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

Articles of Interest 4-30-2008

189 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

HARVARD…I spent Tuesday at the Kennedy School for Public Policy at Harvard as a panelist on the 2012 plans and reforms for the next presidential primary.  It was a great conference and the first time both Republicans and Democrats sat down at the same table to talk about the process.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY…The Political, Candidate & Party Assistance teams were on the road again last night on the Kalamazoo "Unity Road Show".  We had a handful of local party people along with District Chairs and County Chair.  Special thanks to Gerry Hildenbrand and Fred Taylor for their help in putting this event together.

OBAMA “DENOUNCES” WRIGHT…yesterday Barack Obama criticized the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor, saying that Wright's comments about the United States in recent days have been "destructive" and "outrageous."  NAACP reaction?

MICHIGAN’S YOUSIF GHAFARI…The U.S. Senate yesterday confirmed Yousif Ghafari to be our Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia. Congratulations!

HOUSE REPUBLICAN DINNER…Governor Pawlenty will be our featured guest on May 5th at the Rock Financial Center in Novi…more info below.

PETITION CIRCULATORS…time is running out.  If you have petitions for federal candidates…please mail them in so they can track their progress.  The deadline for judicial petitions have passed.  Three excellent Republicans; long-time Michigan Republican Party Legal Counsel Eric Doster, State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer, and former State Representative Jim Howell; will be on the ballot to replace retiring Judge Bill Schuette in the 58-county 4th District Court of Appeals seat.

BILL HARRISON…long time Kent county GOP activist, teacher and friend, Bill Harrison passed away last week.  His son Bryan and I worked together for Dick Posthumus.  Please keep the Harrison family in your prayers.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

HOUSE REPUBLICAN DINNER DETAILS.
The MRP is doing all we can to assist the Michigan State House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) to add seats this November and reclaim the Majority lost in 2006. The HRCC will be holding its annual dinner on May 5th. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will deliver the keynote. This will be a great event. Location, time and cost details below.

Diamond Center
Rock Financial Showplace
46100 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374
To RSVP please call 517-371-1830 or mihrcc@gmail.com

5:00 – 6:00 PM ~ VIP Reception
$5,000/Couple

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM ~ Strolling Dinner
$1000/Person
$5,000/Silver Sponsor*
$10,000/Gold Sponsor**
$20,000/Platinum Sponsor***

*Silver sponsors will receive 5 tickets to dinner, or 2 tickets to attend the VIP reception
**Gold sponsors will receive 10 tickets to dinner, including 2 tickets to attend the VIP reception
*** Platinum sponsors will receive 20 tickets to dinner, including 4 tickets to attend the VIP reception

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-29-2008

190 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

WAYNE COUNTY…The Political, Candidate & Party Assistance teams were on the road again last night on the Wayne "Unity Road Show" in Dearborn Heights.  We had a handful of local party people along with District Chairs and the Wayne County Chair on hand.  Special thanks to Susan Chmielewski for her help in putting this event together.

HOUSE REPUBLICAN DINNER…Governor Pawlenty will be our featured guest on May 5th at the Rock Financial Center in Novi…more info below.

MI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES...OUT OF CONTROL…Governor Granholm should skip Kuwait and fix her own departments first.  A state bureaucracy that needs immediate attention…who runs this state? A must read…outrageous:

WEST MICHIGAN DONORS…we ended last night in Grand Rapids with a series of meetings with donors who will be supporting our entire ticket.  Our team grows!

CHIEF JUSTICE CLIFF TAYLOR… Justice Taylor continues his swing around the state meeting with Republicans to secure his nomination and reelection this fall.  Thanks to all for their help in this critical race.

U.S. SUPREME COURT RULES…Indiana's law requiring voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot is constitutional, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this morning. Upholding the strictest voter ID law in the nation and dismissing any uncertainty that may have existed going into the election after justices heard arguments in early January.  This is good for Michigan…it’s the law of the land.

POPE BENEDICT…here is my favorite photo from his historic visit that Callista Gingrich took and was kind enough to share.

PETITION CIRCULATORS…time is running out.  If you have petitions for judicial or federal candidates…please mail them in so they can track their progress.

JERRY & SMOKIE WALL…long time Republican activist Smokie was hospitalize yesterday after suffering a stroke.  Please keep Smokie and Jerry in your prayers.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

HOUSE REPUBLICAN DINNER DETAILS.
The MRP is doing all we can to assist the Michigan State House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) to add seats this November and reclaim the Majority lost in 2006. The HRCC will be holding its annual dinner on May 5th. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will deliver the keynote. This will be a great event. Location, time, and cost details below.

Diamond Center
Rock Financial Showplace
46100 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374
To RSVP please call 517-371-1830 or mihrcc@gmail.com

5:00 – 6:00 PM ~ VIP Reception
$5,000/Couple

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM ~ Strolling Dinner
$1000/Person
$5,000/Silver Sponsor*
$10,000/Gold Sponsor**
$20,000/Platinum Sponsor***

*Silver sponsors will receive 5 tickets to dinner, or 2 tickets to attend the VIP reception
**Gold sponsors will receive 10 tickets to dinner, including 2 tickets to attend the VIP reception
*** Platinum sponsors will receive 20 tickets to dinner, including 4 tickets to attend the VIP reception

Saul Anuzis

His Holiness Historic Visit to the U.S.

Photo Courtesy Callista Gingrich.

Articles of Interest 4-28-2008

191 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

CARDINAL MAIDA and Arch Bishop Tamkevicius from Lithuanian officiated at our sons Confirmation yesterday.  It was an inspirational celebration.

CONG. JOE KNOLLENBERG…joined our Confirmation and the celebration of 100th Anniversary of our parish Divine Providence in Southfield.  Cong. Knollenberg addressed the over 500 parishioners during our lunch and congratulated the newly Confirmed youngster and talked with Cardinal Maida and the Arch Bishop for a bit.

REV. WRIGHT…The Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., the outspoken former pastor of Barack Obama, told an audience of nearly 10,000 on Sunday that despite what his critics say, he is "descriptive," not "divisive" when he speaks about racial injustices.
"I describe the conditions in this country," Wright said during the Detroit NAACP's 53rd annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.  Ummm….very “descriptive”.

