They're voting, are you?

by: Progress Michigan

Thu Oct 28, 2010 at 13:53:18 PM EDT

Over the past few months, you’ve probably been bombarded with messages about voting. Perhaps some have even come from Progress Michigan. Obviously, we believe that voting is important – your vote is your voice in the dialog about the future of our state.

You wouldn’t enter an important roundtable without arming yourself with information, and you shouldn’t vote without it, either. One way to do that is by knowing which candidates are supported by the organizations who work on the issues you care about.

So we worked with Michigan’s leading progressive organizations to produce a 2010 Michigan Voter Guide. We think of it as one-stop shopping for highly informed recommendations about the races on your ballot, making it easier than ever to make smart, informed choices based on progressive values.

more...

Why won't Rick Snyder and Mike Cox endorse a foreclosure moratorium?

by: jsalera

Fri Oct 15, 2010 at 21:45:29 PM EDT

Did you ever wonder why Rick Snyder and Mike Cox are so reluctant to call for a moratorium on Foreclosures? Well, wonder no more. Rayne, the Assistant Editor and frequent contributor, of Firedoglake has a post that is a must read for Michigan citizens who would like to know why Snyder and Cox refuse to endorse a foreclosure moratorium. (Click here to read the Firedoglake post).

 …there’s an extremely close relationship between the Michigan Republican Party and the largest foreclosure servicer in the state, Trott & Trott. The firm’s owner, David Trott, was a Bush bundler and was John McCain’s landlord during the 2008 presidential campaign.

In late 2008, it was estimated that this particular "foreclosure mill" handled roughly 70 to 80 percent of all foreclosures in the state, much of which stemmed from their status as a preferred foreclosure service provider for Fannie Mae.

...

David Trott made campaign contributions totaling $15,000 to Mike Cox’s committee or PAC between 2003 - 2006

The policy also has sinister implications. By connecting the dots from the 2008 election we may get a glimpse of Snyder’s and Cox’s real election strategy. It is quite possible that Michigan residents who have suffered foreclosure will find that their vote, just like their house, has been lost. That important piece of information was posted by parsnip in the comments of the post. It is an article from 2008 in the Michigan messenger. (Click here to read the Michigan Messenger article).

Lose Your House, Lose Your Vote

Wednesday 10 September 2008

by: Eartha Jane Melzer | The Michigan Messenger

The chairman of the Republican Party in Macomb County, Michigan, a key swing county in a key swing state, is planning to use a list of foreclosed homes to block people from voting in the upcoming election as part of the state GOP’s effort to challenge some voters on Election Day.

“We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren’t voting from those addresses,” party chairman James Carabelli told Michigan Messenger in a telephone interview earlier this week. He said the local party wanted to make sure that proper electoral procedures were followed.

True colors

by: Bootsy

Mon Aug 02, 2010 at 18:22:04 PM EDT

From Right Michigan yesterday:

From my viewpoint as an advocate for the Second Amendment and as part of the pro-Life minority in the Democratic Party, I second (or third) your support for Cox.  His record on both issues outweighs his past indiscretions.  And as a northern Michigan resident, for what it's worth, I'd also like to add my Democratic support in your primary for both Jason Allen for the 1st Congressional District and Dennis Lennox in the 105th House District.

Guess who?

Say it ain't so, Brady!  Dillon was one thing.... but Cox?  

MI-Gov Primary Focus: Republican Mike Cox has (Marine) Corps Values?

by: Hector Solon

Sat Jul 24, 2010 at 11:14:51 AM EDT

What's his storyline?

"I'm a Marine."

The fact is that U.S. Marine Corps has changed a lot since Cox was a short timer, one enlistment, non-rate, brawling leatherneck. The question is now; does Mike Cox have the character and core values of today's Marine? This analysis takes a look at Marine Corps Values and Mike Cox, his history, background and personal potential as Michigan's next "Marine" governor.

OK, Private. Shit-hot and square? Chinese field day time.
Dump ruck, junk on bunk. Urah?

In other words... Mr. Cox, if that's the premise; let's explore what that might mean, for you, your campaign, and for the citizens of Michigan.

