Bob Schostak's not so subtle campaigning for Michigan Republican Party chairman is virtually unprecedented. The election is still a week away and he's crisscrossing the state, attending tea party meetings, calling local activists, and meeting up with candidates in targeted races.

His latest engagement is a major speaking engagement Thursday at the North Oakland Republican Club. It's tough to tell how many people will show up, but the group often attracts 150-200 die hard Republican grassroots activists, most of whom are precinct delegates. These are the sort of activists he must get on his team before the state convention in February. They're unfamiliar with Schostak, who is misusing his officialdom as state GOP finance chairman.

Someone should ask Schostak why the heck the finance chairman is stumping for the party a few days before the election. Why isn't Ron Weiser, the party chairman, out there? Weiser has basically anointed Schostak as his successor. Rumor also has it that Weiser will resign after the election and clear the way for Schostak to become chairman in all but name.