Former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA)

by: Hazen Pingree

Sat Feb 03, 2007 at 18:07:49 PM EST

Vulture Romney Already Circling McCain-Palin's Corpse

by: philgoblue

Wed Sep 03, 2008 at 09:07:53 AM EDT

"I just don't have any interest in a Cabinet position."

Now, in a Big Fat F-You John statement, Mittens has had "friends and advisers" leak out that he is:

"primed -- even anxious -- to mount a second bid for the White House."

Publicly Romney still will support McCain-Palin and he officially demurs from statements about running in 2012 against President Obama with the classically easy to get out of statement:

"That's not in my mind; that's not in my plans."

Still, Romney is gearing up already.  He's already:

established the Free and Strong America PAC, a political action committee dedicated to helping not only McCain but also like-minded congressional and state political candidates. But the PAC also gives Romney a vehicle to raise money and travel the country, promoting himself as much as the candidates he wants to endorse.

The AP concludes the story:

Should McCain fail, it's no stretch to see Romney hitting the trail again on Nov. 5 in pursuit of the job he wanted from the start.

The Palin pick proves it.  McCain is desperate and Republicans are coming to the realization that 2008 is a huge longshot that they are unlikely to win.  So, even before McSame accepts the nomination, the first vulture is already circling.

Wednesday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 07:18:06 AM EST

Everyone had better start thinking about something else to write/complain about from here on out, because the Michigan presidential primary is finally OVER. There's all sorts of stuff to chew on in this extra special primary edition of Coffee Talk. Enjoy your cup-o-links...

• NPR: Romney Wins Michigan's GOP Primary. "It's a victory of optimism over Washington-style pessimism," Romney said during his victory speech, with his hair dangling down uncharacteristically onto his forehead.
• Freep: Mitt Romney Takes Michigan. "Now, he can fight on, being one of three candidates to have scored major victories in the primary season. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3 and McCain, who won Michigan eight years ago, took New Hampshire's primaries last week."
• Freep: Michigan GOP mistakenly sends release praising McCain for victory. Nice work from Saul Anuzis' crack team over at the MI-GOP. Those guys really know what they're doing.
• Stephen Henderson: A big win for Romney and Clinton. This does not bode well for camp Hillary, despite her win: "Clinton got clobbered among African Americans (by nearly a 70-26 margin) and lost handily among independent voters." More in this editorial.
• DetNews: Tough economy is top issue for Michigan primary voters. "Fully 60 percent of those taking part in the Democratic presidential primary cited the economy as the most important issue as did 55 percent of those who cast ballots on the Republican side of the ledger, according to a National Election Exit Poll conducted at key precincts across the state Tuesday by Edison/Mitofsky."
• CNN: Primary Results. Vote totals for the Republican and Democratic primaries, with lots of colorful charts and graphs.
• Michigan Messenger: Live coverage of polling results - Michigan's presidential primary. Self-explanatory.
• Far Left Field: Victory Without a Fight! A nice post from the Left Fielder about the Lansing-area UAW efforts to fight back against RTW.
• BFM: Bennington Twp Violating Election Laws. Christine chronicles photo ID abuses in Shiawassee County. More here.
• Upper Hand: Live from the MI AFL-CIO Headquarters. In case you missed it, here's Julielyn's liveblog from yesterday. More here, here, and here.

• Stephen Henderson: The next president must pay attention to our problems. "Michigan needs a president who'll take real action against the currency manipulation, unfair labor standards and protectionist trade policies that give foreign companies a ridiculous and largely unearned advantage over their American counterparts."
• BFM: God Bless The Unions. Christine thanks the Michigan unions for their efforts to beat back the RTW campaign before it ever got off the ground.
• Rep. Miller: Florida Will Catapult Giuliani to Feb. 5. Yep, Rudy got half as many votes as Ron Paul last night. He's got the rest of the field right where he wants 'em.