Analysis and AAR below fold...

Bernstein: "No more no to health care reform"

by: Bootsy

Thu Apr 08, 2010 at 07:19:21 AM EDT

Immediately after Obama signed the historic health care reform bill providing coverage for thirty-two million Americans, Michigan's Mike Cox joined twelve other Attorneys General in a lawsuit to block the new law in the courts.
A careful review of the U.S. Constitution and long-standing Constitutional precedents reveals there is no legal basis to join the Florida lawsuit. I object to Mike Cox's obstruction of real progress for working families.
Sign my petition today to urge Mike Cox and the other Attorneys General to drop their lawsuit against the historic health care reform bill and put the people ahead of politics. Enough is enough!

I'm a nurse and paramedic. The people of this country need and deserve health care. Health care in this country is going to cost everyone more later, if we don't do something to get the uninsured medical coverage now. He's wasting our tax dollars blocking something we have to have now.

I am unemployed and will lose COBRA in the next few months. I have no idea when or if I will find a job that provides health insurance. I have pre-existing conditions and cannot afford to purchase an individual policy. To try to exempt Michigan from Health Insurance Reform is to deprive many thousands of people from adequate health care. You may even be responsible for the deaths of some of us if we cannot get the care we need. Do not play politics with my life.

This lawsuit is ludicrous and totally wastes the financial resources of our State. The middle class citizens of Michigan will benefit from the health care bill, it is not fair to expect them to pay for grandstanding by this office purely for your political purposes.

As a social work student, I have worked with many who have been victim to the pharmaceutical and insurance companies. This plan will give many the opportunity to receive the health care they need. It will also save Americans money. Your lawsuit only serves to prove to all those who have no faith in our government that you are a bunch of in-fighting children. Let the lawsuit go. You don't want to be remembered as the people who denied millions health care.

Cox in the Lead?

by: kelster

Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 20:04:22 PM EST

A Mitchell Research poll in Michigan finds Attorney General Mike Cox (R) is the front-runner in next year's governor's race.

In the GOP primary, Cox leads Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), 27% to 24%, with Michael Bouchard (R) in third with 12%.

In a general election match up, Cox is 16 points ahead of Lt. Gov. John Cherry (D), 47% to 31%.

Off the Record - Bloggers Edition

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 18:44:47 PM EDT

Until Friday at noon, consider this post just a teaser, but a tasty one at that. Once it goes live, you can watch it online here or check your local PBS listings.

The dapper Tim Skubick was kind enough to have us back, and I was joined by Mitchell Rivard from the MSU College Dems who blogs both here and occasionally at BFM, while Wes Thorp and our very own frequent commenter, Republican Michigander represented the Right. 

We discussed the underage drinking by College Republicans provided by the Mike Cox, Mike Bouchard, and Bill Schuette campaigns up at their latest conference on Mackinac Island, and Republican Michigander was able to provide us with a first-hand account since he was in attendance. It also brought up an interesting discussion about the role of bloggers vs. journalists in reporting information, which I'm sure Eric B. would have a thing or two to say about it, given his career. 

Other fodder included the budget currently being held hostage by Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel) and it inspired a lively debate about the legislative process, and the legitimacy (or not) of what Bishop was doing, and the roles that Governor Granholm and Andy Dillon play in it all. 

We ended the segment with a talk about the upcoming gubernatorial race. Personally, my favorite part was the mention by both Republican Michigander and Wes that the leading Republican candidates are just one giant mess. Wes mentioned Mike Cox's well-known martial infidelities, and the problems Bouchard (and the rest of the lot) has on name identification, and Hoekstra, well he didn't even really come up.

Either way, we all had fun with the lively debate, and I hope that it entertains and informs those who watch. Many thanks to Tim Skubick for having us on once again!

Holy Crap! "CMU Blogger Says Campaign Wrote Apology Letter for Her"

by: Brainwrap

Wed Oct 14, 2009 at 13:56:30 PM EDT

Cox using time worn tax cuts "solution" to Michigan's problems

by: bfealk

Sun Apr 26, 2009 at 10:10:29 AM EDT

Mike Cox gave his ideas of how to solve the state's economic problems.  Guess what?  He wants to cut taxes.  How original.  And how does he want to balance out the revenue loss.  Cutting health and pension benefits of state workers and teachers. 

