While the Michigan Democratic Party has been facing problems stemming from it's early primary and seating at the Convention, the Michigan Republican Party is in it's own dire straits, from the top level down.
Nowling said the next disclosure report for the state fund, to be filed in August, will show no debt. He said party chairman Saul Anuzis is committed to ending the 2008 campaign debt-free -- even if that means scaling back spending to account for slowing donations.
In a story I reported on Michigan Liberal months ago, the Detroit News finally discovers this important little tidbit.
Michigan GOP finds itself in debt $240,000 deficit, fundraising difficulties threaten party's ability to compete in fall Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau Michigan
Republican activists are worried that their state party, heading into an intensive and expensive 2008 campaign, is in debt and failing to raise the money it needs to be competitive this fall. The combination of a $240,000 debt and a harsh fundraising environment for Republicans is expected to be the topic of debate this weekend, when the state GOP's budget and central committees meet in Lansing. "Basically, we're close to a quarter of a million dollars in debt, and this should be a time we're raising money and not spending it," said Bill Beddoes of Allen Park, the party's 14th Congressional District chairman. "It's very disturbing." The financial picture could be key to a list of crucial races up and down the ticket -- from the presidential race in what is expected to be a battleground state, to GOP hopes of recapturing control of the Michigan House. "If the money isn't there, you can't get the message out," said Oakland County Commissioner Robert Gosselin, a former state representative who said he is worried about his party's debt.
I found this video really interesting and so typical of the Republicons. I hope this video from Saul makes the point that no matter the issues we're having with our primary, that we make the main focus beating the Republicons and John McBush in the fall.
As an active reader in the blogosphere for some time now, some of the most recent actions of Saul Anuzis, aka The Chairman, have required me to share my thoughts. Yesterday, news broke that The Chairman would be hosting WJIM 1240’s morning show. The questionable ethics of this decision have been well discussed by the above linked post. But we should not be surprised by such ethical ignorance on behalf of The Chairman.
If you’ve never had a chance to check out The Chairman's "blog," let me tell you, it’s a good read. There is little I enjoy more than having Republican propaganda, excuse me, news shoved down my throat. Harsh am I you say? Read on.
The reason I enjoy blogs so much is because of their encouragement of discourse. I think the greatest aspect of a blog is the comments section. Here we can complement, disagree, provide new perspectives, and just generally discuss the issues our country and state face. Furthermore, the opportunity that each of us has to publish our own posts creates an atmosphere for activism and discussion unlike any in recent history.
I am not the only person out there to notice this inherent quality of the blogs. Many, including MichLib co-founder Laura Packard, have attributed the success of the blogosphere to its allowance of “deeper discussion of the issues, of candidates, [and] of races.” Others have also recognized the importance of blogs, in particular the comments at the bottom, in facilitating “informative discussions” about issues and beliefs. I agree. The Chairman does not.
If you haven’t yet taken my advice, venture over to "That's Saul Folks." Anything missing? Possibly a comments section? That’s right.
Good ol' Chairman refuses to allow comments on his BLOG. One of the most important aspects of blogging, the sharing of ideas, is apparently not on the agenda for the GOP.
Back to my original point, a poor ethical decision was made when The Chairman was allowed to host WJIM’s morning show. Whether this is the responsibility of WJIM for giving him the opportunity, or Saul's responsibility by actually taking advantage of the opportunity is up to debate. What is clear is that regardless of whether it's promoting diverse discussion and discourse, or allowing others to comment on his "blog," The Chairman prefers to force-feed his agenda to those willing to listen. Not I.
Update2 - Correction:It has been brought to my attention that there does not appear to be anything illegal about letting Saul Anuzis host a radio show. The FCC's rules governing Equal Time only apply to legal candidates for elected office.
