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

Newt has a Revolution to Run

Newt Gingrich Will Not Be Running for President in '08 - He has a Revolution to Run.

We all know the euphemism about that coming time, when peace will dawn upon mankind, and a new world order will govern life. But what if the Elephant could lie down with the Donkey? What if out of the division and strife which has come to define the American Political System, a movement could be born which rises above the partisan bickering and positioning for power which has ruled America for over a decade? What if the real thinkers of today, and tomorrow, could come together to solve the real problems which a Washington grown fat in its own sloth, incompetence and lust for power has left in its wake? What if the leaders we set to govern us actually LISTENED to US, and evolved solutions which addressed the root causes of our problems, instead of pointing fingers and assigning blame for the problems?

Sound like a fantasy? Sound too good to be true?

On Thursday evening of this past week, I sat with a convention room full of people as we watched speaker after speaker from Democratic Mayor Shirley Franklin of Atlanta, to Mike Williams, the Black, bow-tie wearing Chairman of the Texas Rail Road Commission, (he makes references about this himself), from former Colorado Democratic Governor Roy Romer, currently director of "Ed in '08", to current GOP Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue, take to the podium to stand along side Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, to formally launch American Solutions - for Winning the Future.

American Solutions - for Winning the Future, was born out of Mr.
Gingrich's collaboration with long time New York Democratic leader, Mario Cuomo, to build a movement of unification among the political leadership in this country to define and tackle the most destructive issues of our times. Real leaders familiar with the stagnation with which partisan politics cripples America. Leaders who believe the people of the United States, and the problems they wrestle with every day, are more important than party loyalty, and the goal of destroying one's opponent at all costs.
Wow, sound refreshing?

Gingrich and others have spent this last year listening to real people, not politicians, to learn what is really on our minds. They have listened to real people, and real experts without party agendas, define possible solutions to our most serious problems. This "Dialogue with America" had led to an impressive "To Do" list for all of us to work on.
These leaders working, and listening with Gingrich, believe that the voters, the average Joe, have the common sense answers America so desperately needs to solve its problems. But our current political climate has allowed politicians to tune us out, while they scratch and claw to gain, or to hold on to, the control which feeds their power-lust addiction.

Gingrich and his Revolutionary, Bi-Partisan Forces kicked off this weekend with meetings all across the United States. Seminars were held, with topics like:

"Green Conservatism and Smarter Ideas for a Better Environment" led by Edward Callaway, President and CEO of Callaway Gardens.
"Citizenship and Local Government: You Can and Must Make a difference" - led by Stephen Goldsmith, former Mayor of Indianapolis and current Harvard Professor.
"America's Public Schools: A Crisis and an Opportunity" led by one of my favorite speakers, Ed Romer, former Democratic Governor of Colorado, who now leads "ED in '08".
"Transforming Education in Art, Music and Personalized Learning" and "Transforming Health Care with Wellness and Ownership", both topics covered by former Arkansas Governor, and GOP Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee.
"The End of Government As We Know It ", with Dr. Elaine Karnack, Lecturer - Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
"ENFORCEMENT First in the Illegal Immigration Debate" by Congressman Brian Bilbray.
"Defending America Requires Fixing Our Intelligence System", by former CIA Director, Porter Goss.

And those are only the highlights of just the Carrollton, Georgia gathering on Saturday.

But how has Gingrich managed to gather such an impressive and politically diverse group of experts to collectively think tank through our problems?

He started first with folks like you and me. When Yours Truly, a former local GOP leader, called out a local Republican candidate for their divisive and vengeful campaign last fall, Mr. Gingrich responded affirming my position. When I sent Mr. Gingrich my detailed plan for Border Security, last January, he listened, and responded.

It is this listening to We the People, (what a novel concept), which is a primary tenet of this movement. Our Founding Fathers never intended for the government of the united states, (individual states united in a common cause), to become an overlord of privileged politicians dictating what the national agenda should be. In fact, it was this very sort of detached, elitist supremacy which led our forefathers to revolt.

It is time for another Revolution, but if we get involved now, instead of before it is too late, we can still manage this reformation through legal means. People of America Must Rise Up against the Elitists of Washington D.C., and the current power structure. In this revolution, the Redcoats are not Democrats or Republicans, they are not red states or blue states. The Redcoats this go around are the likes of Paul Smith and his cronies, who make back room deals to line their own pockets and stay in power at all costs, and who feed the raging inferno of partisan politics and division from the local level all the way up to Washington.
You will not find Bill Collins, who wants to divide this community along issues of race, and blame the white man for all of the Black Community's problems.

