Michigan Politics

Michigan Political considerations.

Convention Tips

Going to the county convention? Be prepared and have fun while you are at it!

A few thoughts on the county conventions being held across the state today.

  • First and foremost make sure you have a good parliamentarian.  This will ensure that rules (AND STATE LAW) is followed.
  • Be assertive, but polite. Don’t be angry and confrontational.  Remember, the real fight for your local party may be in November.  If you are inclined at making a difference within the party, you will want to build trust and appear reasonable to others who you want to influence at that time.
  • Be prepared to make your motions, and be prepared for motions that might be made.
  • Take video if possible.
  • Help friends and neighbor delegates understand the process BEFORE attending if you can.  In fact, talking about it will help you advocate properly in a pinch.

GOP-buttonsKNOW THE RULES  – Here are some interesting documents (Michigan statute in fact) that might help you out when the excrement hits the turbine.

  1. mcl-168-624d
  2. mcl-168-609
  3. mcl-168-612
  4. mcl-168-622
  5. mcl-168-624
  6. mcl-168-624a
  7. mcl-168-599

I’ll let you folks figure it all out.  It takes about 20 minutes to find the important parts.

If you want to get a handle, on how the county chair is going to run the convention, check this out.  They have received training and should adhere to the rules set forth by the party and state law.

 

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Call To Convention

GOP-buttonsBusy day tomorrow.

Your local Republican party call to convention Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 7 pm local time for the following purposes: (contact your local party for location if you are an elected delegate and have not received notification.)

(1) To appoint delegates and alternates on an at-large basis to the Fall 2014 Michigan Republican State Convention to be held in Novi, Michigan on August 23, 2014, said convention to be held for the purposes of (1) nominating a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Michigan; (2) nominating candidates for certain other state offices (including the Michigan Supreme Court, the State Board of Education, the University of Michigan Board of Regents, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees and the Wayne State University Board of Governors); and (3) such other business as may properly come before the state convention.

(2) The transaction of such business as may properly come before the County Convention.

Only those precinct delegates elected in the August 5, 2014 primary election, and at-large delegates who are current Republican nominees to offices as defined by MCL 168.599(5), will be initially eligible to vote in the County Convention. The County Convention may, at its discretion, choose to fill any precinct delegate vacancies under the authority of MCL 168.624(d), but only after the completion of all other business items. Precinct delegate vacancies shall be filled only in accordance with statute by registered voters from their respective precincts for the remainder of the delegate term. Temporary delegates may not be appointed by the convention.

Delegate registration should begin at 6:30 pm. Arrive early as heavy turnouts are expected.

The convention will be called to order at 7 pm.

H/T Jackson County republican Party

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Lessons from the Primary Election

They don’t call it the establishment for nothing  Establishment candidates won many races.  They have the inside track on fundraising, endorsements, and organization.  Notably, several winning conservatives, including Lana Theis, Jim Runestad, Jason Sheppard, and Triston Cole had substantial establishment support.

Be the establishment  One answer to this is to become the establishment.  Lana Theis and Triston Cole are both former county party chairs.  It takes time to build political connections, but it pays off eventually.

Experience counts  Elected experience is valuable for winning candidates.  Lana Theis, Jim Runestad, Jason Sheppard, and Gary Glenn have all been elected to local office.

If at first you don’t succeed  Tom Barrett, Todd Courser, and Triston Cole have all lost elections before, but gained valuable experience in the process.  This time, they won their primaries.  Candidates who lost this time should look for opportunities to run again in the future.

Build a brand  Lana Theis, Gary Glenn, Cindy Gamrat, and Todd Courser are known across Michigan for advocating conservative causes.  This provides a larger fundraising base to tap when you run for office.

Don’t Ignore Social Issues  In recent years, conservatives have shifted much more emphasis to fiscal issues.  While these issues are vitally important, conservative candidates should not ignore social issues.  Notably, three conservative victors, Todd Courser, Gary Glenn, and Lee Chatfield, are all known as strong defenders of traditional marriage.

Don’t split the vote  In several districts (45, 47, 58, 73, 104), several conservative candidates split the vote and allowed a more moderate candidate to win.  Conservatives who care more about the cause than themselves should meet and agree on one candidate to support.

Money doesn’t buy elections  Self-funding candidates have a bad electoral track record.  Notably, Paul Mitchell and Brian Ellis, who both spent millions of their own money trying to get elected to Congress, lost handily.  Self-funder David Trott did win, but that had more to do with Kerry Bentivolio’s weak campaign.

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Has Your TEA Party Group Been Co-opted By the Michigan Republican Party?