If any licensee shall permit any person who is a legally qualified candidate for any public office to use a broadcasting station, he shall afford equal opportunities to all other such candidates for that office in the use of such broadcasting station: Provided, That such licensee shall have no power of censorship over the material broadcast under the provisions of this section. No obligation is imposed under this subsection upon any licensee to allow the use of its station by any such candidate.
Since neither Saul nor his announced guests are "legally qualified" candidates, the Equal Time provision does not apply. (The Fairness Doctrine does not apply either as that is Long Dead.) In all probability, any complaints filed with the FCC about this are pointless. ~rich.
Update: You can file a formal complaint with the FCC here, hat-tip to lapojoynt for the comment below
As if the lack of journalist ethics in the mainstream media weren't bad enough, WJIM 1240 AM just stooped to an all new low. According to his so-called blog, MI Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis had this news this morning -
Thursday, I will be “guest hosting” the Big Show, as Michael Patrick Shiels is gone on his honeymoon! My invited guests will include Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove and others.
Please tune in for the show and more information throughout the week as to where you can hear the show live. We’ll also post it on our web page for your review as we do with all the shows we do.
While it was so generous of host Michael Patrick Shiels to allow Saul Anuzis to spew conservative propaganda from 5:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, it appears as if the favor has not be offered to the other side. Can we expect a similar offer to be made to MI Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer?
For now, it's clear that Shiels is showing his true colors and intelligent minds can only assume that as the election draws near, he will continue to fall in lock step with conservative propaganda ideals leaving listeners to assume that all information that comes out of the station and his show must be slanted and non-objective.
According to the station's website, after the morning noise pollution by Saul subsidies, listeners will be treated to Sean Hannity and right-wing hack Bill O'Reilly.
(It is interesting to note that WJIM's competitor, 1320 WILS' morning host, Walt Sorg, is also on vacation this week. His choice of guest hosts? Local TV personalities and journalism professors, but not political leaders.)
The greater issue that this speaks to is the lack of journalistic ethics which appears to be blatant, making Fox News look saintly. More than anything, WJIM and Shiels are not even trying to appear objective or care about equal air time. By their actions, they expect the listening public not to care either and to go the usual way of the sheep, just doing what we're told.
Say NO to WJIM and Michael Patrick Shiels, and stand up to unfair journalist ethics. Visit their contact page and demand that the station provides equal air time for partisan politics. Intelligent listeners deserve better than their lazy and unethical programming choices.
Today Dennis Lennox posted video from his testimony in front of the State Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education Funding. Of course he didn't post my reply. I have a blog entry at Vote No On Joe.
Dennis' lies are out of control.
I do want to make it clear, I am not paid by any organization connected to the Democratic party, nor Gary Peters' campaign, which is one of Dennis' claims, that I am a "paid bozo from Oakland county."
DetNews: Obama, McCain win decisively. You can read the AP story here.
The Fix: The Fix's First Take on Wisconsin Results. Chris Cillizza examines the primary results from Wisconsin.
Local, State, National Politics
Michigan Messenger: Campaign seeks state Supreme Court election reform. "A busload of activists from Northern Michigan is headed to Lansing today to lobby for voluntary public financing of state Supreme Court campaigns. Current Michigan law does not require financial disclosure for television issue ads about the state Supreme Court."
Dawson Bell: Mich. GOP chairman relishes game of politics. The accompanying profile of Mark Brewer by Chris Christoff can be found here: Brewer takes heat in stride.
State Government/Legislation
Flint Journal: A casino in Flint? Mayor says yes. "'It's going to be very difficult,"' Kildee said. 'I can't predict what's going to happen in the House, but the biggest hurdle is going to be in the Senate.' Kildee said U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has expressed "strong opposition" to the bill establishing more casinos."
GR Press: Drug law hearings sought. More stonewalling on the push to repeal Michigan's shameful drug immunity law from Sen. Wayne Kuipers.
Saginaw News: Groups upset with Kahn over drug law. ''Roger Kahn took a Hippocratic oath when he became a doctor,'' said Gleason, a Flushing Democrat, ''and yet he joins those who would delay justice. He's not only wrong politically, he's wrong professionally as well.''
