Tag: Jason Gillman

In an unexpected move, Former Congressman Bart Stupak has endorsed across the aisle, and named Jason Gillman the man to beat for the governorship of Michigan.

Speculation ended only yesterday, when the 1st district Democrat declared that he would rather run against fellow first district citizen, businessman, and author Jason Gillman, for Governor of Michigan, than he would against the current incumbent Rick Snyder.  "My goal is to win back the state for Democrats, and I think I could actually beat Gillman," Stupak said. "And anyhow who is that guy?"

Stupak's campaign manager Dennis Lennox was hired by the former trooper and legislator after it was determined that he was personally responsible for a long string of Republican losses. Lennox reportedly said "What can I say? Its not everyone who has such consistent results," and when questioned about his last paying job, he simply replied "please talk to my attorney."

Stupak was recently recruited by Michigan Democrats by newly installed Dem Chair Lon Johnson. Johnson who lives in the 1st district apparently still 'owed one' to the former congressman not for political favors, but from "that time when he was a trooper and was really cool and let me off with a warning." according to Johnson.

Most folks can't hold on to a thought for more than a minute or so before the phone rings, or a hot flash news item distracts them.  In fact lives have become so busy, its amazing that understanding of cause and effect is as broad as the 5% that it seems to be. In fact I fear analytical abilities are on the wane. Without that important skill, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep people focused on what has truly become the enemy of our liberty.

When government controls our purse, we are not truly free.

Period.

Below the fold, is a new project I hope will help to reverse the trend towards political and economic ignorance.  It will be offered free for a time to radio stations that wish to have a morning minute type programming, or even something for fill in between programming.  It will be edgy, and hopefully coherent.  

The idea came while making commercials for the state representative race I was recently involved with.  As one of the most effective parts of the campaign, it was clear how effective radio could be if used properly.  At the same time, it provides a new programming option for stations that want to enhance their talk radio line up.

As a percentage of the involvement, the results were rather impressive.

There are not a lot of races in Michigan this Summer where you have this chance.  Jason  has ignited the passions of enough local citizens to make a race with a competent, but timid incumbent into a real contest.  Most of you don't live in this or a similar district. You have a conservative incumbent, an unopposed incumbent, or an incumbent who can't be beat, or a Democrat you can't get rid of.

It is time for you to involve yourself in a race that matters; that CAN be won.  Statewide and nationally, liberals are watching this race.  The Daily Kos (expletives deleted) has identified Jason as a "threat" to the status quo candidate. The incumbent recognizes that threat and is even using the hated "robocalls" a full four weeks before the election.  And here is laid bare the real difference in the campaigns. Money.

Incumbents can easily tap the cash register of Lansing lobbyists. Organizations and PACs take the easy way out and give dollars to incumbents (eg: the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce endorsing Debbie Stabenow, while few of its members would ever vote for her). The best current guess is that Jason's incumbent opponent will spend over $50,000, while Friends of Jason Gillman plan to spend about $8,000!

But despite the 6-1 spending difference, Jason's signs are popping up everywhere and letters to the editor supporting him are increasing.   Now, wherever you are reading this, you can make a decision that will MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  If you have Grand Traverse County friends, contact them today and urge not only a vote but sign locations and active participation.  Most importantly, this week Jason will initiate a few radio commercials.  He is "making the sale" everywhere he can actually talk to voters, but media is both a luxury and necessary. Please send a check (and make it hurt a little) to "Friends of Jason Gillman" PO Box 5449, Traverse City, Mi 49696.  We all send our checks to state and national candidates and wonder if we have really done anything in the big picture.  This is a race where you really can make a difference.

Observant readers will note the name similarity of the writer to the candidate.  Well, it is not only pride in my son, but a growing belief this race can be won which prompts this.  I have described myself as "generationally challenged" by over 50 years watching and participating in Michigan politics.  I haven't been able to believe that efforts toward limited and fiscally-sound government can prevail against the power of the "alphabet groups (AFL, AFSCME, SEIU, UAW, etc)".  But if it can happen in Wisconsin and Indiana, maybe here in Michigan?  Help make me a believer, with your help...from wherever you are.  This is a watershed race.

There are a few people running who are strong candidates to continue that tradition.

District 41. (Troy, Clawson) I have heard good things about Deb Debacker, a longtime member of the state committee.  She is one of three Republicans seeking this seat, replacing the term-limited Marty Knollenberg.

District 93. (Clinton, Gratiot) Staunch conservative Tom Leonard is one of four Republicans vying to replace term-limited rep. Paul Opsommer.

District 104. (Grand Traverse) Tea Party leader and Grand Traverse county commissioner Jason Gillman is running in the primary against Republican rep. Wayne Schmidt.  Jason needs no introduction on RightMichigan.com, of course.

Last Sunday, on the Dump Saul Anuzis facebook page, I wrote:

"While all of this various and sundry political talk is very fascinating, let's please keep our primary objective in mind . . . that of dumping Saul Anuzis as Michigan's RNC National Committeeman. We do need to start recruiting a potential challenger, and develop a delegate strategy (using the 2010 pool) to accumulate the votes necessary to dump him."

The conversation threads, both on the page and in the group, were starting to get a tad afield of the original purpose, which is to focus the efforts to replace Saulius Anuzis as Michigan's Republican National Committeeman.  Best to stay focused here, as we only have about seven weeks left to work with.  Grab a pot of coffee, and let's go below the fold.

Grand Traverse County Commission approves resolution urging Gov. Snyder, local lawmakers to pass Right to Work law

Commissioner Jason Gillman's proposal for "freedom and jobs" approved 5-to-2

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Grand Traverse County commissioners Wednesday added their voices to those calling on Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled legislature to enact a state civil rights law guaranteeing individual employees' freedom to choose regarding union affiliation and prohibiting job discrimination against employees who choose not to join or give money to a union.

A resolution introduced by Commissioner Jason Gillman -- which urged Snyder, Sen. Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, and Rep. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, by name to support a Right to Work law -- was approved by a 5-2 vote in front of a capacity crowd in which the legislation's supporters outnumbered opponents two to one.

Snyder said while running for governor that he will sign such a law if it reaches his desk.
(Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIikLENpg4s)

Gillman said the law will bring "freedom and jobs" to Michigan. "I'm glad that the county board has taken a position both appropriate and forward-thinking that addresses a solution to our economic troubles in Michigan," he said afterward.

Gillman was joined in supporting the resolution by fellow Republican commissioners Robert Hentschel, Herbert Lemcool, Christine Maxbauer, and Richard Thomas.

Republican Commissioner Addison "Sonny" Wheelock, Jr., and the commission's lone Democrat, Ross Richardson, voted against the resolution.

Even still, there was a little more.

In the midst of the shouting down by the labor types, the news folks were professional and courteous.  We had to move three times before we would not have the disruptive actions of the protesters trying to take attention away from the interview. In fact, for them to do so in the last try, they (the protesters) would have had to stand in traffic.