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

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas...and enjoy the holidays!

There will be NO more regular Articles of Interest until after the New Years. 

May you have a joyous and blessed holiday season.

NO 2nd Debate In Michigan

I want to thank The Detroit News, Wayne State University and the various networks we worked with to try and come up with a second debate in Michigan before the January 15th primary.  We had proposed the Detroit International Auto Show as a natural backdrop for a debate that would have once again highlighted an important industry to Michigan and our country.

For a variety of reasons, that didn’t work out.  We then scrambled to try and pull something together on the campus of Wayne State University, one of America’s great urban institutions located in the heart of Detroit…and we literally ran out of time with the holidays and all.

There is NO time to try any other venues or options…so there will be NO second debate.

Our primary is set for January 15th.  Given the competitiveness and ever shifting political environment, Michigan’s primary will be VERY important on both sides of the partisan divide.  Republicans will be emerging from the early states with Michigan either being a “confirming” vote or “tie breaker” as we move into super Tuesday.  On the Democrats side, Hillary Clinton inevitable coronation is all but turned on its head and with the Democrat Chair Mark Brewer urging Democrat voters to vote “uncommitted” in the primary…Hillary could suffer a huge blow here if she doesn’t do well.

Michigan will be front and center for some of the most exciting politics of our lifetime.

Again, thanks for all you do and for all of your help in our efforts.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays…it’s going to be a great New Years!!!

Articles of Interest 12-20-07

322 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

It appears the Democrats are mailing out a “special message” in their state funded newsletters to warn citizens against signing potential “scam” petitions because they might be used for identity theft?!?

I guess the recalls are working and now the latest “bad boy” for the Democrats is the right to work proposal.  Getting your address is as easy as picking up a phone book…no warnings there?!?

These are NOTHING more than scare tactics on the part of Democrats to discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional rights…when the Democrats abuse theirs by raising taxes and increasing wasteful spending. 

Citizens beware…but I would fear the tax and spend Democrats more than the citizen petition gatherers!!!

VOTER VAULT – NOTICE:  Voter Vault 2 is being converted to Voter Vault 3 starting tomorrow, December 21st.  Voter Vault will be offline and down for at least the next 7 days.  More information will be sent to our State Committee and County Chairs.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) honored me by adding me to this year’s list of “Who’s been naughty? Who’s Nice?”   To see the full list go to:

http://friendsofatr.blogspot.com/2007/12/whos-naughty-whos-nice.html

Recall efforts continue statewide…to find more info, see the links below.

As I sign off with the last official “Articles of Interest” for the year, I want to tell you what a privilege it has been to serve as your Chairman.  Together, we have accomplished much and have set the foundation for a great Republican year in 2008.

We face a lot of challenges but also a lot of opportunities.  We just finished our annual report that I will be sending out to you that summarizing what we have done to prepare for ’08.  As always, I appreciate your input, support, efforts and commitment to our cause.

Keep the faith and Merry Christmas to all and happy holidays.

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Recall efforts start & grow….see UPDATE “Tax Hiker Portraits” by RightMichigan:
 
Robert Dean:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/2/105439/416

Steve Bieda:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/3/10332/0059

Mike Simpson:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/4/92924/1118

Marc Corriveau:   http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/8/93248/2721

Terry Brown:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/10/101539/45

Mary Valentine:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/9/6253/0133

Kate Ebli:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/11/55455/873

Marty Griffin:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/15/94238/961

Kathy Angerer:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/16/14040/296

Aldo Vagnozzi:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/17/103640/75

John Espinoza:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/30/93255/658

Joel Sheltrown:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/31/103434/30

Mike Lahti:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/6/10250/0225

Kathleen Law:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/7/104242/595

Fred Miller:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/13/101018/55

Barb Byrum:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/12/19/105233/62

How does a recall work: http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/11/how-to-run-a-re.html

No further commentary until after the New Year…Merry Christmas!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 12-19-07

323 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Oakland County Republicans will be holding their 60th Anniversary on January 14th with Governor Mitt Romney - the day before our presidential primary.  All 10 living and past Chairman have committed to attend this historic event. For more info go to:

www.oaklandgop.net .