Cox: Cut taxes for all businesses, residents

By Karen Smith
OBSERVER STAFF WRITER

The state should not pick and choose which industries it gives tax breaks to but cut taxes for all businesses to help turn the economy around, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox told about 130 business leaders in Livonia Friday.

Cox, who's formed a committee to explore a run for governor next year, said cutting the new $2.6 billion Michigan Business Tax in half and repealing the $700 million increase in personal income taxes signed into law in 2007 are two things the state can do right away to encourage job growth.

“Let's tell businesses this is the place to come,” Cox said at a breakfast meeting of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.

Click here for the rest of the story.

GOP: We won't/can't win in 2010

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Apr 21, 2009 at 12:39:42 PM EDT

Encouraging and interesting news comes to the state courtesy of a new white-paper from an interesting group of Republican strategists - the GOP just can't win in 2010. The article from MIRS (subscription only) is quite revealing. For instance -

A new white paper by MDJ&R Strategy Consultants takes a look at why the GOP went from controlling the governor's mansion and both houses of the Legislature before the last redistricting in 2000 to having a Democratic governor and House today. Their study of election data trends predicts neither will change hands in the 2010 election and Republicans will drop to a 20-18 majority in the Senate.

"The numbers aren't there to be successful in 2010," said Dennis DARNOI, former chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader Mike BISHOP (R-Rochester). "It's clear that the message the top-of-the-ticket candidates have been using isn't resonating. It hasn't been successful for six years."

Darnoi said the GOP has lost suburban and independent voters, particularly from the five biggest counties -- Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and Grand Traverse. Only 32 percent of Michigan voters identify as Republicans, even though 40 percent say they're conservative. Republicans need an 83-county strategy, he said.

Hmm, an 83-county strategy, eh? Sounds a little familiar, kind of like a 50-state strategy implemented by the Democratic National Party in 2008? You betcha! (wink)

Oh, but there's much, much more...

Mike Cox: Picking & Choosing

by: kelster

Fri Jan 23, 2009 at 17:50:11 PM EST

See, Mr. Cox is worried that bad things will happen -- cats and dogs living together! -- and general craziness will ensue when individual states try to set up their own standards for stuff, and don't accept standing federal law.

Fair enough, if you're a consistent supporter of federal authority...

but this hissy fit over California (and the 13 states in agreement) comes from the same guy who appealed a 2005 U.S. District Court decision to overturn Michigan's partial-birth abortion law.

Apparently legislation supported by a large majority of Californians should be overturned, while legislation supported by a slim majority of Michiganders should be untouchable.  

Mike Cox: Looking for Love

by: kelster

Mon Jan 12, 2009 at 07:32:12 AM EST

Mr. Cox pulls a smooth two-fer, boosting the auto industry while taking a few swings against the Senate:

Wouldn't it be nice if America's automakers actually made cars that customers wanted? New hybrids, for example, and electric vehicles, midsize cars that rank high in quality and more models that get 30 miles per gallon?

Actually, that's exactly what Detroit is doing. Not in a couple of years, not next year, but now.

I invite every member of the U.S. Senate to come visit the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opened yesterday. [skip]

America's auto industry is building some of the safest, most fuel-efficient, technologically advanced vehicles in the world. That will be on display at this month's auto show in Detroit. As many have said: Facts are stubborn things. Unfortunately, the facts about America's auto manufacturers may have run up against something even more stubborn -- the U.S. Senate.

Should Mayor Kilpatrick Resign?

by: dzhuang

Thu Aug 14, 2008 at 02:18:00 AM EDT

Detroit has become consumed by the Kilpatrick problem. Just released after a one-night stay in jail for not telling the Court about a trip to Ontario, Mayor Kilpatrick has now been charged with two felony cases for assaulting a detective trying to issue a subpoena to Kilpatrick’s friend. So is it time for him to give up or keep on fighting?

