Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 06:52:03 AM EDT

• K-Zoo Gazette: WMU bumps in-state tuition 6.4 percent. Thanks for the hike, Mike!
• AP: House committee approves smoking-ban bill. This legislation may still have a long way to go before it becomes law, but yesterday's 12-4 vote out of Rep. Meisner's Commerce Committee was the first time this issue had received ANY vote in the last ten years. Don't forget to check out the posts from the Comm Guru and Wizardkitten about this legislation.
• BFM: Cox and Republicans create Catch-22 and continue to hold budget hostage. The Guru was on a roll yesterday. In this post, he rips into AG Cox and the Senate Republicans for holding up the budget. Definitely worth a read.
• BFM: Michigan dumping CMS? Wizardkitten takes a look at the state's decision to end its contract with Correctional Medical Services next March, and makes an excellent point: "Lawsuits everywhere, including here. Whenever Republicans say "privatize", the case of CMS should be brought up as an example of how it might not be such a good idea. You could make the case that privatization really doesn't save you any money when you are being sued all the time."
• Living Blue: Stabenow Comes Through for Kids. Sen. Stabenow has been one of the leaders in expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program, providing coverage to children of the working poor, and for that she deserves a pat on the back.
• Living Blue: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace. "The Iraq Summer Campaign comes to Brighton Thursday (July 26, 2007) and if you're against the Iraq War, it's time to speak up and let Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton now how you feel." Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to michigan7@iraqsummer.org.
• AA News: Google boss visits Ann Arbor, sees expansion. Eric Schmidt, chairman and CEO during his swing through Michigan: "The energy level is phenomenal," Schmidt later told reporters following his visit on Friday. "... We're clearly going to expand it; it's already one of the fastest-growing centers in Google." You gotta love the sound of that.
• Crain's: Granholm: State to make climate-change plan. "Granholm said the plan, being developed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, will contain recommendations and actions the state can take in such areas as conservation, use of fuel-efficient vehicles, use of renewable energy, and other steps." If you missed Eric's post on renewables yesterday, go give it a read.
• Stone Soup Musings: Must see TV: Michigan. "Hollywood loves Michigan! Okay, maybe not Hollywood per se, but film crews from the Discovery Channel and Travel Channel appear to be smitten by our Midwestern charm." More of this, please.
• Walberg Watch: More on the Walberg Recall. Fitzy sifts through all the messy details. On a totally unrelated note, Rep. Walberg rode a Harley into work this week! Come on, 7th district... how could you possibly want to recall such a hip dude?
• WILX: Free Wi-Fi in Downtown Lansing. The free wi-fi will only last for 2-3 months (then the fees will kick in), but this is still pretty sweet.

Did I forget anything? Drop your links in the comments section...

Dinner & A Movie with the LivCo Dems

by: kelster

Tue Jul 24, 2007 at 13:53:26 PM EDT

Robert Greenwald's latest documentary: "Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers."

The screening is co-sponsored by Americans Against Escalation in Iraq , a group spearheading constituent action to persuade Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Brighton) to end his support of the Iraq War.

The screening will take place at the LCDP office, 10321 East Grand River, Suite 600, Brighton. "Dinner and a Movie" is open to the public. The suggested donation is $10 per person or $15 for a couple, and $5 for students. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish for the potluck dinner. The movie will be screened following the potluck. Anyone needing transportation may call party headquarters, 810-229-4212.

Tuesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Jul 24, 2007 at 09:12:04 AM EDT

• Media Mouse: Racist to Kzoo... - Wow, people like this bozo still exist in Michigan, hard to comprehend. You're never going to believe what this yahoo suggests...
• Pohlitics: The YouTube Debates: My $.02 - Pohlitics is back with a weigh-in on his favorite candidate YouTube videos from last night's debate. Tune in and see if they match up with yours!
  
• Stone Soup Musings: A Question for Rep. Vern Ehlers - Seriously, besides John Conyers, do we know where our MI Congressional Delegation stands on the issue of Impeachment?
  