FORBES RATE MI CITIES…and it doesn’t look good.  Michigan’s cities round off the “worst” cities…  http://www.forbes.com/leadership/2008/04/10/best-cities-jobs-lead-cx_kb_0410jobs.html

TAX REVOLT?...the Wall Street Journal wrote a great commentary that every taxpayer should read… http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/04/tax-revoltare-y.html

BECOME A PRECINCT DELEGATE!!  Fill out and return the Affidavit of Identity to your county clerk or send it to the state party…we’ll handle the filings. Link to form
http://www.migop.org/precinctdelegate/PD_Affidavit.PDF

Many folks have asked…what does a precinct delegate do?  Here is some basic information about how we try and organize our precinct delegates to be part of our “political machine” to help elect Republicans.

PETITION CIRCULATORS…time is running out.  If you have petitions for judicial or federal candidates…please mail them in so they can track their progress.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

No further commentary today.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-27-2008

192 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

TAXPAYERS DEVASTED BY MBT – GRANHOLM TRAVELS TO KUWAIT…I wish the governor would spend more time traveling around Michigan and listening to the problems Michigan’s job providers have…instead, another overseas junket.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/business-15/1209143350319100.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

MORNING MASS…This morning my youngest son Marius will receive the sacrament of Confirmation at our parish, Divine Providence, which is celebrating it’s 100th year anniversary.  Special guests will include Cardinal Maida and Congressman Joe Knollenberg.

NAACP…I plan on ending the evening at the NAACP dinner where I hope to hear the infamous Rev. Wright…I’m ready for anything.

ST. CLAIR GOP…I finished Saturday night at the St. Clair County Lincoln Day Dinner.  It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Republicans statewide so united and so excited about winning in the fall.  These last couple weeks of Lincoln Day Dinners across the state have been fantastic!

BOWLING ALLEY…I hit a bowling alley fundraiser on the way home through Livonia.

POLITICOS SUNDAY TALK SHOW TIP SHEET… get the scoop on who’s on where with Politico.Com’s talk show schedule below.

BECOME A PRECINCT DELEGATE!!  Fill out and return the Affidavit of Identity to your county clerk or send it to the state party…we’ll handle the filings. Link to form

Many folks have asked…what does a precinct delegate do?  Here is some basic information about how we try and organize our precinct delegates to be part of our “political machine” to help elect Republicans.

PETITION CIRCULATORS…time is running out.  If you have petitions for judicial or federal candidates…please mail them in so they can track their progress.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

POLITICOS Sunday Talk Show Tip Sheet.

The “Obama Watch” is over.
Roughly 772 days, 13 hours and 54 minutes after Sen. Barack Obama reportedly promised “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace that he’d come on his Sunday show, the Democratic presidential hopeful has finally agreed to an interview.

Wallace had been keeping a running “Obama Watch” on his show’s website, trying to bait the Illinois senator into appearing. Now that Wallace has finally succeeded, how will Obama spin his 9-point loss to New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in Pennsylvania? And what are his thoughts on the May 6 Indiana and North Carolina primaries?

On NBC, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean headlines “Meet the Press,” as his party’s presidential race stretches into the spring amid increasing calls for him and other party leaders to intervene. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) floated the idea of authoring a joint letter with Dean to undecided superdelegates, pressuring them to make their decisions public. What will Dean say about that? Host Tim Russert also leads an all-star political panel with The Washington Post’s David Broder, PBS’ Gwen Ifill, Newsweek’s Richard Wolffe, Slate.com’s John Dickerson and NBC’s Andrea Mitchell.

On CBS, “Face the Nation” is the latest venue for the ongoing Sunday show battle between Obama chief strategist David Axelrod and Clinton senior strategist Howard Wolfson. How is Pennsylvania altering each team’s playbook? Host Bob Schieffer also interviews former CBS correspondent Roger Mudd.

ABC’s “This Week” leads with a pair of high profile surrogates: Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) for Clinton and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) for Obama. Will Bayh be able to deliver his home state for Clinton? Host George Stephanopoulos also interviews a pair of Democratic representatives — Artur Davis of Alabama, for Obama, and Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, for Clinton. And he breaks down the past week’s politics with New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile, Republican political strategist Matt Dowd and ABC’s George Will.

CNN’s “Late Edition” leads with foreign affairs, featuring a pair of congressional intelligence experts. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) will discuss recent reports that North Korea helped Syria develop a nuclear rector and Iran’s attempts to develop nuclear weapons. Also, host Wolf Blitzer hosts a debate between Jamie Rubin, a foreign policy adviser for Clinton, and Susan Rice, an adviser for Obama. And he’ll interview Democratic Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, who supports Obama, and Charles Schumer of New York, who’s backing Clinton.
Bloomberg’s "Political Capital” focuses on the economy, featuring Al Hunt’s interview with Robert Steel, Treasury’s undersecretary for domestic finance, who will discuss the credit crisis.

Finally, C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” hosts Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health’s National Human Genome Research Institute. He’ll be questioned by Rick Weiss of The Washington Post and Jonathan Rockoff of The Baltimore Sun.

Saul Anuzis

Tax Revolt...are you paying attention

http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB120916309243845933.html

REVIEW & OUTLOOK

Property Tax Revolt
April 26, 2008; Page A8

Arizona has been hit hard hit by the real-estate bust, with the average home value down 17% in a year and a record number of foreclosures. So Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano has devised a clever way to revive the housing market: Raise property taxes.

Last week Ms. Napolitano vetoed a bill that would have made a two-year suspension of the state property tax permanent. "It's untimely. It's untenable. It's unwise," she said of her untimely and unwise veto. So as housing values slide, Arizonans next year will get walloped with an extra $250 million property tax bill.

Arizona is one of a growing list of states and big cities looking to raise taxes on homes to close budget gaps in 2008 and 2009. Housing values are expected to decline by $1.2 trillion this year, according to Global Insight Inc., an economic consulting firm, and that means tens of billions of dollars in lost taxes.

In recent weeks, Fairfax County in northern Virginia, Washington state, Chicago and Memphis have announced proposals to increase residential property tax rates to offset declining revenues. So at the very time that states and cities are begging for money from Washington to help distressed homeowners pay their mortgages, property tax hikes could push hundreds of thousands of homeowners under water.

