Been a little busy circling the wagons here…
We are now in the process of organizing volunteer circulators, have at least some in 6 of the 8 counties involved in the Schmidt recall. The good news…
“The minimum number of valid signatures required on a recall petition is equal to 25% of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for governor in the relevant Senate district in the most recent gubernatorial election. MCL 168.955. There is no requirement that a certain percentage of signatures come from each county that comprises the Senate district.
For the 37th State Senate District, the minimum number of valid signatures required is 23,384. For the 35th Senate District, the minimum number of valid signatures required is 22,491.”
The above quote is from the Bureau of Elections response to our e-mail concerning minimum requirements, this means that we could theoretically collect ALL 23,384 signatures from ONE county. Any one county come to mind? This alters our approach only slightly though, as circulators within and without Senate District 37 are hell bent on putting Wayne on an August recall ballot. So we will attempt to collect throughout the district.
In additional to the March 8th Presidential primary, in the first week of March, at least two of the candidates have scheduled visits to Traverse City. Donald Trump is one of them, and if previous crowds at his rallies are any indication, a few well placed circulators should have a field day roaming throughout the crowds. I would assume these same politicos will stop in Grand Rapids, aiding the folks running the Meekhof recall.
We have also scheduled an rVotes training session for our group(s) in mid-March to identify and contact likely signers and voters for reduction into highly ;localized walking lists. This system will allow us to contact and canvass the most likely signers of the petition, and these will be the most likely to vote to replace Schmidt.
We have reserved a domain name for the recall, which will be announced after the website has been established, along with a DBA, committee, and bank account for State and Federal (if necessary) accounting/reporting purposes. The site will also have a “Donate” button/page for contributions. Other campaign ‘goodies’ are in the works, but first we must establish a cohesive organization and business model.
2,000 petitions have been printed, and will be distributed shortly after Valentine’s Day (this one’s for you, Wayne)…Some basic training for new circulators will be accomplished at the same time, and signs/handouts distributed at these meetings. We have established County Captains (coordinators) in 4 counties to facilitate and monitor the petition process. We have 3 weeks to prepare for the signature launch, any volunteers may contact me at my e-mail: retvet242@yahoo.com, which has survived several hack attacks last month, or by phone: 231-709-0474.
Also of note, we have been warned to stay away from Charlevoix County by one John Haggard, which we take as a direct challenge of course.
Wish us good luck here in the second phase of this process. This is our chance to conduct a referendum on Wayne Schmidt’s performance as not only a State Senator, but a Rep in the 103rd and 104th. His record in the House is now also ”fair game”.
In pursuit of freedom,
Tom Backers
(22)Nuh Uh.
(2)
2000 Petitions?? At ten names per, you'll need 2,339 petitions to meet the minimum. So, you might plan on at least 500 more petitions. The other candidate who most likely will come to Traverse City is Ben Carson. It would be so unbelievably cool if they come the same day.
We have 500 more to print yet...and it's 12 per page....
How are decisions being made as to which local Republican Parties, memberships, elected leadership, (etc.) should be more meekly "taken back" (Battle Cry) vs recalls? A replacement candidate already in place? "Good relationships" with local Republicans? A grassroots precinct delegate game plan which "can't miss"?
It seems that many of us out here are simply asking what our local game plan even is or who our local patriots even are with the 'gall' of such patriots running these recalls. With no post-party word from Battle Cry clearly evident and time quickly running out..who else around the state (by district) is standing tall or taking fire 'more' than these heroes circulating the word first-hand or what exactly is 'their' plan?
People aren't going to join a cause if they don't even know (locally) who is carrying the flag in what direction or why. If we believe (now) that this all has to be done in backrooms or 'in person' with this little time left in an election cycle?...we're kidding ourselves in terms of how much needs be done and what people expect.
