Michigan Politics

Michigan Political considerations.

Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Republicans

RightMi.com Voting Recommendations Part 1

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Suggestions for Michigan's congressional seats, Governor & Lt Governor, AG, SOS, and Prop 14-1

For the August 5th 2014 Republican Primary

First Congressional District – Dan Benishek vs. Alan Arcand

Rightmi.com recommendation is for Alan Arcand.

We have described in other articles here of the current incumbent’s inability to understand the power of congress. Elected as a ‘Tea Party’ candidate Dan Benishek failed on all levels of political activity, and fell in line with the worst of establishment Republicans earning the next to lowest conservative rating from the Heritage foundation of all Michigan’s Republicans, only second to noted RINO Fred Upton.

Arcand-CarBenishek’s service to the VA should have given him an especially good look at the inner workings of the VA, and as oversight for the last few years, it seems he is at least as culpable as the administration that Republicans are targeting on this issue. This neglect of our veterans would bite him in November when facing retired two star general Jerry Cannon who will capitalize on it. Democrats are COUNTING on Benishek being the GOP candidate.

Arcand on the other hand offers a fresh chance for Republicans to get it right. As a disabled vet, he takes the opposition tactic off the table. He understands Congress’ role as defined by the constitution, would not be afraid to withhold money from an out of control administration that has already threatened Upper Peninsula residents on the electrical grid alone.

 

Second Congressional District – Bill Huizenga vs. No Candidate

RightMi.com has no recommendation.

 

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Conservative News, Democrats, Michigan Politics

And so it begins…

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Not letting something called local opposition (or Heaven forbid…national sovereignty) get in the way of them assuaging their troubled conscience, Gov Rick Snyder announced that around 100 illegal aliens are already in Michigan.

According to the Cadillac News, at least 100 of these illegals, a breakdown from where they are coming from has not been provided, will be here on a “temporary basis”.

No word on exactly how long “temporary”  might be.

While speaking to a business round table this morning in Washington, Gov. Snyder said,

“It’s really terrible the whole situation with the undocumented children and that’s really generated the crisis that you’re currently talking about.”

Umm, yeah Gov. Snyder.

It’s really sad that the current administration has done NOTHING to stem the current invasion into our county. In fact, Pres. B.O. has gone out of his way to promote this invasion.

It also really sad that there are no plans in place to address the outbreak of communicable diseases and other health issues that these “poor undocumented” are bringing with them into this country and now very potentially Michigan.

I sure hope that you’re accounted for the additional costs to the State Budget when this jumps into Michigan’s population Gov Snyder?

According to The Detroit Free Press, the first wave of illegals are in Farmington Hills and will be taken care of by Wellspring Lutheran Services.

In further displaying his poor grasp on how government operates, Gov Snyder added;

“With respect to the impact on Michigan, it’s not going to be costing the state of Michigan. The federal government is paying for all that.”

Call me an ill-informed bumpkin who spends most of my time behind the wheel of a large truck.

I haven’t sat in on a civics class for decades, so I’m a little fuzzy? Exactly where does Washington get their money from again, Gov Snyder?

More details to follow…

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Michigan Politics

Will Momentum Cause Freak Out In The First District?

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Paging Dr Dan Paging Dr Dan - you're needed on the campaign.. STAT!

CD1-TrendOne of the surprise campaigns of the year might be in Northern Michigan where veteran Alan Arcand has just crept up on CD1’s Dan Benishek and gave him a poll wedgie.

The Arcand camp is reporting that a three day series of polls in the first congressional district show a momentum surge that has brought upstart Arcand within the margin of error. From a press release:

Iron River, MI — The campaign of Republican challenger Alan Arcand today announced the results of three polls conducted over the week of July 28, 2014. Respondent surveys indicate a distinct trend of momentum shifting towards the conservative veteran in the final week leading up to the August 5 primary election. With the favorability rating of Congressman Dan Benishek at an all time low during this campaign cycle, newcomer Alan Arcand is poised for victory against the establishment incumbent.

The average of the results over the three-day period, which include 1,875 respondents, reveal the race is neck and neck. Arcand’s chipping away at Benishek’s fiscally irresponsible voting record has gained him 47% of the vote.

