By Jack Hoogendyk.

    Ok, you ask, "If I am looking at the THE most powerful Republican lawmaker in Lansing, why do I see two images?" Good question. The answer is, because although we are quite sure it will be one of these two, we just don't know which one yet. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's discuss WHY one of these two gentlemen will be in that august position.

    Majority Leader: A Powerful Position

    Under the Capitol dome, the most important and powerful positions are Speaker of the House and Senate majority Leader. Those two individuals really decide which bills get heard and which don't. They are the ultimate "deciders" of whether a bill is put on the floor for an up or down vote. They also control the purse strings and decisions about tax and regulatory policy.

    Over the the last four years of her governorship, Jennifer Granholm was unable to get much of the Democrats' agenda done because the Republican Majority Leader, Mike Bishop was standing in her way. She had the Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon doing her bidding most of the time but generally, if the GOP did not like it, the Leader would simply say "No dice."

    There will be new leadership in Lansing in 2011, not just in the Governor's mansion, but also in the House and the Senate. Both Andy Dillon and Mike Bishop are term limited and will leave office on December 31, 2010.

    While all indications are that November 2, 2010 will be a very good day for Republicans, it does not look like they will be able to win back the House from the huge 67-43 Democrat majority. They will get close, but it is not likely. That means another Democrat Speaker of the House. All signs however, are that the GOP will keep, if not strengthen its hold on the Senate.

    With a Democrat driving the agenda in the House and a likely Republican governor who is widely regarded to be a moderate, who is in charge on the south side of the Capitol is very important. That person, the Majority Leader, will be the "firewall" to stop any bad legislation.

    So, who will it be, Randy Richardville or John Proos? Before we answer that question, we need to explain how the Leader is chosen and what, if any role you might play in that decision. I will explain the process to you in a future letter, but for now, you should begin to explore the voting records of these two lawmakers. Believe me, there is a difference, and who is in charge could have momentous effect on the future of Michigan's economy. (Can you say "taxes, unions, and regulations?") To examine the voting records of these two gentlemen, just click here.

Thanks To Jack and his newsletter for this.  The point is to communicate YOUR wishes to your would be legislator, because the decision to select a leader will be the FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS.  A properly conservative leader will put the better items forward, and perhaps limit the moderation we have seen.

OK Have you examined ALL the votes yet?  Perhaps not, but there ARE some indicators, and some seeming contradictions.   At first glance:

• An inside source says to look for the Union Label on Randy Richardville's votes.
  
• John Proos has at least tried to limit the time our government can tie up business in its regulatory process.
  
• Richardville has THIS TROUBLING piece tied to him that would essentially limit ANY handyman from earning a living.
  
• And Proos Now has Mike Nofs running with him for assistant leader.

Continue to read.  Study their records.