Unhealthy Obsession

by: kelster

Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 09:06:47 AM EDT

Whatever happened back then, today Rogers is all grown up and manipulating on a major scale.

Over the past week, Mr. Rogers has been shopping the story of his bladder cancer.

Well, I would not have fit the profile for what a mandated government plan, compensation plan pays for.  In other words, if it fits outside of the normal, which is a very cold calculation, some things will not be covered under a government plan and we see that in Canada and the United Kingdom. And the reason is, the only way the government can control costs is by denying you things, rationing care. [skip] Had they not call it early, and they did when I was 19, by the time that thing had spread to my body, they could have found it later on, 22, 23, 24, it probably would have been too late.  That's certainly what my doctors told me.

Yesterday, he topped this slice of emotional anecdote with a few scoops of political agenda:

Another controversial Republican amendment passed by voice vote, over Waxman's objections. Backed by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., it would bar the federal government from using research comparing medical treatments' effectiveness to deny or ration care.

and a sprinkle of drama queen:

With the government plan, said Representative Mike Rogers, Republican of Michigan, "you will have to call a bureaucrat and hope to God his calculator is more compassionate and smarter than your doctor."

"Cold calculations?"  "deny or ration care?"  Sounds scary, doesn't it?

Using research to compare treatments and make decisions is called evidence-based medicine (EBM). It's been around for quite a while, and it saves lives. It's supported by doctors, nurses and even the insurance industry.  In fact, components of EBM are being used right here in Michigan.

By the Numbers: Health care reform in MI-08

by: kelster

Wed Jul 29, 2009 at 07:50:00 AM EDT

America's Affordable Health Choices Act would provide significant benefits in the 8th Congressional District of Michigan: up to 15,100 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees; 7,600 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D; 1,700 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs; health care providers would receive payment for $53 million in uncompensated care each year; and 49,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance. Congressman Mike Rogers represents the district.

The Committee also has an analysis of every House member's district, including Pete Hoekstra, Vern Ehlers, Dave Camp, Fred Upton,Candice Miller and Thad McCotter.

Cross-posted at Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood

Fiscally Hypocritical

by: kelster

Tue Jul 28, 2009 at 08:58:55 AM EDT

In a nutshell, this bill updates pay-as-you-go (requires budget neutrality on new tax and mandatory spending).

Suprise, surprise!  Mike Rogers (MI-08), Pete Hoekstra (MI-02) and Dave Camp (MI-04), all happy to describe themselves as fiscally conservative foes of guvmint waste, voted against it.

Bad Medicine

by: kelster

Tue Jul 21, 2009 at 07:55:40 AM EDT

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-08) is sounding off across the district today -- he's eyeing alternatives on health care reform, taking aim at health reform and falling short on his health care prescriptions.

Mr. Rogers is offering all sorts of retreads ideas, like health savings accounts and allowing small business to jointly purchase insurance.  That's swell, and as the LSJ notes,

Enacted ten years ago, they may have had significant effects.

 So what is Mr. Rogers' plan?  

He said he plans on proposing all the aforementioned items as amendments to the health-care reform plan currently before Congress, but he acknowledges they will likely be shot down during committee hearings.

Hmmm.  Maybe if he spent less time chairing incumbent retention programs for the NRCC and raising money for GOP colleagues, he'd have a little more credibility with his fellow representatives.

Still Bananas Over Miranda

by: kelster

Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 16:13:28 PM EDT

Ay-yi-yi!  Mike Rogers is at it again, with dire pronouncements of blood-chillin', chaos-makin' FBI shenanigans in Afghanistan.  Apparently, FBI Director Robert Mueller, 4-star General David Petraeus and the United States Department of Justice don't agree with Mr. Rogers... ergo, they are all WRONG.

For the story, plus a nifty graphic, stop by Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. 

Redistricting Michigan 2012

by: Menhen

Sat May 23, 2009 at 11:26:57 AM EDT

Lately there has been a lot of Debate over the number of Democratic Congressional Districts that Democrats could gerrymander out of the state of Michigan if they had complete control (right now they hold the Governorship and State House.  They stand a good chance at taking control of the State Senate while the Governor's race is a tossup).  A few people have said that it is possible to succesfully draw a map that would yield 12 Democratic seats and only 2 Republican seats.  I've been trying for several weeks to draw a 12-2 map, meanwhile protecting endangered incumbents (specifically Schauer) and I've determined that a 12-2 map would be far overeaching and in a neutral or Republican leaning year might end up 9-5 or worse. I think the best Michigan Democrats could do is create 11 safe or Democrat leaning districts and 3 strongly Republican districts.  I've drawn a map that I think does just that, although I still am not entirely confident that we could hold both of my "Thumb" districts in a Republican year.  But without further ado, here's my map.