But you will find thinkers, leaders and statesmen like our very own Senator, Saxby Chambliss, who joined the meeting Thursday, via video.

You can learn more about American Solutions - for Winning the Future, by clicking on the American Solutions ad at the top of this column, or, by logging on to www.AmericanSolutions.com <http://www.americansolutions.com/> .

No, Newt Gingrich will not be running for President in 2008 - he has a more critical mission, which could define for generations, and perhaps centuries to come, what is to be our place in the world - our survival - our very existence as a sovereign nation. Newt Gingrich is leading the Second American Revolution.

Teresa Watson
Not A Republican - Not a Democrat - An American

"Whine & Opine" columns at www.RomeNewsByWatson.com

Articles of Interest 9-30-07

404 Days until election day.

MORNING UPDATE:

The Democrats are working DAY and NIGHT to raise your TAXES…do you remember their rhetoric from the last election?

Governor Granholm and the Democrats are pushing for the largest TAX increase in a quarter century…raising the income tax….expanding the sales tax…a job killing move at a time we can least afford it.

All I can think of is the new sticker folks had on Mackinac:

Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for DeVos!

The Michigan Republican Party put up the following ad yesterday:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/mi-gop-new-ad-o.html

Michigan Brewing in Webberville is offering $2 pints and Monday specials for any and all laid-off state workers during the Granholm shutdown…talk about pitching in!

http://www.michiganbrewing.com/

Michigan’s Republican Presidential Debate is truly an historic event with the home of America’s automotive industry serving as the backdrop for the next major televised debate of the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary Campaign. 

The October 9, 2007 debate, sponsored by CNBC, MSNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. CNBC will broadcast the two-hour debate live beginning at 4 p.m. with MSNBC re-broadcasting the event at 9 p.m.  For more information on the debate visit www.migopdebate.org.

Prior to the Debate there will be a Pre-Debate Luncheon at the Henry Ford Estate.  Tickets to the luncheon are available for purchase.  At the luncheon supporters will receive one complementary debate ticket, there will also be shuttle services available from the Henry Ford Estate to the Debate site.  Space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you are interested in attending the Pre-Debate Luncheon, please email Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager, at emeteer@migop.org, or call her at (517) 487-5413.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 9-29-07

405 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Michigan has the highest unemployment in the country at 7.4%…raising taxes by some $2 billion dollars will kill jobs and drive more jobs out of Michigan.

It's a showdown...over taxes and jobs. Let's find a solution and reform the government, not raise taxes.  You can’t tax yourself out of a recession.

The last time I checked, Dems outnumbered Republicans in the legislature 76-72 plus the Governor is a Democrat.  This mess is a Democrat mess…they lack leadership and their only solution is a job killing almost $2 billion TAX.

The Michigan Republican Party put up the following ad yesterday:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/mi-gop-new-ad-o.html

Newt Gingrich’s American Solution opening session…awesome!!!

http://www.webcastgroup.com/webcast/window_new/frameset.asp?WebcastID=3603&n=&e2=&c=&nf=&nl=&r=&i=&reset=1

www.americansolutions.com

The Seven Principles of Sound Public Policy as presented by Larry Reed of the Mackinac Center - and more importantly, if every legislator understood and attempted to be faithful to them — we’d be a much stronger, much freer, more prosperous and far better governed people:

http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=3832

The October 9, 2007 debate, sponsored by CNBC, MSNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. CNBC will broadcast the two-hour debate live beginning at 4 p.m. with MSNBC re-broadcasting the event at 9 p.m.  For more information on the debate visit:

www.migopdebate.org

THE REST OF THE STORY:

Newt Gingrich's identified that we Americans agree on five big issues –

1) immigration (no one should get away with breaking the law),
2) national security and defense (we must defend our allies and defeat our enemies),
3) saving Social Security for future generations,
4) healthy economy and healthy environment (using innovation and new technology rather than regulation and litigation), and finally
5) religion in the public square (deletion of God from our society)."

It’s a great program and I would encourage all of you to check it out:

Saul Anuzis

MI GOP New Ad on the Granholm Shutdown

The Michigan Republican Party today hit state airwaves with a new 60-second radio spot calling Governor Jennifer Granholm threat of a government shutdown as nothing more than political blackmail aimed at passing the Democrats’ unpopular income tax increase.