• WizardKitten: Mike Cox arrests self at new conference - No one does snark like the Kitten. Maybe if we all click our heels three times it might actually happen? "I wish it were true, I wish it were true..."
• Conservative Media: Express Your Outrage over the Iraq Occupation... - For those of you in Livingston County, now is the time to step forward and have your voice be heard. There's an event in Brighton, and the Comm Guru's got the details.
  
• Walberg Watch: And So It Begins - As if there wasn't enough heat already simmering in the 7th Congressional District, now the Democratic candidates begin to distinguish themselves.
  
• Traverse City Record-Eagle: Committee emphasizes State Children's Health Insurance Program - Don't think for a minute the National Governor's Association Conference laid in the lap of luxury, Gov. Granholm and her colleagues were busy fighting the good fight, like this one for our kids.
  
• Jackson Citizen-Patriot: MI features a growing number of breweries - Good news for the beer connoisseurs in the house, more breweries = more Michigan beer!  The Cit-Pat has a full list, check out the ones near and far. Also, if you're a beer festival kind of gal/guy, be sure to check out one of the best sites around, run by a couple of MichLib's own.
• Saginaw News: Mountain fest 'almost perfect' - with nearly 11,500 visitors, the Farwell's Mountain Music Festival is music to the state's tourism industry's ears.
  
• Freep: Lawmakers vow offensive against invasive species - MI's not the only state getting serious about protecting our Great Lakes. See who else is getting involved.
• Mining Gazette: Cushingberry: State needs to increase revenue stream - while up in Houghton, the Chair of the House's Appropriations Committee lays it out on state services.
  
• Liberal, Loud and Proud: Elaine's Legacy - A shameless plug for a great cause, and all in the name of passing it on. Will you be someone's hero?

Sunday Coffee Talk / Open Thread

by: JordanLFW

Sun Jul 22, 2007 at 01:13:38 AM EDT

• NYTimes: Sunday Morning Breakfast Menu - Get ready for the spin on the NIE!
• SierraClub: Pick Your Poison- Get a free air freshener from the Sierra Club reminding you the "best" places to buy gas
• Freep: Governors' Conference Kicks off in TC
• Freep:  Careful Words Launch Auto Talks - Sometimes I think our Dems in DC and Lansing could learn a thing or two from watching UAW's Ron Gettelfinger..the 4th and 5th paragraphs made me laugh.
  
• LivingBlue: President Cheney! - I'm pretty sure thats a demotion for Cheney...
• MMarynard: What Was John Fallon Threatening to Do? - More EMU Mystery!
• B4MI: MI's Iraq War Cost - Very moving piece, very depressing concept...
  

The Troy Democratic Club's picnic yesterday was excellent! Great turnout, including many municipal  candidates, County Commissioner Burns, a spokeswoman from the Lt. Gov's office and even Congressman Levin! Should be another great sunny day, what are your plans? (Coming to Troy for our canvass? ;))

Hijacked! MichLib Muggles Disappear at Midnight

by: LiberalLucy

Sat Jul 21, 2007 at 01:12:05 AM EDT

In an event that has left Michigan police stunned, many of the Michigan Liberal Muggles have suddenly disappeared into thin air immediately after taking ownership of the 7th and final book in the Harry Potter series.

Reported disappearances include LiberalLucy and LPackard from a well-known progressive bookstore, Everybody Reads in Lansing, and an unnamed female from Shiawassee County. Numerous other disappearances across the state are also suspected and are currently under investigation.