While Kilpatrick might have done some good for Detroit by initiating several renovation plans in the city and by cutting costs, it is time for him to resign. He has cost our state and city a ridiculous amount of time, effort and legal expenses by refusing to hand his job over to someone else. He has coopted the city’s goals for his own personal benefit, to clear his own name.

Even if by some farfetched chance that he’s innocent, there is no way he can deal with Detroit’s issues (which number so many) and a crucial trial with so much media coverage at the same time. But he still hangs on, squandering so much of Detroit’s potential to recover by not giving it an able mayor to focus his/her attention on city issues.

 To continue reading this entry go here:
http://michypa.com/2008/08/08/should-mayor-kilpatrick-resign/

Another One Bites the Laundry Detergent

by: LiberalLucy

Fri May 23, 2008 at 10:00:00 AM EDT

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that the field of candidates for the Republican gubernatorial nomination has gone from seven to six.

Hard to believe, but former linebacker Secretary of State and current Congresscritter Candice Miller has sadly hung up her hat on campaigning for the state's highest office, according to MIRS.

Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul ANUZIS said today that based on a private conversation he had with the former Secretary of State last Monday night, she is out instead of being in.

"It has moved from very likely to highly unlikely she will run," Anuzis told the Off the Record panel after Thursday's taping.

• Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land
• Attorney General Mike Cox
  
• Congresscritter Pete Hoekstra of Turtlegate Fame
  
• That Guy that bought Dominos Pizza - Dave Brandon.
  

'Dumbfounded' Cox took money from Meijer while probe was ongoing

by: Eric B.

Sun May 18, 2008 at 13:50:19 PM EDT

Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelenau, doesn't think local prosecutors should have a role in prosecuting campaign finance violations, because they're campaign finance law violations and not actually crimes (right, I know, just work with me here).  The Secretary of State should handle those, she said.  Here is how that kind of thing works out.

State Attorney General Michael Cox says he is "dumbfounded" by the secretary of state's handling of the Meijer Inc. election violations and Terri Lynn Land's office should have consulted him before signing an agreement.

Cox also said Land should have known her agreement with Meijer would form a "complete bar" to any criminal election charges against Meijer employees or those at outside firms working on its behalf.

Yes, dumbfounded like a fox.  Mike Cox, you see, took money from Meijer back in March.

TRAVERSE CITY -- Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox accepted $2,500 from Meijer Inc.'s political action committee in March, despite knowing he'd be asked to support a local criminal investigation of the retailer's actions in Acme Township.

The local prosecuting attorney is still working a perjury crime, so perhaps Cox will be asked to help out (Cox says the money is peanuts compared to the $5 million he's raised, which means he missed class the day they discussed conflicts of interest).

But, really, what's to add here.  These are the kinds of developments that just leave me depressed.  I didn't think in a million years that Meijer could possibly come out of this looking like something other than the chief villain, but that's before the company butted heads with the lazy incompetence and corruption of the state Republican Party.

Ebling and You Audio: Attorney General versus Blue Cross Blue Shield

by: Jack Ebling

Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 10:07:04 AM EDT

Friday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Fri Feb 01, 2008 at 07:25:56 AM EST

Happy Groundhog Day Eve. Be safe on the roads out there, folks... lots of schools closed this morning. Enjoy your cup-o-links...