The ad, which begin airing across Michigan Friday afternoon, can be heard by linking to Michigan Republican Party’s website at www.MIGOP.org .

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

“We want the make sure everyone knows Governor Granholm and Democrats are putting Michigan’s jobs and economy at risk by shutting down government just to get a tax increase that the overwhelming majority of state residents oppose. Raising taxes will hurt Michigan’s struggling economy and cost us even more jobs. Threats of a government shutdown are irresponsible. That’s why Republican’s have passed an emergency budget that will keep government open, but the governor won’t sign it.”

http://www.migop.org/campaign_ads/2007/MRP07R10_Showdown.mp3

Articles of Interest 9-28-07

406 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

The Governor NEVER used the word…TAXES…. what a blatant attempt to mislead the people of Michigan.  This is all about TAXES vs REFORMS and living within our means.  This is a spending problem…and the Governor is spending YOUR money.

The Governor is trying to blackmail the legislature into raising taxes.  She does NOT have to do that…she could sign the continuing budget resolution and try to work things out.  But she is NOT willing to offer any meaningful reforms or cuts.

She wants YOU to pay more in taxes…across the board.

This is a Democrat created problem…and now they are trying to blackmail the people of Michigan and legislators into raising TAXES.

With no reforms, no efficiencies…we’ll be back in this same position…again.

This is NOT a revenue problem…it’s a SPENDING problem.

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/its-a-spendin-1.html

The Governor calls for bipartisanship…strictly to raise taxes:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/principle-vs-co.html

As one of our activists from the Upper Peninsula put it:

1- The Democrats have the votes to pass Granholm's tax increase (58-52) but refuse to do so.
2- Granholm's threat to shut down the government is nothing more than an attempt to force her own party, and the majority of the legislature to approve an unpopular and unwise tax increase. 
3- With Democrats and Republicans alike convinced that her tax increase needs to be revised, it's obvious that more time is needed to find the best solution- hence the budget extension.

I don’t want a shut down…it’s not necessary…it’s purely a political game being played by the Democrats and Governor Granholm…but as Brook Patterson said last night:

Life, liberty and property are at risk when the legislature is in.

Either the average Michigan citizen has to learn to control spending (because of these higher taxes) or state government needs to learn to control spending???

To paraphrase Newt Gingrich, Governor Granholm is like a teenager who got a credit card and finally figured out she has to pay it off.  So now she’s asking you to pitch in.

It's a showdown...over taxes and jobs. Let's find a solution and reform the government, not raise taxes.

The October 9, 2007 debate, sponsored by CNBC, MSNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. CNBC will broadcast the two-hour debate live beginning at 4 p.m. with MSNBC re-broadcasting the event at 9 p.m.  For more information on the debate visit:

www.migopdebate.org

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No additional commentary today

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 9-27-07

407 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

The Granholm shutdown is a bad idea…it is nothing more than politics as usual.

Government Shutdown…Governor’s call…no one else’s.  Republicans have passed a continuation budget to give us more time…it’s up to the Democrats and the Governor if they play politics with the budget and shut the state down…or continue negotiations.

The Governor has lots of options…the Granholm shutdown is the worst of her decisions.

For great coverage, follow the budget debate at: www.rightmichigan.com

WXYZ’s “Money to Burn in Lansing” series…wow:

http://www.wxyz.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=4d2d270b-8b66-4a6f-a9bc-5ef4a97d6813

http://www.wxyz.com/news/story.aspx?content_id=63a12c81-940b-499a-84c5-0579cc35b2af

The Democratic Presidential Debate reminded me of Michigan Democrats…no leadership, no sense of reality and only united behind the WRONG things!!!

Senator Sam Brownback called and apologized for missing our Mackinac Conference.  His plane was grounded due to weather and couldn’t make it up in time for breakfast using commercial flights.  As many of you remember, Senator Brownback joined us at our last Mackinac Conference and was kind enough to spend most of the weekend with us.  We look forward to seeing him back here for the debate!

The October 9, 2007 debate, sponsored by CNBC, MSNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. CNBC will broadcast the two-hour debate live beginning at 4 p.m. with MSNBC re-broadcasting the event at 9 p.m.  For more information on the debate visit:

www.migopdebate.org

The Acton Institute presents “The Call of the Entrepreneur”…

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/the-importance-.html

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No additional commentary today

Saul Anuzis

It's a SPENDING Problem...Not a Revenue/Tax Problem

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/OPINION01/709270322/1008/opinion01

Taxpayers can't keep up with cost of government

The Detroit News

Those lobbying for Michigan's budget crisis to be solved almost entirely with higher taxes make the argument that the state's fiscal problems have their roots in the income tax cuts put in place by former Gov. John Engler.