Sue Groth, Calhoun County Republican Women's President, and the Calhoun County Republicans’ Secretary is very ill.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Don't miss the final episode of "Building Bridges: From the Great Lakes to the Great Wall" airing tonight (Wednesday) on WWJ-TV at 6 -6:30 p.m.
This three part television series is part of the station's new "Eye on the Future'' effort. "Bridges" examines Michigan’s economy and future and its potential connections with China.

In case you missed Parts I and II of "Bridges" visit www.cbs.detroit.com where the first two TV shows are posted.

Thursday will be my last “Daily Articles of Interest” for the year and we’ll be taking a break over the Christmas Holidays and will be back after the New Year.  There will be periodic updates on the blog at:

www.migop.blogs.com

Merry Christmas…. http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/merry-christmas.html

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 12-18-07

324 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

If you haven’t seen the Granholm Tax Check, you can check it out on my blog at:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/stop-the-granho.html

Or we have it on the main MIGOP website where you can download an embedded image and put it on your blog or website as well…spread the news sort of speak!!!

www.migop.org

I would ask that every local party, county party and district party download the embedded Tax Check and post it on their site.  Taxpayers and voters deserve to know the facts.

State Senator Mark Schauer exposed…criminal activities and more…now he would like to be a Congressman…another Democrat like this is the last thing we need:

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/12/17/95752/104

I will be fading out the Daily Articles of Interest this coming week and taking a break over the Christmas Holidays and will be back after the New Year.  There will be periodic updates on the blog at:

www.migop.blogs.com

Merry Christmas…. http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/merry-christmas.html

Debate talks continue…cross your fingers!?!

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org.

Saul Anuzis

Stop the Granholm Tax Increase

Articles of Interest 12-17-07

325 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

I think we can now say winter is officially here.

Presidential politics is in full swing.  There is plenty of coverage in all the papers and national publications.  It’s almost impossible to keep up with them all.

Our options are fading to get another debate in Michigan.  With the holidays approaching, we don’t have a lot of time to get everything done.  We’ll know in the next two days.

Our youngest son was in a Christmas program at our Lithuanian Church after Mass in Southfield.  We spent a long, slow Sunday driving back and forth…not to mention shoveling a bunch of snow, pushing a few cars and finally getting in front of the fireplace late at night.

I will be fading out the Daily Articles of Interest this coming week and taking a break over the Christmas Holidays and will be back after the New Year.  There will be periodic updates on the blog at:

www.migop.blogs.com

See our Christmas greeting at:

www.migop.org

Merry Christmas.

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org.

Saul Anuzis

Merry Christmas!

Articles of Interest 12-16-07

326 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

The Macomb County GOP raised $600 dollars and 3 big boxes of items, which are going to be sent out to our troops.  They will ship items both to Iraq and Walter Reed Hospital in DC.  Each box will also have several of the Christmas cards, which everyone there got to sign and send personal greetings and best wishes. Stephanie Pazdro did a great job of pulling things together and her parents were very generous in giving so much.  Great idea…great effort…Merry Christmas to all!

I will be fading out the Daily Articles of Interest this coming week and taking a break over the Christmas Holidays and will be back after the New Year.  There will be periodic updates on the blog at:

www.migop.blogs.com

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 12-15-07

327 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Rest easier for the rest of the year…the legislature is officially on Christmas break and the Democrats will NOT be able to sneak, cajole, bribe or blackmail anyone into another TAX increase!  Sorry Governor Granholm…Merry Christmas taxpayers!

Kudos to Representative Rick Jones (MY state rep!) who  announced this week he is introducing a school Christmas bill after learning that schools across the nation are canceling Christmas plays, prohibiting Christmas music, trees, and the colors red and green in some instances.

The legislation would say that public school administrators and teachers may celebrate a public holiday if they chose.  Freedom of religion, freedom of choice!

We are still exploring one last chance to bring a second debate to Michigan…keep your fingers crossed!

Our good friend and longtime Republican activists Willie Childs from Dearborn Heights is fighting a terrible bout of cancer. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

I will be fading out the Daily Articles of Interest this coming week and taking a break over the Christmas Holidays and will be back after the New Year.  There will be periodic updates on the blog at:

www.migop.blogs.com

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 12-14-07

328 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

We are exploring the possibility of hosted a second Republican presidential debate before the January 15th primary.  We have been talking to several television networks and looking at various possible venues, one being the Detroit Auto Show.  We are in early stages of checking out our options…but it could be a great opportunity for Michigan.