Walt Sorg: Interview with Rep. Mike Simpson on Drug Immunity. Kudos to Progress Michigan, Sen. Gleason and Rep. Simpson for turning the heat up on this issue.
Macomb Daily: Rep. Bieda wants coin sellers to come clean. "Bieda's new proposal would require mints, issuers or foreign governments that advertise in Michigan to 'clearly and conspicuously disclose'" that such coins 'cannot be exchanged or redeemed at face value for U.S. currency in the United States.'"
LSJ: Universities asked not to hire smokers. The Republican solution to rising health care costs? "Sen. Thomas George, R-Kalamazoo, challenged the presidents of the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State University to find ways to make Michigan's population healthier, going so far as to ask the presidents to refuse to hire smokers."
Freep: Patterson: Plans for Cobo going nowhere. "Most of that benefit [to the local economy] flows from the annual North American International Auto Show, and organizers have warned for years that the show's preeminence would fade if aging Cobo isn't expanded and upgraded."
Environment, Energy & the Economy
Michigan Messenger: High-tech firm plans to make super-tiny nanotech particles in Lansing neighborhood. "XG is seeking a tax break of more than $100,000 to put its production facility in Lansing. In return, XG will locate two or three jobs in the city. The proposed facility would be a test site to show potential buyers the production possibilities."
Michigan Messenger: UP nickel mine clears DNR hurdle, opponents dig in. "This lease will leave the DNR and Michigan taxpayers vulnerable to bearing clean-up costs from pollution," NWF attorney Michelle Halley said, "and it would put the DNR in the inappropriate role of facilitating a mining district in the U.P."
BFM: The Pile is Just Too High. The latest blog post from financial literacy expert Lois Gibbons.
Saginaw News: Power plant battle hot. "Environmental groups are gearing up to block a $2 billion coal-fired power plant near the mouth of the Saginaw River in Bay County, along with another plant proposed for Midland by two out-of-state companies."
Odds & Ends
BFM: Governor Granholm at Activate '08. Bruce has video of Gov. Granholm from last weekend's blog training.
CNN Money: Delta-Northwest deal could mean fewer cheap seats. It now looks like the deal might be in jeopardy.
Let me know if I forgot anything. Drop your links in the comments section...
It just keeps getting better and better and yes, even better.
First the Michigan Republicans under their fearless leader, Saul Anuzis, sent out the wrong press release declaring Sen. John McCain as the winner of yesterday's primary. (hat-tip to Nazgul for picking it up) Wow, that must have been embarrassing.
Immediately after "hitting the wrong button", their words not mine, they sent the correct press release congratulating Mitt Romney. the actual winner. Too bad, the damage was already done.
Then the Detroit Free Press picked it up. (add egg to face here) Are we past the point of embarrassing yet?
And then, the heavens opened up and the Tubes of the Internets shone down on all of us because CNN.com posted this beauty -
Now that my friends, must be the Republican Faux Pas of the year.
Of course, this only January 16th and last I heard, Bush, Bishop, DeVos, Drolet and the rest of the mighty mighty Republican WindBags have no plans on stopping the Michigan 2008 BS Tour, all led by dear, darling Saul. All together now...
But will she capture a large enough percentage to avoid embarrassment Tuesday?
),
Gov. Jennifer Granholm said this morning at a Clinton rally in Southfield that her candidate "is committed to Michigan."
"Her opponent in this state apparently is 'uncommitted,' which is not an opponent," Granholm told reporters after speaking to 100 Clinton supporters at the Westin Hotel. "That is why we are encouraging voters to get out and vote for Hillary Clinton. She is not uncommitted to Michigan, which the other candidates apparently are."
Clinton opted not to campaign in Michigan because she made a pledge to uphold the party primary calendar, which is tilted to early races in Iowa and New Hampshire.
