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

Articles of Interest 1-31-08

280 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

There is “hope” in the air that Republicans and Democrats can work with the Governor to accomplish some of the items the Governor addressed in her State of the State.  The devil will be in the details…but at least there is hope.

Will her rhetoric be matched by a bipartisan approach…or ultimately political wrangling?

Mayor Rudy Giuliani drops out of the presidential contest for the Republican nomination…basically making this a McCain vs. Romney race on Super Tuesday.

Last night was the last Republican Presidential debate which was held at the Reagan Library…a good exchange, interesting contrasts…Republicans are ready!!!

Senator John Edwards also called it quits.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- A note from one of our readers: I read your articles everyday, I appreciate your views, and response to another useless speech by Jennifer "Tax"holm. Her admission that a "swede" was running Michigan, and her reference to a quote from a Canadian hockey player, Gretzky, along with her "crystal ball" forecasts, were way too much to take at dinner time! This should serve as a prime example of what will happen if Republicans don't get off their respective asses and get out to vote! You should be the catalyst to start a campaign to get Republicans out to vote! We sentenced ourselves to four more years of failure by not getting out to vote when "Tax"holm was re-elected. We cannot afford another pathetic showing at the polls!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 1-30-08

281 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Florida:  McCain wins an impressive victory in Florida, continuing his momentum into Super Tuesday.  Romney in second and Giuliani came in a distant third.

It’s official….it’s McCain vs. Romney going into Super Tuesday.

Huckabee continues to poll 10-15% of the conservative base...state by state.

Super Tuesday is next…22 states across the country!

MI State of the State: Governor Granholm drove a stake through the heart of Michigan’s economy last October when she pushed through the largest tax increase in state history. Now she wants us to trust her that what will right the state’s listing economic ship is renewable energy.  I’m a bit skeptical.

My thought…Governor Granholm should have asked legislators to stand and thank the Michigan private sector employees (taxpayers) who keep the doors of government open.

Here are some of the early TV news stories I responded to the Governor’s State of the State:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/01/anuzis-takes-on.html

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/01/anuzis-responds.html

More rhetoric Republicans were pleased to hear…kind of like campaign speeches…but will the rhetoric match her actions???  We’ve heard it before and Democrats showed us they couldn’t be trusted.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- LANSING- In the spirit of Gov. Granholm’s State of the State address tonight – which was full of pandering bromides, budget-busting spending increases, and previously announced yet unfulfilled initiatives – Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis said he would let stand commentary he made on the governor’s past performances.

“What I said in 2005, 2006 and 2007 holds today: Michigan has a governor without a plan,” Anuzis said. “Most of the governor’s speech was a rehash of previous proposals she has failed to accomplish. The single most important issue facing Michigan families today is the economy, and Gov. Granholm’s only contribution on that front was to push through the largest tax increase in state history. Tonight, the governor offered no indication that the coming year will be any different – or better – than the previous five years under her tenure.”

Chairman Anuzis said journalists and commentators are welcome to quote from his previous remarks of past State of the State addresses, excerpts of which are provided below:

2007…

“It is time that the governor faced reality – Michigan can not afford business as usual. We need to look closely at every penny spent in state government and figure out what to do differently… No one would have re-elected a governor who campaigned on raising their taxes and Granholm refused to be honest with voters that this is her plan. Granholm has now revealed that she believes tax increases are the best option. The governor is wrong.”

2006…

“Michigan, quite simply, needed more. Four (now six) State of the State addresses later, Gov. Granholm has yet to offer a concrete plan to stop the hemorrhage of Michigan jobs. This week, like so many weeks before it, has been filled with bad economic news for the state. How many more weeks like this must Michigan’s families endure before Governor Granholm steps up and leads? How many more families must face unemployment, or must move to other states, before Governor Granholm offers a vision and a plan?”

2005…

“Jennifer Granholm proved one thing tonight: She has no idea how to fix Michigan's problems… Job creators have less of a reason to come to Michigan now than ever, and the blame lies squarely at the governor's feet.  Tonight's address is another example of the governor's attempt to cover up her lack of leadership by making things sound warm and fuzzy for Michigan's citizens. The stark reality is that this governor is failing Michigan's working families by creating a higher tax burden, producing the highest unemployment rate in the nation and spending more time blame shifting than problem solving.”

