I haven't had a lot to say about Saul Anuzis other than that which needed to be said about the "Dele-Gate" scam.
For that reason, and the NPV issue, I have decided I do not care much for Mr. Anuzis all that much. The NPV thing, I have known about and did not consider it too awful until realizing how close it is to screwing over our country, (ever-vigilant, check) and leaving the decision of who our commander in chief will be to NY, and California voters pretty much by themselves. The "Dele-Gate" thing was/is far worse in my view, and demonstrated the worst level of politics, and frankly makes the Mi GOP look simply corrupt going into the most important election of our lifetime.
"Just a few bad apples," as they say.
Yeah, we (this forum for the most part) supported Saul for the NRC top spot. And at the time for all we knew, we were right. He is a likeable guy, understands the use of technology better than most, and knows the players. After looking at Priebus and the NRC position on NPV, we should be thanking God for a solid denial of that goal.
Elections matter as they say. Even those inter party ones.
And the convention events beginning tomorrow are bringing out Saul's 'tech' talents. Perhaps even his true character? ~ Below the fold
A friend writes to me asking about Dave Agema because I asked him to take a look at making the change. He writes:
"Jason,
At your behest I have been looking a t Agema. This email although a bit harsh sort of sums up my own findings. Are there any large inaccuracies below?"
What he was looking at was an email sent from "Patriots Truth Squad". It demonstrates a sort of taken for granted Tea Party sympathy stereotype that is a little overused now in email pandering. It reads:
"From: Patriots Truth Squad [mailto:patriotstruthsquad@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 8:00 PM
To: xxxxx@xxxxxx.net
Subject: [Bulk] Is Agema the `perfect' Conservative???
I am not a big fan of Saul Anuzis. However, Dave Agema's hypocrisy and political opportunism should not be rewarded. I encourage you to think twice.
Agema - The Perfect Candidate for Tea Party Members???
Here are some facts you should know about Dave Agema before you decide who to vote for this weekend.
Yob: Dave Agema was recruited to run by Yob Inc. This is a group of paid political operatives who have financial and political agendas that have nothing to do with philosophy. And now we hear Yob and his entities are financing Agema's race to a tune of $25,000+ for staff, printing, phones, hospitality and convention activities? Not a good sign.
He's a solid conservative, but the "puppet masters" behind his campaign should cause each and every one of you pause.
Unqualified: Dave Agema is grossly unqualified to do this job. He retired as an airline pilot, ran for State Representative as a citizen politician and now is term limited out, bored and agreed to do the political bidding for others.
He has never been involved in any party activities or campaign work outside his own campaign.
He knows absolutely no one on the Republican National Committee, doesn't understand - let alone know what the committee actually does or what his role should be on behalf of Michigan if elected. He has no national constituency that would be helpful to the party or candidates here?
A nice guy, but he will set us back years with respect to any influence our clout on the RNC with regard to Michigan.
Political Opportunist: His gamesmanship on the National Popular Vote represents the worst of what politics has to offer. I'm not happy with Anuzis' position or work on this proposal.
However, Agema, as a legislator who actually had a vote on the bill and could make a difference since was a legislative issue, performed the ultimate, politically opportunistic "flip flop" of the year.
Yet, not only was he "for it" before he was "against it". But over his entire legislative career, some 6 years over 3 terms before being term limited out, Agema actively supported and advocated for this bill.
Each of the 3 legislative sessions he either voted for or co-sponsored the bill. He lobbied other legislators to join him in co-sponsoring the bill. He wasn't "just a supporter" he was a leader for the effort that was publicly for it as late as December of this last year.
He "flip flopped" on the bill at the politically opportune time as he considered a primary challenge to Congressman Bill Huizenga or National Committeeman Saul Anuzis.
Talk about political opportunism at its worse.
Is this the kind of principles leadership you want to vote for?
To Russia With Love: Wouldn't we all love to take an exotic hunting trip to Russia? Sure we would...but NOT on taxpayer's time! With the state budget in question and a job to do, Dave Agema skipped session to go on a Russian sheep hunting trip. When Jennifer Granholm was trying to raise taxes and deal with the budget and the Republican caucus was fighting to hold the line - when his colleagues need him here - voting with them - instead of there, shooting sheep - Dave Agema went hunting.