• AP: Comcast plans temporarily blocked. Need another reason to hate Comcast? "The cable company planned today to move PEG - public, educational and governmental access channels - across the state into the 900-level digital range, requiring subscribers with analog televisions to buy digital cable-ready televisions or rent or buy a digital converter box for each set."
• Freep Editorial: State surplus can help build a better budget. "Some taxpayers may have felt deceived when the surplus showed up after the crisis atmosphere that persisted in Lansing through 2007. But people really should be pleased that several state departments made thrift a priority. With that penny-pinching model, the state now must press forward on changes and reforms that have long-lasting impact."
• Jackson Cit-Pat: Lawmakers going to bat for SmartZone. Schauer, Griffin and Simpson are all pushing for the state to create three new SmartZones, which they hope Jackson will compete for.

• Freep: Granholm to support Ficano's smaller Cobo expansion plan. "Last week, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano offered a scaled-down plan to expand Cobo by 120,000 square feet, a plan that he said included $150 million from the State of Michigan." More on Ficano's plan here.
• DetNews: Taylor program buys houses for $1, repairs and resells them. "This should provide an opportunity for citizens to possibly get out of the rental mode and become homeowners, stay in the community and become more stable. It's a win-win."

• GR Press: DeVos wants to build heliport. Gotta have a place to land all those Euro choppers. Man, this guy really does have his own air force.

Let's Be Serious In Michigan: Vote Uncommitted, Not Mitt

by: philgoblue

Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 10:51:02 AM EST

This is a horrible idea dreamed up by a Californian. Democrats should vote in the Democratic Primary where something is at stake -- the media reports after the "primary." They can either read "Hillary On a Roll, Wins Michigan" or "Uncommitted Defeats Hillary, Clinton Can't Win Against Nobody." Supporters of John Edwards and Barack Obama along with those angry at Granholm (trying to get a job in a possible, if now less likely, Hillary Administration) for strong-arming this through the MDP should VOTE UNCOMMITTED.

The main problem with Kos' scheme is that we Michigan Democrats need to worry about picking our own nominee, rather than attempt to have some small impact on their nominee. It's more imperative that we Michigan Democrats do our little part so that we do not end up with Hillary, our weakest candidate and least progressive potential president.

Every vote for Romney is also a vote for the headline "Hillary Wins Michigan, Controls Race."

So, think before you follow a bunch of out-of-staters trying to get you to vote for a Republican and instead

Tempers flaring in "Huckleberry" Huckabee's camp

by: lapojoynt

Sat Jan 12, 2008 at 11:29:06 AM EST

Michigan Messenger fellow Todd Heywood followed the Huckster''s campaign yesterday, attending both the Detroit Economic Club luncheon (report due later) and the rally in Birch Run.

While at the rally, he overheard a rather heated exchange in which one of the key supporters, state Rep. John Stahl (R-Lapeer), audibly threatened to bail out and head for the Mittster.

Maybe the Mitten does go for Mitt -- out of pique with showboating fundamentalist Christians who are using Huckster as a personal meat puppet.

Or was this just a temper tantrum by a prima donna state rep?

Whatever it was it wasn't attractive, and hardly representative of the kind of leadership team we want running our country.

Stay tuned for more at Michigan Messenger; Todd's report should be posted later this afternoon.

Got a news tip? email us at michiganmessenger AT gmail.com

Why Kos should withdraw his support for Romney in Michigan

by: David Boyle

Fri Jan 11, 2008 at 13:38:37 PM EST

    It was alarming yesterday to see Kos actively supporting a Republican like Mitt Romney (I thought Kos wasn't a Repub any more...), and then to have the "Democrats.COM" gang send at Kos' request a mass e-mail, irresponsibly titled "Voting Fun in the Michigan Primary", endorsing that, too. What?

    Actually, Kos' diary has an irresponsible, joy-riding type of title too, Let's have some fun in Michigan! He argues that keeping Romney in the race, by Dems voting for him and thus preventing a catastrophic Romney loss in Michigan, will keep an additional moving part in the Repub machine to muck it up, rather than letting Mich maul Mitt and knock him out. (Which would make life simpler for John McCain and other Repubs)
    True, maybe, but is it worth the price? And what if, uh...Romney becomes President? with our help??