Saul Anuzis

Anuzis/GOP Discuss Granholm Alternative Energy Plan

Anuzis and Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop discuss Governor Granholm's State of the State proposal to rely heavily on the alternative energy sector to fix Michigan's economy.

Anuzis Responds to Granholm's State of the State

Anuzis tells Fox 2 Detroit why he believes Governor Granholm's plan to rely heavily on the alternative energy sector to turn Michigan's economy around is a huge gamble.

Anuzis Takes on Governor Granholm Before State of the State

Anuzis tells WLNS Lansing where Jennifer Granholm has come up short in her time as governor.

MI GOP Responds to Granholm's State of the State Address

Governor Granholm's State of the State Address offered Michigan much of the same...and so did our response.  Below is a draft of the press release that the MI GOP sent out immediately following the governor's speech.

Articles of Interest 1-29-08

282 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

President Bush delivered his last State of the Union address.  President Bush presented his strong resolve to keep America’s economy healthy, his initiatives that keep America competitive, cut wasteful spending, and expand education options.

Listen to what the Democrats had to say…how they responded…EVERYTHING they proposed cost taxpayer’s money…EVERYTHING was another “gimme” at your expense…and EVERYTHING was obviously wrong, just because President Bush said it.

The partisan bickering and perspective was little more than politics as usual.

It was raining in Holland yesterday!?!  We spent the afternoon at the headquarters going over our victory plans for 2008.  Ottawa County GOP is ready to lead the way!!!

Pam Bouchard’s mother passed away this weekend.  Please keep Mike, Pam and the rest of the Bouchard family in our prayers.

Many attended a beautiful Memorial Service for former Kent County GOP Chairman Karl Hascall at the Fredrick Meijer Garden yesterday.  Please keep the Hascall family in your prayers.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 1-28-08

283 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Florida Republican primary is neck & neck between McCain & Romney.  Tuesday will be very interesting.

For the latest information on the February State Convention and National Delegate/Alternate selection, go to:

http://www.migop.org/stateconvention/default.asp

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 1-27-08

284 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Barack Obama wins the South Carolina primary…now the question is, is he ready to be Commander and Chief???

Watch Senator Hillary Clinton say anything…do anything…to try and convince voters for another 4 years of the Clintons.  America’s most distrusted politician has to orchestrate a comeback…are you ready for the spin?!?

For the latest information on the February State Convention go to:

http://www.migop.org/stateconvention/default.asp

The International Auto Show was very impressive.  The engineering, styling and creativity that the auto industry demonstrated here is very impressive.  Clearly, America’s best days are still ahead!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

State and National Convention Update

To: GOP Leadership

Couple of things to pass on this afternoon...

1.) Leadership Conference Call - we'll have our monthly conference call this coming Tuesday, January 29th at 6pm.   It's important that each County Chair or a representative participate as we'll be discussing the rules changes for County Conventions.  To RSVP and receive the call info, contact Jason Geer - jgeer@migop.org   All county and district leadership are welcome to participate.

2.) Delegate Allocation/Selection memo - the attached memos will help explain the national delegate allocation and selection process as we approach the state convention.  You may receive questions on how this process works, these documents should help answer those questions.

3.) State Convention websites

County Convention information is online at www.migop.org/2008convention

State Convention general information is online at www.migop.org/stateconvention

4.) National Convention website - the RNC has launched the National Convention website with a FAQ page that may answer a lot of your questions on the National Convention.  The site is www.gopconvention.com

Download 1_memo_on_delegates.pdf

Download 2_delegate_one_pager.pdf

Articles of Interest 1-26-2008

285 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

MIRS reports: It was another lackluster month for Michigan's job market, with 70 of the state's 83 counties seeing a rise in unemployment in December. In the past year, 71 counties are seeing their jobless rates rise.

From December 2006 to December 2007, 14 of Michigan's 17 labor markets saw a rise in joblessness. The state's unemployment crept up from 6.9 percent to 7.2 percent.

