Tag Archive for Congress

More Activism In The Judiciary

Should The Judiciary Throw Away Michigan's Signature Gathering Standards Entirely? It Seems Ken Braun Thinks So.

petitionBy now most folks have heard that a federal judge has given John Conyer’s congressional career a new lease on life.

Kathy Koekstra accurately predicted that U.S. District Judge Matthew Leitman would give John Conyers his signatures based on a misplaced application of the First Amendment.  Judge Leitman wrote:

” .. the free speech rights of Conyers and the circulators were harmed, an argument pressed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.

There’s evidence that the failure to comply with the law was a “result of good-faith mistakes and that (circulators) believed they were in compliance with the statute,” the judge said.

Because the circulators were such involved voting citizens that they just forgot to register to vote. (or forgot where they lived)

You Betcha! (8)Nuh Uh.(1)

Moneybags

BuySeatMy wife asked me, “who is this guy?”

She was referring to the now frequent television commercials for fourth district congressional candidate Paul Mitchell. And if you have never heard of him before, its because he has not held political office that you might recognize.  Another bucket list brigade member, GOP primary candidate Paul Mitchell has already piled tons of cash into Michigan’s 4th congressional district race in an effort to present himself as a real contender.

Cable and broadcast buys for April and May have already exceeded a quarter of a million dollars, and sources have indicated he intends to whiz away his entire bank account to feel extra special if necessary.  And who cares if anyone knows who he is, or what he stands for?

Ah yes, the “what do you stand for?” question. That place where people look beyond the claims of a candidate being a conservative first, and actually predict what kind of legislator they might actually be.

And if the nape hair instincts kick in at the point where you realize a candidate has no record to examine, is blowing a wad of his own cash, and was the finance chair for the Michigan Republican Party, then you might be paying attention.

Oh yeah.. All that.

You Betcha! (22)Nuh Uh.(8)

Conyers NOT On Ballot

180px-John_Conyers_1977_Congressional_photoPolitics is always interesting.

Forever termed congressman John Conyers will not be on the ballot this year. Conyers has been in congress since 1965, (The picture at right from 1977.) and quite possibly will be gone after 2014.  From Fox news:

“Longtime Congressman John Conyers of Michigan doesn’t have enough signatures to appear on the Aug. 5 primary ballot, an elections official announced Tuesday.

Conyers’ nominating petitions were insufficient, Wayne County Clerk Kathy Garrett said in a statement.

It follows her report last week finding Conyers more than 400 signatures short of 1,000 needed. Garrett said Tuesday that he had 592 valid signatures after challenges.”

It comes as no surprise that Conyers’ signature counts included WAY too many that were not registered voters.

The REAL talent is in the Democrat party however.  Many were likely dead for decades as well.

You Betcha! (9)Nuh Uh.(0)

Lerner Found In contempt

Abusive IRS director found in contempt of congress.

joker-petersGary Peters voted ‘innocent’ on IRS chief Lois Lerner’s contempt charge.

Lerner arguably directed the IRS policy to discriminate against conservative groups and their ability to finance against the ongoing federal tyranny.  She was then called to testify on the matter in front of a congressional oversight committee.  Instead of simply refusing to testify, she made a statement before a congressional panel investigating her crimes, THEN shut up expecting to enjoy 5th amendment protections.

It doesn’t work that way.

A Bi-partisan congressional vote 231-187 with 6 democrats joining the Republicans  found Lerner in contempt.  Nothing will happen of course, until the gatekeeper of lawlessness, Eric Holder is impeached and removed from his office.  Holder himself was found in contempt, and still exists as US Attorney General.

Michigan Republicans present voted to find her in contempt. (Bentivolio was unable to make this vote)  Conversely, All of Michigan Democrats including US senate candidate Gary Peters would apparently excuse this type of lawless behavior, and voted to protect her.

Remember this lesson and internalize it.

 

You Betcha! (7)Nuh Uh.(0)

Amash V Ellis Money Quote

ellisThere is very little you need to know about Brian Ellis

Ellis who is challenging constitutional Republican incumbent Justin Amash in the third congressional district race holds little support from any grass roots.  Ellis’ primary financing is from himself and Washington lobbyists, with less than 3% coming from small donors.

But the real kicker is what the former Granholm appointee and Michigan strategic fund huckster says openly.  From the Washington Examiner:

Ellis also has no patience for Amash’s insistence on abstract ideas like the Constitution and liberty. “He’s got his explanations for why he’s voted,” the Weekly Standard quoted Ellis saying, “but I don’t really care. I’m a businessman. I look at the bottom line.”

Oh.  How nice.

Though we’ve probably reported on this before, its good to have a reminder there are still plenty of RINOs to go around.

You Betcha! (5)Nuh Uh.(0)

Its Official – Arcand Is On The Ballot For CD1!

Incumbent Dan Benishek has yet to turn in any signatures and has not yet filed.

10255365_1422616394659740_9023389005365349001_nAs of this writing, Alan Arcand is the only candidate for Michigan’s first Congressional District.

Turning in 1300 signature today (picture on right) at the the Secretary of State’s office this morning in Lansing,  the Iron River native has made his mark.  He is challenging Republican incumbent Dan Benishek in the August primary for the House seat in Michigan’s largest Congressional district. Arcand, an Air Force veteran and father of three young boys, cites Constitutional violations by both Congress and the administration as reasons for his campaign.

“Washington is definitely broken, and I’ve been fixing things all my life. It’s time for some serious repair of the federal government. We need to enforce the Constitution and regain control of the government to ensure the future and prosperity of our children.”

Arcand will be forming his campaign committee immediately upon his return to Iron River.

You Betcha! (16)Nuh Uh.(2)

ICYMI – Peter Konetchy Video From 2012 Cycle

konetchyIn 2011, then senate candidate Peter Konetchy spoke to a group of conservatives in Kalkaska, Michigan.

He spoke on issues that have become front and center in the fight against government overreach.  Our Constitution and what we have allowed to be done to it as a part of the conversation.  I have a video of the entire meeting on Youtube.

As a part of the question and answer, the question was asked: “Do you support the repeal of the 17th amendment?” His response was clear and to the point, and very relevant to much of what our current troubles are.

We have a short window to demonstrate support for this constitutional conservative in a relatively safe Republican district. Make it clear Constitutional Conservatives mean business by spreading the word, and offer support in whatever way possible.

You Betcha! (13)Nuh Uh.(1)

BREAKING – Dave Camp To Bow Out

CampAnd the Michigan Congressional selection just got a little more interesting.

With only three weeks to the filing deadline, Congressman Dave Camp has said he will not seek re-election.  Rollcall reports his announcement:

“Today, I am announcing that I will not seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives,” Camp said in a statement. “This decision was reached after much consideration and discussion with my family.”

We wish him the best of luck in future endeavors.

We also hope that Peter Konetchy is ready to fend off an expected establishment chosen congressional candidate.  Konetchy is currently the only announced candidate for the 4th congressional district in Michigan

You Betcha! (13)Nuh Uh.(0)