    Democrats should vote for Democrats, and help stop Hillary too, in Michigan, by voting for uncommitted delegates. And Kos should publicly withdraw his misguided support for Romney, before he does any more damage.

(more below)

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 09, 2008 at 07:16:36 AM EST

As you'd expect, there's lots to chew on in this extra special New Hampshire primary edition of Coffee Talk. Enjoy your cup-o-links...

• AP: Clinton overtakes Obama, resurrects White House bid. "According to exit polling conducted by The Associated Press and the networks, far more women voted than men; Clinton won 45 percent of them compared to 36 for Obama. Also according to exit polls, only half as many New Hampshire voters under 30 turned out as in Iowa, depriving Obama of crucial support."
• AP: McCain wins in New Hampshire. "It was a bitter blow for Romney, who spent millions of dollars of his own money in hopes of winning the kickoff Iowa caucuses and the first primary -- and finished second in both. Even so, aides said he would push on to Michigan and battle McCain there in next week's primary."
• AP: Candidates heading for Michigan. Mitt and McCain have a number of campaign events scheduled across the state today.
• The Fix: Clinton Wins in a Stunning Upset. Chris Cillizza delivers the new conventional wisdom you can expect to hear from the MSM coming out of New Hampshire.
• Capitol Journal: Why Hillary won New Hampshire. Derek's analysis of the New Hampshire results.
• Blue Chips: Hillary ekes out New Hampshire upset; more analysis from me. Our own ScottyURB shares his thoughts on Hillary's big win.

• Michigan Messenger: Local election officials gearing up for Michigan Presidential primary. Kevin Shopshire chats with Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope about the upcoming presidential primary.
• D4MD: Candidates: Tell us why D4MD should endorse your campaign! D4MD wants candidates to fill out a questionnaire, "so we can review your situation and decide whether to give you a hand."
• WILX: Granholm "Disappointed" In Michigan's Primaries. "You can't write off Michigan just because of a lack of activity-- it's gonna be a big teller of what's going to happen in November," Sarpolus says.
• McCotter Monitor: T.W.I.T. #2 (This Week In Thaddeus). PhiKaBob comments on the most recent McCotter-related news.

• BFM: Granholm supports health care amendment. Schauer's on board with this one too.
• Lessenberry: Taxing. Jack takes a look at Rep. Fulton Sheen's "fair tax" proposal, and poses an important question: "The Sheen proposal does provide for a monthly rebate that would be tied to how many kids you have. But wouldn't the 'Department of Rebate Return' mean a whole new layer of bureaucracy?"

• Freep: Downturn nearing an end, auto report says. "While many of the executives surveyed said profits would remain volatile and unpredictable, 26% anticipated that global automotive profits would rise in the next five years, with just 14% predicting a decline."
• State News: Old Town, new look. Business is thriving in Lansing's Old Town, thanks in part to a $50,000 award from IKEA that's helping local business owners make renovations.
• State News: MSU moves up in value rankings. "MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said MSU was pleased to move up, despite losing some state funding when other schools' states have continued to support higher education." Thanks for the hike, Mike.
• WILX: Jackson National Life Weighing Mid-Michigan Expansion. "The reason for our success is we outwork, outsmart, outhustle the competition and we can do that from here as well as anywhere," Hopping says of mid-Michigan as a location.

Analysis: Obamarama and the Michigan primary

by: Hazen Pingree

Fri Jan 04, 2008 at 21:55:05 PM EST

Iowa won’t settle the race, but the rest of the primary season is going to be colored by the glow of this result. Whatever their political affiliations, Americans are going to feel good about the Obama victory, which is a story of youth, possibility and unity through diversity — the primordial themes of the American experience.

And Americans are not going to want to see this stopped. When an African-American man is leading a juggernaut to the White House, do you want to be the one to stand up and say No?

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.