The Michigan “Taxpayers Check” made it to Saginaw and we got some good TV coverage on the news.  We want to remind voters and taxpayers that Gov. Jennifer Granholm and key Democrat legislators in swing districts where voters have a “choice” raised state taxes by $1.23 BILLION.

Democrats = TAXES…and more unemployment.

That’s $39 a second in NEW taxes from Granholm and her Democrat allies...taxpayers beware!  Here is the news clip from ABC channel 12:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/01/mi-gop-taxpayer.html

I’m off to the International Auto Show today to see the best of what Michigan has to offer!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

MI GOP Taxpayer's Check Travels to Saginaw

The Michigan Republican Party Taxpayer's Check travels to Saginaw where Anuzis reminds voters in this political swing area that there is an alternative to the tax and spend policies of Michigan Democrats.

Articles of Interest 1-25-2008

286 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Great debate!  Once again, Republicans show why they are so much better prepared to lead America!!!  What a great contrast in vision and leadership ahead.

The Michigan “Taxpayers Check” made it to Royal Oak yesterday.  Oakland County GOP Chairman Dennis Cowan joined me at the press conference (then bought me a chili dog!). We want to remind voters and taxpayers that Gov. Jennifer Granholm and key leaders such as Rep. Donnigan and Rep. Bieda in the Legislature raised state taxes by $1.23

That’s $39 a second in NEW taxes from Granholm and her Democrat allies Coulouris and Brown….taxpayers beware!

The “check” ended the day at the North Oakland Republican Club where I spoke to a group of motivated Republicans ready to win Michigan for the NEXT President of the United States….ah, that would be our guy!

Attorney General Mike Cox testified before the U.S. Senate yesterday on behalf of the domestic auto industry…fighting with California’s Senator Boxer over auto jobs.

Cox: "No Senator You're Wrong..."

To read a full transcript of Cox's testimony click here:

http://www.mi.gov/documents/ag/Cox.U.S.SenateTestimony.Emissions.1-24-08_222605_7.pdf

To watch the hearing and Cox take on Senator Boxer click here:

http://www.cspan.org/VideoArchives.asp?z1=&PopupMenu_Name=Congress&CatCodePairs=Issue,C

The 7th Congressional District has created a new web page to keep track of Mark Schaeur’s political “record” and gamesmanship.  I’m not sure raising taxes is going to go over very well.  Check it regularly:

http://www.thetruthaboutmark.com

Former Kent County Chairman Karl Hascall passed away suddenly.  He was an active Republican who was always willing to do his part for the party.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hascall family.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis
.

Articles of Interest 1-24-2007

287 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Central Michigan University challenges “free speech” and are just digging themselves deeper and deeper into an embarrassing hole.  Action options below.

Thanks to Attorney General Mike Cox, Michigan STOPPED issuing drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.

We took the Michigan “Taxpayers Check” to Saginaw today.  We want to remind voters and taxpayers that Gov. Jennifer Granholm and key leaders such as Rep. Coulouris and Rep. Brown in the Legislature raised state taxes by $1.23

That’s $39 a second in NEW taxes from Granholm and her Democrat allies Coulouris and Brown….taxpayers beware!

THE REST OF THE STORY:
.
- Central Michigan University…Freedom of Speech???

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/1/23/75351/0449

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Help defend the Constitution... TODAY!

By Nick [Edit User] , Section News
Posted on Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 07:53:51 AM EST

It wouldn't be a new semester if Central Michigan University weren't attempting to censor free speech and political thought on campus.  Wait, that's not entirely true.  They don't have a problem with free speech and political thought from the left.  It's just the conservatives they have a problem with.

By now we all know the story of Dennis Lennox.  There's not much I can add that hasn't been more eloquently stated by Mike Volpe and Chet Zarko in recent days.  The kid has almost single-handedly raised the Gary Peters issue to national prominence.  But just because Dennis thinks that Peters should choose between campus and Congress (in a District hundreds of miles away while violating federal campaign laws that prohibit public employees from pursuing office) doesn't mean the nut-job administrators at Central agree with him.   