The implication is that Michigan residents are denying the state tax revenues it rightly should have.

But taxpayers are contributing as much of their household budgets to support state and local governments as they were 12 years ago.

The state and local tax burden for the average Michigan resident is 10.4 percent, according to the independent and nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency. That rate has been fairly constant since 1994, despite a gradual rollback in the income tax rate during the late 1990s.

As the state income tax rate dropped, other taxes rose, including property taxes, sin taxes, the sales tax and a variety of additional fees for services.

A separate study by the Tax Foundation, which also factors in the cost to consumers of higher business taxes, puts the current burden at 11.2 percent, as high as it' s been since 1983.

Meanwhile, the state also was the beneficiary of some pretty hefty windfalls, including the tobacco settlement and new casino royalties.

So why isn't that enough? Because this isn't a revenue problem, or at least not entirely so. It's largely a spending problem.

The cost of state government is going up at about double the rate of inflation, and twice the pace that tax revenues are increasing. Much of the cause can be traced to the fact that Michigan has roughly 300,000 public employees and school teachers in its retirement systems, and the pensions and benefits it promised them aren't sustainable, particularly in a slow-growth economy.

Trying to keep pace by raising taxes to meet expenses is a losing game. There's no way taxpayers can keep up.

That's why the substantive spending reforms can't be shoved to the backburner as lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm work to avoid a government shutdown.

The final agreement has to place at least as much emphasis on spending reforms -- particularly containment of pension and health care costs -- as it does on raising new revenues.

The Importance of Entrepreneurs

http://www.calloftheentrepreneur.com/

Articles of Interest 9-26-07

408 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Government Shutdown…Governor’s call…no one else’s.  Republicans have passed a continuation budget to give us more time…it’s up to the Democrats and the Governor if they want to play politics with the budget and shut the state down…or continue negotiations.

The Granholm shutdown is a bad idea…it is nothing more than politics as usual.

HUNDREDS of former GOP legislators REFUSE to sign a letter urging legislators to consider tax increases before dealing with the structural deficit that challenges our state.  ONLY 28 former Republican legislators signed on. OK, they said consider a compromise…but the Democrats aren’t compromising on reforms or cuts…so it really means consider voting for a smaller or “temporary” tax increase?

Newt Gingrich’s complete speech on Mackinac Island….a must see:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/newts-speech-at.html

Thought of the Day:

Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs.
Hillary got $8 million for hers.
That's $20 million for memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.

Michigan’s Republican Presidential Debate is truly an historic event with the home of America’s automotive industry serving as the backdrop for the next major televised debate of the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary Campaign. 

The October 9, 2007 debate, sponsored by CNBC, MSNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. CNBC will broadcast the two-hour debate live beginning at 4 p.m. with MSNBC re-broadcasting the event at 9 p.m.  For more information on the debate visit www.migopdebate.org.

Prior to the Debate there will be a Pre-Debate Luncheon at the Henry Ford Estate.  Tickets to the luncheon are available for purchase.  At the luncheon supporters will receive one complementary debate ticket, there will also be shuttle services available from the Henry Ford Estate to the Debate site.  Space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you are interested in attending the Pre-Debate Luncheon, please email Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager, at emeteer@migop.org, or call her at (517) 487-5413.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No additional commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Newt's Speech at the Mackinac Conference!

Thanks to Right Michigan for the video coverage!

www.rightmichigan.com

Articles of Interest 9-25-07

409 Days until Election Day

"The State governments possess inherent advantages, which will ever give them an influence and ascendancy over the National Government, and will for ever preclude the possibility of federal encroachments. That their liberties, indeed, can be subverted by the federal head, is repugnant to every rule of political calculation."

-- Alexander Hamilton (speech to the New York Ratifying Convention,
17 June 1788)

Reference: The Works of Alexander Hamilton, Henry Cabot Lodge, ed., vol.2 (17)

MORNING UPDATE:

Budget battle continues…. Republicans lead with reforms and cuts to live within our means while Democrats propose raising NEW TAXES.

House Democrats on a straight party line vote passed a bill to raise over $500 million in new taxes on businesses in Michigan who just can’t afford it.

The House Democrats tried to raise over $1 billion in taxes on the backs of citizens who can barely afford to stay in their homes…now they make a move to tax them out of their jobs!!!

