MTA files paperwork for legislator recalls

by: Eric B.

Mon Aug 27, 2007 at 16:54:26 PM EDT

The Michigan Taxpayers Alliance has filed recall paperwork against 10 state lawmakers in the event that they vote to raise taxes.  The targeted legislators include Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, D-Redford, and three other Democrats in the House; and two Democrats in the state Senate.

Also targeted are two Republicans in both chambers.

MTA president Leon Drolet, a sometime commenter here, said that his organization are targeting Democrats in swing districts and Republicans who vote for tax hikes.  Drolet said in the AP article that getting enough signatures for an election next year will be tough.

Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Spokesman Jason Moon said that since Drolet and MTA have been organizing for several weeks now, they should have filed this paperwork long ago. MDP Chair Mark Brewer filed a complaint with the Secretary of State against Drolet for not filing statements of organization.

On the Democrats' part, Brewer has claimed that for every Democrat Drolet attempts to recall, the MDP will go after a vulnerable Republican on a one-for-one if not two-for-one basis.

"We're not concerned," Moon said. "We think it's inappropriate, considering there hasn't even been a tax vote. If he does go forward, we'll try to recall him and other Republicans."

Saul Anuzis, chair of the Michigan Republican Party (MRP), said he doesn't expect any Republicans to vote for a tax increase vote anyway.

"I've talked to our members and I don't see a desire to raise taxes," Anuzis said. "(The recall paperwork) is not very relevant at this stage in the game."

Second update!  Leon Drolet responds to a request for a comment:

By now, you have seen the AP story. I expect more filings over the next few weeks. Some Michigan Liberal poster does not understand what has actually been filed, and thinks I have submitted recall language today. No, that would come after any tax vote. The form filed is called a 'Statement of Organization', and simply declares a committees existence and intent to comply with campaign finance laws.

Third update ... comment from Rep. Dillon's office  Writes Greg Bird, press secretary for Andy Dillon:

"We face an unprecedented fiscal crisis and the people of this state want us to act on an economic plan that will create jobs and move Michigan forward.  As we work toward that goal, House Democrats will not be intimidated by an extremist group funded by out of state interests.  House Democrats will make sound decisions based on what is best for the families in their district."