There are multiple truth problems with JG's words here, including the fact that, uh, Clinton pledged not to campaign in Michigan (as noted above)! so that Dennis Kucinich, whatever his other problems, is more committed to Michigan than Clinton, cf. George Bullard in DetNews, Re Michigan, at least Kucinich shows up.
As well, like it or not, Gravel and Kucinich are opponents of Clinton, too, so JG is inaccurate by not mentioning them as opponents, mentioning only "uncommitted" as an opponent. (Cheap rhetorical trick?)
Last but not least, Granholm (who USED to say that Michigan Liberal is her favorite blog--is that still true??--, so that she may read here frequently) may have borrowed the "committed/uncommitted" wordplay of yours truly on 1/9/08, "Ironically, then, if you are COMMITTED to change, you may have to vote UNCOMMITTED on 1/15." ...I wonder how much she might owe me for "copyright infringement"! No wonder the writers went on strike...
Now what is really interesting, is Jennifer Granholm's lack of commitment to staying in Michigan herself and doing her job, instead of running off to D.C. with Hillary, if she wins, and then leaving the Michigan mess to her new "Chief Operating Officer" (!! "Michigan Incorporated"??), and to John Cherry, whose, to be blunt, "charisma issues" might prevent him from becoming governor in a normal election.
See Tim Skubick, the "Off the Record" video of his JG interview on 10/12/07, at c. 13:45-15:45 on the video. (Check WKAR if the above link doesn't work) TS asks JG repeatedly if she will pledge not to leave Lansing, and JG refuses again and again to answer, talking about "speculation", dodging the issue, and leaving a deep suspicion about her own commitment to Michigan. (She does say that fixing Michigan should take longer than a year and a half, and that she doesn't want to go to D.C. ...o.k., then why can't she pledge to stay in Lansing? Whom does she think she's fooling??)
Repeatedly refusing to pledge to stay on the job in her own state, throwing (or even subtly massaging...) the election for a pal who can give her a cushy slot in D.C., and taking millions of taxpayers dollars to do it, plus the voter list graft, plus holding the DNC-rulebreaking election even after 4 Dem candidates correctly avoided it, plus Michigan's collapse in general...how committed is politician Granholm to Michigan, or staying in Michigan, or anything? Can she be believed when she mocks "uncommitted" voters like the great John Conyers and says voting Hillary is better?
Probably not. If you vote, vote "uncommitted"...and commit to doing something about Granholm's, Dingell's, Brewer's, Anuzis's, McManus's, and Bishop's noxious dedication to doing the wrong thing re the 1/15 primary, and so many other wrong things as well. Thanks for your commitment to Michigan and to Michigan rank-and-file Democrats!
5. Most Annoying Snot-Nosed College Kid Award Kyle Bristow was irritating enough way back in 2006, when the soon-to-be leader of Young Americans for Freedom at Michigan State University posted his 13-point agenda, including elimination from student government of virtually every non-white, non-heterosexual and non-Christian group. He ratcheted it up with a “Straight Power” demonstration featuring “End Faggotry” and “Go Back in the Closet” signs. From there, Bristow and his MSU-YAF degenerated into “Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day” contests, a “Koran Desecration” competition, and even, last September, an attack on a new Latino studies doctoral program under this headline: “MSU Offers Doctorate in Savagery.” Bristow went on to invite such speakers to MSU as Nick Griffin, head of the racist British National Party and a long-time Holocaust denier. All of this was bad enough on its own. Truly appalling, however, were the accolades Bristow received from mainstream politicians including Michigan GOP boss Saul Anuzis, who, shortly after the Southern Poverty Law Center named MSU-YAF a hate group, had this to say: “This [Bristow] is exactly the kind of young kid we want out there.”
Happy Hump Day. If you get a sec, be sure to check out the new BlogAd in the sidebar about the special election for Dennis Hastert's House seat. Enjoy your morning cup-o-links!