Governor threatens shut down…Senate Republican pass a “continuation” budget to avoid any need for a shut down…so now it’s up the House Democrats and the Governor…no one else. House Republicans have tried for days to get the House Democrats NOT to shut down government. No luck, So far. Let’s hope the Democrats don’t put politics first.

Mackinac Leadership Conference generated over 400 news articles nationwide and over 4,000 blog posts.  Great exposure and attention for the Michigan Republicans and the next President of the United States!

Next step…Michigan Presidential Debate planning for October 9th.  For details see;

www.migopdebate.org

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

REST OF 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 .

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 9-24-07

410 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Sunday night, House Democrats continue to move a Democrat Tax Plan with a few Republican votes who have been fighting to get in some reforms.

Senate Republicans pass ANOTHER attempt to start balancing our state budget WITHOUT raising taxes.

Mackinac Leadership Conference was a HUGE success…thanks to all who participated and took part in our program.

A special thanks to Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Senator John McCain, Congressman Ron Paul, Governor Mitt Romney, and Senator Fred Thompson for making this year’s Leadership Conference our largest ever with over 2,000 registered participants and over another 1,000 or so activists and volunteers who joined us over the weekend!

National Journal’s Hotline conducted a “straw poll” on the island during our conference.  Hotline’s press release below.

For great coverage of what happened throughout the week check our Right Michigan’s web page:

http://www.rightmichigan.com/

Here is what I missed over the weekend!

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=A3&Date=20070921&Category=SPORTS02&ArtNo=709220801&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=31

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:

- National Journal’s Hotline Straw Poll - Romney is the Survivor on the Island

Mackinac Island, MI-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—September 23, 2007
CONTACT: Amy Walter (202) 280-0675

Gov Mitt Romney won the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference straw poll, receiving 39 % of the 979 votes cast.

Sen. John McCain came in second with 27%, followed by Rep. Ron Paul with 10.8%.
The straw poll, sponsored by the Hotline, was held this Friday and Saturday on Mackinac Island.

Frmr New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was close behind Paul, taking 10.62%. Frmr Sen. Fred Thompson took 7%. All five spoke before conference attendees this weekend, as did Rep. Duncan Hunter, who took 1% of the vote. Mike Huckabee and Sam Brownback were scheduled to appear, but cancelled on Friday.

The Michigan Republican party unofficially certified the straw poll results.
Only conference registrants who were Michigan residents were eligible to vote.

Final results are below:

S. Brownback 3 .31%
Rudy Giuliani 104 10.62%
M. Huckabee 25 2.55%
D. Hunter 12 1.23%
J. McCain 260 26.56%
R. Paul 106 10.83%
M. Romney 383 39.12%
T. Tancredo 0
F. Thompson 70 7.15%
Uncomm 16 1.63%

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

Articels of Interest 9-22-07

412Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

7 days and 7 nights….NO NEW TAXES!

House Democrats and Speaker Andy Dillon still have Democrats who refused to vote yes or no…they should do their constitutional duty and vote or resign!

House Democrat majority…58 to 52…and embarrassing majority at best.

Thousand of Republicans swarm the island…folks are fired up.

Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Congressman Duncan Hunter greet guest.  You can truly feel the excitement in the air!!!

The 27th Annual Mackinac Leadership Conference kicks off with flying colors…thousands of Republicans are ready for 2008!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary…long nights and early mornings this weekend….we’ll have longer update for all on Monday.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 9-21-07

413 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Great day at Mackinac…everything is ready for YOU!!!

I talked to Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop late last night…the Senate Republicans are holding strong!!!

House Republicans stood united last night with EVERY Republican voting against any tax proposal…Democrats refused to address real reforms…unbelievable lack of leadership. House  Republican Leader Craig DeRoche and his team are doing the “right” thing by standing tall.

PLEASE…thank your Republican legislators for standing strong on principle.  This is NOT a partisan issue…we believe it’s a spending problem, where Democrats believe this is a revenue (raise your taxes) proposition.

Very cool “world clock”…just for fun:

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.htm

THE REST OF THE STORY:

We already have a tax and spend party, it’s called the Democrat Party. 

We don’t need another!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 9-20-07

14 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

House Democrat Speaker Andy Dillon passed NOTHING after wasting FIVE days trying to get “Yellow Dog Democrats” to vote for…or against a TAX bill.

Sending over “empty” bills is an embarrassment.

Dillon failed to lead in a spectacular fashion…almost unbelievable.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard writes a commentary on the budget.  See it below.