I received an email titled “Monroe Republicans Events” from the Patriots of Southeast Michigan and when I replied to inquire why they were sending out events promoting a liberal Richardville group of Republicans I received this reply below. Patriots of Southeast Michigan Logo

I post information, not necessarily endorsing it. If any true conservatives have the courage to participate and try to influence Monroe Republicans, more power to them.~ Sara. The stated mission of this group is as follows: Patriots of Southeast Michigan  is a “non-partisan” group dedicated to holding elected officials accountable to the Constitution and to sharing information and tools to support, encourage, and connect like-minded citizens.

For those unaware Glenda Kennon is Senator Randy Richardville’s mother.

Below is the email I received and below that is an email Glenda sent out advocating “planned parenthood” also of note both Glenda Kennon and Randy Richardville sit on the Monroe Right to Life board.

Subject: Monroe Republicans Events
Date: 8/3/2014 6:12:27 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From: grassroots@patriotsofsoutheastmichigan.org

Monroe Republicans – Events
from Glenda Kennon, 2nd V.Chair Republican Exec. Committee, Monroe County

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Wackobirds of a Feather Frolic together.

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Maybe the comment “I got the wackos under control.” was never meant to apply to the Tea Party???

So promised by none other than Ron Weiser, 2014 candidate for U of M Regent.

Was actually aimed at the Mckinley Corps. Gulfport LGBT friendly LGBT-centric apartment complex, a major sponsor of St. Pete Pride and hosts LGBT events throughout the year.

Or maybe He was referencing the influence his contribution to planned parenthood of Washtenaw County Would get Him??

Or Possibly, He just meant he Had his Wife under control,who was part of a 4/13 State Board of Education unanimous resolution supporting in-state tuition at Michigan Universities for ILLEGALS!

“I got the wackos under control.” Boy I sure hope you do Ron! You affiliate with enough of them???

http://www.stpetepride.com/

http://www.mckinley.com/news/a-minute-with-brent-boyette-regional-senior-sales-associateseaside-villas

10514688_10204755357067544_6763700271129623065_n             10487254_10202406178944388_2029071241161493861_n

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Focus and Frank Foster

Singling in on one major reason for the defeat of incumbent Frank Foster

A quick note on something that cannot be stressed enough.

The fraud of the homosexual lobby and its intent on redefining civil rights, marriage, and decency must end.  A friend of mine says “homosexuality is the door through the heart, in which the devil can steal your soul.”  The reference of course, speaks to the ‘we love’ meme used to defend the behavior as normal.  He is correct.

foster

Is there really any civil rights comparison to be made between a ‘sweet transvestite’ and Rosa Parks?

As uncomfortable as the issue is to some folks, it needs to be highlighted as one of the greatest dangers of our times.  Not because there are prowling homosexuals looking to capture and sodomize our children, but because it is even worse; we have doctors, teachers, and political leaders who will tell us that a dangerous and unhealthy lifestyle is OK, and normal, and ought to be protected.

Protected alongside of those who have suffered for merely having the wrong skin color, or have been born in the wrong lands. Sanctioned through civil rights legislation that has liberty stealing force of law behind it.

In Northern Michigan, a good thing happened Tuesday.  Frank Foster, a man who by virtue of his lunch dates in Lansing alone, should not be representing the 107th district was voted off the animal farm.  Voted most desirable date to go to the Capitol prom by lobbyists, he was a top recipient of food and drink topping Randy Richardville the Senate majority leader in 2013.

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Primary Election Review & Analysis

Commentary on some of the more notable races throughout Michigan's Republican primary.

Conservative First posted results of races from around the state yesterday.

As a candidate I needed time to decompress.  I lost my contest by 89 votes, and as much as I campaigned, I was outworked.  I saw CF’s report and felt there is some more fleshing out that needs to be done.

Prop 1 (tax changes) wins easily 69-31.

This is not surprising as several million was spent to make sure it passed.  Of course THAT begs the question WHY would several million be spent to promote something that had as it’s main promise, an act already done by the legislature?  I guess since we passed it, now we find out what is in it.

Congress:
1. Benishek wins 70-30.  Alan Arcand needs to fire his pollster.

We all know the polls were push polls, or better yet campaign ads used for shock and awe.
Don’t think 30 percent is a bad number against an incumbent congress critter BTW.  We will see Alan again.

 

3. Amash wins 57-43.  Probably not enough to scare away future primary challengers.

One thing he did correctly was snuff the ‘unity’ crap.  There is no unity in the MiGOP.  There will be none until Republicans start acting like Republicans.  I think 57-43 is enough however.  No one will challenge Amash without a damn good reason in the future.

4. Moolenaar wins 52-36-11.  Never underestimate the Midland establishment.  I rated this a tossup when Mitchell led by 23.

The TPX had its desired effect.  They needed a champ, and Moolenaar team needed a little boost to break John Moolenaar out.  We rooted for Konetchy here, but expected the Stabenow donations to sink Mitchell (As they SHOULD), and put Moolenaar up by a couple.  The win was significant, and John Moolenaar will be the next CD4 representative easily.

They could do worse.