Friday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Fri Jul 20, 2007 at 07:07:14 AM EDT

• AA News: U-M approves 7.4% tuition hike. "The total academic year tuition and all required fees for first-year undergraduates in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts will be $10,447 (a $724 increase) for Michigan residents and $31,301 (a $2,170 increase) for nonresidents." Thanks for the hike, Mike! The Michigan Daily has more.
• Capitol Journal: Eagle tries to unseat Jones. Mark Eagle is gearing up to take on Grand Ledge Republican Rep. Rick Jones.
• Conservative Media: Hune bill will do little but earn brownie points. The Guru takes a look at House Bill 5030, introduced by Rep. Hune last week, which would "require Novi-based International Transmission Company (ITC) to bury transmission lines that stretch more than five miles in townships with populations between 10,000 and 15,000." Head over there for the details.
• Lessenberry: Photo ID. Jack's take on the new Photo ID requirements passed by the Michigan Supreme Court.
• ICDP Dispatch: Anti-tax Nuts Looking for Dweebs in Mount Pleasant. "The giant pig that Drolet's anti-tax group haul's around the state was sitting outside the Holiday Inn and even despite several notices and ads in the local publications, Drolet's group isn't having much impact."
• ICDP Dispatch: Banning Planned Parenthood Centers, and Dave Camp. "[Rep. Mike Pence] is introducing an amendment that specifically seeks to ban Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide from receiving family planning funding." JT is encouraging folks to call Rep. Camp and urge him to vote NO on the Pence amendment.
• Walberg Watch: A Question of Competency. Fitzy highlights the latest wacky stuff to come out of Rep. Walberg's office.
• Living Blue: Part-Time Legislature Buzz Focusing on Wrong Issue. The LivCo Dems examine some of the recent talk about moving Michigan towards a part-time legislature.
• BFM: World's Largest Podcaster Has Its Eye On Michigan. Christine: "Is Wizzard's Detroit move another sign of our emerging knowledge economy? I suppose I can't say that for sure. But last week, Wizzard secured $7.5 million in equity financing, and today they announced their expansion into New York and Detroit. I'll take that as a sign that something good's goin' on in Michigan."

Did I forget anything? Drop your links in the comments section...

MichLib's Newest Arrivals - The Ferguson Twins!

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Jul 19, 2007 at 22:36:58 PM EDT

Mother, babies and a relieved father are all doing well and resting at one of Lansing's fine hospitals. Matt pronounced Rachel, Charlie, and Mom "perfect, just perfect".

Big sister Hannahdog is also fine, and is enjoying being spoiled at Chez Lucy till the rest of the family returns home.

Pictures will be forthcoming, as soon as Dad gets some rest and back on The Tubes.

Join me in welcoming Rachel and Charlie, and a big Congratulations to Matt and Joan.

We'll look forward to their first blog posts soon!

Thursday Coffee Talk!

by: JordanLFW

Thu Jul 19, 2007 at 01:08:31 AM EDT

• OurMI: Ann Arbor Art Fair - Three more days to check it out!
• MrRogers: Guest blogger points out Cleary and Rogers unhealthy relationship
• WKitten: Boyd Busts Bishop for Alluding to Budget Agreements - LoL!
• MMouse: Candidates Forum in Grand Rapids Tonight - 2nd Ward Candidate night out!
• Freep: NAACP Blasts Courts Ruling - How do you feel about the voter ID law?
• Freep: Auto Talks Ahead! - As goes the UAW/Big3, so goes Michigan. Lot's of good press for Ron.
• OakPress: Senate Scuttles Levin Bill - How many of you stayed up watching all night?
  
• Hrit4Council: Canvass this SUNDAY! - Come help Kevin Hrit running for Troy City Council. Great, low pressure walk plan, perfect for learning to canvass if you haven't before!

Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: LiberalLucy

Wed Jul 18, 2007 at 08:29:45 AM EDT

Good Morning, MichLibbers!  Happy Hump Day.  There's lots going on out there in cyberspace, so check out the links below while you sip your morning beverage of choice.

• Blogging for Michigan is worried about poor Mike Bishop.  He's scared because he's getting threats and while he has no proof, evidence or witnesses, he KNOWS that it must be teachers and, you know, union members.  I wonder if excessive spray tans can cause hallucinations?
  