Former Representative Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski and Representative Jack Hoogendyk are serious considering running for the United States Senate against long time incumbent Carl Levin.  This could be an exciting prospect, please encourage your favorite potential candidate to enter the race.

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 12-13-07

329 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Congressman Dave Camp is up to be the leading Republican on the Ways and Means Committee.  See my commentary here:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/dave-camp-is-th.html

Also see the Evans & Novak Report had to say about Dave Camp:

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=23941

DNC member Debbie Dingell and I held a “press roundtable” at the National Press Club in DC yesterday to describe the Dingell-Anuzis proposal for the 2012 presidential primary.  Details here:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/dingell-anuzis.html

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Dave Camp is the "right" choice

Dave Camp is the "right" choice

I've known Dave for over 25 years. From his start in the state legislature to his impressive career in Congress, Dave has exemplified the leadership skills that makes him not only the "right" choice, but the obvious choice to lead the Ways and Means Committee.

With Congress's approval ratings at an all time low and the American people's desire for someone to bring a degree of respect and confidence back to the process and Congress...Dave is the man for the job.

Dave Camp is one of the most respected members of Congress.  He is someone who has solid conservative credentials and voting record, while being able to reach across the aisle and bring a bi-partisan approach to getting things done.

If you look at Dave's record and the role he played in welfare reform, pension reform and energy reform...his leadership and ability to get things done is one of the best in Congress.  As a conferee on some of the most important and complicated legislation that has ever gone through Congress, Dave has the ability, talent, temperament and intellect to get the job done.

Camp is a leader who gets "the game".  He understand the inner workings of Congress and is well studied when it comes to policy, but he also understands the politics.  He's a team player that combines the best of policy and politics.

As Chairman of the Michigan GOP, I can tell you Dave is the kind of member most can only hope for.  He's active in local and state party events.  He's a great spokesman for our party and is respected among the news media and pundits.  He's exactly the kind of guy you want out there representing our party.

Dave is a great fundraiser...a member who gets it and will help the team from the grassroots to the top.  He's not afraid to lead and take a stand on principle.  He understands the need to keep and develop our party's "brand" and what it means to give the American people an agenda they can vote for.

I read with pride the recent article in National Review that talked about Dave's "Midwest values".  A solid conservative. Yesterday's Roll Call article quoted a member as saying he's the man to beat.  Dave Camp is someone we in Michigan know well and who would be a great addition to our national effort to put a new, fresh face on the Republican party.

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/cong-dave-camps.html

Leadership, integrity, intelligence and a work ethic second to none is what makes Dave Camp the obvious choice to lead the Ways and Means Committee as we become the Majority party again.

I know this is all about inside baseball, but Michigan and American couldn't be better served by having our Congressman Dave Camp as the next Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Articles of Interest 12-12-07

330 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Republicans win Congressional special elections in Ohio and Virginia!!!

Stop the “Phone Tax”…call your State Representative.

Governor Granholm was the Grinch that stole Christmas…with her tax and spend policies…taking money out of YOUR pocket…EVERY SECOND…$39.00 per second!

I spoke at the New Centurion’s program in Grand Rapids last night.  A fresh crop of “trained” conservatives from across the state are getting ready for battle!

For more information on the New Centurion program go to:
http://www.conservativeinstitute.org/

See what Republicans in Pennsylvania are doing:
http://www.votersforrepublicanvalues.com/principles.html

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

Yesterday, Republicans swept two special congressional elections that were closely watched as indicators of what is to come as the parties battle for control of Congress in 2008.  Despite high profile and well funded efforts, Democrats walked away empty handed.

Michigan Republicans sent down staff and volunteers to help in the Ohio special!!!  Our team effort paid off…a good sign entering the 2008 elections.

Special congressional elections are frequently looked to as indicators of the political and issue trends that will influence the next general election.

Since the Democrats took control of Congress earlier this year, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has been squeezing the DC lobbying establishment hard for cash, with a good amount of success. 

Despite the well funded Democrat campaign, Republicans won yesterday with congressional candidate Bob Latta in Ohio's 5th district.  Liberal Democrat Robin Weirauch drew support from the DCCC, Nancy Pelosi, Charlie Rangel, EMILY's list, Governor Ted Strickland, and a host of other Democrats and liberal interest groups.  It wasn't enough.

