Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Tackle the Issues

by: bfealk

Mon Mar 01, 2010 at 06:02:50 AM EST

On Saturday in Pittsfield, the three then Democratic candidates for governor of the state of Michigan answered questions about the issues for almost two hours. First they told the almost 100 Democrats gathered a little bit about themselves. First, though, Debbie Dingell, wife of long-time Congressman John Dingell told the crowd that contrary to what all the pundits have been telling us, “this will be a great year for Democrats.” On Saturday the Michigan Democratic Party executive board decided to hold an endorsement convention on April 17. The endorsement convention will let the candidates judge where their support lies and will help those that get the endorsement of the party faithful to raise money and recruit volunteers.  After Dingell fired up the crowd the gathering got down to business. Stu Dowty, chair of the Washtenaw County Democrats acted as moderator as the audience submitted written questions. Click here for the rest of the story.

Alma Wheeler Smith for Governor- A Fine Candidate

by: TomChoske

Wed Feb 11, 2009 at 14:03:19 PM EST

   When looking at the field of contenders who have emerged to offer their commitments to serve as the next governor of our state, I couldn't be more pleased. The Republican ticket is crowded with competitive politicians who are assured to have the most vitriolic primary in recent memory, while the Democrats are coming to bat with one of the best-stocked bullpens around.

   Focusing only on the serious contenders (apologies to Don Williamson, George Perles, and Mark Hackel), and excluding those who have not filed  but are expected to (including Robert Ficano) the Democrats seem to have two outstanding choices, Lt. Gov. John Cherry, and a candidate who just recently declared, State. Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith.

   I was personally very heartened to hear that Rep. Alma Smith was going to run for governor again. Having worked with and met her several times in Lansing, I know that she has all the characteristics that our state needs in a leader going into the coming decade. Her experience, political acumen, and fortitude make her a great candidate and would also make her a fine governor.

   To look at Alma Smith's resume is to see a life dedicated to public service. From the city, county, and state level, she has served the people of our state with distinction. In Lansing, she has spent time in both the state House and Senate, giving her the inside track on how politics work at the end of Michigan Avenue. Her experience on the Washtenaw County Commission and the School Board have also prevented her from becoming 'detached' from her constituents, as many in Lansing are known to do.

   This wealth of experience has allowed Alma to become one of the most adept politicians that I have seen. After sitting in a meeting with her and several members of the Michigan Department of the Treasury, I witnessed first hand how she is able to fight fire with fire in a political debate and push through agendas that, at the outset, others may not be willing to do. In a mere thirty minutes, Alma managed to get the representatives from Treasury to go from being opposed to divesting money from the genocide in Sudan to becoming supporters of the bill, willing to testify in committee. This level of political skill is a key requirement for a governor who is going to have to fight lobbyists and entrenched special interests to enact the change our state so desperately needs.

   All this experience and acumen would be for naught if it wasn't backed up with the most necessary requirement for any elected office: fortitude. The personal fortitude to stand up for what is right despite the costs is one of the defining characteristics she has. I think the most pertinent example is her decision to be the lone dissenting vote in the passage of the ineffectual resolution in the State House to 'reduce' legislative pay. This resolution was a superfluous document that could not reduce the pay, and did not further the real solution she advocates- putting a constitutional amendment in place voted on by the public. She stated that this resolution was only a political way to 'pull the wool over the public's eyes' instead of solving the real issue. Established and experienced lawyers agree with her assessment, and she was willing to stand up for it despite the politics associated with the issue.

   I fully support both State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith and Lt. Gov. John Cherry in their bids for the Democratic nomination for Governor of the State of Michigan. However, I feel that it is important to bring to light these specific qualities of Rep. Smith that would make her a very effective candidate and governor. I wish all of the candidates the best of luck in the future

Sudanese Divestment Now! Come To The Press Conference!

by: TomChoske

Wed Apr 09, 2008 at 09:36:28 AM EDT

Darfur is one of those issues that is ongoing yet seems to have fallen out of the collective consciousness. Despite a lack of interest, the violence has consistently increased, leaving these past two months the most violent and devastating yet.

We can do something to help here in Lanisng. House Bill 4854 (and its Senate complement, SB 555) would take Michigan's money out of the genocide and urge the supporters of these atrocities to change their ways. The $150 million of taxpayer money that is invested through the state public pension funds would be withdrawn from the foreign companies that give the Sudanese government its blank check to murder hundredes of thousands and inflict pain and suffering on millions more. 24 other states in the country have already done this; why haven't we?

The House of Representatives came together to pass this bill in July with a margin of 108-2, drawing the support of both Democratic and Republican leaders. The bills were sent to the Senate Appropriations committee. Due to a couple of activist Senators (i.e. Mike Bishop and Ron Jelinek), the legislation has languished for months without receiving a single vote.

We've had enough. Groups are coming together today in room 428 of the Capitol to launch a new drive to get this legislation passed. Please join Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, Rep. Marty Knollenberg, Rep. Andy Meisner, the Michigan Darfur Coalition, Sudanese Lost Boy David Chol Deng, and Spartans For Progressive Divestment at a press conference today at 12:30pm.

Even if you can't come, please blog about this issue. Let's raise awareness of the $150 million of taxpayer money that helps the companies that provide the Sudanese government with its tools of destruction.

Finally, please tell your Senator that you want your money out of genocide. Go to www.divestsudannow.com to learn how!