Higher property taxes impose a double whammy on those at risk of losing their homes. First, they act as a tax surcharge on homeownership. And second, when the tax hikes aren't tied to better public services, they reduce housing values, thus reducing owner equity.

The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Kentucky reviewed dozens of studies on real-estate prices and concluded that "the evidence from the most reliable estimates" is that between 60% and 90% of property taxes are capitalized into a reduced value of the home. So a permanent $200 a year increase in the property tax could reduce the sales value of the home by between $1,200 and $1,800.

Lawmakers mulling other revenue-raisers to close budget deficits need to know that these may also exacerbate the housing decline. Richard Vedder of Ohio University has found that, from 1980-90, the 10 states that increased their state and local tax burdens the most suffered a 12% decline in prices versus a 48% increase in housing values for states that reduced their tax burden the most. His study found that "while property tax changes have the biggest impact on housing price changes, other forms of taxation exhibit the same effect." Income taxes, for example, chase people out of the state, which reduces home values for those left behind. Think Michigan, or Ohio.

State and city governments lived well – too well – during the housing boom. From 2000-07 property tax collections climbed by 62%, two-and-a-half times faster than per capita incomes, according to Census Bureau data. Homeowners tolerated the tax hikes as long as the equity in their homes was rising. But voters may not be so forgiving when values tumble and assessments lag behind this fall in prices. One early sign of voter discontent came last year in Indiana, where 21 incumbent mayors lost re-election bids due to anger over taxes. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson lost to underfinanced GOP challenger Greg Ballard, thanks in part to a doubling in property taxes and a 65% increase in the local income tax.

In Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada – four states where property taxes soared during the boom – citizen revolts are also brewing. Steve Voeller of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club says his state's voters are already gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to overturn Ms. Napolitano's veto. Property tax relief could be the sleeper issue of 2008.

See all of today's editorials and op-eds, plus video commentary, on Opinion Journal1.

And add your comments to the Opinion Journal forum2.

URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120916309243845933.html

Hyperlinks in this Article:
(1) http://online.wsj.com/opinion
(2) http://forums.wsj.com/viewtopic.php? t=2303

Articles of Interest 4-26-08

193 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

McCAIN TEAM GROWS…Thursday, the McCain campaign announced Jennifer Hallowell as our Regional Campaign Manager.  Jennifer served as the New Hampshire Executive Director for the Giuliani for President campaign, Executive Director of the Indiana State GOP, Strategist for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, as well as numerous other state and federal campaigns.  We’re looking forward to working with her here in Michigan to win this one for John McCain!

GOVERNOR MARK SANFORD…will be the guest of honor at the SE Michigan Ronald Reagan Memorial Dinner to be held on June 10th at the San Marino Club in Troy.  For more information, and tickets contact the event co-sponsors, members of the 9th, 12th and 14th Congressional District Committees.

COMMENTARY ONLINE…if you have problems receiving my morning E-mail or the E-mail is blocked because of the wording in some of the content or articles, the entire commentary and clippings are available online at www.migop.blogs.com

RECALL IS ON…it appears taxpayers have collected enough signatures to recall the leader of Michigan’s largest tax increase ever, Democrat Speaker Andy Dillon.  Dillon’s staff and Democrat activists are pulling out all the stops to intimidate, harass and figure out some legal ranglings to stop democracy at work.  Interesting.

BECOME A PRECINCT DELEGATE!!  Fill out and return the Affidavit of Identity to your county clerk or send it to the state party…we’ll handle the filings.  Link to form

Many folks have asked…what does a precinct delegate do?  Here is some basic information about how we try and organize our precinct delegates to be part of our “political machine” to help elect Republicans.

PETITION CIRCULATORS…time is running out.  If you have petitions for judicial or federal candidates…please mail them in so they can track their progress.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- 11 McCain Regional Campaign Managers spread across the 50 states.

Buzz Jacobs — FL, GA, AL, MS, TN, SC, NC

Doug Davenport — KY, WV, VA, MD, DE

Bill Stepien — NY, NJ

Jon Seaton — OH, PA

Jim Barnett — CT, MA, RI, NH, ME, VT

Craig Goldman — TX, OK, KS, AR, LA, NE

Gentry Collins — IA, MO, IL

Jennifer Hallowell — MI, WI, IN

Ben Golnik — MN, ND, SD, MT, WY, ID

Bettina Nava — AZ, NM, CO, UT

John Peschong — CA, NV, OR, WA, AK, HI

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-25-08

194 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Last night I attended the Eastside Republican Dinner.  It was a great success with some interesting conversation and friendship.  Thanks to all who helped with this.

The McCain campaign announced their Regional Campaign Manager that will cover Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin...former Giuliani staffer Jennifer Hallowell.

Pizza and Politics was on the Road in Saginaw County last night helping to recruit precinct delegates.  We had over 50 people in attendance from across central eastern Michigan.  State Representative Ken Horn and State Senator Roger Kahn stopped by to help rally the troops.  We had leadership from Saginaw, Bay, Genesee, Lapeer, Tuscola, and Montcalm counties present.  We owe a special thanks to Hank Fuhs and Marlene Chockley for helping make this event a success.  Hank line…the best one yet!

Senate Republicans made another attempt to require a 2/3 vote to increase the sales tax.  A super majority to increase taxes is a debate worth having.

Hypocrisy: Barack Obama Oppose Gas Tax Holiday Relief For American Families When He Supported It In The Illinois State Senate?