In Virginia's 1st district, Republican Rob Wittman tonight defeated Democrat Philip Forgit.  Democrats had claimed that recent gains in the Virginia state legislature set the stage for new Democrat activism in the Old Dominion.  With two candidates, each with little name identification, battling over an open Congressional seat, Democrats had an opportunity to make a gain, but to no avail. 

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole of Oklahoma issued twin statements congratulating Congressmen-elect Latta and Wittman tonight.

Democrats will try to explain away the Republican victories by claiming that these were Republican districts that elected Republicans - no news story.  Of course, such claims ignore the fact that Democrats made a major play to take Ohio's 5th district, and passed up the opportunity to make any gain in Virginia.

They'll also bypass the fact that in the heavily Democratic 5th district in Massachusetts, Republican Jim Ogonowski nearly took the seat despite a 14-point advantage in registration for the Democrats earlier this year.

Going into 2008, Democrat congressional candidates will have to contend with a political environment where Nancy Pelosi's and Harry Reid's unpopular Democrat Congress is only a hindrance, while solidly Republican issues of lower taxes and keeping America on the offensive in the global war on terror are resonating with voters, as demonstrated tonight.

- The Michigan state house is about to vote on SB410 – a bill that would mean $100 million in new taxes to fund 9-1-1 services and a broad category bureaucrats call “Public Safety.” The bill puts an 81 cent tax on ALL phone lines. Cell phones, land lines, voice over internet protocol: none will be spared.

The Michigan legislature may have repealed the service tax, but more taxes could be passed tomorrow! After approving $1.4 billion in tax increases on businesses and individuals, the legislature will vote on another surcharge on business— one that may include a fee on every phone, landline and cell phone.

Before the Michigan legislature votes tomorrow, we need to send a strong message! This is not the time to increase taxes on our phone lines. Contact your lawmaker at www.capwiz.com/detroitchamber and tell them to stop the phone tax.

Or go here to Freedom Works web page:

http://www.capwiz.com/freedomworks/issues/alert/?alertid=10657246

–  Our press release: Like the Grinch who stole Christmas, the Granholm-Democrat tax increase is pilfering the pockets of Michigan’s taxpayers to the tune of $39 every second. Since the beginning of the 2007-2008 fiscal year, that averages more than $240 million of tax increases, and counting.

Today, the Michigan Republican Party unveiled the Michigan Taxpayers’ Check that counts off how much more working families are paying under the Granholm-Democrat tax increase.

“Every second the Granholm-Democrat tax increase costs Michigan taxpayers the equivalent of a tank of gas, a week’s heating bill or a family’s trip to the movies,” said Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis. “The governor said her tax only costs pennies, but those pennies add up fast. So far, the Granholm-Democrat tax plan adds up to 24 billion pennies taken from taxpayers’ pockets.”

Anuzis said he will take the Michigan Taxpayers’ Check as he travels the state in the coming months to put a finer point on how much the Granholm-Democrat tax increase is costing families, businesses and Michigan’s economy. Anuzis also said taxpayers can post a web-based version of the check on their personal websites and blogs. The widget for the check can be downloaded at www.migop.org .

“The Michigan Republican Party is going to remind voters that it was Governor Granholm and the Democrats who passed a tax increase in the midst of a single-state recession  while families are losing jobs and businesses are leaving the state,” Anuzis said. “You can’t tax yourself to prosperity and the only thing the Granholm-Democrat tax increase will do is take more of what Michigan families and businesses can’t afford to give.”

What can $39 a second buy?

Half a week’s worth of groceries for a married couple (http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/202468).

A 13 gallon tank of gas (http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17334_17362-93060--,00.html)

A week’s worth of energy used by the average American family (http://fypower.org/news/?p=363).

Two-and-a-half-weeks worth of car insurance payments for the average Michigan driver (http://www.4carinsurancequotes.com/states-premium.htm).

The approximate cost for a family of 4 to go to the movies, plus concessions (http://www.thedirectory.org/movieth/showtimes/m02753.htm).