Quite the contrary.  They're waging a very personal war against an outspoken conservative student because he dares have opinions different from theirs.   
The school has targeted Lennox by banning videotaping, ignored a dean who assaulted him, directed faculty and staff to avoid the use of CMU e-mail when discussing Gary Peters because it could be released under FOIA, accused the kid of suffering from mental illness because he holds conservative political views and has an interesting haircut.  They went as far as to call him the next Virginia Tech-style school shooter.

And that was all them playing nice.  Well they've decided to take the gloves off and we're going to have to do the same.   

One week from today, on January 30th at 8:00 AM the school will be holding an expulsion hearing to try to rid themselves of Lennox once and for all.  Nevermind that the ACLU, elected officials and alumni have the kids back, he's making things difficult for the lefties in power on campus and they want to wash their hands of him.   

Even more sinister, they're only now letting the guy see the "evidence" they have against him and have refused his request to record the session, determined to cloak it permanently in secrecy.   

Remember the good old days when having anti-establishment viewpoints and rallying against the man was part of the college experience?  Students on the left have rioted, thrown rocks at police and destroyed property and avoided serious trouble from campus officials.  But dare express a conservative view point and serve a FOIA request or two and they'll quite literally try to beat you from campus.

That's not right.  And it can't stand.  That's where we come in.   

I know you're busy today.  I know there's a part of you that says this isn't your problem. There's a part of you that says "everyone else is going to help, I don't need to."  Please warm up your backhand and slap that part of you around a little bit.  We need YOU today!

Please take five minutes (out of the 1,440 you have today) and fire off a quick email or phone call to each of the CMU officials listed below.  Ask them to support Dennis Lennox's right to free expression and political thought.  Ask them to toss the bogus anti-speech "charges" that are being bandied about.  Ask them to stand up for a little thing we like to call the Constitution. 

Here is the contact information... five minutes...:
CMU President Michael Rao:
Email: president@cmich.edu
Phone: (989) 774-3131
Assistant Dean of Students Anthony Voisin:
Email: anthony.a.voisin@cmich.edu
Phone: (989) 774-3016
Board of Trustees Chairman Jeffrey Caponigro (R):
Email: capon1jr@cmich.edu
Phone: (248) 355-3200
Board of Trustees member Stephanie Comai (R):
Email: comai1s@cmich.edu
Phone: (734) 761-6915
Board of Trustees member John Kulhavi (R):
Email: kulha1jg@cmich.edu
Phone: (248) 737-6222
Board of Trustees member Gail Torreano (R):
Email: torre1gf@cmich.edu
Phone: (313) 223-7171

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/1/23/75351/0449

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 1-23-2008

288 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

We took the Michigan “Taxpayers Check” to Farmington today.  We want to remind voters and taxpayers that Gov. Jennifer Granholm and key leaders such as Rep. Vagnozzi and Rep. Donigan in the Legislature raised state taxes by $1.23 billion.

That’s $39 a second in NEW taxes from Granholm and her Democrat allies since Oct. 1, 2007.

Fred Thompson withdraws from the race for the Republican nomination for President.

I taped Rev. Wendall Anthony’s “To The Point” television show, discussing the presidential primary and Republican politics.

State Senator and 7th Congressional District candidate Mark Schauer voted to support partial birth abortion?  Way out of touch.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Michigan Republicans took the “Taxpayers Check” to Farmington yesterday to remind the taxpayers and voters in Michigan that they have a choice.  Democrats continue to campaign on fiscal responsibility, yet pushed through the largest tax increase in Michigan’s history.

- The Thompson for President Committee issued the following release:

“McLean, VA - Senator Fred Thompson today issued the following statement about his campaign for President:

“Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States.  I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort.  Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.”

- Yesterday, the Michigan State Senate overwhelmingly adopted a ban on the gruesome practice of partial-birth abortions, but it did so without the support of State Senator and 7th Congressional District candidate Mark Schauer, who voted against the measure. Schauer’s vote shows a disregard for the health and safety of the mother and an indifference to evidence by many medical officials that partial-birth abortions have no place in legitimate medical practices.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 1-22-2008

289 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Yesterday, we honored the vision and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who devoted his life to fulfilling the truth revealed at our nation's founding that all men are created equal. 