• Crain's: Governor impresses business leaders. "The type of economic development incentives she presented really are right on," said Richard Blouse president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. "It's very much in line with what we need to have in our tool kit to bring those companies here."
• Observer & Eccentric: DeRoche recall just a distraction, legislator says. "I think the voters of the Novi and South Lyon area know I was fighting for them. I hope they see it for the political stunt that it is." This man has no concept of irony.
• Observer & Eccentric: Corriveau's 2007 voting record spotless. Congrats to Corriveau for never missing a vote in 2007. As for the Republican Minority Leader? "House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche (R-Novi) was recently listed as one of the most absent voters in the Michigan Legislature for 2007."
• Lessenberry Interview: Paul Condino. "State Representative Paul Condino of Southfield chairs the state house Judiciary Committee. And he thinks people who make a mistake as children deserve a second look when they are adults. Michigan Radio's Jack Lessenberry spoke with him."
• Tim Melton: Promise Zones can help push kids into college. "The Kalamazoo experience suggests that once the promise of higher education is extended to every family living within the boundaries of a community, property values will experience a significant increase. By establishing a Promise Zone, a community will be able to use that positive impact on property values to partially finance the scholarship promise."
• Freep: Granholm: universities should dip into endowments before hiking tuition. Is anyone else concerned with the fact that we keep shifting the burden of funding public universities onto the schools themselves?
• DetNews: Granholm: Reform prisons. "Asked how she intends to save the $200 million on budget cuts and reforms she proposed in her State of the State address this week, Granholm said: 'Corrections is a big piece. Are there people in the system who can be released in a cost-effective and safe way? Yes there are.'" The full Q&A is here.
• WILX: Bullying On The Rise In Schools. Too bad there isn't a bill in the legislature to help stop bullying. Oh, wait... there is. That's right, Mike Bishop put "Matt's Safe School Law" in the circular filing cabinet back in March of 2007.
• FARLEFTFIELD: Mike Cox Attacks Workers. The Left Fielder comments on Mike Cox's latest effort to attack state workers by blocking payroll deductions that support union-backed candidates.

• Jackson Cit-Pat: Signs point to heated 7th District contest. Schauer is breaking fundraising records while Tim Walberg begs the radical Club for Growth to bail him out. Go Mark, Go!
• Walberg Watch: Walberg's 4Q Fundraising. "Walberg, a freshman congressman from Tipton, reported raising about $151,000 during the same span and ended the period with about $438,000 in his account." Schauer out-raised him by $200k! Walberg's days are numbered.
• Freep: Granholm likes a Clinton-Obama ticket. "I would love to see her ask him to run as her vice president," Granholm, a supporter of Clinton's candidacy told the Free Press editorial board. "And if he gets it, I would hope that he would do the same."
• WLNS: Lawmaker Speaks Out About Recall Effort. There's a similar article in the LSJ, and Simpson's quote is priceless: "I will fight this to the bitter end because we are not going to allow outsiders and a little two-bit punk like Leon Drolet to come into our district and try to take control and try to convince people ... that they need to get rid of their state representative," Simpson said.
• Skoop's Blog: Governor to Stay Put. Skoob discusses the rumors of Granholm leaving for a post in a Hillary Clinton administration, which seems increasingly less likely.

• AA Biz Review Op-Ed: U-M projects enhance area. "The institution is a major economic driver for the region in obvious ways - like student enrollment - and in subtler fashions, such as through the multitude of research products that yield spinout companies and private hiring."
• AA Biz Review: State still divided over Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance bills. "I'd like them to address risk pools and insurer of last resort as mechanisms to make insurance affordable," said [State Sen. Tom] George. "Should we have one, the other, both, neither? The committee needs to make a judgment on that."
• BFM: Today is National Earned Income Tax Credit Day in Michigan. Yesterday was National EITC Day. Wizardkitten has more.

• BFM: Progressive Michigan Job Bank Launched. Looking to hire talented workers? Need a new gig? Check out Progress Michigan's new Job Bank.

New Driver's License Policy Leaves the Most Vulnerable Stranded

by: liberalmomma

Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 22:38:01 PM EST

There seems to be no limit to how low Republicans will sink to pander to the fears many conservative Michiganders feel towards immigration. As many of you already know, Attorney General Mike Cox (who has aspirations of running for governor) has recently released an opinion that people who are not citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States are not eligible for Michigan driver's licenses.

Terri Lynn Land (who apparently also dreams of occupying the governor's mansion) has followed suit by denying even legal immigrants without green cards driver's licenses. Among them were immigrants who were intimately familiar with political persecution and disenfranchisement - refugees.

Friday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Fri Jan 11, 2008 at 07:21:48 AM EST

Happy Friday! Enjoy your cup-o-links...