The math behind the Michigan Taxpayers’ Check
What the $1.23 billion-a-year Granholm-Democrat tax increase is costing Michigan families and businesses:
$1.23 Billion Per Year / 365 Days Per Year = $3.37 Million Per Day
      
$3.37 Million Per Day / 24 Hours Per Day = $140,417 Per Hour
      
$140,417 Per Hour / 60 Minutes Per Hour = $2,340 Per Minute
      
$2,340 Per Minute / 60 Seconds Per Minute = $39 Per Second.
      

- Recall efforts start & grow….see UPDATE “Tax Hiker Portraits” by RightMichigan:
 
Robert Dean:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/2/105439/416

Steve Bieda:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/3/10332/0059

Mike Simpson:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/4/92924/1118

Marc Corriveau:   http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/8/93248/2721

Terry Brown:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/10/101539/45

Mary Valentine:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/9/6253/0133

Kate Ebli:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/11/55455/873

Marty Griffin:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/15/94238/961

Kathy Angerer:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/16/14040/296

Aldo Vagnozzi:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/17/103640/75

John Espinoza:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/30/93255/658

Joel Sheltrown:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/10/31/103434/30

Mike Lahti:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/6/10250/0225

Kathleen Law:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/7/104242/595

Fred Miller:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/13/101018/55

Mike Sak:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/20/112958/68

Marie Donigan:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/11/28/10625/797

Pam Byrnes:  http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/12/5/112420/863

How do recalls work: http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/11/how-to-run-a-re.html

Saul Anuzis

Cong. Dave Camp's Leadership Recognized!!!

Ways and Means Battle Kicks Off
December 11, 2007
By Lauren W. Whittington,
Roll Call Staff
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/53_69/news/21318-1.html

________________________________________
Rep. Jim McCrery’s (R-La.) announcement late last week that he will not seek re-election in 2008 immediately touched off a yearlong race for one of the most powerful posts in Congress — the top Republican slot on the Ways and Means Committee.

Early jockeying points to at least a two-person race between Reps. Wally Herger (Calif.) and Dave Camp (Mich.), with the possibility of a three-man contest emerging.

While Herger is next on the tax-writing panel’s GOP roster, Camp has been a close ally of Republican leaders and is widely viewed as having the inside track to succeed McCrery.

Still, Herger released a statement Monday asserting that he plans to fight for the job, which will ultimately be determined by a vote of the GOP Steering Committee next November.

“As the most senior Republican member of the Ways and Means Committee, I intend to run to succeed Jim and have already informed leadership of my intention to do so,” Herger said. “I hope and intend to lead the Republicans on the committee next year — hopefully as their chairman.”
Herger was not a candidate for the top Republican slot on Ways and Means two years ago, when it was last open, even though he had more seniority than McCrery at the time.

Camp, meanwhile, also has jumped in the race and already has begun making calls to Members.

“Yes, he’s going to seek the position,” Camp spokesman Sage Eastman said. “He is reaching out to other Members and has had a lot of positive feedback.”
Camp, in his ninth term in the House, is currently the ranking member on the Health Subcommittee and played a leading role in the recent debate over children’s health care legislation. Herger, an 11-term Member, is the ranking member of the Trade Subcommittee.
Republicans both on Capitol Hill and on K Street said Monday that early handicapping showed Camp with an edge, citing his strong ties to leadership and his fundraising prowess.

“It is Camp’s to lose,” said one Republican member of the committee, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “My sense is that the leadership would be predisposed toward Dave.”

“The guy to beat is Camp,” added one GOP lobbyist.

A possible dark-horse candidate in the race could be Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.), who will be fourth in seniority on the panel next Congress. English released a statement praising McCrery, but a spokeswoman for the Congressman said it was premature to talk about any possible interest he might have in the ranking member slot.

“Jim’s energy and policy vision have been one of the unifying forces among the Republican Ways and Means members, and his departure will leave big shoes to fill,” English said in his statement.

English, however, would face several obstacles if he enters the race. The seven-term Republican represents a marginal district and faces a potentially competitive re-election race next year. Sources said those two factors would likely handicap his bid if he were to make one because as ranking member he would be expected to take hard-line party positions that could put him in jeopardy with voters back home.

Both Herger and Camp are from more solidly Republican districts and have not had competitive re-election contests.

Another name being floated as a possible contender among some Republicans on Monday was that of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who is much more junior on the committee.