Protest Republican Presidential Candidates 1/12

by: bfealk

Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 00:38:26 AM EST

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEFEND THE AMERICAN DREAM SUMMIT

Rudy, Mitt, Fred, Ron, Mike and Grover Norquist, all the people that we love to hate, will be in Livonia, Michigan on Saturday, January 12.

WHEN:  1/12/08 9 A.M.

WHERE:  39000 SCHOOLCRAFT, LIVONIA 

The national media will more than likely cover this event with so many presidential candidates in one place, so I'm hoping that you can show America that the Republicans do not represent American values any more.  Torture, warrantless wiretapping, media consolidation, loss of civil liberties, are not on the progressive Democratic agenda. 

Please show up and bring a friend and show your support for the America we remember where we take care of our brothers and sisters in need.

Friday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Fri Dec 21, 2007 at 07:35:33 AM EST

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

• Lessenberry: Stem Cells. "State Rep. Paul Condino has a package of bills before the House Judiciary committee that would lift restrictions on this work in Michigan. But Right to Life is determined to intimidate the legislature into rejecting these bills. You might want to let your lawmakers know what you think."
• House Dems: House Democratic Accomplishments in 2007 Move Michigan Forward. Here's Dillon: "House Democrats will work to restore our residents' trust in state government. We will fight to grow our economy and boost our residents' confidence. And, most importantly, we will work to create more good-paying jobs for our workers. House Democrats are focused on moving Michigan forward to become a powerhouse in the 21st century."
• Mark Gaffney: Keep state tax money from financing anti-union efforts. The Michigan AFL-CIO chair makes the case for House Bill 4443, the Public Funds Protection Act. The bill, "states that anyone who receives state funds cannot use any portion of that money to interfere with or discourage unionization by their employees or the employees of any other employer. The bill also prohibits public funds from being used to help unions organize, too."
• Freep: Granholm, Legislature too divided, according to voters. "Only 18% of Michigan adults said they approve of the job the Legislature has done, according to The Detroit Free Press-Local 4 Michigan Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines, Iowa, from Dec. 10-12. Only 32% approve of Granholm's job performance, her lowest approval rating since taking office in January 2003."
• Freep: Long-term lawmakers wanted. Another Free Press-Local 4 poll shows that 68% of Michigan residents support an extension of the term limit law, while only 41% support the idea of a part-time legislature.

• WILX: Lansing GM Workers Win Big. The Free Press has named the Lansing-built Buick Enclave as its Truck of the Year. Kudos to all the UAW workers at the Delta Township plant!
• BFM: Food Stamp Requests Up. Family assistance cases are down, while requests for food aid are up. The Michigan League for Human Services' quarterly bulletin can be found here.

• Capitol Journal: Romney returning. Multiple Choice Mitt is coming to Lansing this week, and Derek is posing an important question: does he prefer Michigan or Michigan State? Mitt's brother is an MSU trustee, but Derek has photographic proof of the flip-flopper wearing a UM sweatshirt. Hey Mitt, pick a side, we're at war!
• Michigan Messenger: Holes Poked in Romney's Claim His Dad Marched With King. Sounds like the Mittster was stretching the truth just a teensy weensy bit when he said his old man marched with MLK. But don't worry, he only meant it in the "figurative" sense.
• Michigan Messenger: Estranged Bedfellows: Top Black Michigan Republican Dumps McCain for Huckabee. Keith Butler has jumped on the Huckster's bandwagon. He becomes the second major McCain supporter in Michigan to jump ship, following Mike Cox's decision to step down as state Chairman back in September.
• Walberg Watch: Van Hollen: Walberg Is A Target. Tim Walberg and Joe Knollenberg made DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen's list of Republican targets for 2008. The other good news? The DCCC is crushing the NRCC is the cash on hand department: $30.6 million to $2.3.
• BFM: McCotter's New PAC. It sounds like Thaddeus McCotter has gone off the deep end with the creation of his "Champions of American Freedom PAC." Go read Cordelia Lear's post for more.

