Tag Archive for 37th

Ethics, Integrity, And Long Knives

wayne-afp009“He’s our hometown boy.” Said one of the executive committee members of a vote taken this last Thursday.

The vote, was one by the executive board of the Grand Traverse County Republican Party on whether to endorse State Senate Candidate Wayne Schmidt over Greg MacMaster in the 37th State Senate primary contest.  The vote to choose one candidate over another in partisan (GOP) races would normally be considered off the table except under extraordinary circumstances.  At least that is how it is designated in the by-laws of a number of other GOP county parties.

Questions must be asked.  Is it prudent or even a legitimate practice? Is it fair to the candidates?  Is it fair to the membership, and does it misrepresent the opinion of the party at-large?

You Betcha! (21)Nuh Uh.(4)

37th District Slaughter

BLOODyMichigan’s 37th Senate District race promises to turn out like one of those movies Mommy didn’t let you watch as a kid.

The poll paints Wayne Schmidt as an undesirable Republican candidate for the 37th district seat.  The poll of 599 likely Republican primary voters who were reached last Monday, February 10, said no to the big spender by more than 20 points, even WITH the MOE. (Margin Of Error of 4.0%) Maybe its something about Schmidt’s willingness to expand government into places where it ought not go?  Maybe its his Welfare expansion vote?  Maybe its his affinity to give Southern Michigan more tax dollars?

But ..wow

Greg MacMaster……………….41.57% (249)
Wayne Schmidt………………..17.36% (104)
Undecided……………………41.07% (246)
Total………………………100.00% (599)

Of course polling is only a snapshot in time, but the advantages of incumbency no longer exist, AND something else revealed itself in the polling done by the MacMaster campaign. One of the largest blocks of voters has Schmidt getting an electoral intent wedgie at about the margin of error.

Grand Traverse County (Schmidt’s home turf) favors MacMaster 34% 29%

Continued below the fold

You Betcha! (2)Nuh Uh.(0)

Law Enforcement Out in Front For MacMaster

This tidbit just crossed the desk.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ENDORSE MACMASTER: Twenty of northern Michigan’s law enforcement officials on Thursday announced their endorsement of Rep. Greg MacMaster (R-Kewadin) in his bid for the 37th Senate District seat.

Sen. Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) is the current seat holder, but announced last year that he would not seek reelection. Mr. MacMaster faces a primary challenge from House colleague Rep. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) for the seat.

The endorsements came from sheriffs in Cheboygan, Luce, Oscoda, Grace, Chippewa, Benzie, and Montmorency counties, as well as former Kalkaska County Sheriff Al Hart. The chiefs of police in Central Lake, Bellaire, and St. Ignace were also part of the endorsement.

From what I understand other law enforcement officials have indicated support, but are not willing to issue official endorsements due to an active phone campaign by Wayne Schmidt.

You Betcha! (0)Nuh Uh.(0)