PETITION CIRCULATORS…time is running out.  If you have petitions for judicial or federal candidates…please mail them in so they can track their progress.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

More Hypocrisy from Barack Obama…

FLASHBACK: Illinois Newspaper Headlines Show High Gas Prices Squeezing Residents In 2000:

Chicago Daily Herald Headline: "Owner Tries To Find Humor In Soaring Gas Prices." (Allison Kaplan, "Owner Tries To Find Humor In Soaring Gas Prices," Chicago Daily Herald, 2/25/00)

Chicago Daily Herald Headline: "Everyone Feels Pain Of Pumped-Up Prices." (Robert McCoppin, "Everyone Feels Pain Of Pumped-Up Prices," Chicago Daily Herald, 5/27/00)

"Gas Prices Averaged $1.52 A Gallon In March 2000." (Nick Timiraos, "Obama, Clinton Split Over McCain Plan For Gas-Tax Holiday," The Wall Street Journal, 4/24/08)

In 2000, Obama Voted To Temporarily Eliminate State Sales Tax On Gas, Which Helped Consumers:

Obama Voted To Suspend The State Sales Tax On Gasoline. (S.B. 1310: Senate Third Floor Reading, Passed, 50-0-6, 3/8/00, Obama Voted Yea)

The State Of Illinois Suspended Its Five Percent Sales Tax On Gasoline. "After a whirlwind legislative session, Gov. Ryan signed legislation Thursday that suspends the state's 5 percent sales tax on gasoline. If that is passed on to consumers, fuel prices would drop by about a dime per gallon." (Dave McKinney and Fran Spielman, "Ryan Signs Suspension Of Gas Tax," Chicago Sun-Times, 6/30/00)

* "[G]ov. George H. Ryan Signed Legislation Suspending Illinois' Five Percent Sales Tax On Gasoline For Six Months And Issued An Executive Order Creating State Monitoring Teams ..." (Chinta Strausberg, "Daley To Monitor Tax Relief At Pumps," Chicago Defender, 7/1/00)

Obama Said He Supported The Gas Tax Suspension Due To The "Huge Hike" In Gas Prices. Obama: "I originally voted for the suspension because I thought that it was extraordinary circumstances, given the huge hike in prices, but I don't think that we have the evidence yet to make this a permanent three-hundred- or four-hundred-dollar hole in the General Revenue Fund." (Sen. Barack Obama, State Of Illinois 91st General Assembly Regular Session Senate Transcript, 11/15/00, www.ilga.gov, pp. 51-52)

AAA Chicago Motor Club's Steve Nolan: "The Temporary Repeal Of The State Gas Tax Has Helped [With Gas Price Drop]..." (Robert Manor, "Illinois Finds Dramatic Relief At Gas Pump," Chicago Tribune, 8/17/00)

Obama Jokingly Wanted A Sign On Gas Pumps Acknowledging He Lowered His Constituents' Gas Prices:

Sen. Frank Watson (R-Greenville, IL): "This amendment [Amendment No. 3 to H.B. 3873] was discussed in the Executive Committee. We did not adopt it at the time, but it was kind of an agreement that this would be sent out to the Floor without any discussion - or, without going to committee. And it would require the State of Illinois and the Department of Agriculture to place on a - gasoline pumps the language that the State portion of the State tax on motor fuel and gasohol was eliminated by Public Act whatever, and that it was effective January 1st, 2001." (Sen. Frank Watson, State Of Illinois 91st General Assembly Regular Session Senate Transcript, 4/15/00, www.ilga.gov, p. 80)

* Obama: "I wasn't clear on - on the response to the question, but are - if the gas tax isn't going anywhere, what happens to this [amendment]?" (Sen. Barack Obama, State Of Illinois 91st General Assembly Regular Session Senate Transcript, 4/15/00, www.ilga.gov, p. 81)

* Sen. Watson: "This is part of the gas tax language. This - this is part of the reduction of the sales tax on gasoline. So if the gas - if that passes, this is an amendment to it, and it would require that petroleum marketers have to put a sign on their pumps that this did, in fact happen." (Sen. Frank Watson, State Of Illinois 91st General Assembly Regular Session Senate Transcript, 4/15/00, www.ilga.gov, p. 81)

* Obama: "I was wondering, can I - in my district, can I have 'Senator Obama reduced your gasoline prices'? Is that possible?" (Sen. Barack Obama, State Of Illinois 91st General Assembly Regular Session Senate Transcript, 4/15/00, www.ilga.gov, p. 81)

TODAY: Americans Are Feeling The Squeeze "As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High":

USA Today Headline: "Drivers Cut Back As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High." (James R. Healey, "Drivers Cut Back As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High," USA Today, 4/22/08)

The Associated Press Headline: "With Gas Hitting Record Highs, Drivers Feeling Squeezed." (Adam Schreck, "With Gas Hitting Record Highs, Drivers Feeling Squeezed," The Associated Press, 4/22/08)

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) Has Proposed Immediate Gas Tax Relief For American Families, Saving Over $6 Billion:

Under Sen. John McCain's Plan, Families Would Save 18.4 Cents On Every Gallon Of Gas. "Hard-working American families are suffering from higher gasoline prices. John McCain calls on Congress to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day." (John McCain For President Website, www.johnmccain.com, Accessed 4/22/08)

"A USA TODAY Analysis Showed That McCain's Gas-Tax Proposal Could Save Motorists $6.8 Billion In Taxes During The Summer." (Kathy Kiely, "Gas-Tax Holiday Among McCain's Plans For Economy," USA Today, 4/16/08)

But Obama Has Rejected Gas Tax Relief, Calling It A "Bad Idea":

Obama Now Opposes A Gas Tax Holiday. "In a new policy split in the presidential campaign, Barack Obama opposed a federal gas-tax holiday supported by John McCain, the likely Republican nominee." (Nick Timiraos, "Obama, Clinton Split Over McCain Plan For Gas-Tax Holiday," The Wall Street Journal, 4/24/08)

Obama Called Gas Tax Relief A "Bad Idea." "Earlier Monday at a community college in the Philadelphia suburbs, Obama rejected a tax holiday as bad economic policy. 'I've said I think John McCain's proposal for a three-month tax holiday is a bad idea,' Obama said, warning consumers that any price cut would be short lived before costs spike back." (Nick Timiraos, "Clinton Joins McCain On Gas-Tax Holiday," The Wall Street Journal's "Washington Wire" Blog, blogs.wsj.com, 4/21/08

* Despite His Opposition, Obama Outlined Reasons Why American Families Need Gas Tax Relief. Obama: "Now I don't want to jack up the costs. I'm not going to impose an additional tax on gas because consumers just can't bear it right now. I meet too many families who unfortunately, because of some long-term decisions that we've made, they are driving 30-40 miles, they don't have a mass transit option that can get them to work. And so this is just money out of their pockets." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Town Hall Event, Blue Bell, PA, 4/21/08)

As Of April 24, 2008, The Average Price Of Regular Gasoline In Indiana Was Over $3.60 Per Gallon. (AAA Website, www.fuelgaugereport.com, Accessed 4/24/08)

As Of April 24, 2008, The Average Price Of Regular Gasoline In North Carolina Was Over $3.54 Per Gallon. (AAA Website, www.fuelgaugereport.com, Accessed 4/24/08)

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-24-08

195 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land joined Attorney General Mike Cox in putting both of their department’s budgets on the web.  The two Republican departments are leading the way towards “transparency” on behalf of the taxpayers.  See the SOS press release below.  Some 20 editorials around the state have come out in support of government transparency!