Campaign manager Ben Lazarus said, “The polls show people are not happy with the job Dan Benishek is doing in Congress. They want someone who will represent them.”

The universe of potential survey respondents was geographically proportional to the 2012 Republican primary election turnout, by county.

Polling conducted by the independent research group has a margin of error of +/-3.5%.

At this point, it shouldn’t surprise.

The Heritage rated 50% Benishek campaign has all but ignored Arcand, while he (Arcand) and his family have been working non stop to establish credibility and name recognition.  Signs may not win races, but as a political sign watcher, it should be noted that Arcand signs are popping up in locations and businesses normally associated with incumbency.  Benishek signs are nearly absent.

Aug 5 is going to be fun.

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Elections, Michigan Politics

2014 Michigan State House Races

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Cross-posted at The Western Right, Right Michigan, and Red Racing Horses.

All 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives will be up for election in November. Republicans currently hold a 59-51 majority, following a 63-47 majority after 2010. There are 40 open seats, 21 held by Republicans and 19 held by democrats.  There are 30 open due to term-limits and 10 just seeking another office.

Republicans gained one new seat (73) and one existing seat (39) due to redistricting, but also lost one existing seat (55) in 2012.  They also lost five incumbents (52, 71, 84, 91, 110), not counting party-switcher Roy Schmidt (76).  They could have won several more seats with a more effective redistricting plan.

Democrats want to take back the state house, but face a difficult playing field.  Of the Republican-held open seats, only 56 and possibly 65 are competitive.  They will try to defeat some Republican incumbents, but it is not clear how they will beat incumbents this year that they couldn’t defeat in 2012.

Meanwhile, Republicans will seek to gain seats.  The best opportunity is the open 84, which was lost due to scandal in 2012.  There are two lean dem open seats (21, 62) that may be competitive.  Republicans will also try to defeat several incumbents who picked up seats in 2012 (25, 71, 91).

There are a number of interesting primaries in August.  A bunch of Republican incumbents are being challenged due to their support of Medicaid expansion, Common Core, and the Detroit Bailout.  Most will win easily, but there is the potential for a few to be surprised (39, 79, 107).  The open seats feature more competitive primaries, many of which also feature establishment versus Tea Party battles.  Establishment candidates are receiving support from the Chamber of Commerce and Great Lakes Education Project.  More conservative candidates are receiving support from Americans for Prosperity and Madison Project Michigan.

State house fundraising is analyzed in the following article.

Michigan State House Fundraising

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Michigan Politics

BLACK LEADERS DENOUNCE ACCUSATION OF RACISM AGAINST GARY GLENN

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Sent to me by Stacy Swimp

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Rev. Levon Yuille: 734-657-1640

BLACK LEADERS DENOUNCE ACCUSATION OF RACISM AGAINST GARY GLENN

We the undersigned Black Christian pastors and leaders are writing to defend our Christian brother Gary Glenn and denounce the scurrilously false attacks accusing Gary of being associated with or in any way empathetic towards racist persons or ideas.

Voters in Midland have recently been confronted with false mailings and radio ads by the Great Lakes Education Project, or GLEP, a political action committee that has endorsed Republican candidate, Karl Ieuter.

Voters should know what’s really behind these attacks. GLEP is directed by Greg McNeilly, a prominent political operative who recently “married” another man. That’s the real reason they’re attacking Gary, who’s a widely respected leader in defense of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. In fact, Gary coauthored the Marriage Protection Amendment approved by Michigan voters in 2004.

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Conservative News, Elections, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Republicans

Our ‘Conservative’ Candidates

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Why is it harder for some to speak their 'conservative' principles outside of the election cycle? Why will some avoid conservative forums?

In the Republican primary, EVERYONE is a conservative.

I have done a great deal of door knocking as a candidate for the Grand Traverse County Commission.  I have held my record out as one of conservatism, but when approaching the potential voter, its natural to introduce myself as a “constitutional conservative,” or “conservative Republican.”  Usually, the latter is used (by habit), and I can read the face of the person I am talking with so as to determine whether they want to hear anymore.