• Feel like a little Bohemian Rhapsody today?  Check out YAF Watch and a Democratic Edge has a heartfelt welcome back for the hardworking Senators of this great State.

• Our own bfealk takes Joe Knollenberg to task for his recent display of bad manners.  The Congresscritter has taken to slamming doors in the faces of nuns.

• Jack Lessenberry has a wonderfully sad look at the MIChild program and the efforts of the Bush Administration to implement Gestapo-ideology on a program that helps little kids.

• Absolute Michigan highlights a great Michigan blog to remind us all why we love our State.

• Check out Michigan Sweet Spot for gorgeous pictures of the Michigan landmarks that we hold dear.

Now go forth and do good.

Shifting Gears on Cliff Taylor's Flagrant Taxpayer Abuse

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Jul 17, 2007 at 12:33:24 PM EDT

Mark Brewer, Michigan Democratic Party Chair, announced that the MDP purchased the taxpayer-funded car used by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Cliff Taylor at a public auction on Saturday. The car, a 2005 Ford Five Hundred, had just over 52,000 miles on it, compared to Brewer's MDP Ford Taurus with nearly 250,000 miles.

If you recall, Conservative Cliff was recently quoted in the Detroit Free Press bragging about his flagrant use of the vehicle operated on your dime -

Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor said he uses his car, a 2005 Ford 500, for work, commuting, law school visits, ceremonial functions, and occasional trips to the grocery and for dinners out. While his vacations don't typically involve a state car, he said, using one "would be perfectly permissible."

"That is the reigning interpretation. I've never heard anyone challenge it."

Calling Taylor the "most prominent defender of use of this perk", Brewer said the MDP would use the car to fight against the abuses that Taylor stood for.

But don't fool yourself into thinking this is a partisan issue. Check out what our good friends over at the MSM have been saying about Taylor the Terrible, and the best one by far comes from The Freep's editorial on 1/7/07 - Odor in the Court.

Also from the Freep, Brian Dickerson (4/25/07)  had this to say about Taylor -

Have Taylor and his fellow justices been too busy reversing industry unfriendly jury verdicts to notice that none of them has made a car payment since gas was $1.25 a gallon?

Now there's an unique thought.

Tuesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Jul 17, 2007 at 08:25:13 AM EDT

• Great Lakes Blogger: Is trash a renewable source? - Dave's got a good question for all of us to ponder. Click on over and consider what you dump inside that trash bin each day.
  
• Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood: 2nd Quarter Fundraising Report - What do Exxon, Enron, Haliburton, and Lockheed Martin all have in common (besides Shrub and his pupeteer) ? Why they were all big donors to Mike Rogers' campaign of course! Pohlitics also has a fantastic follow up to it here that you won't want to miss.
  
• West Michigan Politics: Nine Won One more time - PolWatcher takes on some dirty dealings going on back home. Wonder if anyone with a badge is watching as well?
• LivingBlue: Everybody's Against Sin -- Or are they? As we learn in Livingston County, it's all a matter of what you define as sin...
• Great Lakes Guy: Observations in Muskegon, MI - Is it a beautiful Lake Michigan coastline, or a toxic waste dump? Seems some folks are a bit confused on what to do with our natural beauty.
  
• Walberg Watch: College Cost Video - Did you hear? Tim Walberg hates college kids and their parents, well at least if his voting record is any indication of his feelings...
• Conservative Media: Iraq war heroes honored for ultimate sacrifice - The Comm Guru's got a special tribute to Livingston County's fallen heroes.
  
• Our Michigan: A Sense of Place: Michigan Summer Reading - Celeste's guest column is all about the latest Michigan summer reads. Definitely check this one out.
  

Here's hoping your day is pleasant, and that we can all do something to pass it on today.

RIP, Pfc. Christopher D. Kube (Sterling Heights)

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Jul 17, 2007 at 00:19:15 AM EDT

From the Detroit Free Press:

U.S. Army Pfc. Christopher D. Kube from Sterling Heights was killed in Baghdad this past Saturday.