There is a choice….Michigan Republicans took the “Taxpayers Check” to Jackson yesterday to remind the taxpayers and voters in Michigan that they have a choice.  Democrats continue to campaign on fiscal responsibility, yet pushed through the largest tax increase in Michigan’s history.

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/01/anuzis-visits-j.html

Now the Democrats want more…and voters have a choice.  Vote Republican and we’ll address the structure reforms necessary to live within our means.  Don’t believe the rhetoric…Democrats have increased spending every year Governor Granholm has been in office.  And they want more!

Our 2007 Annual Report was email to many of you and mailed to State Committee and County Chairs.  If you would like to download an electronic version go to:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/01/2007-annual-rep.html

Here is an interview I did from the RNC meeting with West Michigan’s WOOD TV 8 that played this weekend:

http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/01/anuzis-on-to-th.html

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary.

Saul Anuzis

Anuzis Visits Jackson Dems with MRP Taxpayers Check

Anuzis stops in Jackson outside the county's Democratic Party Headquarters with the Michigan Republican Party's Taxpayers Check to remind voters in this crucial swing area that Democrats stand for bigger government and higher taxes.

Anuzis on To the Point

Anuzis joins WOOD TV's Rick Albin on To the Point to discuss Michigan's Presidential Primary and what the future of Presidential Primary politics may look like.

Articles of Interest 1-21-2008

290 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Thanks again to everyone who participated, helped, volunteered and got involved in the Presidential primary process.  It was a great success for Michigan!

Education Action Group created a response to the Bill Bonds' TV ad and it can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOnUlZSUcVc

EAG is not part of any "Right to Work" campaign but just wanted to call out Bonds for his arrogance in thinking that unions know what is better for workers than individual workers do.

Here is a link to Newt’s latest Platform of the American People…great stuff.

http://www.americansolutions.com/general/?Page=92410b2c-4bee-4ed9-80d6-c6c7ade635a3

or the .pdf version here:

http://www.americansolutions.com/media/4CDF1CEC-779C-4699-A123-A8992F4D9219/ba996614-8c97-4bad-8088-da0f4343ad81.pdf

I hope we use much of this information for our next platform.

Recalls are progressing…House Republicans are challenging the Governor’s tax and spend policies, Senate Republicans are pushing for structural reforms…the Governor’s and Democrat’s tax increase is costing taxpayers $39 a second…and they want more!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

The Presidential primary process….a big win for Michigan!!!

Anyway you look at it, the January 15th primary and everything that led towards it was a big success.

EVERY Republican candidate for President knows Michigan and better knows the issues uniquely affecting the state of Michigan.

Our last two Mackinac Island Leadership Conferences were enhanced by the fact that Presidential candidates and their surrogates joined us for our leadership conference efforts.

Presidential campaigns built organizations here, hired staff and helped recruit and motivate Republican activists…that helped build the party.

Presidential candidates helped Michigan Republicans, House and Senate caucuses, District and County parties raise MILLIONS of dollars for our campaigns over the past two years.

We hosted a Republican Presidential Debate…and almost got a second one!

We reminded everyone in America that Michigan makes cars and that much of the middle class was built on the backs of the domestic auto industry.

And finally we got lucky, Democrats not only ignored but boycotted Michigan.  This allowed Michigan’s independent voters and Reagan Democrats to personally meet and get to know our candidates, which should pay dividends come November 2008!

Now let’s get back to those “tax and spend” Michigan Democrats and help turn Michigan around!!!

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 1-20-2008

291 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Senator John McCain wins South Carolina and Governor Mitt Romney wins Nevada

Winners to date are:

Iowa: Huckabee
Wyoming: Romney
New Hampshire: McCain
Michigan: Romney
South Carolina: McCain
Nevada: Romney

Florida is next….Super Tuesday and 22 states coming soon.

Congressman Duncan Hunter announced that he ended his campaign for the Republican nomination…a great guy who campaigned often in Michigan.

House Democrats plan to raise taxes…again!!!  Is anyone listening?

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2008/1/18/17719/0354

There is a reason why recalls are successful….as legislators act arrogantly and ignore their constituents…eventually citizens react.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis