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

WSJ Online Blogger Interview

Chairman Anuzis Announces Michigan Republican Presidential Debate!

Presidential Primary Poll

For the complete story from the Detroit News goto:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070901/POLITICS01/709010361/1022/POLITICS

Decision 2008: Poll

Clinton, Romney ahead in Michigan

But GOP race is tight in newly important state primary; good news seen for Edwards, McCain.

January 15th A Done Deal!!!

The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement:

Michigan Democratic Party Statement on January 15th Primary

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

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

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

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

House Approves January 15 Presidential Primary

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

Ames Poll...Final Results

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0807/Ames_Results_Romney_wins_big_Huck_takes_second_.html

August 11, 2007
Read More: Republicans

Ames Results: Romney wins big, Huck takes second

1. Mitt Romney, 4516, 31.5%

2. Mike Huckabee, 2587, 18.1

3. Sen. Sam Brownback, 2192, 15.3

4. Tom Tancredo, 1,961, 13.7

5. Ron Paul, 1305, 9.1

6. Tommy Thompson, 1039, 7.3

7. Fred Thompson, 203, 1.4

8. Rudy Giuliani, 183, 1.3

9. Duncan Hunter, 174, 1.2

10. John McCain, 101, 1

11. John Cox, 41, .1

Total Votes
14,302

Ames Poll....National Review's Digest of the News

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2007

EVERYBODY’S WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND. Welcome to the special weekend Iowa Straw Poll edition of the National Review Online Digest, featuring Laura Ingraham, Byron York & more.

THE WINNERS AND LOSERS.

EARLY-SUNDAY UPDATE: Here's Byron York's wrap-up.

After a long delay, Mitt Romney wins. Mike Huckabee comes in second. Kathryn Lopez writes in response:

I think that means Tommy Thompson is gone.

I think Sam Brownback ought to consider returning to the Senate.

Team Thompson will notice they beat Rudy without even...being in the race.

Alan Keyes didn't rate? Bummer.

As for John McCain: At least he beat John Cox.


FIRST LADY. Laura Ingraham emceed Saturday’s Republican presidential straw poll in Ames, Iowa. In between her straw-poll duties, the popular radio talk-show host and New York Times-bestselling author (Power to the People!!!) blogged in “The Corner” -- including about Ron Paul crop circles from inside the backstage women’s bathroom. Some outtakes:

• No More Mr. Nice Guy. “I kind of want a mean, tough S.O.B at this point -- who can cut the legs out from underneath the Dems and the dinosaur media who are invested in America’s defeat. Someone who seems pleasant on the surface but who knows how to send in the daisy-cutters when al Qaeda or Taliban thugs are sleeping.”

• Lee Ermey as White House press secretary: “Private Thomas, is it? Think you’re smart, don’t you? Well, get used to this -- you do what I say or you will be crying for your binky by the end of the day! You, stupid, worthless, treasonous, Commie-sympathizing barnacle on a ship of fools!”

• Is Tommy Thompson headed to Graceland next?

• It’s never too late for Alan Keyes.

• “This is going to be a wild ride to ‘08.”

• Who is John Cox?


BYRON DOES AMES. National Review White House Correspondent Byron York is also at the straw poll. He blogs:

• “GOP intensity slump”?

• Mike Huckabee underwhelmed. But plays in his own band.

• “We Win -- You Lose.” Tom Tancredo had a winner of an applause line.

• Romney didn’t say a whole lot about abortion.

• In hot, hot, hot Ames, folks made quick exits from Romney Square, Brownbackville, Huckabeeland, and Ciudad Tancredo.


WATCHING AMES FROM AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM.

Rich Lowry blogs:

• It’s Mitt’s show so he can do cheese if he wants to.

• On Mike Huckabee’s poor pitch: “Hi, I’m Mike Huckabee and I Have No Money.”


Kathryn Lopez:

• Finds a rare Romney photo.

• Blogs on Brownback’s mini-National Right to Life Committee convention. And tonal surprise.

• Yeah, whatever happened to those “Abolish the Department of Education” Heritage Foundation policy papers? Go Ron Paul!!

• Anti-Mormonism in Iowa -- it’s hot and ugly.

• Rudy reminds press people he’s still around.

• Argues Romney couldn’t win on abortion in Ames if he said anymore than he did about it.

• Early in the day, Team Romney lowers expectations.


And Jim Geraghty:

• on what’s really at stake at Ames:

if a candidate performs badly enough, those invitations to future debates might end up getting “lost in the mail”... We’ve had four debates. Everybody's had a chance to make their case. If you can't generate some numbers at Ames, the press and race watchers will start concluding you can't generate numbers anywhere...

• on all the pre-season games.


NOT ABOUT AMES. Jonah Goldberg on the Democrats and enemy combatants. Larry Kudlow on the market.


UNCOMFORTABLE DISCOVERY WHILE ON PATROL. W. Thomas Smith Jr., embedded in Iraq, writes from outside Fallujah:

As we moved out on foot beyond the patrol base and along a bomb-cratered road, we found some copper wire used to make IED pressure-plate triggers.

ILLEGAL-IMMIGRATION TRAVESTY

. Those slaughters in Newark, New Jersey? An illegal immigrant -- out on bail -- was behind them. Greg Pollowitz keeps an eye on the “undocumented“ murderer.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL, FOLKS. Just jump in “The Corner” and scroll down to read the whole Saturday afternoon liveblog, as it happened.

Check National Review Online’s homepage Sunday morning for Byron York’s straw-poll analysis -- and tune into Meet the Press to see his legendary mane.

And then, of course, more Ames, war, and other fresh features on Monday morning. Enjoy your Sunday and thanks for spending some weekend time with NRO. — K.J.L.

http://www.nationalreview.com/nro_digest/nro_digest_070811.html

Bloggers on the Presidential Process

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/07/rep_candace_miller_a_supporter.php

Michigan Republicans Fighting Over Primary, and Giuliani and McCain Are In Bed Together

26 Jul 2007 08:18 am

In Michigan, proxies for three leading Republican candidates are fighting a back room battle over the state's 2008 Republican primary. Trying to mediate is the state party chair, Saul Anuzis, who must negotiate between his constituents -- the Republicans in Michigan -- and the presidential campaigns.

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http://bconservatives.blogspot.com/

Grumbling over primary

McCainiacs discouraged by MIGOP State Committee

As many of you know, the Republican State Committee agreed to have a semi closed, state run primary in conjunction with the Democrats by February 5th. A bill to reflect this is currently in the Senate and expected to be passed onto the House tomorrow.

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http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/7/26/105054/161

It's time to play... THE FAMILY FEUD!

By Nick, Section News
Posted on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 10:50:53 AM EST

The spotlight shines on Presidential politics in Michigan again today as the State Senate is expected to pass legislation moving Michigan's primary date up to February 5th (or earlier).  We've discussed before (HERE) why an early, joint primary is exactly what voters in Michigan need.

It keeps the state in the minds of Presidential candidates, it ensures our issues are a part of their policy discussions, it promises to secure dozens of visits to speak directly to Michigan voters that wouldn't otherwise happen and it allows voters, not special interests or party insiders to pick the winner.

Not only do Saul Anuzis and Mark Brewer agree that it's the right thing to do but even the Detroit News and the Free Press are on the same page.

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http://www.rightwingworld.com/2007/07/25/giuliani-campaign-interfering-with-michigan-primary/

Giuliani campaign interfering with Michigan primary

Updated at 9:53 p.m. Eastern Time.

The presidential campaign of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is trying to prevent Michigan’s primary election from moving up to February 5 or earlier, sources tell RightWingWorld.com.

McCainiacs discouraged by MIGOP State Committee

As many of you know, the Republican State Committee agreed to have a semi closed, state run primary in conjunction with the Democrats by February 5th. A bill to reflect this is currently in the Senate and expected to be passed onto the House tomorrow.

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http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/7/26/105054/161

It's time to play... THE FAMILY FEUD!

By Nick, Section News
Posted on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 10:50:53 AM EST

The spotlight shines on Presidential politics in Michigan again today as the State Senate is expected to pass legislation moving Michigan's primary date up to February 5th (or earlier).  We've discussed before (HERE) why an early, joint primary is exactly what voters in Michigan need.

It keeps the state in the minds of Presidential candidates, it ensures our issues are a part of their policy discussions, it promises to secure dozens of visits to speak directly to Michigan voters that wouldn't otherwise happen and it allows voters, not special interests or party insiders to pick the winner.

Not only do Saul Anuzis and Mark Brewer agree that it's the right thing to do but even the Detroit News and the Free Press are on the same page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.rightwingworld.com/2007/07/25/giuliani-campaign-interfering-with-michigan-primary/

Giuliani campaign interfering with Michigan primary

Updated at 9:53 p.m. Eastern Time.

The presidential campaign of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is trying to prevent Michigan’s primary election from moving up to February 5 or earlier, sources tell RightWingWorld.com.