Wednesday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Wed Dec 19, 2007 at 07:18:06 AM EST

Happy Hump Day. We've got a couple new BlogAds over in the sidebar, so please give those a look-see (these folks help keep the lights on). Enjoy your morning cup-o-links!

• DetNews: Granholm: Expect more budget cuts in 2008. "Much of the public doesn't want to see us cut health care, education or public safety," Granholm said from her ceremonial office at the State Capitol Building, adding "we will have to do more cuts and more reforms. The biggest reform that still has to occur: reforming sentencing."
• LivingBlue: Don't Be Fooled by 'Right to Work for Less' Petition. Judy takes a look at the so-called Right to Work ballot initiative that Republicans are expected to begin circulating at polling places on the day of Michigan's presidential primary.
• LSJ: Marijuana as medicine? Michigan voters may be asked in November to legalize drug for patients in pain. Those damn hippies: "These folks are trying to pull the wool over people's eyes," [Republican Sen. Alan] Cropsey said. "They'll get a couple of very sympathetic examples out there, but when it comes right down to it, they are just plain trying to legalize marijuana eventually."
• Freep: Universal health coverage sought. "Granholm supports the goal of universal, affordable care, but has not taken a position, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said. Boyd said she was not aware that Lt. Gov. Cherry's name was listed among the endorsements on a Web site linked to the campaign."

• Freep: 3 tech firms to add 532 jobs in state. "We want to create a climate where we grow these companies and see them through to maturity here in Michigan," Granholm said, noting that Accuri was one of the first recipients of a loan from the state's 21st Century Jobs Fund.
• DetNews: GM seeks deal on buyout plan. "The buyouts likely would be similar to those offered in 2006, when more than 34,000 hourly workers left GM in exchange for packages ranging from $35,000 to $140,000. GM would like to offer targeted buyouts, while the union is pushing for an offer to be extended to all workers."
• Bay City Times Editorial: With a bold goal, we will rise again with renewable energy. "Most experts agree that there's money in them thar green-energy hills, with biodiesel, ethanol, wind power and solar energy leading the way."
• Progress Michigan: Send Your Legislator a Dirty Lump of Coal this Christmas. In case you missed it, Santa's helper has a YouTube video up urging Michigan citizens to send a dirty lump of coal to state lawmakers this Christmas.
• Michigan Messenger: Energy Bill Compromise Cuts Key Democratic Proposals. "I could not support a new mandate on our auto industry without including the critical incentives and funding support needed to help them be successful and keep our jobs in America," Stabenow said. "Republicans refused to eliminate taxpayer subsidies for oil companies; stripped out tax incentives, including over $1 billion in consumer credits for the purchase of advanced technology vehicles; eliminated the clean-energy requirement; and did not fully implement the loan program."
• WNEM: Dow To Invest $100M, Add 55 Jobs In Midland. "Dow Chemical has been a partner in Michigan's economic success for more than 100 years," Granholm said. "We are proud to partner with the company once again as they develop new technologies and grow new jobs."

• WWJ: Poll: DeVos, Stabenow Favorites For Gov. Interesting poll results for the 2010 gubernatorial race. Of course, this poll is basically meaningless at this point... mainly a gauge of name recognition. Marjory Raymer of the Flint Journal explores the implications for John Cherry and Dan Kildee in this column.
• DetNews: Michigan crucial to Romney's GOP run. "And despite the apparent home-field advantage, the race appears very close. Recent public opinion polls have shown Huckabee gaining ground and McCain, the winner of the 2000 Michigan primary, still competitive."

• Capitol Journal: A question of honor. Derek wants to know why families of fallen soldiers can't be honored on the House floor.
• AP: Lt. Governor Announces Big Cut: I'll Drop 55. Gee, I wonder if this means he's running.
• Michigan Messenger: Gay Straight Alliance Group at Bay City School Draws Fire From a Parent. "I want it to be a safe thing for students," she said. "I am all for groups that prevent discrimination and violence and hate crimes and hate-related messages. I think in order to have a Gay Straight Alliance, it should focus on prevention of violence and promoting tolerance, not to teach students about homosexual or heterosexual behavior." Yes, that's a real quote.