The Department of Defense officials announced Monday that Pfc. Kube, 18, was wounded by an improvised explosive device, or roadside bomb.

Pfc. Kube was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colo.

Pfc. Kube becomes the 151st member of the U.S. Armed Forces with known Michigan ties to lose their life in the Iraq War.

Monday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Mon Jul 16, 2007 at 07:06:35 AM EDT

• Wizardkitten: Take it, to the limit, one more time? Last week, Lt. Gov. Cherry predicted that lawmakers might try to push this budget agreement into October, creating a crisis as an excuse to explain away their votes. The story didn't get much play in the MSM, but Wizardkitten walks us through everything. Check it out.
• LSJ: Tax votes raise specter of recalls for lawmakers. Who's afraid of the big pig?
• LSJ: State employees: Under siege? An interesting topic, coming from the paper who posted their salaries online.
• BFM: Why Republicans Don't Work on Friday. Hoo-boy! Cordelia Lear: "Patterson, who is term limited by the way, is having a fund raiser. For only $150, supporters can join him, Mike Bishop, Jason Allen, Wayne Kuipers, Michelle McManus and more... at Senator Bruce Patterson's 6th Annual Shoot & Silent Auction on Friday, July 27, 2007." Sounds like that Mike Bishop is a busy man.
• Conservative Media: Insurance companies threaten to flee after being forced to finally pay their fair share. The Comm Guru takes a look at the insurance industry under the new MBT. He says it's hard to feel sorry for them becaue, "a recent study by Missouri's insurance commissioner from 1993-98 concludes that Michigan's auto insurance companies have been piling up huge record profits and excessive surplus funds."
• Conservative Media: 'Every picture tells a story don’t it'. The Guru takes a quick look at the Republicans' poor showing at the NAACP candidate forum last week. After what we saw with Katrina, I can't say I'm surprised, but it's pretty clear that the GOP has completely written off African American voters.
• Michigan for Edwards: Edwards Back in Michigan: Detroit with the NAACP. Philgoblue has video highlights of Edwards in Detroit for the NAACP Convention. Again, I don't necessarily consider myself an Edwards supporter, but Phil's been doing a great job of keeping tabs on his candidate from a Michigan perspective.
• Stone Soup Musings: Uninsured Americans Raise Medicare Costs. One more reason for why we need universal healthcare.
• Walberg Watch: Tim Walberg's Second Quarter Fundraising. Fitzy has numbers and analysis. I whipped up a similar post for Mike Rogers, which you can see here.

Did I forget anything? Drop your links in the comments section...

Sunday Coffee Talk / Open Thread

by: JordanLFW

Sun Jul 15, 2007 at 03:47:50 AM EDT

• OurMichigan: Consumer Sentiment Index - Wishful Thinking about Other Peoples Money
• B4M: Michigan Civil Rights Roundup
• EyeonEhlers: Ehlers FEC Report: $400k...what'd your rep haul? Tray.com should have the scoop.
  
• dKos: Fight Global Warming, Take on John Dingell - Good Luck! Dingell gets money from just about every PAC in the country. A perk of being the Dean of the House I suppose.
• BlackBearSpeaks: BP Increases Toxic Sludge Dumping into Lake Michigan
• Freep: Politicians Raise Millions Shrouded In Secrecy
• DetNews: Smart Marketing Puts Micro  Car on Map
• NYTimes: Sunday Breakfast Menu

Saturday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: LiberalLucy

Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 10:10:23 AM EDT

First off though, a special congratulations to the hardworking folks over at Americans Against the Escalation in Iraq for a successful event in Lansing yesterday. Here's to opening eyes and minds of Americans about the tragedy in Iraq. (Vote No on Joe has more on it)

So here's your morning shot:

• Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott: The Weekender - ScottyUrb's got your weekend round-up, be sure to check it out.
  
• David LaGrand: Grand Rapids' progressive candidate launches his newest video on his website. Check it out and be sure to support great candidates like David.
  