State Government/Legislation
BFM: House Democrats pass foreclosure plan, Granholm calls on Senate to act. "The House is getting down to business, moving legislation that will help Michigan citizens who are facing foreclosure. Today, they passed a plan that address ARMs and provides help for those who have missed payments." The House press release can be found here.
BFM: Schauer Fights Back. Again. "Don't mess with Mark Schauer. He fights back. He's a standup guy. That is why I like him so, and that is why the Senate Republican leadership works so hard to discredit him. He won't let them get away with their nefarious schemes."
DetNews: Mich. in middle in elections quality. Media Mouse takes a look at the report in this post, which is also worth reading.
Michigan Future: Lobbying continues on business taxes after death of state sales tax on services. Uh oh. There's already talk among the business community about "reforming" the MBT.
Monroe News: State House Democrats aim to tighten recall regulations. "As a reaction to the growing list of harmful products, [ State Reps. Kate Ebli, D-Monroe, and Kathleen Law, D-Gibraltar] devised a plan that would require businesses to remove dangerous products from store shelves within a set time frame after a recall has been issued."
Flint Journal: Activists seek hearing on drug lawsuit bill. "State Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing, and groups concerned about the impact of harmful prescription drugs urged state Senate Republicans on Monday to consider legislation that would allow legal action against companies whose products kill or injure users."
Energy, Environment and the Economy
Great Lakes Guy: In Great Lakes, Testing and Uncertainty on Renewables. "Despite the mounting number of stories that reveal an inspiring - and profitable - 21st century change in thinking about wind turbines, mpg's, or even algae, there always seems to be something that brings the whole conversation crashing back down into the comfort zone of 20th-century-style-business-as-usual."
The Conversation: From Sweden to Escanaba: Biofuels in the UP. It sounds like the Governor's trip to Sweden is already paying dividends.
DetNews: Wind can help power Michigan's energy future. "That's why wind, along with energy efficiency, leads the way in a number of plans in the state Legislature to move Michigan into a smarter energy future that minimizes dirty and dangerous fuel sources, stabilizes and lowers electricity rates and reduces air pollutants like mercury and heat-trapping carbon dioxide."
Flint Journal: Company to add jobs in Owosso. "Pyramid Peak Coatings has bought the facility and assets of the former Vaungarde Acquisitions site... The company plans to have up to 20 employees at startup in January, and 40 to 50 when it gets to full operation later in the year."
Flint Journal: GM plant in Flint goes landfill-free. "Reducing waste is an important business goal for General Motors," said plant manager Tony Suggs. "It is good for our business and the environment. The process is a total team effort, involving all our employees and union partners IAM 2484 and UAW local 659."
AP: Michigan Senate approves bill giving amnesty from service tax. "The bill gives amnesty from owing or collecting the service tax. People can get refunds from businesses that charged the tax. It's unclear if any businesses actually collected the service tax."
Local, State, National Politics
Michigan Messenger: Dingell-Anuzis push presidential primary plan. Never thought I'd see those two names on the same side of an issue, but it's true. Go check out Kevin's article.
Freep: There's an interesting little tidbit near the end of Christoff's column today: "Knollenberg's office confirmed this week that Wisecup isn't working for the Bloomfield Township Republican but declined to discuss why, saying it was a personnel matter."
Odds & Ends
Saginaw News: Governor's husband urges vision. The News has a nice write-up on the First Gentleman's speech before a meeting of the Saginaw County African American Leadership Training Institute.
BFM: State GOP Representative Profits - Taxpayers Pay. The headline says it all. Oh, and Kathy coins a new phrase: "wingnut welfare."
Media Mouse: Report: Michigan Failing to Meet Health Goals for Children. "The report, which was compiled by the Michigan League for Human Services and Michigan's Children, concludes that Michigan has made 'limited progress' and 'will fail to meet many national standards for healthy children, families and neighborhoods' if more aggressive action is not taken."
