Tag Archive for Ruth Johnson

Cronyism, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Proposal 15-1, Republicans

The King Says Vote Yes On May 5th

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No level of protection for the taxpayer is left, as any defining lines to cross are swept away like sand.

That’s right, ‘the king’ dictates a yes vote.

Enjoy the commercial Rick Snyder has made with taxpayer dollars. All we did was add the funk for all the junk in Lansing’s trunk.

When the bureaucracy cannot (or WILL NOT) tell the difference between an opinion and a directive (express advocacy), no citizen protections are left in play. The Bureau of Elections had already tipped its hand that a denial of my complaint was coming prior to receiving it. The spokesguy Fred Woodhams made that announcement even admitting they had not yet seen it.

How could it possibly be doing its job if it had already made the decision without review of the facts? How could the process be properly run, if the denial of the complaint had to be crafted and spun to fit a predetermined outcome? Strangely enough, Woodhams himself has previously said that no statements about such things should happen prior to review.  In 2012:

“Secretary of State Spokesman Fred Woodhams said that the office had received the complaint as of Friday. Woodhams said the Secretary of State’s office does not comment on allegations until they have an opportunity to review it.”

Pretty FUNKY, yes?

Indeed.  Something stinks in Lansing, and it ain’t the Red Cedar Drain.

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Elections, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Proposal 15-1, Taxes

Heads Up Watchdogs

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State Superintendent hints at major advocacy through school systems, and express advocacy.

With the push by big government to drive a 16.7% sales tax increase, we need to be especially vigilant.

A few days ago, Rick Snyder (allegedly) broke the law. We expect the filed MCFA complaint to be fought, but there is little defense when the AG Bill Schuette, and SoS Ruth Johnson were in the front row watching (Witnessing) him doing so. Certainly, the Attorney General cannot decide which laws he will enforce, right?

There are other folks with ‘skin in the game’ who will be weighing in on the ballot measure.  One of them is State Superintendent Mike Flanagan.  Flanagan, already pushing the envelope by posting his advocacy on a state (taxpayer) paid for website will be “actively promoting its passage” in venues as-yet undetermined.

Mike-Yes

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Michigan Politics

Sunday Open Thread – After Convention Edition

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Good morning. Start the conversation.

The convention is over.

west-jasonAs usual, there is much to talk about as those of us who attend, rest up, decompress, etc.   Snyder got his ‘conservative’ to run with again, the U of M regent race mixed it up a little differently than some might have expected, and there is a renewed impetus to get behind Terri Lynn Land.

A quick summary of my own thoughts

  • Snyder-Calley yuck ticket.  Missed opportunity and a race to watch (shades of Romney; w/6 million sitting on hands) in disappointment.
  • Land moved to top of ticket and should stay away from embracing the homophile agenda or risk losing remaining conservatives.
  • Ruth Johnson is still THIS VOTER’s top of ticket.
  • U of M ticket construct may have made it possible for MiGOP to win Regent races as well as assist in higher ups (reverse coattails)
  • Sakwa Foster Ticket may even do well this time.

I will try to elaborate tonight or tomorrow.

Thoughts?

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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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Michigan Politics

You Gotta Give The Lady Props

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passportFor getting out into the water already.

Its cold, and even in the river around Belle Isle, a slip into the water might make one want to hit the chicken soup for about a week straight.  Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is a pretty tough player however.  After visiting two local SOS offices, she continued on in a promotional trip to talk about the benefits of the state of Michigan’s ‘recreation passport’ and ‘Express SOS,’ joining Tiffany VanDeHey, to take the opportunity to kayak in the Detroit River around Belle Isle Park. VanDeHey is owner of Riverside Kayak Connection in Wyandotte, a small business offering kayaking tours in and around the area.

Johnson says “The Recreation Passport is only $11 and is available at our branch offices or online at ExpressSOS.com when renewing your tabs.” Johnson uses these excursions to promote the new efficiencies brought about at the SOS.

Next up is a ride on a Harley-Davidson to promote Motorcycle Safety Month in Farmington Hills on May 1. Johnson will likely buck the recent trend to go capless as many do with Michigan’s mandate off the books, and actually wear a helmet.

What a rebel.

Oh, and the title of this piece?  Pun fully intended.

Johnson is an avid kayaker and owns the kayak she used for the trip. The boat is powered by pedals (see what I did there?) or paddles and is also outfitted with a sail. The sail features advertising for ExpressSOS.com and the boat has decals promoting the Pure Michigan license plate, Michigan’s Recreation Passport, organ donation and Johnson’s OPERATION: OUR TROOPS COUNT initiative.

 

 

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Michigan Politics

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Starts Second Term Campaign

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Johnson Launches Statewide Tour to Meet with Families, Ask for Their Votes

RuthMichigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson officially announced her bid for a second term Monday, sharing her vision with voters to build on her success enhancing customer service, protecting the ballot box, fighting fraud and improving the lives of Michiganians.

Not exactly a boring candidate, Ruth shows up in different ways yet always in style.

Johnson’s high-energy, four-stop Campaign Kick-off Tour included motorcycles, buses and boats. Johnson rode a Harley-Davidson Sportster in Waterford, was flanked by a fleet of buses and other motor vehicles in Lansing, met with supporters in Grand Rapids and paddled her kayak in Holland to highlight the many ways her office positively impacts residents across the state. 

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