• Conservative Media: House Republicans launch campaign events disguised as town halls at taxpayer events - The Comm Guru has the latest from those wacky House Repubs.
  
• Republic of M: Half Right is not Good Enough - R of M features another piece from Dawn Wolfe over at Michigan's Triangle Foundation.
  
• Liberal, Loud and Proud: Guest post by Mike at Republic of M - Speaking of R of M, Mike was kind enough to do a guest post over at LLP. Check it out, you might enjoy it as much as I did.
  
• Blogging for Michigan: Michigan Civil Rights Roundup - Check out the newest BFM addition!
  
• LivingBlue: Rogers Votes Against Increase Student Aid... - When Rogers runs for election, I'm really anxious to find out exactly what things he's going to brag about as far as doing good for our 8th District, because I have yet to find anything, especially this latest major faux pas.
  

Make the most out of your weekend. You can find several members of the Lansing MichLib family over at Lansing's progressive community bookstore, Everybody Reads as they celebrate their first anniversary. Come out for fun, food, games, and plenty of progressive reading and music.

Happy Saturday!

Friday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 06:49:40 AM EDT

• The Conversation: Radio Address: Signing the MBT into law. It's official. The new MBT is a done deal. Hooray! Now... how about that 2008 budget?
• Stone Soup Musings: I've got the vacation time blues. Kathy: "That brings me back to "Mr. $440.50 per hour Bishop" and friends. It's time to shake up the status quo in Lansing and model their benefits and perks to align closer with those of the constituents they represent, maybe then they'd understand what it feels like to get by with two weeks vacation or - horror - no vacation at all."
• Blue Chips: House passes relief for college students. The Democratically-controlled House passed the College Cost Reduction Act on Tuesday, which aims to make higher education more affordable for all Americans. Quite a contrast to what we're seeing from Senate Republicans here in Michigan.
• DNews: New round of tuition hikes are indefensible. This editorial from the Detroit News says college tuition hikes are indefensible. Yet they argue that the only answer is even more cuts to the state budget. The t-word is still off limits.
• Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood: Rogers Votes Against College Students. This is the bill I was referring to in the post above. Did you expect anything different from Mike? BTW... Walberg voted against it too. Knollenberg, Miller, and Upton were the only Michigan repubs to vote in favor of the bill.
• Living Blue: Will He or Won't He? Yesterday you watched Joe Knollenberg's staffer high tail it away from his constituents. Check out this similar video from the LivCo Dems. At least Mike Rogers' folks invited them in for a meeting. Of course, their invitation to the upcoming "Take a Stand" event at the Michigan Capitol was promptly ignored. I gotta say though... I'm really liking all this guerrilla video footage. On a related note, LSJ editorial page editor Derek Melot thinks this is all a big waste of time.
• AA News: Democrats targeting 7th District. A nice write up in the Ann Arbor news about the Democrats who are gearing up to challenge Tim Walberg. Glad to see the MSM is keeping an eye on this one.
• Conservative Media: Editorial ignores real reason for no lobbying reform in Lansing in favor of cheap shots. Guru on the editorial that ran in the LSJ, then the Livingston County P&A: "The editorial laments the need for lobbying reform and takes some easy shots at the Legislature, but it does not even mention why there has been no action addressing lobbying reform or any meaningful ethics measures. It ignored the fact that the Republicans have controlled both the state House and Senate for more than a decade, and up until five years ago the GOP also had a veto-proof edge with a Republican governor as well. Why no reform then?"
• Lessenberry: Essay: Tradition of Giving. Jack's essay from yesterday is great... you should really go read the whole thing. He discusses the generous philanthropy of folks like Eli Broad (a Detroit native and fellow Spartan), and then goes on to argue that, "while [philanthropy] is needed as much or more than ever, so is public spending. Michigan State is going to have a stunning art museum, thanks to Eli and Edythe Broad. But private donations, no matter how generous, can never cover the school's entire needs."
• BFM: Working For A Living - Thursday Edition. Christine continues here excellent series over on BFM. Yesterday's workers were farmers. She says, "just like our legislators, except they aren't afraid of little pink pigs."
• Between the Lines: Life experience makes Bernero more than an ally mayor. Anyone living in the Lansing area really ought to read this article about Virg Bernero. This is quite a story. The LGBT community couldn't ask for a better ally in the Mayor's office than Virg.