Pay attention...or not, your choice...
http://rightmi.com/why-schmidt/
and for the complete 'refresher' course...start here...the more you read, the angrier you'll get...guaranteed...
http://rightmi.com/category/proposal-15-1/page/4/
We have around 3 weeks to recruit circulators, from conservative Repubs to Libertarians, you know...those 'whacko birds' and 'yahoos' that comprise that ever elusive "Tea Party" the media insists is dead, and Paul Ryan says is the 'problem' with the GOP, and government in general...
As for a plan, it's posted in a private FB group, but here's a peek for you...
Timeline
Printed first 1,500 petitions (of 2,500)…and will do some organizing and petition training in most, if not all counties…
Antrim and Grand Traverse will be the models…
Now until February 20th, fundraising (about $1,500) and recruiting/training…
February 20th, petitions go out to County Captains for distribution…
February 24th…signature drive begins…this gives us two weekends prior to the March 8th primary to get the kinks out…
During this period, high traffic polling stations will be identified, and circulators assigned to them in shifts…
March 8th…Presidential primary…
March 9th thru 13th…Collection of all signed petitions for review “rough count”, verification and “hard count”…
March 15th…updated info released to County Captains, focus turns to events, and high traffic public places…
April 4th…all signed petitions called in for review/count…
April 10th…60 day window established...
April 13th…Counties with minimums/goals achieved asked to volunteer for weekend assignments to remaining counties…
May 12th…March 8th signatures become invalid...
We want minimal signatures collected the first weekend, these will possibly be the first ones invalidated by the 60 day clock…we wish to establish procedural practices with these petitions, so that nay and all errors can be corrected immediately…
This info and more is being shared with the Meekhof crew, and anyone else filing against their Senators that wants it...
We have raised about 35% of necessary funds to date (for the petition drive only) without asking...
We have petition Captains in 6 of 8 counties, and really don't need to cover the other two..
You want to help?...Say so, and I will direct you to one of them...
Or you will find us just about everywhere come February 24th...
Any other questions you may have as to the operation, you'll just have to joint...
Yep. All the same old crap being peddled here. Zero foresight, very much living off the profitability of hindsight.
{yawn}........
and David...take a hike...
https://youtu.be/0ccKPSVQcFk
JD I don't understand your post--1. you asked: "How are decisions being made as to which local Republican Parties, memberships, elected leadership, (etc.) should be more meekly "taken back". . ." ANS: We are a limited representative republic and when our representatives fail to represent, it is necessary to recall. There's no decision--it's a duty. Are you not doing your duty??? 2. Do you need an update re: BattleCry? Here goes--I go to these things to network with like minds from across the state. I'm grateful for this opportunity to do so. A ballroom full of folks who've got the inside scoop from across the state (and as far away as Penn.) You ask about good relationships with local GOP--but does anyone have a good relationship with the likes of Wayne Schmidt or a Darwin Booher? Oh my Goodness--even the GOP doesn't agree. 3. You next said "People aren't going to join a cause if they don't even know (locally) who is carrying the flag . . ." ANS: Instead of asking who the leader is--become the leader. Go to your county clerk's office, ask for an Affidavit of Identity, fill it out right there and place your name on the ballot as a precinct delegate and get elected. You have until May 3, 2016 to do this. Once elected, you'll be summoned to the county convention and can try to get elected a delegate to the state convention--even an alternate will do. At this state convention, your congressional district will hold a vote for delegate to the Electoral College. There are also many other opportunities like election to the State Executive Committee, etc. This sounds time consuming, but it's really not. A precinct delegate is an elected official giving you that extra oomph you sound like you need. Again, you are the boss--you own the government--that being said, now go do your duty. As a side note, at Battlecry they asked how many folks were precinct delegates--I would say, more than 85%. present.