The Oakland County Republican’s L. Brooks Patterson “roast” was held last night.  Wow, what a night.  This event was a fundraiser to assist the GOP County Commissioners expand their majority on the county board.  Congratulations to Oakland County GOP Chairman Dennis Cowan and his team!

Pizza and Politics was on the Road in Crawford County last night, helping to recruit precinct delegates.  We had around 35 people in attendance from across northern Michigan.  Party leadership from Lake, Roscommon, Crawford, Wexford, and Charlevoix counties were in attendance.  We owe a special thanks to Hank Fuhs and Marlene Chockley for helping make this event a success.   

A couple of folks sent me a link to this new website, Mitt for VP.  Just sharing it with all you Mitt fans… http://www.mittforvp.com/

SAVE THE DATE: Our Max Fischer Presidential Gala Dinner is tentatively set for May 29th in the metro Detroit area.  This is one of our major fundraising events designed to fund our fall Victory efforts.

THE REST OF THE STORY

MIDLAND — In response to an inquiry from the Midland-based Mackinac Center for Public Policy, the Michigan Department of State announced today it would begin quarterly posting on the Internet of detailed reports of the department’s expenditures. The Mackinac Center’s request to the department was part of the Center’s new “Show Michigan the Money” Project (see showmichiganthemoney.org), an initiative to encourage state and local governments to make their checkbook spending directly available to the public.

“The office of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has opened its books to Michigan taxpayers to an unprecedented degree for a state agency in Michigan,” said Kenneth M. Braun, the Mackinac Center policy analyst in charge of the Show Michigan the Money Project. “She’s placed online the department’s payments to the penny for everything from building leases to safety equipment.”

“I commend the Mackinac Center for its commitment to government accountability and taxpayer rights,” Land said. “The Department of State is proud of its stewardship of tax dollars and is pleased to take a leadership role in this cutting-edge initiative.” 
      
The Center’s Show Michigan the Money Project was initiated on March 13, 2008, with the announcement of the “School Checkbook Transparency Project,” which aims to open up the check registers of Michigan’s public school districts and place them in accessible and comprehensible form on the Internet. The Center has also made available the collective bargaining contracts for every Michigan school district and other key transparency projects as part of its MichiganTransparency.org Web site.

The Center chose to approach the Secretary of State’s office before contacting other state departments because, as Braun noted: “This department has a diverse mission, handling everything from boat trailer license plates to campaign finance violations. If they can open up their expenditures, other state departments should be able to do the same.” Braun also acknowledged efforts by other Michigan agencies to improve transparency, including the online checkbooks posted by the Montrose Community Schools and the St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency, as well as the first steps taken toward spending transparency by the Michigan Office of the Attorney General.

The Center will seek to persuade other state departments to follow the Secretary of State’s example, starting with the Michigan State Police, Department of Human Services and Department of Corrections, each of which appeared to violate the state constitution in 2006 by overspending their budgets.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-23-08

196 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Pennsylvania: Senator Clinton pulls off a victory and lives to fight another day.  Pundits were all concentrating on the “delegate count”…but this is all coming down to the power brokers, union bosses and political boss super delegates.

The Bay County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner was a great success.  Republicans from around the county and neighboring counties joined GOP Chairman Matt Lance, who did a great job!

U.S. Senate candidate Jack Hoogendyk and GOP Congressional candidate Matt Sawicki also addressed the Bay County dinner.

Yesterday I debated Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer at the MI Pharmacists Legislative Day…Cuban style healthcare versus patient’s choice…talk about being on the right side of the issues!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

Give a Gift 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 4-22-08

197 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Pennsylvania voters head to the polls.  Clinton and Obama going down to the wire.

The Democrats are preparing for the fall election and have prepared the “Atlas Project”, writing campaign that plans on targeted states.  Yup, you guessed it…Michigan is one of the states the Democrats are afraid of losing.  We agree!

Michigan Clinton supporters (certain unions) defeated Obama supporters for some “uncommitted” slots, setting up a “stealth” Clinton come-back as they head to their national convention.  This is FAR from over.

It’s all about the delegates and it’s clear the Clinton folks are playing that game already.  They can switch their votes on the floor…so you can’t count her out….yet.

The State Senate Republicans held their annual fundraising event last night at the Automotive Hall of Fame.  It was a huge success and tribute to our Senate Republicans who continue to fight the fight in Lansing as our last line of defense.

I received a fundraising request for a monument in honor of Senator Clinton.  See the text below.

I’ve become a weekly guest on the Hughes Sullivan Show on WDTK-AM 1400, which is broadcast in metro Detroit every evening.  Good, conservative talk radio.  You can hear it online at http://wdtkam.townhall.com/

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Senator Clinton Monument fundraising appeal:

I have the distinguished honor of being on the Committee to raise $5,000,000 for a monument of Hillary R. Clinton. We originally wanted to put her on Mt. Rushmore until we discovered there was not enough room for two more faces.

We then decided to erect a statue of Hillary in the Washington, D.C. Hall Of Fame. We were in a quandary as to where the statue should be placed. It was not proper to place it beside the statue of George Washington, who never told a lie, or beside her husband William J. Clinton, who never told the truth, since Hillary could never tell the difference.

We finally decided to place it beside Christopher Columbus, the greatest Democrat of them all. He left not knowing where he was going, and when he got there he did not know where he was. He returned not knowing where he had been, and did it all with someone else's money.

Thank you, the Hillary R. Clinton Monument Committee

P.S. - The Committee has raised $1.35 so far.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-21-08

198 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

Democrats continue to fight it out heading into Pennsylvania.  Can the Clinton machine engineer a come back and get the nomination?  Next step, Tuesday.