Misunderestimated

by: kelster

Mon Jan 19, 2009 at 09:42:50 AM EST

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, said Bush has received a bum rap from many citizens.

"He didn't get credit for being a nice guy a lot, but his tendencies are always to do that, I think," Rogers said. "He didn't get a chance to display it."

Well!  I feel so much better about the past eight years, don't you?  Who knew that being a nice guy magically canceled out defiling the United States Constitution, racking up a trillion-dollar deficit and starting a few wars?

Consider this Palinesque display of syntax and logic as a preview of what to expect if Mr. Rogers should become Michigan's next governor...

cross-posted at Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

CD-08 Cook Political Report Upgrades District from Solid to Likely Republican

by: Philip.R.Moon

Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 18:35:44 PM EST

At Dailykos, feel free to reccomend 

The Cook Political Report just updated its ranking of the Michigan 8th District. The new ranking, updated on November 3rd, shows the district going from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican"

This was first indicated by Mark Grebner last month, when he did a small poll that showed Bob Alexander within 4- 8points of Mike Rogers. The change was further evidenced by the Michigan Republican Party's absurd mailers, claiming Bob Alexander wanted to use taxpayer money to support health care for illegal immigrants and the rich.

 
 

Bob Alexander has stepped up and despite an underfunded campaign has put one of the Republican Party's top fundraisers in danger of losing his seat. This is the third front against the Michigan Republican Party and its Bush-rubberstamp Congressional delegation. Tommorow we could see the Michigan Congressional Delegation flip 180° from 9-6 Republican advantage to a 9-6 Democratic advantage.

Remember to vote for Bob Alexander tommorow and turn the heart of Michigan blue.

CD08: Alexander for Congress Poised for TV Blitz

by: Bobalexander

Tue Oct 28, 2008 at 12:18:18 PM EDT

I also have the endorsement and financial support of U.S. Senator Feingold's Progressive Patriots PAC, and the Lansing State Journal's endorsement; the buzz on the blogs is that Michigan's 8th District is now competitive, and that I am in a toss-up race with Congressman Mike Rogers.

The 30 second spot focuses on Mike Rogers's history of voting in lockstep for the devastating policies of George W. Bush, and promotes my plans to work for positive change for the residents of the 8th District and all Americans. Preview the ad here.

CD08: Why does Mike Rogers hate Canada and Mexico

by: Eric B.

Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 09:29:40 AM EDT

Following this morning's post and revelations that Mike Rogers has decided that race baiting is the campaign strategy of last resort, I decided to revisit Mike Roger's energy plan on his Web site.  You might remember this from a few months ago, because it was criticized as being racist by suggesting that everyone we give oil money to in the Middle East is a terrorist.

The racist bit was predicated on the fact that much U.S. money goes to people who hate us.  We must break our addicition to foreign oil, his wacky little application tells us, because we must not give money to our enemies.

Below the fold, two oil import charts...

Student Voter Registration Drives Undo Voter Supression Intent of "Rogers' Law"

by: Philip.R.Moon

Fri Oct 24, 2008 at 12:55:36 PM EDT

X-posted at Dailykos

A little over 8 years ago, a State Senator introduced a piece of legislation he said would prevent voter fraud. The law, requiring people registering to vote at a new address to update their driver's license, was pitched as a way to help local clerks and prevent election fraud.

That same State Senator would benefit from the law in 2000 during his bid for Congress, which was won by a few hundred votes.

Mike Rogers, Michigan's Machiavellian Congressman from the 8th district, used the law to disenfranchise students at Michigan State University. The law, tied with an existing law requiring first time voters to vote in person and not  by absentee, worked to drop the student participation vote. By October 2002, the Detroit Free Press was reported double digit drops in voter registration in college towns. For Michigan State University and East Lansing, it came to an 11% drop in the number of registered voters. False rumors around campus that registering in East Lansing would get students kicked off their parents' health insurance helped scare other students away from the polls.

MI-08 Lansing State Journal endorses Alexander

by: matt

Fri Oct 24, 2008 at 08:54:35 AM EDT

In the end, though, this vote hinges on this disparity:

Mike Rogers has been a reliable vote for the Bush administration and its policies. That choice has not benefitted mid-Michigan.

Bob Alexander will be a vote for doing things differently.

And, in 2008, that's what mid-Michigan needs.

