As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the iCaucus of Michigan is going to be endorsing in the contested races at the Michigan Republican Party September State Convention. Invitations were sent out, questionnaires were completed, interviews were conducted, and the caucus period is now open, with the vote window opening up on Monday. Details are after the break.
From the iCaucus Michigan Newsletter for Friday, 24 August 2012:
Greetings, Fellow Michigan Patriots!
We are requesting your participation in the selection of our endorsed candidates for the upcoming State of Michigan GOP convention.
We want to thank the many Volunteers that took the time to organize this presentation, and we hope that you find the interviews and other information useful in making your determination as to which candidate(s) will best represent our iCaucus ideals in the office they seek.
Please be aware that in some of the categories you will be asked to pick two candidates. This is because two seats are available to be filled.
The caucus period will begin immediately (August 23rd through August 27th) The Vote will be held August 27th through August 31st.
All participatory functions (caucus and vote) are done on the same page as you will find the interviews. Please note that you will not be able to vote until the ballot appears on August 27th.
Because of the special nature of this vote; and because no run-off vote will be possible due to time constraints; in all categories the 60% rule will apply. Candidates will have to garner a 60% or better to receive the endorsement. In cases where there are three candidates running for two spots the top two vote getters (who receive above 60%) will be declared the winners.
We want to remind you that this system works because of your direct participation in the iCaucus process. As we are a completely member owned and operated enterprise we ask for you to volunteer your time and treasure to ensure the good work we are doing will continue on.
Please get involved...the Constitution needs your support.
The state convention races in which iCaucus Michigan has vetted the candidates are these (interviews are available at the link):
Michigan State Board of Education (two to be nominated):
Todd Courser: CQQ = 100%
Nancy Danhoff: CQQ = 78%
Melanie Kurdys: CQQ = 98%
University of Michigan Board of Regents (two to be nominated):
Dan Horning: CQQ = 100%
Bill Kauffman: CQQ = 100%
Rob Steele: CQQ = 95.5%
Ron Weiser declined the invitation to participate
Michigan State University Board of Trustees (two to be nominated):
Melanie Foster: CQQ = 98%
Anne Norlander: CQQ = 100%
Jeff Sakwa: CQQ = 96.75%
Michigan Supreme Court (vacancy nomination - one to be nominated):
Judge Colleen O'Brien: CQQ = 99%
Judge Jane Markey: CQQ = 97.75%
Since the Wayne State University Board of Governors nomination is not being contested, two candidates running to fill two nomination slots, iCaucus Michigan is not getting involved in that convention race. Likewise, since the two Supreme Court incumbents, Justice Steve Markman and Justice Brian Zahra, are not being challenged for re-nomination, iCaucus Michigan is only getting involved in the vacancy nomination contest.
I expect that the results will be available next Saturday, along with any endorsements coming out of this process. Stay tuned.