Ryan, currently the ranking member on the Budget Committee, is a darling of fiscal conservatives and would likely have strong backing from that wing of the party if he were to toss his name into the race. Still, the 37-year-old Congressman will be ninth in seniority among Republicans on the panel next cycle, and the leap to ranking member would be a long one.

A spokeswoman for Ryan said her boss was out of reach in Wisconsin on Monday and therefore was unable to comment on any possible interest in the race.
McCrery announced late Friday that he would not seek a 12th term in the House next year, citing his desire to spend more time with his family and his disappointment that the Democratic takeover of Congress in 2006 had denied him the Ways and Means chairmanship.
“The chairmanship would have allowed me to play a leading role in addressing some of the biggest long-term problems facing our country,” McCrery said in a statement.

He added: “Given that disappointment and my desire to more fully enjoy the last few years my boys will be at home, I will not seek re-election to the Congress in 2008.”

McCrery becomes the 17th House Republican to announce plans to retire or seek higher office next year. His Shreveport-based district tilts decidedly toward Republicans and the party is not expected to have trouble holding it (See story, p. 1).
Still, privately Republicans acknowledged that it is not helpful for the party’s morale to have the ranking member on the powerful tax-writing committee depart from the House just two years into his term. But at the same time, they said his departure was not all that unexpected.
“You can’t put a positive spin on it,” the Republican Member said, while also noting that McCrery’s desire to leave goes back further than the current Congress.

McCrery eyed retiring in 2004 — citing the desire to spend more time with his family — only to be pressured by GOP leaders to stay.
Unlike with other open seats, McCrery’s departure could actually provide a financial boost for the cash-strapped National Republican Congressional Committee.
Aside from seniority, one of the key factors in determining committee chairmen and ranking members has been fundraising. As the Ways and Means race heats up, it is likely the contenders’ fundraising and aid to Republican candidates will pick up as well.

Between Camp and Herger, Camp has a demonstrated advantage when it comes to raising funds for the party.

In the previous cycle, he doled out more than $200,000 to Republican candidates and causes through his leadership political action committee — Continuing A Majority Party PAC. In 2003, he was the lead House fundraiser for the President’s Dinner, an annual joint House/Senate event.

Camp also has raised more money for his own re-election, taking in $1.2 million in the previous cycle. Herger raised just $670,000 for his re-election race in 2006, and he shut down his federal PAC in 2002.

The dynamic between the contenders could echo the 2004 race for Appropriations chairman between GOP Reps. Jerry Lewis (Calif.), Hal Rogers (Ky.) and Ralph Regula (Ohio). In that case, the three lawmakers engaged in a game of fundraising one-upmanship that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to the NRCC and GOP candidates.

Meanwhile, the NRCC will no doubt eye the $961,000 in campaign funds that McCrery showed in the bank at the end of September. He could transfer a portion or all of that total to the NRCC. McCrery has an additional $323,000 in PAC funds he could dole out to candidates.

Although he is retiring, McCrery is expected to remain active with the Challengers Helping Obtain the Majority Program. McCrery leads the fundraising effort along with Reps. Mike Rogers (Mich.) and Pete Sessions (Texas).

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Michigan Republicans Roll Out Granholm/Democrat Tax Check

Today Michigan Republicans unveiled the Granholm/Democrat Tax Check at the State Capitol Building. The result of Governor Granholm and Democrats hammering Michigan citizens with the largest tax hike in Michigan's history is that an average of $39 every second goes in to the state's coffers from you, the taxpayer. So what can $39 buy? A 13 gallon tank of gas. A half week's supply of groceries for a married couple. Two in a half weeks worth of car insurance payments for the average Michigan citizen. A weeks worth of energy costs for the average American family. A trip to the movies for a family of four. All of this while Michigan continues to lead the nation in unemployment and is bleeding people and jobs. If you think it is time for a change, then it's time to vote Republican.

Articles of Interest 12-11-07

331 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Governor Granholm is trying to sneak through a change in the Civil Service to require state employees’ automatic payroll deduction to fund their union political action committees…an outrage!!!

How about a “union” to protect Michigan taxpayers…let’s call it Michigan Republicans?!?

Today, on the east steps of the Capitol, we will be unveiling the Michigan Republican Party “Tax Check”, a device that will show exactly how much hard earned money is being taken away from Michigan citizens to further bloat state government. 

House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche sent out the email below.