Grumbling over primary

McCainiacs discouraged by MIGOP State Committee

As many of you know, the Republican State Committee agreed to have a semi closed, state run primary in conjunction with the Democrats by February 5th. A bill to reflect this is currently in the Senate and expected to be passed onto the House tomorrow.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2007/7/26/105054/161

It's time to play... THE FAMILY FEUD!

By Nick, Section News
Posted on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 10:50:53 AM EST

The spotlight shines on Presidential politics in Michigan again today as the State Senate is expected to pass legislation moving Michigan's primary date up to February 5th (or earlier).  We've discussed before (HERE) why an early, joint primary is exactly what voters in Michigan need.

It keeps the state in the minds of Presidential candidates, it ensures our issues are a part of their policy discussions, it promises to secure dozens of visits to speak directly to Michigan voters that wouldn't otherwise happen and it allows voters, not special interests or party insiders to pick the winner.

Not only do Saul Anuzis and Mark Brewer agree that it's the right thing to do but even the Detroit News and the Free Press are on the same page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.rightwingworld.com/2007/07/25/giuliani-campaign-interfering-with-michigan-primary/

Giuliani campaign interfering with Michigan primary

Updated at 9:53 p.m. Eastern Time.

The presidential campaign of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is trying to prevent Michigan’s primary election from moving up to February 5 or earlier, sources tell RightWingWorld.com.

Is America Ready???

Spence Abraham to head up Fred Thompson's Presidential Campaign?

AP reports that Spence Abraham will head up Fred Thompson's presidential campaign.  Spence, who served as Energy Secretary, U.S. Senator, State Party Chairman, National Republican Congressional Committee E.D., and Vice President Quayle’s Deputy Chief of Staff will bring a broad range of experience and contacts to the campaign.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/24/america/NA-POL-US-Fred-Thompson-White-House.php

Would-be Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson shakes up his campaign staff

The Associated Press
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
WASHINGTON: Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson is shaking up his still-unofficial campaign, replacing his top aide as some of his staff worried about the active role played by Thompson's wife, Jeri, a lawyer, media consultant and former Republican National Committee official.

"Rumors are rumors," Thompson spokeswoman Linda Rozett said Tuesday. "It is not a personal issue. It's an organizational issue. We are strengthening the organization as we enter the next phase."

Acting campaign manager Tom Collamore will still advise Thompson, but his presidential operation will be run by the duo of former senator and energy secretary Spencer Abraham and a Florida Republican strategist, Randy Enright, according to Rozett.

Thompson, 64, is a former Tennessee senator better known as an actor in movies and on NBC's long-running drama "Law & Order." He has established a "testing the waters" committee that allows him to raise money for a presidential bid, with an official launch likely in September.

Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and John McCain head the nine-man Republican field, but Thompson often registers in double digits in public opinion polls. A recent Associated Press-Ipsos survey showed general dissatisfaction among Republicans with their choices, underscoring the volatility of the 2008 race.

Enright is a veteran operative in Florida who was part of President George W. Bush's political operation in the key swing state; he also was executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa. Abraham served in the Bush administration after losing re-election in 2000 to Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow; in 2006, he joined a French-owned nuclear company, Areva Inc., as chairman of its board of directors.

Thompson has raised several million dollars, hired staff and visited early primary states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Details of his fundraising remain unclear, however. As an undeclared candidate, Thompson can raise money to "test the waters" without having to file public financial reports until he enters the race.

Thompson has a conservative Senate record and casts himself in the mold of former President Ronald Reagan. He was a reliably conservative vote against abortion, in favor of Bush's tax cuts, and for oil drilling in Alaska.

He has been dogged by questions in recent weeks about lobbying work in 1991 for a family planning group that was seeking to relax an abortion counseling rule, and the changing explanations from his campaign.

He was known as an investigator, heading the committee examining President Bill Clinton's fundraising in 1996. He won fame for another investigation, as counsel for the Senate Watergate committee in 1973, when he asked the question that revealed Nixon installed hidden listening devices and taping equipment in the Oval Office.

A review of the Nixon tapes and other transcripts showed that Thompson had alerted the White House of the investigators' discovery. The 1970s era material also showed that President Nixon and his top aides viewed Thompson as a willing, if not too bright, ally.

Thompson also has defended his work as a lobbyist for some 20 years. He lobbied for a savings-and-loan deregulation bill that helped hasten the industry's collapse and a failed nuclear energy project that cost taxpayers more than a billion dollars.

His wife, Jeri Kehn Thompson, 40, worked as a political media consultant at a lobbying firm, Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, and McPherson and Hand. Before that she worked for the Senate Republican Conference and the Republican National Committee. She and Thompson married June 29, 2002, and have a three-year-old daughter and a 7-month old son.