I received a bunch of emails and Facebook connections this weekend.  Thank you all for your support and willingness to join our cause and help win Michigan.  As conservatives and Republicans, we have a unique opportunity to work together for a better Michigan…and a better America.  Keep the faith!

The MSU College Republicans are organizing a campaign event called “Spartans Storm the Seventh” this Saturday, April 26th. It will be a full day of phone calls and door-to-door to help re-elect Congressman Tim Walberg.  Volunteers will gather at 9:00 AM at the Walberg for Congress campaign headquarters located at 317 W. Washington Ave. in downtown Jackson.  This event is not limited to just MSU College Republicans – all are welcome to volunteer…even if you’re a Wolverine!  Please contact Ben Morlock via e-mail at morlockb@msu.edu to get involved.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

Give a Gift 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 4-20-08

199 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

We finished up a long day at the Lapeer County Lincoln Day Dinner last night.  Special thanks the District Chairman Randy St. Laurent and County Chair Karen Mersino for doing a great job!  Congresswoman Candice Miller lead the event as the MC…boy, I wish we had more members of Congress like her in Washington!

The State Committee meeting ended yesterday afternoon with a united front heading out into the upcoming election, committed to electing John McCain as our next President and turning Michigan “red”.

We are excited about our Congressional candidates, Supreme Court Justice Cliff Taylor, regaining the House, county commissioner prospects and the various statewide board seats.  For a list of our board candidates, please scroll down.

Special thanks to our statewide candidates Torion Bridges, Lisa Bouchard, Jasmine Ford, John LaFond, Carl Meyers and Richard Zeile who joined us Friday night at Pizza and Politics as well as our U.S. Senate candidate Jack Hoogendyk who addressed the state committee Saturday morning.  What a great team!

THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Here is a listing of all the “announced” candidates for the nomination for various board seats in alpha order.

University of Michigan
Susan Brown
John LaFond
Carl Meyers

Michigan State University
Lisa Bouchard
Jasmine Ford
Doug Koester
Scott Romney (incumbent)

Wayne State University
Akindele Akinyemi
Torion Bridges

State Board of Education
Mike Reno
Richard Zeile

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-19-08

200 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

State Committee kicked off it’s meeting yesterday.  We held our county chairs meeting, which was followed by our favorite Friday night “Pizza and Politics” event…a great venue for folks to mix and mingle.  As always, a great start to our meeting.

The formal State Committee meets this morning…more on that tomorrow.

Governor Granholm starts her junket to the Middle East…not on her dime!  Maybe she should just go down to Indiana and figure out why Michigan companies have moved “south” over the “border”.  No, we are NOT talking about Mexico. What an embarrassment.

So, what’s the deal behind the Indiana billboard…check out the numbers below.

The Top Ten Reasons that Mitt Romney dropped out of the Presidential Race.  A must see.

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THE REST OF THE STORY:

Posted by Nolan Finley on Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 5:21 PM

Indiana's got the numbers on Michigan

I heard Gov. Jennifer Granholm on WJR's Paul W. Smith show this morning poking fun at Indiana's billboard campaign to recruit Michigan's jobs and residents.

Compare the economic performance posted by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican, to what Granholm's done, and you wonder where the punch line is.

Like Michigan, Indiana is a manufacturing state, heavily dependent on the automotive industry.

Yet Indiana's unemployment rate is 4.6 percent, below the national average, while Michigan's is 7.2 percent, the highest in the nation.

Manufacturing employment dropped 5.9 percent in Michigan over the past year; the decline in Indiana was 1.8 percent.

Both states suffered a drop in new housing starts, but in Indiana, the decrease was 8.6 percent, compared to 31.7 percent in Michigan. Over the last decade, Indiana has had an 8.1 percent gain in population, compared to 2.9 percent in Michigan. Last year, Indiana continued to gain residents -- .7 percent -- while Michigan dropped by .3 percent.

The poverty rate is lower in Indiana; the return on federal tax dollars is higher.
And the tax burden in Indiana is nearly $500 less per resident.

Indiana has good reason to see Michigan as a fertile recruiting ground.

Saul Anuzis

Mitt Romney at his best

The Top Ten Reasons Mitt Romney Dropped out of the Presidential Race

10. There weren't as many Osmonds as I thought.

9. I got tired of corkscrew landings under sniper fire.

8. As a lifelong hunter, I didn't want to miss the start of the varmint season.

7. There wasn’t room for two Christian leaders.

6. I was upset that no one had bothered to search my passport files.

5. I needed an excuse to get fat, grow a beard and win the Nobel prize.

4. I took a bad fall at a campaign rally and broke my hair.

3. I wanted to finally take off that dark suit and tie, and kick back in a light-colored suit and tie.

2. Once my wife Ann realized I couldn't win, my fundraising dried up.

1. There was a miscalculation in our theory: "As Utah goes, so goes the nation.”

Articles of Interest 4-18-08

201 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

I joined the Michigan Republican Women’s Federation for lunch yesterday during their Legislative Day at the Capitol.  These ladies are the heart and soul of our party and we owe a great debt of gratitude for all they do. Go get ‘em ladies!!!

Last night we ended the night in Livonia at the Wayne 11th Lincoln Day Dinner.  I joined Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and a group of great Republicans who are ready to kick off this election year full steam ahead.

Have you considered commemorating your support of our cause in a “permanent” gift to our state party?  See details below.

BECOME A PRECINCT DELEGATE!!  Fill out and return the Affidavit of Identity to your county clerk or send it to the state party…we’ll handle the filings. Link to form
Many folks have asked…what does a precinct delegate do? 

Here is some basic information about how we try and organize our precinct delegates to be part of our “political machine” to help elect Republicans.

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THE REST OF THE STORY:

Give a Gift 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!  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 http://www.migop.org/legacy, or contact Erin Meteer, Major Donor Program Manager at emeteer@migop.org.

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-17-08

202 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI visit to the United States by all accounts started out as a big success.

President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI agreed Wednesday that terrorism is an unacceptable weapon for any cause or religion, standing strongly united on that issue but divided on others during a day of substance and symbolism at the White House.

The Democrats debate was “entertaining”… I think it’s great that national Democrats are fighting over “tax cuts”… Granholm and Michigan Democrats … are you listening? 

Two “bitter” candidates offering the same ‘ol, same ‘ol.