Let me know if I forgot anything. Drop your links in the comments section...
Gordon Trowbridge of DetNews says the MDP executive committee meeting will be by telephone!! tonight, Tuesday: see his Clock ticking on primary fix,
...The state Democratic Party's executive committee will meet Tuesday night by conference call to finalize the decision to participate in the Jan. 15 contest. Primary supporters believe they have the votes on the committee to go forward, though there are likely to be some among the 80 or so committee members who argue to opt out of the primary, especially if the House fails to add the missing candidate names.
Oh, a little private meeting, huh? And not on the regular Wednesday? Looks like somebody wants to cut out live, personal opinion and presence at that meeting. Bad idea.
What you can do about it...is somewhat up to you. It certainly includes contacting the MDP,
, to complain that it will be a closed-to-the-public meeting (OR to demand the meeting be delayed and opened to the public), and to ask for a February 9 caucus (or February 5th-or-later primary--if you're a huge primary fan) that will prevent the DNC from rejecting Michigan delegates. And whatever else you want: it's your opinion and right to voice it. --Just as rank-and-file Mich Dems are finding their voice and organizing an implementation challenge against the MDP's rulebreaking, and, I believe, unethical, manipulation of the delegate selection process.
Do you really want Debbie Dingell and Mark Brewer and Carl Levin--working in collusion with Saul Anuzis and Mike Bishop, by the way--to risk throwing away your vote completely, in a DNC-rulebreaking primary (or January caucus) that also risks not getting ballots to our overseas soldiers on time? Forgive me, but I certainly hope you don't want that.
Thank you for your efforts in keeping Michigan Democrats democratic. They are deeply appreciated.
Michigan's Jan. 15 primary ballot will include just half the Democratic candidates for president. The state Senate on Tuesday refused to take up legislation that would have restored the names of four Democratic presidential candidates to the ballot who withdrew earlier from the primary. Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, blamed Democrats for not being on the same page with each other. ... Bishop said some of the Democratic candidates threatened to sue if their names were restored to the ballot. [HA HA HA!!!] Republicans said election clerks couldn't afford to delay any further waiting for legislators to act or lawsuits to be settled. ...
...Now, a small, but vocal faction within the Michigan Democrat [!] Party is working behind the scenes to scuttle our chance to play a pivotal role in selecting the presidential nominees. ... It is time for Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives to act and adopt legislation -- that passed the state Senate -- to once and for all set Michigan's primary for Jan. 15. ...
Act now before it's too late and demand a February 5-or-later caucus! The vote you save will be your own! You can count on neither Saul Anuzis nor Debbie Dingell to protect your enfranchisement, I am sad to note...
Michigan Republican lawmakers were being asked by a top party official to hold firm against Gov. Jennifer Granholm's request today to raise taxes, based on a poll commissioned by the party that GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis said shows the public is on their side.
-snip-
Anuzis' memo claims that a survey of 521 Michiganders shows the public sides with Republicans.
Okay, well that's fine and dandy, but honestly, anyone can make up a poll.
If you go through and read the article, there's not a single mention of the polling firm or where or how the survey was conducted.
How many of the 521 Michiganders agree with the no-tax option?
Was the survey conducted by phone, in person, over the internet?
Was it located on DeVos' blog RightMichigan or on Saul's pathetic excuse of a blog?
Did Saul call his party members himself and poll them after they got done making a donation?
So why did Dawson Bell write this article and how did it get published? Most journalists won't touch a poll unless it has accredited, scientific polling behind it. Most publishers won't let it go to print without fact-checking. But then again, we are talking about Dawson Bell and the Free Press' and Lansing State Journal's publisher, right-wing Gannett.
With the news that House Republican Minority Leader Craig DeRoche (R-Now Very Irrelevant) has been sent home and Senate Republican Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel) has done the unthinkable by engaging in negotiations with Democratic Speaker of the House Andy Dillon and the rest of House Democrats, Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis is running scared, and taking on his own Party in the process.
