Tag: Mary Beth Kelly

The GOP convention was this past weekend, and as several news agencies have reported, the anger with the GOP-majority Justices of the Michigan Supreme Court was palpable.  In a particularly detailed account, MIRS (subscription required) reported that the Justices "faced a frosty reception," although that characterization may be a bit of an understatement.  MIRS went on to report that if there had been more time before the convention, it is likely that Justices Markman and Zahra would have faced challenges to their seats, and that "some donors have asked for their money back from the Supreme Court race."  Former MRP executive director Greg McNeilly stated that he believes the Justices "made a political decision," and when asked what resources would be left for the GOP's Supreme Court candidates, McNeilly is quoted as responding "F--k them."  And this is just what was said publicly; "Most Republican powerbrokers didn't want to air their frustration publicly, but heated words privately, however, have been exchanged."

The union-backed proposal known as "Protect Our Jobs" has mostly been sold as enshrining collective bargaining privileges into the Michigan Constitution and fending off a right-to-work law that could be passed at some point in the future.

These points are being debated by both sides, but the main effect of the POJA initiative being passed by voters in November is far less known and would do far more damage than either of the typically discussed positions.

Tucked into the middle, part of the union petition reads, "No existing or future law of the state or its political subdivisions shall abridge, impair or limit" unions' ability to "negotiate in good faith regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. ... "

In short: Aside from a couple exceptions, no state law past, present or future could limit what government union officials could win in labor contracts.

Rest here

So is O'Brien fighting a grudge match?  Is this a "fight between unfriendly opponents?"

Republican Delegates recently received a letter from trial attorney Mike Rizik.  Mike Rizik has been a plaintiffs' personal injury lawyer and a 20-year member of the Michigan Trial Lawyers' Association.  The Michigan Trial Lawyers' Association, as you likely know, is Michigan's largest contributor to Democrat judicial candidates and the Democrat Party.

In particular, Young concisely and persuasively explains why the Court's decision was proper, even if conservatives may feel some disappointment that proposals that represent bad policy will make it to the ballot this November.  

Who says a Friday news dump doesn't get much attention?

And now, because of the actions of the Board of State Canvassers, we have a situation that may involve another Friday news dump . . . on a weekend when both of this state's major political parties have other things to do.

If you are not yet old enough to run for Congress, well, draw near.  I'll tell you about the tumultuous summer of 2005.  And I'll tell you why that matters to Rule-of-Law Michigan Republicans in 2012.