P.S. Does it matter who Barack Obama’s “friends” are? William Ayers: ‘I don't regret setting bombs; I feel we didn't do enough.’ [Washington Times, 9/12/01]

Domestic terrorist William Ayers “almost” makes the Rev. Wright look OK?

The U.S. 3rd District Court of Appeals agreed the East Brunswick Board of Education's policy barring school staff from joining in student-led prayer was constitutional.  They ruled he can’t kneel or bow his head as the team prays.  This is why “judges” matter.

We’ve heard that the Michigan Democrats are renaming their big annual Jefferson-Jackson (Jeff/Jack) Dinner the Soros-Stryker Dinner…how appropriate.

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THE REST OF THE STORY:

- Why Judges matter:  The U.S. 3rd District Court of Appeals agreed the East Brunswick Board of Education's policy barring school staff from joining in student-led prayer was constitutional.  They ruled he can’t kneel or bow his head as the team prays. 

From the time Marcus Borden became the Bears' coach in 1983, he was deeply involved in team prayers; for a time, he even led them. In 2005, school officials received complaints that he was leading prayers and asked him to stop participating.
He sued the school board seeking to be allowed to bow his head and kneel when students led their own prayers. A lower-court judge found that should be allowed.  Then the appeal came.

"We find that based on the history of Borden's conduct with the team's players, his acts cross the line and constitute an unconstitutional endorsement of religion," the judges wrote in the ruling. "Although Borden believes that he must continue to engage in these actions to demonstrate solidarity with his team...we must consider whether a reasonable observer would perceive his actions as endorsing religion, not whether Borden intends to endorse religion."

Saul Anuzis

Articles of Interest 4-16-08

203 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

With both federal and state income taxes due by midnight, Senate Republicans took a shot at passing a constitutional amendment to require a super-majority of the Legislature to approve a sales tax on services and fell two votes short, as reported by Gongwer News Service.

Three Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek), joined a solid Republican caucus in supporting SJR L, but the proposal was defeated on a 24-12 vote.  A two-thirds majority, which is 26 votes in the Senate, is required for a constitutional amendment to pass and go to the voters.

Hypocrite, big spending, tax hiker Mark Schauer, now candidate for Congress voted for the bill.  This is the same guy who pushed through the largest tax increase in Michigan’s history!

House Republicans yesterday held press conferences across Michigan announcing their plan to repeal the income tax increase passed last year by the House Democratic majority.

As a result of the $744 million tax increase, the average Michigan family will be forced to send an additional $300 to Lansing this year.  For families living though Michigan's economic crisis, this could be crucial money needed for a mortgage or car payment.

I made a point to wish our Democrat friends a happy “Tax Day” yesterday on statewide radio and our blog.  Click here to see the greeting.

There is a big difference between our two parties.

In the words of Ronald Reagan:
“REPUBLICANS BELIEVE EVERY DAY IS THE FOURTH OF JULY, BUT DEMOCRATS BELIEVE EVERY DAY IS APRIL 15.”

George Will summarized Barack Obama’s comments this way: They especially rejected "American exceptionalism, the notion that the United States was specially good and decent," rather than -- in Michelle Obama's words -- "just downright mean."  See more below.

The Washtenaw County GOP had a nice event last night at the home of Mark & Donna Quimet for the Lincoln Pass Club.  National Committeeman-Elect Keith Butler was one of the special guests.

The Political, Candidate & Party Assistance teams were on the road again last night on the Livingston/Washtenaw "Unity Road Show" in Brighton.  Both county chairs were present along with a handful of local party activists. Special thanks to Allan Filip for his help in putting this event together.

FREE…Mackinac Center offers a periodic newsletter about issues affecting the state of Michigan, FREE…just email your name and address to: MiCapCon@mackinac.org.

Democrats hypocrisy…Again.  Another vacancy on the FEC board and the Senate Democrats refuse to fill the position in a timely manner. So much for Mr. Obama’s call to transcend partisanship. So much for Democratic insistence on the importance of maintaining a strong federal watchdog to enforce all the campaign-finance regulations Democrats created.  Democrats are making a mockery of campaign finance laws as they ignore the regulatory body and “master” the use of 527’s.

On Tuesday, John McCain proposed a comprehensive plan for getting the economy back on track while implementing the reforms that will maintain America's economic strength for the21st century.  John McCain outlined his vision for growing the economy and contrasted that vision with Senator Obama and Clinton's plans to raise taxes, continue wasteful spending and isolate the United States from the global economy.  See more below.

District Attorney Steve Murphy will be appointed to the Eastern District Court in trade for Helene White (Levin’s relative) being appointed to the 6th Circuit Court.

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THE REST OF THE STORY:

George Will wrote in the Washington Post: Obama may be the fulfillment of modern liberalism. Explaining why many working-class voters are "bitter," he said they "cling" to guns, religion and "antipathy to people who aren't like them" because of "frustrations." His implication was that their primitivism, superstition and bigotry are balm for resentments they feel because of America's grinding injustice…

They especially rejected ‘American exceptionalism,’ the notion that the United States was specially good and decent," rather than -- in Michelle Obama’s words – “just downright mean.”

Obama's dismissal is: Americans, especially working-class conservatives, are unable, because of their false consciousness, to deconstruct their social context and embrace the liberal program. Today that program is to elect Obama, thereby making his wife at long last proud of America…

When Democrats convened in San Francisco in 1984, en route to losing 49 states, Jeane Kirkpatrick -- a former FDR Democrat then serving in the Cabinet of another such, Ronald Reagan -- said "San Francisco Democrats" are people who "blame America first." Today they blame Americans for America being "downright mean."

- The McCain Economic Plan for America.

A Near-Term Agenda for Economic Growth:

•         HIGHER LIVING COSTS: John McCain will enact a summer gas tax holiday, stop filing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reduce demand, and end policies that contribute to higher living costs.

•         HOUSING CRISIS: John McCain has proposed a new "HOME Plan" to provide robust, timely and targeted help to those hurt by the housing crisis.  He has also called for a Justice Department task force to investigate wrongdoing in the mortgage industry.

•         STUDENT LOANS: John McCain is proposing a student loan continuity plan that will coordinate policies with the states to keep the credit crunch from hurting college students.