Bob Jones endorses Romney; Romney endorses torture?

by: David Boyle

Tue Oct 16, 2007 at 21:52:32 PM EDT

  Dr. Bob Jones III, chancellor of the fundamentalist Christian university that bears his name, is looking past his religious differences with Gov. Mitt Romney and endorsing the Mormon for the Republican nomination for president, he told The Greenville News today.
  "This is all about beating Hillary," Jones said. ...
  "If it turns out to be Guiliani [sic] and Hillary, we've got two pro-choice candidates, and that would be a disaster." ...

  But will Bo-Jo's endorsement help...or hurt?

  In other terrible news, see TPM--Election Central, Romney's New National Security Adviser Said He'd Torture "In A Heartbeat",

  Retired General James "Spider" Marks, who has just been named a new national security adviser to Mitt Romney's campaign, asserted in a 2005 interview that he would readily torture prisoners to save a soldier's life or stop a terror bomb, saying: "I'd stick a knife in somebody's thigh in a heartbeat." ...
  Contacted by Election Central, Romney spokesman Kevin Madden declined to comment on Marks' assertions or say whether Governor Romney agreed with them. Madden did, however, say that Romney opposes torture, though he also confirmed that Romney supports the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques." Madden declined to specify what techniques in particular Romney was referring to.
  At the GOP debate in May, Romney surprised a lot of people -- and drew applause from his audience -- when he said: "Some people have said, we ought to close Guantanamo. My view is, we ought to double Guantanamo."

  Double your fun, huh. And we ain't talking bubblegum.

  Old Man Romney (the "George W. 43" of Michigan) must be spinning in his grave. Maybe his boy Mitt will promote gas-guzzling Detroit cars with an electric cattle prod feature to use on heathens or something.

Friday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Fri Jul 27, 2007 at 07:12:11 AM EDT

• Capitol Journal: GOP nomination plan bad for voters, good for Romney. If we end up with nominating conventions here in Michigan, Derek thinks Romney has it in the bag.
• WSJ: College Students Face Rising Birth-Control Prices. As if college students weren't getting screwed enough by the recent tuition hikes (puns intended), now this. Birth control that used to cost students $20/mo is now going for $50/mo at MSU. Who's to blame? "The change has an unlikely origin: the Deficit Reduction Act signed by President Bush last year. The legislation aimed to pare $39 billion in spending on federal programs, from subsidized student loans to Medicaid. And among the changes was one that, through an arcane set of circumstances, created a disincentive for drug makers to offer school discounts." Nice.
• BFM: Senate Republican Statement of the Day 7/25/2007- The Big Stall. "'Besides, if we put out a realistic budget now it would just scare people.' - Ron Jelinek (R- Three Oaks). Republicans? Worried about scaring people? That's a new twist."
• Conservative Media: Michigan Repubs take page out of Bush playbook with anti-union legislation. The Guru: "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in so called 'right to work states' earn about $5,300 less, they lack health care insurance or it is extremely expensive and they receive less for Worker’s Compensation if injured on the job."
• House Dems: House Democrats Pass Bills to Increase Voter Participation. No reason absentee voting, allowing clerks to send absentee voter applications to any citizen 60 or older (even if the application is not requested), and repealing the Rogers Law are three voting reforms that are long overdue.
• Stone Soup Musings: Republicans flip-flop on expanding health care for children. "Democrats in Washington want to expand health coverage for low-income kids, but President Bush says he'll veto any such legislation because he fears it might lead the nation 'down the path to government-run health care for every American.'" Oh, heaven forbid!
• Our Michigan: Child Poverty Increases in Michigan. CEW points out that 19% of children in Michigan live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level. Of course, things could be worse: "Curiously, the states with the highest child poverty rates are all "red" states that swung for Bush/Cheney in 2004. Here are the top 10: Alabama 25%, Arkansas 25%, Kentucky 22%, Louisiana 28%, Mississippi 31%, New Mexico 26%, Oklahoma 23%, South Carolina 23%, Texas 25%, West Virginia 26%."
• Walberg Watch: Walberg Was For It Before He Was Against It. First he compares Iraq to Detroit, then he rides into work on a Harley, now this whole episode of Tim saying he "supports" an earmark he submitted for the W.K. Kellogg Airport (even though he voted against it). Tim Walberg is many things, but boring is not one of them.
• Observer & Eccentric: Break the energy gridlock with creative opportunity. Earlier this week Eric B. had a great post up about renewables. There's clearly a market for renewable energy in Michigan, but as this article points out, "for these initiatives to ultimately be successful, the public must insist that state and federal elected officials develop policies that turn challenges into opportunities."
• Record-Eagle: Engler Majority mangling state environmental law. The Record-Eagle takes on the latest gem from the state supreme court: "Former Gov. John Engler's Gang of Four has once again chipped away at your rights as a Michigan citizen. In the process, they have also pushed us closer to a time when water — the state's most precious asset — can be bought and sold like cornflakes."
• K-Zoo Gazette: State funds to retain Pfizer workers are delayed. Gee, what could be holding up the money? "More than $8 million in funding that state officials had pledged to retain laid-off Pfizer Inc. workers has fallen victim to the ongoing budget mess in Lansing." The article continues, "'The window of opportunity to retain these employees is closing,' said Randy Thelen, president of Lakeshore Advantage in Holland. 'Now is the time that we need action. Anything that slows that down means Pfizer talent driving south out of Michigan.'"

