"My first step as governor in January 2011 will be to cut the M.B.T.- the jobs tax- by 50 percent and then phase it out completely to tell job makers Michigan is finally "open for business," Cox has said repeatedly. "By letting citizens keep more of their own money we will provide an immediate economic stimulus while forcing Lansing to cut the programs it can't afford, cut outdated services and forcing state government to finally right-size its budget."

If the conditioning done by our current governor has taken firm hold, it would seem unlikely to many that any of this aggressive posturing is possible.  However, conservative Republicans and the State's AG are convinced it can be done.  Of course it will require a solidly conservative legislative back up, and the grass roots candidates have been plentiful in districts all over Michigan.

The Tea Party events have been a way for the Cox team to reach out to those grass roots activists and candidates, and for good reason. In a time where some who are regarded as "establishment" seem to be the face of government, it becomes an important step in regaining the trust for effective leadership.  The attendees at such events hold a great amount of power not currently so accessible to politicos.

As an aside, All candidates should be on board with "no new tax" pledges.  Every one of them.