"Well, let me tell you, I think, long before there was a Tea Party, as such, I was espousing the policies and the goals of the Tea Party.

So, my record was very conservative, principled conservative."

Wow, really?

I've already done a cursory examination into Mrs. Cassis' record. What I've seen isn't very impressive. The fact that neither she nor any of her "supporters" have refuted anything I have posted speaks volumes on her over-hyped "record".

Further into the interview, quoting a Detroit News Article from June, Mrs. Cassis goes on to tear into Kerry Bentivolio's positions claiming that his positions are "Irresponsible and foolish", particularly those regarding foreign policy.

I can only surmise that she didn't want to commit political seppuku just yet by attacking his positions against crony capitalism and the US Constitution.

She specifically took issue by claiming (Clip One - 16:14):

• "He would repeal the Patriot's Act (sic)."

• "He also would remove the border patrols."  And,

• "He would call for the removal of all our troops overseas from our military bases."

...

While she is correct on his positions regarding the Patriot Act and US Military bases overseas, she couldn't have been more wrong about his position regarding the U.S. Border.

A quick search of Kerry Bentivolio's website found this:

"Kerry Bentivolio on Securing Our Borders:

Immigration reform begins with securing the border and stopping the flow of those who are coming into this country illegally. A nation must be able to secure its borders if it is to be protected against those who want to do it harm. The threats of cross-border criminal organizations are real and even without such threats, the lack of respect for our laws from those entering illegally is not acceptable.

Once our borders are secured, then we can discuss whether the current levels of legal immigration are sufficient to meet the needs of our economy and whether additional guest workers are needed."

...

Sorry Mrs. Cassis' I expect democrats to flat-out lie about a candidates position like they are doing right now in the presidential race. Not having anything to really run on gives you no other option. But honestly, I expected far better from you.

This interview gets even better.

OTR - Clip One

After the lights dimmed and they faded to black, the OTR after-party (OTR Overtime) began.

When asked about the Tea Party being frustrated and upset (Tim, you're being too nice - Clip Two - 2:39) with the star-chamber decision to inject her into this race. Mrs. Cassis responded that the Tea Party is that way because:

"I guess they have to work this summer...they have to work on a campaign."

Many of us still punch a time clock or fill out a time sheet. We'd rather not lounge around all day on 99-weeks of UI and then when that's used up go on "disability". We prefer to EARN our living and do have other things that take up our time.

Your sanctimonious response did you no favors whatsoever, Mrs. Cassis.

I can only guess that she had also forgotten about the other issues that are also important later this year:

• Fighting the recall of Mayor Daniels in Troy.

• Fighting against the Detroit Institute of Art tax in S.E. Michigan.

• Fighting against the 25/25 energy amendment.

• Fighting for the super-majority for all tax hikes.

• Fighting for the bridge amendment.

• That Michigan US Senate race.
  

Nope, there's nothing that we have better to do with our time in the coming weeks.

Sorry, but it's not all about you, Mrs. Cassis.

When further pressed on the appearance of the kakistocracy pulling the strings, "From that standpoint, I think that's their argument. I don't know if I agree with it."

I don't know what worse; Her seething arrogance towards the base, or her body language during her answer?

And the most disconcerting comment made during the interview was near the end with Bill Ballenger asking if she had checked with Lisa Murkowski's campaign (Clip Two - 6:22).

"Yes...yes...yes...yes," Mrs. Cassis replied.

After Bill Ballenger gave Tim a remedial lesson in Election Shenanigans 101 during the 2010 Alaskan Senate race, he went on to ask if her campaign had checked and gave her any "tips", she replied,"Oh, yeah. They did. They did. They did. Yeah, I believe that it is helpful."

OTR - Clip Two

If that Cheshire Cat grin across her face doesn't tell you her intentions after her August defeat, I don't know what will.