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

Mitt Romney Holds Up "Obama/Osama" Sign

by: Brainwrap

Sat Jul 21, 2007 at 12:48:01 PM EDT

http://www.tmz.com/2...

http://www.blogsmith...

Yes, that's our favorite dog torturer and ex-Michigander (Michiganian?) showing what a classy  guy he is, by comparing a United States Senator to one of the most evil mass-murderers of our time.

Bonus: the sign misspells "momma" as well.

And just in case he tries to pull the "hey, that woman doesn't necessarily speak for me" crap, forget about it--he's actually HOLDING THE SIGN in the second pic. What an ass.

Friday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Fri Apr 20, 2007 at 06:32:45 AM EDT

• Lessenberry: Essay: Public Schools. Wow! Bravo...

As long as a city doesn't have decent public schools, families, white, black brown or polka-dot, aren't going to move there. As long as Michigan doesn't provide acceptable public education for all its citizens, we aren't going to be competitive, period. We need most of all to invest in our future. The state needs to guarantee that every school district has the resources necessary to provide the education students need to be successful.

• DNews: Michigan revenues show steepest slide in nation. The headline speaks for itself.
• Niles Star: MDOT director touts benefits of Midwest regional rail system. "Improved passenger rail service offers a convenient, alternative way to travel, which translates into substantial economic benefits for users, communities and states, according to a new report issued by the nine states participating in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative." Gee whiz, this sounds like something we should be investing in! The Comm Guru has more.
• WOOD TV: Democratic lawmakers take up embryonic stem cell research issue. "Michigan has some of the most restrictive rules in the nation for embryonic stem cell research. Supporters of the research say it would help Michigan attract life science companies and boost the state's economy."
• Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood: Rogers Votes Against D.C. Voting Rights. Mike Rogers could've made the correct moral decision, and voted to enfranchise 600,000 Washington D.C. residents yesterday, yet he chose not to.
• Stone Soup Musings: Republicans vote to keep fleecing American seniors. Republicans help Big Pharma, and screw American seniors. Big shock, I know.
• WWJ: German auto R&D firm to grow in Michigan. You gotta love good news like this.
• LSJ: 4 arrested at Minutemen co-founder's speech. Great. Maybe Kyle Bristow will get to go on The Factor again.
• LSJ: Bush visit to Michigan to focus on Iraq, anti-terrorism effort. Hide the children, the "Decider" is coming to Michigan today. Wizardkitten has the details on the requisite protest.
• DFP: Romney dominates in Michigan fund-raising. "Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Oakland County roots helped him raise more money in Michigan in the first three months of 2007 than all other White House wannabes -- Democrats and Republicans -- combined." And what did it buy him? According to a Strategic Vision Poll, he's still in third place in Michigan with 10%.
• Get Rich Slowly: Home Depot to Give Away Compact Fluorescent Bulbs this Sunday. A nice idea for Earth Day. I'm not a huge fan of Home Depot, but CFLs are great, and you can't beat the price.