A Long-Term Agenda for Economic Growth:

•         MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS: John McCain will cut taxes on middle class families.  He will permanently repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) saving a middle class family with children an average of over $2,700.  Also, he will double the personal exemption for dependents.

•         PRO-GROWTH TAX POLICY: John McCain will keep taxes low by fighting efforts to raise taxes and making it harder to raise taxes.  He will keep the current rates on dividends and capital gains while permitting businesses to immediately deduct the cost of equipment and technology.

•         CORPORATE TAX CUT: John McCain will reduce the federal corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 35 percent.  By reducing the corporate tax rate, we will get rid of a drag on economic growth and job creation, and help American workers compete with any company in the world.

•         INNOVATION TAX CUTS: John McCain will ban Internet taxes and new cell phone taxes, and establish a permanent tax credit equal to 10 percent of wages spent on research and development.

•         SIMPLER TAXES: John McCain proposes an alternative new and simpler tax system.  When this reform is enacted, all who wish to stay under the current system could still do so, but everyone else could choose a vastly less complicated system with two tax rates and a generous standard deduction.

•         ELIMINATING WASTEFUL SPENDING: John McCain will stop earmarks, pork-barrel spending and waste.  He proposes a one-year spending pause so as to evaluate all spending programs. He will veto any pork-barrel project that crosses his desk.

•         ENTITLEMENTS: John McCain will reform Social Security, act to
control Medicare growth, and believes we should not subsidize prescription
drugs for America's most affluent individuals.

•         TRADE: John McCain will lower trade barriers to ensure that foreign markets are open to American goods.

•         UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: John McCain will implement badly needed reforms to the Unemployment Insurance system by creating Lost Earning Buffer
Accounts (LEBs) to help workers when they lose a job.

•         HEALTH CARE REFORM: John McCain has proposed comprehensive health care reform that will address rising costs and make the system more responsive to the needs of American families.

•         ENERGY: As President, John McCain will propose a real national strategy for energy security.

Contrast With Democrats:

•         The American people have a clear choice in this election. While
John McCain supports pro-growth tax cuts, both Senators Obama and Clinton support a massive tax increase on the American people that will hurt Americans of every background – seniors, parents, small business owners, and investors of every size.

•         Senators Obama and Clinton have championed a long list of
pork-barrel projects. That kind of careless spending of tax dollars is not change, but business as usual in Washington.

•         Senators Obama and Clinton preach the false virtues of economic isolationism. Opening new markets for American goods and services is indispensable to our future prosperity.

Saul Anuzis

Wishing you a happy "Tax Day"

To all my tax and spend Democrat friends here in Michigan, we wish you happy Tax Day. It's a great reminder to all of us, especially the taxpayers, of how much it costs us to vote for Democrats.

Under Governor Granholm and the Democrat led legislature...

...TAXES have gone up,

...SPENDING has gone up,

...PERKS have gone up,

...and the Governor has seen much of the world at taxpayers expense!

HAPPY TAX DAY...and thank you NOT so very much Michigan Democrats.

In the words of Ronald Reagan:

"Republicans Believe Every Day Is The Fourth Of July,
But Democrats Believe Every Day Is April 15."

Articles of Interest 4-15-08

204 Days until Election Day

MORNING UPDATE:

April 15th, the day we ALL pay our taxes and it is one of the BEST days of the year to recruit “new” Republicans.  It’s been a long time since we’ve had a Governor who represents the “taxpayer”.  When you elect Democrats…you get higher taxes.

I’ve listed some tax reforms we desperately need to consider and implement both at the state and national levels.  See my list below.

Frustration with the governor and Democrats is one of the main reasons folks are talking about enacting a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds (2/3) vote of both houses of the legislature to raise taxes. This maybe the only way to avoid another tax increase from being rammed down Michigan taxpayers’ throats.

Requiring a “super majority” to increase taxes would be a great way to celebrate April 15th…if the legislature won’t do it, maybe a citizens petition drive could?

Michigan State University Board of Trustee’s slate seems to be coming together with incumbent Scott Romney running again and Lisa Bouchard (yes, Mike’s sister-in-law) who is an active Republican and community activists as well.

MSU Board of Trustee candidates:
G. Scott Romney
Lisa Bouchard

Barack Obama has smacked residents of Michigan and the Midwest in the face with his insulting remarks attempting to psychoanalyze small-town life and people of faith. His remarks in California while pandering to a San Francisco audience were inexcusable and need to be rejected. 

It’s shocking that someone aspiring to the Presidency looks down upon so many of us. http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2008/04/newt-on-the-rea.html

THE REST OF THE STORY:

TAX season is upon us. Here are a few reforms we should consider:

1)      Simplify, the one-page, "optional flat tax" or a consumption based "Fair Tax".

2)      Replace depreciation with expensing common sense and a stimulus.

3)      Expand IRAs/401(k)s and index them to inflation.

4)      Abolish the "Death Tax" mom and dad earned it, let the family keep it.

5)      Abolish the Capital Gains and Dividend Tax taxing savings & investment?

6)      Abolish the AMT Alternative Minimum Tax - outdated and punitive.

7)      Establish "Tax Me More" accounts for those who feel under-taxed.

8)       A federal Balanced Budget Amendment—Fund it or spend less!

As you pay your taxes and file our tax returns and realize how backwards and punitive our tax system is, let us think about, discuss and push for some real changes/reforms. Real change requires real change.

- Tax Freedom Day® will fall on April 23 in 2008, according to the Tax Foundation's annual calculation using the latest government data on income and taxes.

Join our Internet celebration of the day Americans as a whole have paid their taxes and can start working for their self!

That’s three days earlier than in 2007. Stimulus rebates and a projection of slow growth in 2008 are the principal reasons for the earlier celebration.

Five major categories of tax dominate the tax burden. Individual income taxes, both federal and state, require 42 days’ work. Payroll taxes take another 28 days’ work. Sales and excise taxes, mostly state and local, take 16 days to pay off. Corporate income taxes take 13 days, and property taxes take 12.

Alaskans kick off the celebration of Tax Freedom Day® on March 29, more than a week before any other state’s taxpayers. Three states will have to wait until May to celebrate their state-specific Tax Freedom Days: Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

Find out your state's Tax Freedom Day® at:
http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/

Saul Anuzis