6. Bussler gets 29% against Upton, confirming my suspicion that about 30% is the anti-Upton baseline in the GOP primary.

Lets suppose that is the case.  That is a powerful voting block.  Not just anti Upton, but GOP willing to vote conscience and not blind.  Consider that there are many more who simply refuse to participate.  Activate THOSE, and we have a new party.

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2014 Primary Election Results

Prop 1 (tax changes) wins easily 69-31.

Congress:
1. Benishek wins 70-30.  Alan Arcand needs to fire his pollster.
3. Amash wins 57-43.  Probably not enough to scare away future primary challengers.
4. Moolenaar wins 52-36-11.  Never underestimate the Midland establishment.  I rated this a tossup when Mitchell led by 23.
6. Bussler gets 29% against Upton, confirming my suspicion that about 30% is the anti-Upton baseline in the GOP primary.
8. Bishop wins 60-40. No shock.  Schertzing survives a scare 43-38 in the dem primary.
11. David Trott wins 66-34 after Bentivolio ran a terrible campaign.  McKenzie barely wins dem primary 34-32.  Safe R.
13. Conyers wins 75-25.  Being on the ballot helps.
14. Brenda Lawrence wins 36-32-31 over Hobbs and Clarke.

Michigan State Senate:
2 (D) Johnson wins easily 63-22.
4 (D) Smith holds off Tlaib 52-41 after the race was initially miscalled.
5 (D) Knezek (white dem) leads Jackson (pro-life) 29-25.
11 (D) Gregory wins by 117 votes, 35-34-31.
13 (R) Knollenberg wins by 72 votes over Rocky and Moss 36-36-20. Good.
13 (D) Ryan Fishman raised 211K and lost 55-45 to Cyndi Peltonen, who raised 7K.  Hahahaha!  Move to Safe R.
15 (R) Mike Kowall holds off Matt Maddock by a relatively narrow 50-43.
20 (R) Margaret O’Brien wins 77-23.
28 (R) MacGregor beats Green 68-32.
31 (R) Mike Green beats Kevin Daley 49-46.
32 (D) Oakes beats Lewis 62-38.
34 (R) Hansen beats Sundquist 62-38.
37 (R) Schmidt beats MacMaster 55-45.  Boo.  MacMaster only won Cheboygan County.

Michigan State House:
1 (D) Felon Brian Banks wins 43-36.
19 (R) Laura Cox wins easily 73-27.
36 (R) Lucido beats Grot 51-49.  UAW wins.
38 (R) Crawford beats Lauffer 59-41.
39 (R) Kesto holds off O’Hagan 55-39.
42 (R) Lana Theis beats Rich Perlberg 50-26.  Good.
43 (R) Tedder beats Schroeder and Aliaga 31-29-22.
44 (R) Runestad wins 36-33.  Good.
45 (R) Webber beats Avery 46-43.
46 (R) Jacobsen holds off Mark Reilly 56-44.
47 (R) Vaupel beats Day 42-37.
56 (R) Sheppard beats Kubiske 67-33.  Good.
58 (R) Eric Leutheuser win with 34%.
59 (R) Aaron Miller wins with 38%.  Complete shock.  Miller is a 27-year-old teacher and distant friend of mine.
60 (D) Jon Hoadley beats David Buskirk 59-27.  Gay beats union.
61 (R) Iden beats Stinchcomb 55-45.
62 (R) Bizon beats Kale 55-45. (D) Helmboldt wins with 39%.
63 (R) Maturen beats Potter 53-47.
65 (R) Roberts wins with 26%.
73 (R) Afendoulis wins with 36%.
76 (R) DeJonge beats Allard 44-37.
79 (R) Pscholka holds off Duran 66-34.
80 (R) Cindy Gamrat wins 42-29-25 with most in.  Good.
82 (R) Todd Courser beats Jan Peabody 37-33.
84 (R) Canfield wins with 31%.
86 (R) Lyons holds off Rigas 71-29.
90 (R) Garcia beats Haveman 50-30.
95 (D) Guerra beats Braddock 58-42.
98 (R) Gary Glenn beats Karl Ieuter 51-49.
104 (R) Larry Inman wins with 21%.
105 (R) Triston Cole romps 63-29.  Good.
107 (R) Lee Chatfield beats incumbent Frank Foster 54-46.  Big win for conservatives.

Wayne County Executive:
Warren Evans wins with 46%. William Wild second with 24%. Incumbent Robert Ficano finished fifth with only 6%.

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Teaching Religion in Public Schools is ILLEGAL!! Get Secular Humanism OUT and Prosecute the Perps!!

Did you know the U.S. Dept of Ed is teaching your children Pagan religion?

1. Michigan Code: Act 451, Section 380.10 Rights of parents and legal guardians; duties of public schools.

“It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil’s parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil’s intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment.”

History: Add. 1995, Act 289, Eff. July 1, 1996
Popular Name: Act 451

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