One woman I spoke to said “Conservative? Everybody is a conservative nowadays!” She then described her potential of possibly not participating in the election process any longer. She explained her disappointment with the Republican candidates who make the claim, yet hardly stand for the values that are expressed in the platform, much less hold up to the promises they make while electioneering.

She was not the only one to express this perspective.

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Michigan Politics

Michigan State House Fundraising

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July 25 was the deadline for campaign finance reports for Michigan legislature. Here are summaries of the total amounts raised in competitive Republican primaries and general elections for Michigan state house. Ratings are included. Based on fundraising, 52 and 110 move to safe D, and 91 moves to tossup.

1. (D) Banks 26K Thompson 55K (12K self)
19. (R) (Likely Cox) Cox 62K Crider 21K (20K self)
21. (Lean D) (R) Fausonne 58K (D) Mathis ? Mosher 63K Pagan 88K (23K self)
23. (Lean R) (R) Somerville 118K (D) Haener 5K Linko 36K Ptaszynski $100
25. (Lean D) (R) Hawatmeh 47K (D) Yanez 96K
30. (Lean R) (R) Farrington 82K (D) Bogdan waiver Karpinsky 28K

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Michigan Politics

Michigan State Senate Fundraising

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The deadline for pre-primary campaign finance reports for the Michigan state legislature was July 25. The following details the amount raised in competitive primary elections, and cash on hand (COH) in competitive general elections for state senate. Ratings for the races are included. Districts 29 and 38 move to safe R based on fundraising.

2. (D) Safe Johnson
Bert Johnson: 60K
John Olumba: waiver
Georgia Lemmons: waiver

4. (D) Lean Smith
Virgil Smith: 164K
Rashida Tlaib: 230K

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All the Other Stuff, Conservative News, Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Philosophy, Republicans

Weekend Reading Assignment

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logo-sphereThere is so much going on; much of which deserves a spot here but takes time to chronicle.

Current Michigan Gems?

Watchdog Wire – Did Frank Foster Lie To His Constituents? Going Negative on a challenger?  Mr Foster seems genuinely scared.  Liars Lie.

FedUpUSA – Oh, So Free Water Is Next? Crazy. Just shows how completely dumbed down the spawn of progressivism is in Detroit, and in this state, and elsewhere.

Activist Post – Michigan Dept of Agri Forces Farmer to Dump 248 Gallons of Organic Milk and Break 1200 Free Range Eggs Food.  They are throwing away FOOD. Government oversight is so beneficial is it not?

The Complete Patient – Food Dump Meant To Send A Message. Indeed it is. Another look at the story above.

Say Yes To Wes Blog – A Victory in the Supreme Court. Wes Nakagiri’s take on the Supreme court ruling and his opponent’s positions.

 

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Michigan Politics

What A Big Baby

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Being bullied by out-of-council bar fests is NOTHING compared to what goes on in DC.

After 5 months, Paul Mitchell decided he couldn’t handle the political nature and pressure of a lowly St. Clair City Council seat.

Whoo wheee!

Paul Mitchell in may of 2008, was fed up with council members who wouldn’t support his road millage (this while the banks were just starting to show cracks at the seams from declining property values) and talked behind his back.  Those meanies made him send a letter of resignation to then Mayor Bill Cedar, to inform him he was taking his marbles and going home.  He wrote regarding a millage discussion on the council:

“I believe resignation is the best course of action for me in light of my experiences in almost 5 months on council. ..”

“… several council members would support (some reluctantly) a community survey and strategic planning at an open meeting, but then have separate private conversations ..”

…

FIVE WHOLE MONTHS – He resigned because they talked about him and his millage planning (tax increase) behind his back. (read the rest, and in its entirety)

BuySeatReally?  Is that all it takes to scare him off?  Something that (right or not) happens in every single community every single day.  Something that would be better served by staying on and making THEIR existence more miserable.  Transparency is not served well with a side order of quitter’s soup.  Woof.

Our message to Mr Mitchell?

Toughen up puss-cake.  If you are going to buy yourself a seat in the US Congress you better damned well have the fortitude to handle the fact that most every person you speak with in DC is hiding something.

Truth.

 

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