Tag: Convention

I have a few of them, (Brothers) but THIS particular brother and I disagreed more often than not on issues of the national political stage, policies, and who might be best for leadership.  Its was a discussion over George Bush in 2003 that had our wives (watching nearby) fearing a fist fight.  Several adult beverages, and a few hours of heated discussion never brought the violence our mates had expected. And we remain as always willing to pick up such discussions, and love each other as brothers do.  Family is good.  Especially family that can disagree to the point where blood pressures are up, yet peace will prevail in the end.

The reason I mention this is twofold; to illustrate that we can have disagreements and still carry on strong family/professional relationships, and to point out that I would still tell a brother where to stick a suggestion that I donate to ANYONE in that freak show called the Democrat party! I might even tell him to wrap it in broken glass and salted tinfoil for good measure first.

The result of Saturday's Michigan Republican convention was very conservative, and very consistent with tea party and traditional values that have been notably lacking in recent years.  Add to this a solid backing (almost purposefully noticeable) of candidate Kerry Bentivolio in the 11th district, and it should be clear that some folks are starting to pay attention to the grassroots.  And those grassroots are now becoming more fully vested in the party, and changing from within.

The slate?

Michigan Supreme Court Justice:
Stephen J Markman - Incumbent
Brian Zahra - partial term incumbent
Colleen O'Brien - new nomination

State Board of Education
Todd Courser - New
Melanie Kurdys - New

MSU Trustee
Melanie Foster - Incumbent
Jeff Sakwa - New

U of M Regent
Dr. Rob Steele - New
Dan Horning - New

Wayne State University Board of Governors
Michael J. Busuito
Satish B. Jasti

The Michigan Supreme Court pick was an interesting one for a number of reasons.  We have seen much of the criticism of either O'Brien or Markey on RightMichigan.com, and frankly it was undeserved.  Both candidates represented a conservative rule of law perspective and the nomination of Colleen O'Brien should not disappoint anyone.  I tried to refrain from affecting the discussion and was particularly neutral and trying to look at qualifications and overall perspective.

I carried that neutrality into the convention and had no reason to specifically support either candidate, and was not worried about the outcome other than a bit of a nasty back and forth with passed out literature left in the seats for attendees.  There were good people I knew supporting either candidate.  After listening to both candidates in caucus, re-looking at notes, talking to friends who supported either candidate, reviewing caseload, history, etc., my decision to support a single candidate started to develop.  I even spent 20-25 minutes speaking with justice Stephen Markman.

Saturday Morning found me leaning Jane Markey.

Catching up on other important aspects of life means taking a break by some from the posts one might expect after such a weekend.  A busy one to be sure and one that had an interesting result with regard to the direction of the state party.

The convention went well.

The Michigan GOP convention in Detroit actually was a productive affair, that offered a cautionary tone for those who do not understand the dynamics of the tea party, conservatives, or even how those 'Paul' types operate. The Republican party is cleaning itself up, and the active new blood is a big part of it.  Hopefully, it is not short lived, and some more patience is seen on both sides.

We need to win races in November, and there are legitimate concerns from old guard and new alike.

There is a bigger story to tell, but for now, and at least until I get some serious rest, I'll limit the commentary to the 1st district component.

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.

MICHIGAN GOP PRESIDENTIAL SELECTION TOWN HALLS

Concerned Citizens, MI GOP State Committee Members & Grassroots Activists Invited to Voice Opinion in a Transparent Series of Forums

The Michigan Republican Party's State Committee is scheduled to choose a method of selecting the Republican Presidential Nominee for Michigan on Saturday, August 13, 2011.  Additionally, the Michigan GOP's State Committee's Policy Committee is slated to make a decision on Tuesday, July 12th.  Their vote will recommend to the full State Committee which process should be followed in Michigan regarding selecting the GOP's nominee by Michigan Republicans and possibly the general public.  However, many feel that we have not yet had an open and transparent process to solicit the opinions of grassroots activists and concerned Republicans across the state.  Please join us as we have an open discussion about the options to determine the next GOP Presidential nominee.  We have invited elected Michigan Republican State Committee Members, party leaders, grassroots activists and concerned citizens to listen to each other so that the Michigan Republican State Committee can make an informed decision on this critical topic for our important state and nation.  

I have absolutely NOTHING against Brian Calley, and know even less about Bill Cooper.  But one thing was clear, Cooper could have won this.  The video preceding this withdrawal makes it pretty clear.   This may seem strange, given my harsh criticisms of the past, but I have come to like Mr. Snyder.  Behind the scenes, while the MI GOP leadership was trying to avoid it, he supported Cooper's ability to have a fair vote.  He apparently had no objection to it.

This video demonstrates a unique character.  Something I have seen a few times recently, even while seeing its alternate.  A man CAN put the movement of ideas through a unifying motion and sacrifice his own goals.  It is likely this will not be the last we see of Mr. Cooper, as he has shown his ability to look at the bigger picture.

I am humbled and I truly appreciate his words of support, and can hopefully continue earning his eye here at RightMichigan.com and at MTTM.  It is an honor.