MI08 - This changes everything

by: matt

Wed Oct 15, 2008 at 08:03:28 AM EDT

Bob Alexander Named to Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriot Fund

by: Philip.R.Moon

Sun Oct 05, 2008 at 19:05:24 PM EDT

We've identified 10 House challengers in emerging races, all of whom were nominated by you.  These candidates have worked hard and made their races competitive, often without much support from traditional Democratic institutions.  I'd like to give their GOTV operations a big boost, but to do that we're going to need your help.  Our goal is to raise $50,000 so that we can contribute $5,000 to each of these 10 candidates

Sign of the Apocalypse?

by: kelster

Mon Sep 29, 2008 at 09:05:44 AM EDT

Many readers hear the words "Livingston County" and picture a place redder than Ann Coulter's lipstick, a sea of GOP plankton providing no nutrition for progressive life forms, a vast wasteland devoid of trees to shade liberal thought -- OK, OK, you get the picture.

I'm happy to report some news that may make you reconsider the reputation of my adopted home.  LivCo Dems Chair Judy Daubenmier has been standing up for what's right, and getting some support from unexpected quarters.

To recap, Genoa Township received a land donation from a local lawyer a few years ago for use as a fire station.  The land is located along the south side of Route 96 between Howell and Brighton.  Among the restrictions placed on the land gift was a requirement that the donor retain possession of, and be allowed unfettered access to, a billboard between the road and the fire station.  Normally, the billboard displays an American flag (I seem to recall that it's also shown a yellow ribbon in support of US troops).

The problem arose when the lawyer did his biennial billboard switch, changing the flag image to a [Mike] Rogers for Congress sign.

Plenty of local Dems have been annoyed by this, but Ms. Daubenmier acted on it. She filed two complaints with the state, alleging that the billboard violates a law prohibiting the use of public property in a political campaign. 

Methinks the Elephant Doth Protest Too Much

by: kelster

Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:07:58 AM EDT

Just when I thought the Livingston County Press & Argus was back to being a good, solid community paper, this morning's editorial reminded me that they are still marching in lockstep with Rep. Mike Rogers' orders.

Earlier this month, the P&A ran a story about opposition to Rogers' energy video from a national Arab-American group, which was concerned about its stereotypical images of swarthy, scary Arabs. It was pretty straightforward news piece, with comments from the group and responses from Rogers.

Since Arab-Americans make up less than 2% of the 8th District, this story didn't get much traction. Pro-Rogers voters automatically dismissed the complaints, and anti-Rogers voters weren't a bit surprised.

It was interesting, then, to see an editorial in today's P&A devoted entirely to "defending" Mike Rogers' energy video.

Hate in MI-08 Mike Rogers against Arabs

by: Philip.R.Moon

Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 17:52:52 PM EDT

From YAF Watch, x-posted at Daily Kos 

Republican Congressman Mike Rogers recently caused controversy when his campaign posted his Energy Independence Plan. The plan uses stereotypical images of Arabs as "America's enemies". While naming Hugo Chavez specifically, the other two enemies consist of a Lenin-looking Russian and an unnamed Arab in Middle Eastern garb.



This images caught the attention of the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee. Michigan Messenger reported on the Committee's reaction.

Michigan 8th District a Third Competitive Seat?

by: Philip.R.Moon

Mon Jul 28, 2008 at 16:31:09 PM EDT

X-posted on Daily Kos 

Michigan is a major battleground state this year, both for the Presidential and House races. While much attention has been focused on the 7th and 9th districts, Michigan’s 8th District is showing signs of going Democrat for the first time in 8 years.

In 2000 Mike Rogers ran against Diane Byrum, winning by a mere 111 votes. Gerrymandering of the district by the Republican controlled state legislature made the district strong Republican.

But the advantages of the gerrymandered district have eroded as Mike Roger's lockstep support of Bush has weakened his electability. His highest win was in 2002, with 68% of the vote. In 2004 it fell to 61% and by 2006 it was down to 55%. The last projection made in May showed the 8th district only +2 Republican, the 18th most competitive in the country.


Enter Bob Alexander, the Democratic opposing Rogers.

Alexander Campaign Kicks Off with Road Trip for Change

by: Rosemary F

Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 21:56:01 PM EDT

(Editor's note:  The location for Alexander's concluding remarks will actually be at a public location near the Orion Assembly plant, not at it.  This comes to me not from the Alexander campaign, but from GM, a representative for which said that they do not allow political campaigning on premises.)  

The Alexander for Congress Campaign released the following press release today:

Change is coming to Mid-Michigan, and Bob Alexander is leading the way!

Bob believes Mid-Michigan deserves a representative who understands that the serious challenges facing its citizens require real solutions and immediate action. He wants to foster America's energy independence, protect the environment, and safeguard Michigan jobs. So when it came time to say goodbye to his 1995 Ford Escort – all 256,000 miles of it – Bob chose the Chevy Malibu hybrid: an American car driven by American innovation.

Mr. Rogers' Progressive Energy Plan

by: janeenr

Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:26:38 AM EDT

not just for financial and environmental relief, but also for security reasons.