Michigan College Republicans hit the streets in Ohio over the weekend to help with the special election to fill the Congressional seat.  Thanks to all who participated.

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Chamber of Commerce release: CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION should BACK away from GRANHOLM-BOWEN PLAN TO POLITICIZE CIVIL SERVICE, SAYS MICHIGAN CHAMBER of commerce

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Civil Service Commission should back away from a request from Governor Granholm’s Director of the Office of State Employer, Scott Bowen, to adopt a new civil service rule authorizing the State of Michigan to provide payroll deduction for civil service employees to make contributions to union political action committees (PACs), says the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Bowen’s request is scheduled to go before the Commission at a meeting on December 19th.

“The four-person Civil Service Commission, appointed by the Governor, ought to back away from this ill-considered request,” said Robert LaBrant, Senior Vice President of Political Affairs and General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. “Essentially, the Granholm Administration is asking the Civil Service Commission to ignore both a 2006 Attorney General Opinion (OAG No 7187) – which held that a state-administered PAC payroll deduction plan violates the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (OAG No. 7187) – and a 2006 Report to the Civil Service Commission by its own outside legal counsel, Michael Hodge, in order to adopt this new rule.

“The Civil Service Commission, as a state agency, is bound by law to follow an Attorney General Opinion. State agencies are not able to unilaterally decide which AG Opinions they are going to follow or ignore,” said LaBrant, who noted that when Governor Granholm was Attorney General she fought vigorously to protect the authority of the Attorney General to issue opinions that are binding on state agencies, unless overturned in court.

“The Commission should say to the civil service employee unions that they are free to go into Circuit Court, on their own, and attempt to have the court invalidate the 2006 Attorney General Opinion,” LaBrant continued. “These unions and the state employer should not come to the Civil Service Commission to act as a substitute for the courts.”

Legislation to overturn the current state statute (MCL 169.257), which serves as the basis for the 2006 AG Opinion, has been introduced and passed by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives (HB 4628). However, the bill is expected to die in the Senate.

“The Civil Service Commission is not a ‘super legislature’ that can re-write the Michigan Campaign Finance on its own whim,” observed LaBrant.

“The purpose of the civil service system is to keep partisan politics out of state classified employment. The proposed Granholm-Bowen rule change reinserts partisan politics into the on-duty operations of state government employment, added LaBrant.

“This Granholm-Bowen power grab is a sad commentary on the lengths this administration will go to politicize the civil service of the State of Michigan in order to feed its insatiable appetite to collect as much political money as possible, no matter what the means,” LaBrant concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business advocacy organization representing over 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce.

-  From House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche: The House GOP continues to push ahead with our ideas to move Michigan forward.  In the minority, the best chance that you have to affect public policy and budgets is through the amendment process.  Unfortunately, not many of our amendments are voted on either for partisan or other reasons.

An amendment on Thursday is one that is worth noting.  The House GOP caucus had prepared an amendment that would reduce, reform and cut government spending by $670 million dollars.  It would effectively have eliminated the need for the service tax, and prospectively would eliminate the need for the "surcharge".  The bill cuts more than is required for this one task though.  With the additional cuts freeing up tens of millions of dollars, the same bill redirects it to equity funding for our K12 schools, revenue sharing for our cities, and to the reopening of our state police DNA crime labs. 

On Thursday the GOP had fifty members present, the Dems had 53.  We were six short of passing anything- they were three short.  After Speaker Dillon told us he would give us a vote on this amendment in exchange for three votes on the final bill, he learned that his members wanted to vote for our amendment, and that it would pass!  He then changed his mind on holding the vote, and adjourned for the day!

Our reforms included welfare limits, Medicaid reforms and reductions to wasteful or unnecessary items.  There is support for reform in Michigan.  It is simply being blocked from coming for a vote from Speaker Dillon.

This display of deference to big government at the expense of the taxpayers is nothing new this year, but serves as encouragement of what we can accomplish when we win the majority back.  There has been a sea change in the last months.  Our members now feel the wind at their backs and the democrats continue to be nervous about talk of recalls and the top-tier candidates that the GOP is filing for their seats. 

I truly believe that the coming election isn't just about who wins and who loses.  It will become a fight for the direction of state.  It’s about whether we want the reforms to actually be voted on when members from both parties support them!