Film Tax Credits: Dave Agema voted for one of the biggest wastes of taxpayer's dollars in Michigan. He voted for the famed Michigan Tax Credit for film producers, a taxpayer subsidy for Hollywood to film movies in Michigan. Some $148 million dollars in taxpayer subsidized credit were approved!
Taxing Pensions: Dave Agema voted to increase the tax for pensions - eliminating that state deduction??? The Mackinac Center analyzed the bill and said a "NO" vote would have been the "conservative vote". Explain that one??? Seniors aren't taxed enough?
Increase Subsidies for Electric Cars: Dave Agema was willing to give away more taxpayers money to subsidize our "green friends" in building electric cars? Why not let the market decide? Why should TAXPAYERS subsidize/bailout any of these guys. So why is Agema conservative on some things - and not on others?
He's a nice guy who is being used - running for all the wrong reasons. We've heard of campaigns for "change" before, and we know how that worked out. Experience matters, background matters, knowledge and the ability to do the job matters. He was put up and run by paid consultants who have alternative motives. He's not perfect, none of the candidate are. But slippery answers, hypocrisy, political opportunism, behind closed door cronyism and IOU's is a problem - a big problem. The "rest of story" is very telling and should be a concern to any Republican in Michigan.
It was unsigned, and had no website link or anything indicating organization, etc.
I replied to my friend:
"Lets try to understand who Patriots Truth Squad is.
Because it is completely shielded, it stands to reason the person sending it wishes to remain anonymous. Why?
Given the intent of the piece (Motive) it is someone who is likely a Saul supporter.
Given that Saul supporters have already "endorsed" him, why then, would they avoid putting a name to the piece?
Saul is a master at this type of communication.
Conclusion: It is sent from Anuzis himself. (ignore the "I'm not a big fan of Anuzis" Sleight of hand)
Now, that dos not necessarily mean some or all of the information provided is false. However, it is the spin, and the inability for folks like you, or myself to verify EVERY SINGLE claim made.
On each Point:
Yes I Believe Yob resources are being used. Chuck Yob was a supporter of Santorum, and may well have been offended (As was I ) by the "Dele-Gate" fiasco and Saul's hand prints all over it. He has resources, and frankly might be willing to "punish" Saul. Often we put our money where our principles are. A bad thing? I suppose if one automatically makes an assumption that anything the Yobs touch is suspect. Of course, they once upon a time supported Saul.
Unqualified to speak for conservative Republicans? Why? Cause he doesn't know anyone? Whatever. And given the high profile nature of this race, I can tell you any losses made in "clout" will be replaced by respect for our resolve to take serious consideration for the post.
Dave has explained what happened with the NPV position and his "vote". Essentially he did not understand it, as MANY still do not. It actually makes Saul more dangerous. HE is unrepentant and still influential to those who do not know.
Hunting trip? Never heard of it, but the writer claims FIRST that it was on the taxpayer dime, yet does not make the claim it was paid for by taxpayers. Clever insinuation that most would not catch.
Film Credits. Stupid. Everyone voted for them. NEARLY everyone anyhow. If I had to guess, he wouldn't now. Bad policy move, but at least not dishonest.
Senior Taxes - Hard choices, and a fast budget. I would have asked for reductions in services first, but the Senior pension taxes issue is something that should be looked at from a bigger picture POV. Growing Senior population, Growing Senior Services required, Attractive pension (best in country) exemption making more wish to retire here, and what are we to do? Its probably a good balance in the end, and equally as good policy, though not popular for obvious reasons. I wouldn't make it an issue personally.
Subsidies. I HATE THEM. see how I did that? BIG BOLD letters that really demonstrate my angst over such things. But Dave voted against the cars http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=595221 anyhow. I HATE lies too. He has a 100% anti corporate welfare voting record.
I really hope this helps.
I am actually going to use it as a post if you don't mind. I won't include your name.
I did not include his name, and I felt it important enough to see the shenanigans some folks are willing to engage in.
We will as a convention, decide if this is the time to divorce ourselves from the manipulation of robo-polling, email bashing, or political prestidigitation. I leave it to the reader to ascertain whether my analysis is close enough, but in the end making one person more of a villain somehow doesn't make me feel better about the other.
The writer asks the reader to pick the lesser of two evils. And (as might be indicated in the first line) if the writer is (as I have surmised) the current committeeman, he has some self loathing issues to deal with.