Republicans familiar with the Thompson circle said she is an influential figure and that her role has been a cause of concern for some operatives signing on to the fledgling exploratory campaign.

Posthumus Joins Romney Campaign

FORMER LT. GOVERNOR DICK POSTHUMUS

TO SERVE AS HONORARY STATE CHAIRMAN FOR MICHIGAN

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former Lieutenant Governor Dick Posthumus will serve as Michigan's Honorary State Chairman of the Romney for President campaign. As Honorary Chair, Lt. Governor Posthumus will help lead statewide efforts to build Governor Romney's Michigan campaign.

Announcing the support of Lt. Governor Posthumus, Governor Romney said, "Dick Posthumus has served the State of Michigan for over twenty years with steadfast and principled leadership. He has fought for some of our most important conservative values – lower taxes, better schools and stronger families. His counsel will be very important to me, and I am gratified that he will be helping to lead our efforts in this critical primary state."

Lt. Governor Posthumus will join a Romney for President Michigan team that includes Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Dave Camp, Pete Hoekstra and Joe Knollenberg, and Michigan House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche.

With today's announcement, Lt. Governor Posthumus said, "As I surveyed the field of candidates, it was important to me that our party's standard-bearer be a strong, conservative leader who believes in the fundamental strength of the American people. After meeting with Governor Romney and carefully studying his record, I know he is the right candidate to lead our nation forward. Mitt Romney's real-world experience in turning around difficult situations is what America needs right now. I am confident that, as the American people get to know Mitt Romney, they will see a leader who doesn't just talk about a better future, but actually makes it happen."

Background On Former Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus:

Former Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus Has Been A Leader In Michigan For Over 20 Years. His career in government service began with his election to the State Senate in 1982. He was Michigan's longest serving Senate Majority Leader and was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1998. In 2002, he was the Republican nominee for Governor. His career was marked by major successes in lowering taxes for Michigan citizens, controlling government spending, improving our schools and standing up for the Michigan values that he holds dear. As a farmer and a sportsman, he also stands out as a leader on the issues that matter to Michigan farmers, hunters and fishermen. As a husband, father, grandfather, farmer, businessman and community leader, Lt. Governor Posthumus has pursued his ideal of making Michigan a better place to live, work and raise a family. He currently resides on his farm with his wife Pam and is CEO of Compatico, an office furniture manufacturer in Grand Rapids.

"They don't get any better than guys like Dick Posthumus."

Saul Anuzis

John Edwards talking to "organized labor"...making the U.S. like Michigan?

International Association of Machinists District 751 in Seattle was the backdrop for Machinists and other union members to talk openly with presidential candidate John Edwards about the issues that matter to the middle class and his plan to help organized labor.

Gore on Iraq...and Bush policy...umm?

Presidential Debate....who said the "most"

Granholm Jobs Program...7.1% unemployment...we'll take anything we can get

I'm not the best speller....but I'm not running for President

Tomorrow...tomorrow...I love ya (NOT!)tomorrow...the presidency is only a day away!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070601/ap_on_el_pr/clinton_silicon_valley_2

Democrats play politics...risk Troop funding???

Obama & Hillary Abandon Troops...Play Politics

The 2008 Democratic field took a giant leap to the left last night with one of those rare Senate votes that will be remembered for a while. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., will have plenty of opportunities to explain why they were among the small minority of 14 senators to vote against war funding (and you can bet they'll be asked about it early and often). But what does it say about their read of the political landscape that they felt the need to vote the way they did?

Both camps spun the votes as a way to force President Bush to pursue a new course in Iraq. But somehow most other Democrats didn't find it necessary to vote against war funding to convey that message. "The no vote was not the mainstream Democratic view," ABC's Jake Tapper reports, adding that, "of the 16 sitting senators who voted against going to war to begin with, 11 voted to provide funds for US troops Thursday evening."

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote/story?id=3105288&page=1

John Edwards on the War on Terror...then...

John Edwards...just like "us"???

Recent Headlines Threaten Edwards' Main Campaign Theme

From The San Francisco Chronicle

Carla Marinucci

May 23, 2007

Democrat John Edwards has eloquently established his credentials as an advocate for the poor with a presidential campaign focused on the devastating effects of poverty in America. But the former North Carolina senator's populist drive has hit a series of troubling land mines: a pair of $400 haircuts, a $500,000 paycheck from a hedge fund, and now a $55,000 payday for a speech on poverty to students at UC Davis.