Michigan's "Golden Boy" Romney - Home at Last?

by: Tracy Joan

Tue Feb 13, 2007 at 12:14:18 PM EST

Hey Michigan, Mitt's back, but is he home?

In a December 2005 interview with the Boston Herald, Republican presidential candidate, ex-Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney told the paper he would have stayed in his home state of Michigan had he known he would enter a career in politics. 

"Running as a Romney in Michigan is golden for a politician," the Detroit native said.  "I never would have thought about Massachusetts had I anticipated that politics was going to be in my future."

Romney's father served as the governor of Michigan from 1963-69. 

Ehlers: State of the Union "focused on issues and answers"

by: ScottyUrb

Sat Jan 27, 2007 at 02:56:16 AM EST

"President Bush gave a good speech tonight that focused on issues and answers and stayed away from partisanship and divisions. It is my hope that the members of Congress who listened to the speech can take that spirit of cooperation, set aside partisan differences and work to move our nation forward.

"I was especially heartened by the President's call to strengthen the math and science skills of our children. Since joining Congress, one of my top priorities has been to improve the math and science standards in our nation's schools. I agree with the President about the importance of ensuring that our children receive the best education and training possible to equip them for the jobs of the future. This will allow our nation to remain competitive in the world economy. I also look forward to working with the President on his pledge to review and improve the No Child Left Behind Act, as I serve on the Education & Labor Committee, which has jurisdiction on this important legislation.

"I agree with President Bush about the necessity for our nation to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Although I may not agree with all of his solutions, we certainly agree on the need to develop alternatives to fossil fuels. His proposal to reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent over the next 10 years is a laudable goal - and one that we can achieve if we truly dedicate ourselves to it. I personally look forward to the opportunity to work to make this goal a reality."

"Finally, I appreciate the President's call to seek ways to provide health care insurance to the 47 million Americans who don't have it. There are promising initiatives in the states, particularly Gov. Mitt Romney's plan in Massachusetts and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal in California. I hope President Bush and Congress pursue this goal and that, together, we can reach a solution."

Mitt Romney's Eroding Support in Michigan

by: nirmal

Mon Jan 01, 2007 at 02:33:18 AM EST

Typically, we are the targets of the Republican smear machine.  With the upcoming 2008 Republican primary, various conservative figures are setting their sights on each other instead of us.  For example, Pat Robertson's CBN (take a very large grain of salt) reports that Mitt Romney's support in Michigan may be eroding due to inconsistencies in his positions on issues such as abortion and gay marriage.

...there are at least four Republican Representatives from the Michigan State House that are seriously rethinking their support of Romney for President.

These are members of Romney's steering committee in Michigan who are now having reservations about recent revelations about Romney's past comments in regards to marriage, abortion and the Boy Scouts. There's a good chance that they could jump ship. I know that one of them wrote to Romney's office demanding specific answers to certain questions.

(snip)

What I'm being told from a well placed source on the ground is that the representatives who may leave Romney are really questioning the legitimacy of his conservative credentials. Romney has always said he has evolved on these issues over the years, but these folks in Michigan think it's okay to evolve, but some of this seems to be major flip flop material, especially on the life issue where they point out how he's gone from pro-choice in 1994, to pro-life in 2000, to pro-choice in 2002 and now back to pro-life.

Romney's office will dispute this, but what they can't dispute is a potential unraveling among their steering committee in Michigan.