Senate Republican Leader Mike Bishop and almost his entire caucus blasted Governor Granholm and the Democrats for playing games with the budget…see below.

Engler’s Deputy Treasure Gary Wolfram submits a letter about taxes:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/engler-deputy-t.html

Michigan Congressional Republicans sends a “hold the line” letter to Republican members of the legislature…Rogers, Knollenberg, McCotter, Upton and Walberg signed.

Governor Mitt Romney accepts invitation to join Michigan’s Oct. 9th debate!

I’m off to Mackinac Island today for our last “walk through” before tomorrow’s conference…hope to see you all there!!!

. THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Mike Bouchard said: Unusually bad times require unusually bold solutions.  Tax increases do not fall into that category.  The governor has decided we need massive tax increases to “fix” the problem.  Driving more people and business out of our state is not a solution.  My county is projected to have about 9000 home foreclosures this year.  In 2000 we had 934.  Our state led the nation in foreclosures in the last quarter. That is our shockingly sad reality and increasing the financial burden on struggling Michiganders is NOT the answer.  Having been a state senator, I know how the process is supposed to work.  Normally, the legislature passes numerous appropriation bills with very specific oversight and line item spending delineation.  The Governor wants a tax increase that even her own majority in the House refuses to vote for and pass. It takes 56 votes to pass a measure in the House and the democrats have 58.  So much for governing.

The constitution requires a balanced budget.  The administration says it will not accept a continuation budget as it continues spending at a level not supported by revenues.  This is one thing that I agree with.

Solution. (Remember, these are only the discretionary non-restricted funds.)  The legislature passes appropriations that completely represent the actual current projected revenues and no more.  Each budget gets the same percentage of the total budget they got last year. The legislature gives each budget a flat amount and also gives the governor unprecedented one time complete authority to decide how to spend it.  The budget is balanced as required by the constitution.  And, this alone should force prioritization of discretionary programs that promote public safety and education delivered in the most cost efficient manner.  Ronald Reagan used to say the closest thing to immortality is a government program.  Each program will need to be examined in relation to our starkly bleak state outlook.  We can make a better future for our state, but only if we travel a path less traveled these days - one of less government.

This solution provides for a balanced budget with no government shutdown for the legislature and a dramatic one-time opportunity for the governor to actually govern, wrote Bouchard.

- Gongwer reported: Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), backed by almost his entire caucus, blasted Democrats during a press conference in which he said Democrats are irresponsibly flirting with a government shutdown in order to force a “massive” tax increase.  Senate Republicans are willing to find solutions to the crisis, Mr. Bishop said, but said he was unwilling to compromise on the idea that there must be a downsizing of government.

I responded: "Senate Republicans have been consistent since day one: no consideration of a tax increase until the governor and Democrats  take a serious and honest look at the reforms and cost-saving measures GOP members have offered to solve the persistent structural problems in Michigan’s budget," Anuzis said.   

"If ordinary working families can tighten their belts and cut spending when times are tough, state government can, too.  This isn't a partisan issue, it's a question of principle.  Republicans and Democrats are approaching this from two fundamentally different ways, Republicans believe it is a spending problem that needs reform, where the Democrats want to raise more tax dollars to fund more programs."

- Rogers Press Release states: U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, and four other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation stood with Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature today against Gov. Granholm’s plan to raise taxes on every Michigan taxpayer.

Joining Rogers in signing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche are Rep. Joe Knollenberg, Thad McCotter, Fred Upton, and Tim Walberg.

“A huge new financial burden on Michigan’s families and their job providers will not bolster our economy, nor will it create jobs,” said Rogers, who took the lead on a letter to the Senate and House GOP leaders. “In fact, the massive tax increase the Governor wants will slow our state’s sagging economy even more, pushing Michigan out of the nation’s economic basement and further down into the sub-basement.

“The flight of Michigan citizens to other states where taxes are lower, and most important, jobs are available, is already a huge problem.  If this tax increase occurs, the Governor will have to use some of her money for billboards reminding the last folks leaving the state to turn off the lights.”

The letter highlights the Congressional delegation’s efforts at the federal level to help Michigan’s economy, including a battle to support the struggling U.S. auto industry, and moving forward a crackdown on illegal Chinese trade practices like currency manipulation, counterfeiting products, and stealing intellectual property.

“We stand firmly with you in the challenge of protecting Michigan taxpayers and job providers,” the letter states, calling on state legislators to hold the line and not surrender to the Governor’s pressure.