Did I forget anything? Drop your links in the comments section...

Thursday Coffee Talk / Open Thread

by: JordanLFW

Thu Jul 12, 2007 at 01:50:34 AM EDT

• Blogging4MI: MSU To Hike Tuition 9.6% - One of the consequences of the Republicans obstructionist tactics in the legislature.
• WalbergWatch: Walberg Votes NO on College Cost Reduction Bill - Luckily the bill passed anyway as 47 Republicans did cross party lines to approve the bill.
• Bay City Times: Legislators have dallied long enough: It's time to
  raise state taxes
• MetroTimes: Bush vs. America - Jack Lessenberry on fire, give it a read.
  
• Freep: Proposed Budget Grim for Oakland County Employees - Surprise, surprise...the bad news is do to health care costs and a Republican phobia of taxes.
  
• Freep: Senate bill on warming expected to be most embraced by industry
  
• DTWNews: MI Motorists Paying Most for Gas - It's $3.35 a gallon near me, what are you paying?
  
• Tray: Q2 Fundraising Reports (House) - Tray is providing updates as the committees file electronically. Of note is MI-07, where David Nacht is reporting $160k and Jim Berryman $50k, 2 Democrats with strong showings! Reports are due by the 15th
  
• YKC: Yearly Kos - Register by 7/14! - Michigan will be making a strong showing, will you join us?
• Hrit For Council: Party on Saturday! - Join us to celebrate the kick off of the campaign! Link has details, everyone is welcome. RSVP in comments!
  

What are you doing today?

NAACP Democratic Candidates Forum Tomorrow

by: MarkSchauer

Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 21:51:19 PM EDT

In case folks hadn't heard about it yet, the NAACP will be hosting a forum for the 2008 presidential candidates at the Cobo Center in Detroit at 10:30 AM tomorrow morning. As I'm sure all of you know by now, I'm supporting Hillary in this race, but no matter which candidate you're backing, this is a great opportunity to see all the contenders up close.

Doors are set to open at 8:30 AM, and since seating is on a first come, first serve basis, I encourage everyone to get there early.

For any other Hillary supporters out there who are interested in participating in a visibility rally, please join us at the corner of Washington and Cobo Centre Drive to show your support. We'll start gathering at 7:00 AM, and there will be t-shirts and buttons on-hand for supporters!

If you're interested in attending, you can RSVP for the event here.

If any of the other candidates or their supporters are planning a similar rally, I encourage you to share the details in the comments section below.

As I said, this forum is a great opportunity to see all the candidates in person, and hear about their vision for Michigan and our country. I hope to see you there!

Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 07:12:55 AM EDT

• The Fix: Endorsement Elite: Michigan Republicans. Chris Cillizza lists the MI GOP endorsement elite: Dick and Betsy DeVos ("the unquestioned first couple of Michigan Republican politics" -- blech!), Pete Hoekstra, Teri Lynn Land, Candice Miller, Chuck Yob. Noticeably absent: Mike Cox.
• Living Blue: An Invitation Rogers Probably Will Refuse. Mr. Rogers has been noticeably silent for most of the summer so far, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that it has something to do with all the heat he's been getting from groups like Americans Against Escalation in Iraq. They will be paying another visit to the Congressman's office in Lansing on Thursday this week.
• WILX: Rogers Appropriations Requests. Mike Rogers has submitted a "complete" list of the appropriations project requests he's made for FY2008. This is good to have, but it's not quite what I asked for in this post on the Rogers Watch. I want every earmark he's ever requested while he's been in Congress. But, I'll give credit where credit is due... this is a nice start.
• Walberg Watch: Congressman Tim to escape from bunker, make local appearance. Rep. Walberg will be visiting another friendly crowd at the Chelsea Commons Clocktower Building, Suite 200, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., this Saturday.
• Walberg Watch: Nacht (D) Raises $160,000+. Nacht was the first one to release his Q2 numbers, and it's a pretty impressive haul (for a dem in this district). Berryman's totals are in too: $55k over five weeks. Sounds like a good start for both candidates (detailed reports here and here). I'll be curious to see what Walberg and Renier post (they have until July 15 to file).
• Our Michigan: Ionia County Commissioners Vote to Fund Strong Families/Safe Children. Real family values at work: "Helping children and families makes sense. It is good public policy. It is fiscally responsible and provides longterm benefits to families and communities in which they live. The Ionia County commissioners could see this. Their sense of "we" included the least among them."
• Conservative Media: South Carolina county GOP chair pulls an Anuzis. I think it's pretty hysterical that these state GOP party chairs keep trying to ban Ron Paul from their presidential debates, when the guy has more cash on hand than St. McCain ($2.4 mil > $2 mil).
• Stateline: Governors are fair-weather Facebook friends. Gov. Granholm is featured in this Stateline piece about social networking sites like Facebook. It sounds like a lot of the candidates kept their profiles updated during the campaign season last yaer, but have let them stagnate since. Not so with our gov. Kudos to her for staying plugged in with the online community. Other Michigan politicians would be wise to follow her lead.
• The Conversation: Mmmmm…Michigan! "Big Boy is asking a different question - 'What’s your favorite Michigan thing?' They have launched a statewide interactive campaign that gets people blogging about their favorite Michigan things. Big Boy, of course, is a proud Michigan-based company... So - what is your favorite Michigan thing?"
• LSJ: MSU board will consider a 9.6 % tuition hike. 9.6% ain't 17%, but another increase could be in the works for the spring semester, if state funding doesn't come through. Sure glad I graduated last year.
• DNews: Dingell's carbon tax is a shrewd stroke. "Rep. John Dingell is calling the bluff of his fellow lawmakers who love to pander, preen and posture in the name of environmentalism, just as long as it doesn't cost them anything." Not that we've seen the editorial writers at the News "pander, preen and posture in the name of" protecting Michigan residents from a tax increase or anything... but that's a separate matter. This line caught my eye: "'I sincerely doubt that the American people will be willing to pay what this is really going to cost them,' Dingell said of the carbon tax on C-SPAN." Is anyone else reminded of the scene in An Inconvenient Truth where Al Gore puts the picture of the Earth next to the sack of money?

Did I forget anything? Drop your links in the comments section...

Tuesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 08:55:53 AM EDT

• Vote No on Joe: Knollenberg Embroiled in Scandal - Tsk, tsk Joe. Seems as if the good guys have actually caught up with you this time.
  
• Media Mouse: Michigan Group Praises Tap Water over Bottled Water - To all of you who think you need bottled water - pshaw! Read this, and you may not ever buy a bottle again!
• Living Blue: The Write Stuff - More double talk from Mike Rogers' office. This time, it's on Mike's choice for prez, or is it?
  
• Eye on Ehlers: GR Press: Ehlers gets earful from protesters - Hat tip to the Americans Against Escalation in Iraq for bringing out the people and making their voice heard!
• Liberal, Loud and Proud: Guest Post from Rich at Honest Errors - A huge thanks to Rich for opining this great piece.
  
• Wallberg Watch: Nacht (D) Raises $160,000+ - No surprise why the DCCC and the MDP has identified the 7th Congressional District as one of the state's most contentious.
  
• Blogging for Michigan: Mike Bishop: The $440.50 per hour Man -  Why are we even surprised?  Perhaps Loony Leon should look no further than his own party when cutting government waste.