As for recalls--we are limited to who we may recall to those bad dudes supposedly representing us. For Mr. Backers, his senator is Wayne Schmidt. When 80% of the voters yell NO NEW TAXES they have a responsibility--no a DUTY to not vote in the exact same tax we voters said a resounding NONONONONO to. These new tax laws of 11/3/15 actually has the exact same language as the ballot proposal we said NONONONONONONO to. I find this egregious and offensive. On December 15, 2015, Booher actually introduced a resolution to repeal the "New" gas tax--sounds good but wants to raise the sales tax instead--Again, we already said NONONONONONONONONONONO. So, his recall and Arlan Meekoff's are in the works by folks they supposedly represent.
Thank you for asking Sue and I would be happy to explain for the average person not necessarily having $60-$80 for the privilege of simple (local) information in real time (as you know, few, if any, websites have been properly maintained in this movement since the very beginning):
(Sue said):"..We are a limited representative republic and when our representatives fail to represent, it is necessary to recall. There's no decision--it's a duty. Are you not doing your duty???..:"
They've all failed, Sue (even McMillin on SB 1129 of 2012)...so the question has always been...what are we doing about it? If there isn't grassroots support for a recall (i.e.: 98% of districts in 2016 not already running a candidate that would benefit from one) why can't we receive real time background/news on those in our local Republican Party SUPPORTING 98% of the unchallenged? Aren't these 'radical' precinct delegates imagining a 'different' strategy our #1 source for this information? Or have many of them been corrupted by the same establishment Party members that are proud of supporting the old guard...and always will be? These 'inside' patriots perpetually remain silent as to what is (actually) happening in the (local) Party we're supposed to be "taking back"..because why?
(Sue said):"...Do you need an update re: BattleCry? Here goes--I go to these things to network with like minds from across the state. I'm grateful for this opportunity to do so. A ballroom full of folks who've got the inside scoop from across the state (and as far away as Penn.) You ask about good relationships with local GOP--but does anyone have a good relationship with the likes of Wayne Schmidt or a Darwin Booher? Oh my Goodness--even the GOP doesn't agree. .."
How much anybody enjoyed the like-mindedness or inside scoops from "across the state" (or even nation) means very little for those seeking an actual real time update as to what is going on right outside their front doors. We don't need to hear about how some lifetime GOP establishment supporter doesn't necessarily agree with anybody as they predictably go ahead and support them anyways. These people are a dime a dozen and sent out there to appease every precinct delegate that they come across. We're out here thirsting for how a precinct delegate doesn't necessarily ALLOW closet RINO Party glad-handlers to, say, hide elected officials from the general public's questions on a regular basis. If THEY aren't being backed in to corners at Party gatherings any more than those that they are effectively protecting..guess what?..we're questioning the strategy to begin with.
(Sue said):"..3. You next said "People aren't going to join a cause if they don't even know (locally) who is carrying the flag . . ." ANS: Instead of asking who the leader is--become the leader. Go to your county clerk's office, ask for an Affidavit of Identity, fill it out right there and place your name on the ballot as a precinct delegate and get elected. You have until May 3, 2016 to do this. Once elected, you'll be summoned to the county convention and can try to get elected a delegate to the state convention--even an alternate will do. At this state convention, your congressional district will hold a vote for delegate to the Electoral College. There are also many other opportunities like election to the State Executive Committee, etc. This sounds time consuming, but it's really not. A precinct delegate is an elected official giving you that extra oomph you sound like you need. Again, you are the boss--you own the government--that being said, now go do your duty. As a side note, at Battlecry they asked how many folks were precinct delegates--I would say, more than 85%. present..."
Patriots aren't signing up for this Sue as they aren't getting any feedback as to what it is actually 'like' to venture in to the belly of the beast that is any Party locally. They are all different with some patriots willing to stand up more than others in terms of questioning the most powerful in their communities on the most basic of principles involving our children's future. Changing the way that things have been done in the good 'ol boys club goes well beyond whatever happens in ANY party. We are simply asking if indeed this no-more-b.s. mindset is present in the precinct delegate strategy...or if the "agree to disagree" (purposely delay) nonsense that has seemingly prevailed to date (and just fine with the party) is epidemic in the precinct delegate movement across this state.