“Keeping taxes low will stimulate the economy and help create jobs to keep Michigan citizens living, working and raising families in Michigan,” Rogers said. “You cannot tax your way to prosperity.”

Saul Anuzis

Republic Congressman Urge "NO" on Tax Hike Vote

5 Michigan Congressmen Urge ‘NO’ on State Tax Hike Vote

Mike Rogers: ‘You Can’t Tax Michigan Into Prosperity’

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, and four other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation stood with Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature today against Gov. Granholm’s plan to raise taxes on every Michigan taxpayer.

Joining Rogers in signing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche are Rep. Joe Knollenberg, Thad McCotter, Fred Upton, and Tim Walberg.

“A huge new financial burden on Michigan’s families and their job providers will not bolster our economy, nor will it create jobs,” said Rogers, who took the lead on a letter to the Senate and House GOP leaders. “In fact, the massive tax increase the Governor wants will slow our state’s sagging economy even more, pushing Michigan out of the nation’s economic basement and further down into the sub-basement.

“The flight of Michigan citizens to other states where taxes are lower, and most important, jobs are available, is already a huge problem.  If this tax increase occurs, the Governor will have to use some of her money for billboards reminding the last folks leaving the state to turn off the lights.”

The letter highlights the Congressional delegation’s efforts at the federal level to help Michigan’s economy, including a battle to support the struggling U.S. auto industry, and moving forward a crackdown on illegal Chinese trade practices like currency manipulation, counterfeiting products, and stealing intellectual property.

“We stand firmly with you in the challenge of protecting Michigan taxpayers and job providers,” the letter states, calling on state legislators to hold the line and not surrender to the Governor’s pressure.

“Keeping taxes low will stimulate the economy and help create jobs to keep Michigan citizens living, working and raising families in Michigan,” Rogers said. “You cannot tax your way to prosperity.”

Engler Deputy Treasurer Gary Wolfram's Letter

Comment on Role of State Party Chairman

Comment on Role of State Party Chairman
By Gary Wolfram, Ph.D.
George Munson Professor of Political Economy at Hillsdale College

September 11, 2007

A recent article in the Detroit News reported that some Republican lawmakers have been irritated by statements of Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis that Michigan does not need a tax increase.  The claim is that this makes it harder to gain a compromise on the state budget.  This leads to two questions.  First, is Mr. Anuzis right that it would be bad for Michigan to increase taxes at this time?  Second, is it the proper role of the party chairman to express his personal opinion regarding public policy?

Michigan every month has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. The sad economic data are well known: the only state to be losing population, leading the United Van Lines study in outbound migration, 46th in best states for business, in the top states for foreclosure rates, declining personal income, etc..  You would be hard pressed to find an economist who would say that the best way to turn this economic situation around is to raise taxes.  Studies beginning with the 1978 Harris Bank Study show that taxes reduce state economic activity.  Professor Richard Vedder of Ohio University has authored several studies demonstrating the link between state taxation and state economic activity and has testified to this effect in the recent past at both Michigan House and Senate committee hearings.  Certainly Mr. Anuzis is on firm ground with his position that increasing taxes would be harmful to Michigan citizens.

It is also certainly within the prerogative of the state party chairman to voice his opinion on matters of public policy.  Mr. Anuzis was elected by the delegates to the Michigan Republican Party state convention and as such represents the Republican Party in Michigan.  Individual legislators represent their districts and may agree or disagree with the party chair.  It may be that on certain policy issues that the interests of the constituents of a particular Republican legislator are at odds with what the party chair thinks is to the benefit of the state or to the Republican Party as a whole.  But it seems rather odd for the elected leader of a party to remain silent on important matters of public policy.

It may be that Frank Zappa was correct when he said that people will agree with you only if they already agree with you and that you do not change people’s minds.  Asking your party chairman to remain in the background when the state is in dire economic straights seems to be giving up on the idea of Nobel Prize winning economist, Friedrich Hayek, that a major benefit of democracy is that the debate over ideas advances the state of knowledge, and accepting the less hopeful attitude of the founder of the Mothers of Invention.

Articles of Interest 9-19-07

415 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

These have been two of the busiest weeks we’ve ever had…Mackinac Conference, Republican Presidential Debate…and oh yeah, fighting TAXES!

October 9th debate in Dearborn looking great…details being finalized!

Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference set to be a huge success!!!

