Tag Archive for Paul Mitchell

Elections, Michigan, Opinion, Philosophy, Proposal 15-1, Taxes

Just Vote Yes, Willya?

by  •  • 5 Comments

Safe Roads YES! is already running media ads . . . why aren’t their opponents?

So, about three weeks ago, Safe Roads YES! launched their radio and television ad campaign, designed to convince us that jacking up our per-person state tax-and-fee burden by roughly $248.12 – permanently (not including inflation adjustments to the wholesale fuel tax) – is a good idea. To do so, they’re using the standard tactics of bogus statistics and emotional appeals, praying that the typical low-information voter isn’t going to do even the basic homework into the legislative piece of sausage that the GoverNerd and his hodge-podge of allies are doing their damnedest to slide by us roughly six weeks from now.

And you’d think that at least one of the organizations or individuals lined up to oppose the Michigan Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Amendment would have already snagged media buys for at least one well-produced television commercial. I’ll freely admit that I don’t spend much time in front of the boob tube these days, but I can’t seem to get through even one prime-time television show (regardless of channel) without seeing at least one Pro-1 30-second spot. The reason that bugs me (both the pro-1 ad campaign and the absence of an anti-1 ad campaign) has less to do with polling, and more to do with my understanding of voter behavior.

READ MORE ►

You Betcha! (10)Nuh Uh.(0)

Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Republicans

RightMi.com Voting Recommendations Part 1

by  •  • 9 Comments

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.

 

READ MORE ►

You Betcha! (12)Nuh Uh.(2)

Conservative News, Elections, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Republicans

Our ‘Conservative’ Candidates

by  •  • 4 Comments

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.

READ MORE ►

You Betcha! (10)Nuh Uh.(1)

Michigan Politics

What A Big Baby

by  •  • 1 Comment

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.

 

You Betcha! (14)Nuh Uh.(1)

Michigan Politics

Annette Kirk Weighs In On The Fourth Congressional District

by  •  • 1 Comment

ConservativeMind_cover-202x292If I had my Druthers, the best man for a seat in Congress is the guy willing to take a few arrows, and guard the purse a little better than all those before him. (or her)

There are certain folk who I have no question would be outstanding legislators, yet cannot muster the financial resources enough to pay for 30 seconds of air time. They have a great message that resonates with constitutional types.  Those folks have a clear understanding of this ‘Republic’ we are a part of.  One of them is THIS guy whom I personally believe is as solid a conservative as they come.

Then there are OTHERS who certainly have the resources, but no history, and frankly seem to have no message other than “I am a conservative” (and play an accordion, shoot crossbows, etc.) Yeah, One particular guy has CASH, and piles of it to work with. And anyone who thinks money can’t fake out Republicans in primary elections has never heard of Rick Snyder.

There is an another candidate who has impressed the wife of Russell Kirk, author of “the Conservative Mind” sufficiently, that she has written an op-ed endorsement exclusive for RightMi.Com

READ MORE ►

You Betcha! (17)Nuh Uh.(1)

Conservative News, Cronyism, Democrats, Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Republicans

Moneybags

by  •  • 1 Comment

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.

READ MORE ►

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