Shortly after the news circulated that Bishop had arrived at the House, Saul sent out a frantic email to his members labeled as an "urgent call to action".
Blaming Gov. Granholm and House Dems with 'exerting unprecedented pressure' on House Republicans, Saul pleads with Republicans to 'call and email now...Monday could be too late!' Does this mean that Saul and Leon will be the only two left to tango on Republican Fantasy Island?
Meanwhile back in reality, or at least the House Floor, there's been a significant increase in the number of legislators back at their desk, and if that doesn't tell you anything, there's definitely more noticeable smiles and jovial attitudes among these public servants, on both sides of the aisle.
Does anyone have a white flag handy? I think the Republicans on Seymour Street in Lansing are looking for theirs.
Applications are currently being taken for Republican leadership. Requirements include -
1) Some rockin' hair
2) Strong, almost magnetic attraction to the media, particularly when you have nothing relevant or factual to say.
3) A very strong, self-centered personal agenda, usually without particular relevance to the desires and needs of the district.
4) The ability to raise various immense amounts of money from special interest groups who are in line with your personal agenda.
It doesn't matter whether you are a former city councilman, a lawyer, or a college drop-out, the Republican Party would love to have you in a leadership position.
Take for instance, House Minority Leader Craig DeRoche(R-Irrelevant).
First off, there's wide bi-partisan speculation throughout the Capitol that despite losing the House to the Democrats, DeRoche only retained leadership because of the immense cash he raised for the Party.
Things that make you go hmmm...
Throughout the long continual talks between House leadership behind closed doors, DeRoche was visibly present on the House floor. Assistant Republican Floor Leader Kevin Elsenheimer was visibly absent from the House floor, no doubt in the midst of discussions with Speaker of the House Andy Dillon.
Like Senate Republican Leader Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel) and Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis, DeRoche loves him some media.
In observation over the last six months, numerous observers have had a hard time deciding who was the bigger "friend" of the media, Bishop or DeRoche.
Both last night and today, DeRoche has been seen running repeatedly to the press, often with complaints and frustrations of the Democrats, but with very little that can be supported with facts or confirmation.
Just a few moments ago, DeRoche slinked over to the media with more complaints (same story different words) and while he was spinning his tale, former Democratic Senate leader and now State Budget Director Bob Emerson interrupted and accused DeRoche of delivering some unfounded rhetoric with the hopes of landing a guest spot on Frank Beckman's right-wing talk show. It was all observers could do not to chuckle out loud at Emerson's well-delivered one-upmanship.
Here in the legislature, nicknames and credibility are earned on the tall ladder of trials and tribulations that span the years. So it's no surprise to many, both members and staff alike, that DeRoche's nickname is Irrelevant. DeRoche, now in his third and final House term, seems to have aptly earned his handle.
Its no secret that Michigan Republicans - especially Mike Bishop - don't care that college students are being forced to swallow outrageous tuition hikes around 10% statewide. But it wasn't until today that I found out why they are so apathetic about Michigan's future. It appears that Michigan Republicans are led by a man who never cared enough to get a college degree himself: Saul Anuzis.
In Saul's web diary (I refuse to call it a blog until I can comment on it) today, he claims that MDP's Mark Brewer called him a "dropout." Now, after my laughter, I looked for what Saul's response was. Turns out Saul never refutes Mark's point but just waxes anti-intellectual by insinuating that going to Harvard undergrad and Stanford law is a bad thing. (As an aside, the anti-intellectual sentiment in this country is one of my biggest pet peeves.)
So I decided to research why Saul never refuted the claim he was a dropout. The first place I turn is the propaganda he calls his bio on MIGOP.org. Now it mentions that he attended U-M-Dearborn, but it noticeably never uses the word "graduate." Interesting but not exactly damning.
I next turned to my good friend Google. After a simple search of "Anuzis U of M Dearborn" I instantly find this from one of my old favorite blogs MI Caucus(I really wish these MI Caucus folks would continue their antics more regularly):
EXCLUSIVE!
The Education of MI-GOP Chair Saul Anuzis Little known facts about Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis' college career at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, also known as "incomplete" or "failed to graduate." See if you can answer the questions below. You won't see this in the alumni rag. Exclusive to the Michigan Caucus (Copyright 2006).
MI Caucus never does reveal their source but I have to say they have a good track record on this sort of thing. And it all fits: Anuzis never refutes the "dropout" charge, never claims to have graduated in his bio, and outside sources seem to point to Anuzis being a dropout.
So to my original point. Anuzis, a man who apparently did not respect higher education to get a degree himself, is head of the party blocking new revenue streams to keep college tuition costs low. I don't think it is that much of stretch to think helping college kids is low on Anuzis' priority list.
America and Michigan need less dropouts like Rove, Anuzis and more educated people like Democrats.
Spartanburg County Republican Committee Chair Rick Beltram pulled a Saul Anuzis when he tried to exclude Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul from all party functions in the South Carolina county, and, like Anuzis, Beltram was forced last week to extend a personal invitation to the conservative candidate.
What was Paul's crime that he was excluded from the small, narrow tent known as the Republic Party? He dared to question the government, its foreign policy and its failed policies in the deadly occupation and civil war in Iraq. Funny, I always thought that's what the Founding Fathers based the Constitution and government on.
According to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Congressman Paul said at the GOP debate in Columbia this year that American intervention in foreign affairs as far back as 1953 was, in part, a catalyst for the 9/11 attacks. Again, it's funny that any criticism of the government translates to hating and blaming America for Republicans. Saying it was a reason or contributed to it in no way means it was correct, it was the proper response or the innocent people who died in the attack asked for it. Beltram, apparently, decided to boycott Paul from any future county party events. "He can stay home," Beltram told the Herald-Journal, who for months held that this county would welcome all Republican candidates. "Well, the door's closed for him."
According to Ron Paul's campaign blog, Paul supporters flooded Beltram's phone lines (864-542-1992) and email inbox (rick.beltram@intedge.com) with protests, and that led Beltram to extend a personal invitation with a very condescending and snotty note. The note invited him to a question and answer forum and a meet and greet before Aug. 15 "to convince us that have incorrect information about Dr. Paul's political platform." I have no idea why Paul has to convince or prove anything to Beltram. It seems to me Paul has plenty of supporters without Beltram's help, and isn't the job of any party chair at any level during a primary simply to allow members the most access to candidates and get their views out to as many party members as possible so the best candidate can be chosen by the party members?
Following the same debate in May, Anuzis said he would circulate a petition among Republican National Committee members to ban Paul from more debates. However, the response was so overwhelming negative against Anuzis trying to censor Paul that it shut down his web site and email. Published reports said "party outcry was so great that it took a visit to Detroit by RNC chairman Mike Duncan to convince Michigan Republicans that Anuzis was still cut out to be their leader." It also led Anuzis to issue a contrite but insincere letter on his unblog
It appears my watchdogging of the aftermath of Saul Anuzis' failed attempt to oust Ron Paul is coming to end today because Saul's contact page is back online. It is funny that Saul only started taking calls and emails again last night after he announces is going on vacation. (I might need a ruling to see if Saul's stonewalling of public outcry is actually over or if I need to continue blogging on this.)
Don't worry kids, Saul tends to screw up a lot and I will be back to blog about it.
But before I go, I have a couple of final facts for you. Saul made one more comment after yesterday's diary. Saul made a total of eight comments during the whole Ron Paul fiasco, proving he is more responsive to us liberals than anyone from the party he leads.
Saul, have fun yachting with Dick DeVos or whatever you Republicans do on Memorial day weekend. And for the rest of you, have fun watching Detroit beat Cleveland in all things sport.