National Democrats continue to ignore Michigan and Florida, keep your fingers crossed that voters remember…Yeah, we’ll remind them. J

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter on Iraq:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/09/congressman-tha.html

The “Most Outrageous Statement” of the budget debate:

"Having the courage and conviction to stay off the board has been really tough,"

Rep. Mike Simpson (D-Liberty Twp.) claiming to have “courage” NOT to vote?!?

Senate Republicans “bend over backwards” in a show of bipartisanship…and get rejected - because Democrats want MORE TAXES and LESS reforms and/or cuts.

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/9/18/193021/376

Congressman Bart Stupak voted AGAIN to allow housing assistance for illegal immigrants?!?

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Senate and House Republicans continue to hold the line on taxes and spending while Democrats continue to attempt to push through record tax increases.

“Yellow Dog Democrats” finally are getting some attention in their local media outlets as citizens are outraged that these 10 Democrat members of the House refuse to vote…one way or another.

As talk of “compromise” swirls around the Capitol and Republican continue to demand structural reforms, lower rates and if there is a need for any revenues, that it would be temporary at best, with a date certain sunset.

Republicans are fighting hard for the taxpayers of Michigan…if the 10 “Yellow Dog Democrats” would do any work at all…we could get this process moving along.

The 10 Democrats who refuse to vote on their own tax increase are profiles in cowardice. Vote ‘yes’, vote ‘no’ or resign. Period. Only in Lansing double-speak can 10 Democrat holdouts keep a bill from passing and Republicans get the blame. Michigan is speeding toward a government shutdown and these House Democrats are helping grease the skids.

- Bart Stupak (MI-01) seems to have a problem remembering whom he represents in Washington.  Today, Stupak cast a vote, for the second time, to allow taxpayer dollars to be doled out as housing assistance for illegal immigrants, taking precious resources from low-income Americans.

 
Stupak's endless allegiance for the liberal Democrat leadership has yet again resulted in the defeat of an important measure that would have ensured that only legal residents could receive assistance from the affordable housing fund.
Bart Stupak is frivolously spending the taxpayers’ hard earned dollars on housing for illegal immigrants, while hard working citizens are left struggling. Bart Stupak continues to mount an atrocious voting record in Washington, which shows he is completely out of touch with his district.

The motion was offered to the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 (House Roll Call 875).  Stupak voted against the measure, which would have required persons receiving assistance from the affordable housing fund to provide valid personal identification.

You Can't TAX Yourself Out of a Recession?

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter on Iraq

By Rep. Thaddeus McCotter

As a person’s word is their bond, a nation’s word is its bond. Once broken, “its word is no good.”

In 2002, with the world – and especially our enemy – watching, America gave its solemn vow to the oppressed Iraqi people we would emancipate them from a tyrant to experience their God-given right to liberty. Over four years later, in Iraq our soldiers and civilians continue striving and sacrificing to honor America’s pledge; but, on the home front, the Left is bent upon breaking America’s promise to liberate the Iraqis, in particular, and forsaking America’s dedication to liberty, in general.

Before acquiescing to this execrable outcome, Americans must demand the Left answer this quartet of critical inquiries regarding Iraq:

Read on . . .

1. If America breaks its vow and abandons the Iraqis to be slaughtered, who in the region or the world will trust our word?

2. If America belies its professed commitment to liberty, what can we possibly offer the Middle East’s – indeed, the world’s – oppressed to turn them away from the enemy and toward us?

3. After Iraq is abandoned, how soon will the Left demand America’s immediate retreat in the other “war without end” – Afghanistan?

4. What are the consequences to America if we are defeated in Iraq and Bin-Laden is proven right: “America is definitely a great power, with an unbelievable military strength and a vibrant economy, but all of these have been built on a very weak and hollow foundation”?

These questions and others will not and can not be answered by the Left. Offering constructive alternatives to and measuring the consequences of national security policies is neither their goal nor inclination. Their contempt for America as the greatest threat to “world peace” precludes it.

Possessed of our sanity, let us provide the answers to these questions.

1. No one.

2. Nothing.

3. Immediately.

4. A war without end.

Should the Left prevail and these answers become bitter realities, present and future generations of Americans will be faced with the dark specter of nuclear armed terrorist states in a war without end against an implacable enemy bent upon our destruction; and, our just God so disposed, the Left will be held to account for betraying the integrity of America’s word in this crucible of our nation’s War for Freedom.

And, make no mistake, we will not escape the history’s inquiry of us:

What did you do to win it?

United States Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter is the Chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee