Tag Archive for State Senate

Where Was She Then?

Schuitmaker has opportunity To defend Colbeck at the most appropriate time, yet chokes.

Pat Colbeck was a champion for Michigan.

And for a couple more months he still will be a champion.  I’ll not mince words about it.  I support our nominee wholeheartedly, but truly I believe Pat was a man who by all measure attempted to find solutions and serve the people of this state with principles solutions, honor, and substance.

Pat had a long road to get to the point where he decided to run.  His eight year service as State Senator was solid, and he was/is unafraid to face down the jackals like Richardville and Meekhof; two of the swampiest representatives to ever find leadership roles in Lansing.

Still serving his constituents in Lansing until the end of this year, Pat Colbeck lost all committee assignments, and had all office control removed.  Why?  Because he wouldn’t play kiss the pollywog’s ass’ with Senator Arlan Meekhof. This is not a common occurrence in Michigan’s robust history, and could only happen with the thinnest skinned critters in leadership.

You Betcha! (32)Nuh Uh.(4)

RightMi.com Voting Recommendations Part 2

Suggestions for Michigan's contested State Senate seats in the Republican Primary

Several contested Republican races around the state are worth noting.

In this edition, the State Senate contests are looked at.  We should note that several candidates are lousy at getting their message out, have inadequate websites, and may have not social media skills.  If we had to look too hard to find info on them, it was not helpful.

7TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR – Pat Colbeck vs. Matt Edwards

colbeckRightMi.com gives a hearty recommendation for Patrick Colbeck

This is the guy who has faced down Obamacare, Common Core, higher gas taxes, and general laziness and stupidity in the State Senate for the last four years. Do we agree always? Not so much, however Colbeck is hardly a stick-in-the-mud, and has carefully reviewed alternatives when challenged.

Easy choice for Pat Colbeck

10TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR Jake Alexander Null vs. Tory Rocca

RightMi.com Has no recommendation.

12TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR Bob Gray vs. Jim Marleau

RightMi.Com Recommends a change from Marleau, who barely hit the 31% on the RightMi.com legislative scorecard.

The former Teamster, UAW, and NEA member cannot be any worse.

13TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR Ethan Baker vs. Al Gui vs. Marty Knollenberg vs. Chuck Moss vs. Rocky Raczkowski

RightMi.com Has no recommendation.

You Betcha! (13)Nuh Uh.(2)

AFP Mobilizes Grassroots to Oppose Detroit Bailout, Pension Deal

AFP Grassroots Gear Up to Fight Detroit Bailout Deal

horizontal-black_13 The Michigan chapter of Americans for Prosperity is launching an effort to contact 90,000 grassroots activists across Michigan and engage them in opposition to the latest iteration of the Detroit bailout deal

The group plans to spend significantly in order to hold state legislators accountable if they choose to support an appropriation of Michigan taxpayer dollars for this deal. Checkout StrongerDetroit.com for more information on the bailout and AFP’s grassroots efforts.  Scott Hagerstrom says:

“Detroit receives more of our hard-earned tax dollars than any other municipality in Michigan.  It should be clear to all of us that throwing more good money after bad can’t save Detroit from big-government policies that constrict private growth and rob taxpayers of wealth. Allowing the City of Detroit to sit on $3 billion in assets while pensioners see cuts is not acceptable. Lawmakers in Lansing need to know that 90,000 Michigan activists are watching closely as they consider appropriating more money to throw down the drain.”

And we agree.

Detroit tries to have its cake and eat OURS too, and our GOP legislators could very well sell us down that river.

Go get em AFP.

You Betcha! (9)Nuh Uh.(2)

MacMaster On OTR

About halfway through this episode of WKAR’s Off the Record with Tim Skubick candidate for the 37th District Michigan State Senate Race, Greg MacMaster answers questions on Prisons, Detroit, and Roads.

You Betcha! (10)Nuh Uh.(0)

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

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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.

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