• Local 4: Republicans Crossing Into Democratic Primary. "There is a noticeable tendency by people who have been previously identified as Republicans to go walk out of their party," he said. "There shouldn't be any crossover at all because they've got an interesting primary and we've got a stupid one."
• DetNews: Cox may rue leaving McCain. "It reflects on the fact that Mike Cox wasn't as committed as he first appeared to be. In politics, when you commit to someone, you stay with them through thick and thin," Rustem said. "If Cox wants to be governor, and John McCain is president, this could come back to bite him. Politicians have long memories."
• DetNews: Mich. Right to Life backs no one. Another sign of Republican enthusiasm for their crop of presidential candidates.
• Freep: Romney pledges to fight for Michigan jobs during debate. "It was Romney who made the early claim to take Michigan, casting himself as a successful businessman who knows better than his rivals how the economy can be stimulated and how Detroit's automakers can be helped to compete globally without jobs continuing to be outsourced." You know he's playing to win when he starts stealing material from the Amway Guy.
• Tim Skubick: Mich. vote means much. "If Clinton wins here, both can honestly say they weren't on the ballot, so, of course, she was expected to win. But if they pull off the non-committed upset or cut deeply into her margin of victory, they will boast she is weak."
• Living Blue: Watch What You Sign on Primary Day. Judy has info on training sessions for volunteers who will watch the polling locations and encourage voters not to sign the anti-worker petitions.
• Lessenberry: Bill Milliken. Jack chats with our favorite ex-Republican governor about the history of Michigan's presidential selection process.
• Michigan Messenger: FAQ for the Michigan 2008 Presidential Primary. Kevin answers all your questions about our confusing primary.
• Michigan Messenger: Use your primary vote to send a message. Todd Heywood joins the chorus of people calling for Michigan Democrats to vote for "Uncommitted" next Tuesday.

• AP: Bowen selected as new Michigan lottery commissioner. The Governor announces Gary Peters' replacement.

• Capitol Journal: 2016 - The choice for Michigan is Chicago. Derek thinks we should be pulling for Chicago to win their bid for the 2016 Olympics. Not a bad idea.
• Ann Arbor Biz Review: Ann Arbor's Lower Town draws Gov. Granholm. "The $171 million mixed-use commercial and residential project is one of the largest and most significant developments in the city and has been in various stages of planning for nine years."
• AP: General Motors In China. "GM's China sales in 2006 totaled 876,747 units, up 32 percent from a year earlier. The Detroit-based automaker has sought to broaden its product lineup to appeal to a wide range of customers in the fast-growing China market."
• Bay City Times: Warm winter weather + frozen ground = lower lake levels. And you thought the water levels were down last year.

Wednesday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 07:20:42 AM EST

It's back to the old grindstone for folks (like me) who've been enjoying an extended holiday break. As you can see yesterday was a slow news day, so enjoy your light cup-o-links this morning...

• LSJ Editorial: Licenses: Attorney general made right call on driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. The LSJ sides with the AG over licenses for illegal immigrants: "State government should not add to the problem by providing driver's licenses that are generally accepted as legal identification to people who are not living here legally."

• DetNews: GM retirees to pay more for health care in '08. "General Motors Corp. salaried retirees will shoulder much more of their health care costs in 2008, a result of money-saving measures the company announced in 2006."

• ML: Michigan Presidential Primary -Two Weeks Out. I'll admit that I've reached a point where my eyes start to glaze over whenever I start to read about the Iowa caucuses, but Northernlib's diary is worth a quick look.
• Media Mouse: Don't forget the important issues in an Election year...the media will. Speaking of presidential coverage, MM has a great extended post up about the media's campaign coverage.
• DetNews: GOP primary race takes to state airwaves. Romney has already spent about $1 million in ads here in Michigan, but he's about to get some competition from John McCain, who recently released an ad attacking Mitt for his lack of foreign policy experience.

• BFM: The Great Flint Sit Down - Day 3. In case you missed, it check out Christine's post about Day 3 of the most important strike in American history.
• Living Blue: One Last Look at 2007 -- Ten Top Tens. New Year's is the time for top ten lists, and Judy has a nice roundup over on Living Blue.