The problem now facing the Democratic presidential candidate is whether the pileup of headlines, including the latest regarding hefty fees from university speeches reported Monday by The Chronicle, threatens to obliterate Edwards' dominant campaign theme. The former senator, who has been portrayed as the champion of the poor and the son of a humble mill worker, now faces the possibility that voters will have a different image: that of a millionaire trial lawyer who talks one way and lives another. ...

"It's outrageous. He's trying to come off as Mr. Populist and Mr. 'I'm trying to help the poor,' and he charges $55,000 for a speaking fee? That's ridiculous,'' says Dick Rosengarten, Los Angeles-based publisher of the California Political Week newsletter. "Combined with the haircut, who's in charge of this guy's campaign? What are they thinking?'' ...

Edwards' political troubles began after revelations that his campaign paid $400 for a haircut, prompting GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee to quip that Democrats are "spending more than John Edwards in a beauty shop.'' Edwards also was rapped for his work for a hedge fund -- an investment seen as catering to the super rich -- and his $500,000 salary.

The criticism intensified Tuesday as conservative bloggers, commentators and opponents jumped on Edwards for charging $55,000 for a 2006 speech at UC Davis. Critics said the speech about poverty before a mostly student audience of 1,787 -- who were charged more than $17 a ticket -- challenges Edwards' campaign message and raises questions about the candidate's judgment.

Democratic strategist Kam Kuwata said the incidents suggest sloppy message control and a tendency toward being tone deaf in the campaign -- something Edwards must address immediately before it causes irreparable harm among voters in the early Democratic primaries and caucuses. ...

But Republicans insist that Edwards, a multimillionaire former trial lawyer, is especially vulnerable because he's crafted his campaign around themes of education and poverty -- while making more than $285,000 last year speaking to college students.

"It's not like it's Exxon,'' said Patrick Dorinson, a California Republican media strategist. "The message is: 'I'm going to talk to you about poverty -- and thanks for the check.' ''

To View Entire Article, Please Visit: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/23/MNG6HQ00861.DTL 

RNC Debate Petition...getting lost in the rhetoric (corrected)

After consulting with my fellow RNC members, I believe there isn’t anything to be gained by advancing a petition aimed solely at removing Congressman Paul from the debates.  The primary is and will continue to work itself out.

I do however think we should continue to look at the bigger picture, the problem of how our party is going to adapt to the new realities of this very long primary season.

Congressman Paul’s controversial statements about the United State and who’s to blame for 9-11, combined with the splendid reaction of  Mayor Giuliani and then my own heated reaction, stole the spotlight from the bigger point I really wanted to make and still think is important – continuing these “debates” as they are currently structured is not to our benefit, nor to our candidates, not to our party, nor to the country.

This is a very important process and it’s critical that we get a chance to get to know our leading and most viable candidates better.  The idea of 10 candidates each getting a little over 6 minutes each and competing for the best “sound bite” of the evening isn’t very helpful in determining who our nominee should ultimately be.

NO one, at NO time, ever implied or said we should censure, restrict or deny any candidate the right to Free Speech.  Specifically, Ron Paul, who is a sitting Congressman, will always have the same right as any other American and/or anyone in America has to express themselves.  However, there is no constitutional right to participate in a party run debate or forum.

Although my initial response and what prompted me to action were the Congressman’s comments blaming America's policies for 9-11, this discussion should really have NOTHING to do with the positions individual candidates take.  We obviously have a difference of opinion on many issues…and I expressed my personal outrage and let that get in the way of the bigger question.

I am and have always been a big supporter of open primaries, open discussion and the sharing of broad and diverse opinions.  At the same time, I think it makes sense to at least discuss various options of making these debates/forums more useful and informative.  Setting certain standards or criteria for folks to participate is NOT censorship or infringing on anyone free speech.  Everyone has the right to run a commercial, put up a website or buy soapbox.

Every candidate has the right to run…some with a chance of actually winning the nominations and others just for the sake of making a point or two.  But the party also has the right to arrange their venues in such a way that best serves this interest of the party.  We have given 10 candidates 3 hours of national TV time.  Our many local and state parties have opened our doors to them.  And we have certainly invited all them to help us raise money J.  In short, the so called 3rd tier candidates have had their chance to make an impression and if they cannot poll beyond 1 or 2 percentage points of support, they are simply getting in the way of the real debate of how to move our party and our country forward.

Finally, I want apologize to the RNC and our State Committee leadership (and my wife) who received obnoxious, annoying and disruptive emails or phone calls.  My best advice to you is to ignore them (and/or just blame me).