Thank you for all your help, support and advice.  I will leave you with a quote that we have all heard many times.  My father brought it to Sunday dinner this week and explained to me it summed up the difference in the GOP perspective versus that of what the democrats pushed for this year.

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You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.  You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.  You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred.  You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.  You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.  You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.  You cannot help man permanently by doing for them what they could or should do for themselves.  - A. Lincoln.
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Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 12-10-07

332 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

NBC reversed course Saturday and decided to air a conservative group's television ad thanking U.S. troops.  See story at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/08/AR2007120801250_pf.html

I spoke at the New Centurion’s program in Lansing last week and will be their guest lecturer this week in Grand Rapids.  A fresh crop of “trained” conservatives from across the state are getting ready for battle!

For more information on the New Centurion program go to:

http://www.conservativeinstitute.org/

The RNC counsel’s office drafted suggested language to the RNC Rules to consider the presidential primary option Debbie Dingell and I proposed.  To download a copy and see other details go to:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/dingell-anuzis.html

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Articles Interest 12-9-07

333 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

NBC refuses to play an ad that supports our Iraq policy and asks folks to “remember” our troops.  A disgrace…let NBC know your thoughts.

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/12/newt-on-nbc-and.html

http://www.freedomswatch.org/

Carol Cain hosts a fascinating WWJ-TV program about China called “Building Bridges”…an introduction is below that I think is worth watching and understanding.

Give a Gift this Holiday Season that Will Last a Lifetime!

The Michigan Republicans moved their headquarters to the Secchia-Weiser Republican Center in 2006 and plan to install a legacy site to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan.  The legacy site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s past, present, and future Republican leaders!  Buy a brick to celebrate, to inspire, or to commemorate friends, family, or yourself this holiday season!  They are a great way to honor others in memoriam, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.  Your honoree will receive a certificate commemorating their personalized brick.  Choose from our four different options and be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy! 

To order your personalized Legacy Brick please visit www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org. 

THE REST OF THE STORY:

Outrage: NBC has rejected a TV ad by Freedom's Watch, a conservative group that supports administration policy in Iraq that asks viewers to remember and thank U.S. troops during the holiday season.

NBC said it declined to air the ad because it refers to the group's Web site, which the network said was too political, not because of the ad's message.

PREVIEW THE 1ST SEGMENT:  http://video.cbslocal.com/GreatLakesGreatWallSeg1.wmv

VIEW THE WEBSITE:
http://cbsdetroit.com/buildingbridges/bridges.2.601233.html 

“Twenty years from now, the only markets that will really matter will be the U.S. and China.”
-Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors. 

As part of a new community initiative called “Eye on the Future,” WWJ-TV will provide programming and initiatives that offer a spotlight on how Michigan can move forward in this ever changing world.

On Sunday, December 16th at 11pm following the finale of “Survivor: China,” WWJ-TV is proud to premiere the first “Eye on the Future” special:  a three part series that examines Michigan’s economy and future and its potential connections with China in “Building Bridges:  From the Great Lakes to the Great Wall.”

Shot in stunning high-definition and hosted by Carol Cain, Community Affairs and Editorial Director of WWJ-TV, “Building Bridges” leads us on a journey to see how the Chinese have built one of the most explosive economies on the planet and how the economic growth in China could help position Michigan for future growth.

Ms. Cain interviewed a number of experts to offer the most comprehensive, eye-opening report to date on this issue.  She traveled extensively throughout China and Michigan to see firsthand how bold pioneers in business and education are laying the groundwork for future prosperity in Michigan.  A partial list of her guests is included on page two.

“Building Bridges” features exclusive interviews with virtually every local business leader and decision-maker who will play a part in Michigan’s economic expansion.  From government officials to business CEO’s, automotive executives to union leaders, Ms. Cain leads a very balanced discussion on this important topic.   

“This issue is vital to everyone in Michigan,” said Trey Fabacher, Vice President and General Manager of WWJ-TV and WKBD-TV.  “In just a few short years, there won’t be a business or family not affected in some way by economic changes outside the USA.  Carol has used her extensive relationships and experience as a journalist to produce a truly riveting and informative special series.”

Part two airs Tuesday, December 18th from 6pm to 6:30pm.  The series wraps up on Wednesday, December 19th from 6pm to 6:30pm.

Saul Anuzis