Stabenow “represent” our state as Democrat members of the U.S. Senate in a Democrat controlled Congress.  That “should” equal power?

Well follow the dots…we are the smaller dot at the top of this chart!

http://services.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes/view/SMpBZGsOtha68KE2qsZhG2-

Why elect two Democrats to the U.S. Senate if they can’t stop CAFÉ with their own folks, if they can’t bring home the “bacon” from their own folks, if they can’t deliver for Michigan as Democrats….wouldn’t we be better off with at least one Republican U.S. Senator…maybe two? 

Look at the record…Michigan has not, does not get it’s fair share….Democrats control Congress…if Democrats can’t deliver it’s time for a change!

The Policy Committee passed the newly revised “Amended Curtin-Clark Resolution” in committee by a unanimous vote of 15-0.  They also voted to change the name of the resolution to the “Policy Committee Unity Resolution” which was also passed by acclamation.

I want to thank the Policy Committee and the 2008 Presidential Preference Committee for all their hard work.  Many other State Committee members and County Chairs as well as other, participated, gave comments & suggestions and added to this effort.

In the end, we came up with a consensus agreement on the rules of the convention everyone can feel comfortable with.  There are a few major issues that need to be addressed by the committee as a whole, and I think we’ll be able to do that in a rationale, organized manor.

Thanks again to everyone for their work, efforts, advice and patience as we put this monumental task behind us.  I look forward to “quick” ratification of these rules at our next State Committee meeting…yeah, right!

Thanks again.

Saul Anuzis