Anybody with half a brain will sign these recall petitions and may God bless those organizing and circulating them.
Confronting those supporting the power structure in our communities on a regular basis and getting the word out as to how this arrogance needs to be quickly documented, disassembled and rebuilt (in record time) seems to be the issue but 9 months before the most historic election in state history.
Just my $.02 and obviously respective of anybody's opinion otherwise.
It is much different when multiple
JD..."When government fears the people there is Liberty, when the people fear the government..."...
The people now fear the government...There are more conservatives in both parties that think like us than not...Why are they not 'signing up'???...They are, they are the county and regional 'leaders' that have been fighting the party 'system' for years...They have followings and peers in both their GOP and other groups...Yet to stand in someone's face and be absolutely confrontational takes a rare individual...and these are few, because "people fear the government"...
As for 'real time' information, we are limiting this at the moment purposely...Setting up the same network here in CD1 that helped anti Prop-1 advocates and financial supporters trounce the issue at the ballot box...We realize the same voter sentiment can be turned against those people that voted for the gas tax in spite of Prop-1's utter humiliation...These voters, of all parties and ideologies, are the same folks we are counting on to sign and/or circulate the Recall petitions...We also have some statewide support from conservative organizations, and talk radio...We will begin a "Letter to the Editor" campaign this week, begin printing signs to advertise for the petition and draw attention to circulator sites...We will be at as many polling stations as we possibly can on March 8th, and then begin neighborhood canvassing with targeted 'walking lists' thereafter until we succeed in gathering at least 10% more signatures than are officially required...
Realize this: The process is intentionally set up to be as difficult as possible to deter its use...This is just the second leg of a three part journey, and the most difficult...Preparation and execution are the keys to success...Once we launch (February 24th) we will be highly visible nearly everywhere...We will use radio and other media to advertise the effort, and when and where to find us...Sign if you like, volunteer if you like...but criticism, and even sideline 'cheerleaders' do absolutely nothing to further the effort to affect current government...We have no use for individuals that 'talk the talk', and fail to 'walk the walk'...STAND FOR SOMETHING!!!...Anything!!!...or go away...We have little time to waste...
And any 'patriots' you know of that aren't 'signing up' for this...send them to me...We'll see if they are truly part of the 3%...
TB,
It may just be that you have more support than even you realize in those who would stand and be "absolutely confrontational" as you put it. What doesn't seem to be getting across here is that each legislative district deserves to know exactly who that person or people are in order to join anything or to even mount a token effort in terms of recalling anybody (locally).
If certain district patriots are less willing than others to become politically "confrontational" well that just may be what many of us have experienced to date and even understandable. Conversely, if there are those in districts all across the state waiting to pop up tomorrow at your unveil with petitions in hand; I would be surprised if they didn't garner immediate support of some kind or another should the closest district to each patriot be revealed on a map or other means.
For the 'entire group' (of two) that appear to be following this thread...
Our 'rollout' is to begin this weekend, over 2,000 petitions are in the hands of 'County Captains', and a website will be initiated shortly...300 signs for the circulators to attract public attention have been printed and distributed likewise, and 100 more are waiting to be picked up at the printers....1,000 petitions remain to be distributed...
Letters to the Editor campaign is starting (ER News last Friday), and print ad prices are being investigated...
We will attract some attention with this (media included) and gain support both physical and financial in the process...
Our focus is squarely on Wayne Schmidt, the Meekhof effort remains pretty much a question mark thus far, with 'lukewarm' response for the calls for volunteers...We will deal with that as time, money, and efforts permit...only AFTER we have secured the necessary signatures for Schmidt...
We only need ONE to make our statement, and our case against the spenders in Lansing...
Money is an issue of course, and we have raised a bit, but have yet to ask for even a dime....This should take on a life of its own once begun...and the people involved in the 37th District are very committed, I can assure you...We also have help volunteered from outside the district...
We will be (and have been) exhorting the gatherings at our presentations to file for Precinct Delegate in their counties, and providing the forms for them to do so...
As for maps, yes, we have them...and will be tracking volunteers, precincts, events and meetings throughout...Assigning outside help when and where needed...
If you are NOT in districts 30 or 37, you can volunteer by asking, or visiting the "Recall" pages on FaceBook for either Meekhof or Schmidt...if you are not interested in that, and have NOT filed against your own Senator....
Then why are you even here??????????????
Dear JD--i feel your frustration 100 fold. I feel it's not as hopeless as you think. I've always felt that you find your issue and run with it. I have a friend who wants animal rights--I do not fault her in this; as it would do me no good to tell her that animals are property and have no rights--it's just plain silly to give animals "rights"--but hey, that's me.
It seems that you want us to do your thinking for you as to where to get the info that we precinct delegates are privy too. HAHAHA! It's exactly how you describe--but we work on it to stay informed by networking, etc. Digesting this blog is an excellent beginning and if you utilize the research tools here the answers you seek are here. Oh yeah, don't be afraid to utilize the tools you have--go ahead and call your reps. Meet up with your congress. reps., send them emails, snailmail, etc. I'm lucky enough to have witnesses to my state senator seeing me talking in a parking lot, being so afraid, he backstepped to his car to avoid me. NOW THAT'S POWER I didn't even know I had,
Right now, everyone seems to be consumed by the Flint situation. It is humorous to me that the solution is cases of 10 oz plastic bottled water. What???? People all over the country are sending bottled water to Flint creating yet another problem of Plastic pollution. Firstly, your house plumbing is YOUR responsibility. You see brown water coming out of your tap, and you really give this to your children???? No, you take steps to filter your water to make it safe without any govt involvement right? Secondly, doesn't it make more sense for these folks to file claims with their homeowners' insurance and let them duke it out. And thirdly, if the state and feds really want to fix this, give homeowners no interest loans to put whole house filters in. The loan will be paid back when the property is sold. If the filter is good, its not even necessary for water softeners or to even change the water from the Flint River back to the Detroit system. But that's the sane solution.
So, I'm guessing you'll run to your county clerk and file that affidavit-of-identity and place your name on the ballot. Then you'll become one of those folks you describe and know all our secrets. BTW, this writer has been a precinct delegate off and on for about 40 years--and, it's humorous to me that just in the last couple of years, this is now the strategy that I knew and understood way back when. Welcome aboard JD and I look forward to meeting you at the September State Convention.
Sue,
From past experience with local 'conservative' Republicans...I'd just as soon know exactly who I am dealing with (in detail) before jumping in to a 40 year relationship let alone an obvious full blown 'plot' to overthrow a local Party that they haven't been thrown out of already.
"Keep your enemies closer" seems to have been an effective strategy for the MI-GOP so far and party membership has always been an 'at will' relationship (at best). If a district is made up of less than hard-core types...great. Yet the TP strategy to date has split the hair separating those two vastly different scenarios ineffectively (in my opinion) leaving many wondering what their local 'conservative' movement is really all about.
I make no bones about who I am, or what I do...many among us seem to have 'political capital' to 'protect'...that to me is a false assumption on their part...Hiding your belief in conservative principles is akin to having none...
We do not need 'cheerleaders'...we have far too many already...
2,200 petitions are now in the hands of 'distributors' in 5 of the 8 counties...800 more remain to be distributed in the remainder...200 signs (on card stock only) have also been distributed with at least 100 more to follow...Our efforts will be concentrated on the 5 counties mentioned above, plus Emmet and Charlevoix...I will not be any more specific in my posts in order to keep the 'opposition' in as much suspense as we can generate...We hope to have the signatures FILED for certification by tax day...This will allow us approximately 3 full weeks to help Ottawa County in their effort to recall Meekhof...Stay tuned...