The sign outside the ballroom was matter-of-fact: "Unsigned $20. Signed $15. No Haggling."
That matter-of-fact sign was next to a matter-of-fact pile of books, which sat on a matter-of-fact folding table. And sitting behind it was a matter-of-fact man, whom you might walk right past without so much as a glance.
That's too bad, because he could become the next President of the United States.
The man was Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, and he was signing copies of his new book, "Seize Freedom! American Truths and Renewal in a Chaotic Age," outside the Conservative Principles Conference in Des Moines late last month. When he addressed the crowd later in the day, he told them that he drove the 17-hour round trip from Detroit alone because, "If you spent 81/2 hours in a car with me, it would violate the Geneva Convention."
Tonight on Hardball with Chuck Todd, had Chris VanHollen, and Thaddeus McCotter disucssed health care reform. McCotter admitted that he would campaign on repealing health care reform.
Natalie Mosher is running against McCotter. If you'd like to help her campaign, click here.
Even as his party blocks Democratic attempts to expand health insurance for humans, a Republican congressman is trying to round up support for a bill that would provide a $3,500 annual tax deduction for Americans to pay for the medical care of their pets.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter on Tuesday asking fellow members to co-sponsor his Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, despite the upsurge in concern over the rising cost of health care coverage for actual humans.
"Dear Colleague," the letter reads.
"According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of United States households own a pet. Indeed, the human-animal bond has been shown to have a positive effect upon people's emotional and physical well being. In families with children, pets help to create a nurturing environment and provide ample educational opportunities. For people in later stages of life, pets offer important companionship. No matter the age of the owner, pets have been shown to reduce stress, safeguard against depression, improve social skills, and even ease loss.
"In light of this, please join me in becoming a cosponsor to H.R. 3501, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act. If enacted, H.R. 3501 would amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow an annual tax deduction of up to $3500 for qualified pet care expenses. Specifically, "qualified pet care expenses" would be defined as funds spent in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a legally owned, domesticated animal.
Natalie Mosher is running against McCotter and is close to making the Red to Blue Program with the DCCC. Your contributions would be appreciated. Click here to contribute.
Thaddeus McCotter is getting lots of face time on The Rachel Maddow Show. Tonight Rachel calls him out for advancing the idea that the Democratic health care plan calls for encouraging euthanasia for senior citizens. Shame on you, Thad.
Even after President Obama walked back from his "acted stupidly" remark in regard to the arrest of Professor Henry Gates, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter isn't satisfied. He wants to introduce a resolution in Congress calling for a Presidential apology. What a waste of time.
I had an opportunity to listen in on Congressman McCotter's conference call discussing the Economic Recovery Act. You will hear at the 6:25 mark I identified myself as Bob from Livonia. At 19:26 in the recording, the moderator says "Bob" had dropped off the call. I was still on the call, but they didn't ask me to ask my question live to the Congressman.
My question was basically whether Congressman McCotter, as some governors are doing, not accept the stimulus money for his district.
Politico has a feature on Thaddeus McCotter's prospects for 2010.
Back home in his increasingly Democratic suburban Detroit district, there's growing evidence that his rhetoric is landing him in hot water. His reelection percentages have steadily declined from 57 percent in 2004 to 51 percent in 2008 - and he has yet to face a well-funded, top-tier Democratic challenger.
Just for fun, though, the author quotes Saul Anuzis
If anything, Anuzis argues, voters admire McCotter for his propensity for outspokenness.
and Mike Rogers, who -- in addition to ignoring his district (CD-08) and mulling over a run for Governor -- apparently has taken on additional duties:
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), who is helping to head up retention efforts for the National Republican Congressional Committee this cycle, predicted that McCotter would make moves soon to shore up his campaign operation and that the four-term Republican was well-aware he has a bull's-eye on his back.
"He's engaging like he's going to have a tough race in 2010," Rogers said. "He is going to be ready to go."
Interestingly, not a word from Mark Brewer -- and a backhanded swipe at the DCCC
But picking off McCotter could prove more difficult than Democrats are willing to admit. The party has had a long history of failing to find serious candidates to run against McCotter. And, after fielding radio talk show host Tony Trupiano in 2006 and lawyer Joseph Larkin in 2008, the DCCC is staying tight-lipped on its recruiting of potential challengers.
In a 90 minute interview with the Washington Times, Rep. Thaddeus McCotter managed to insult just about everyone yet another mind-numbing series of slurs against all sorts of demographics.
According to Thad, all Jews are Democrats and all Jewish Democrats are pro-war. If this sounds like one of those questions they ask on the PSAT, that's exactly what I was thinking.
In the midst of his one-stop shop for all things stereotypical, Thad does manage to have one moment of clarity.
Discussing the outlook for Republicans on Election Day, he said: "I think we're going to have a very difficult night. Optimism isn't necessarily ingrained in the Celtic mind."
So enquiring minds want to know... what are the chances of getting rid of the traditionalist Irish Catholic this election cycle? Oh, and Thad? My family is Irish Catholic and I can assure you that we'd like our label back because you make us look bad.
Vowing the voices of the vast majority of the American people would not be silenced by the Democrat Congress’ Stalinist tactics, Republicans took to the dimly lit, microphone and C-Span silenced House Floor. There, they demanded a vote to lower gas prices by unleashing America’s oil and energy resources from the clutches of the Left-wing special interests controlling Speaker Pelosi and her Democrat Congress.
America's oil resources were unleashed a long time ago, of course, and peaked in production in the early 70s. Whatever ... what are facts when you can hurl childish insults.
But, still, my heart goes out to the city of Livonia and the rest of the 11th District ... you are indeed represented by a halfwit. And, one who the Wall Street Journal editorial page thinks is out-of-touch with America.
(I'm promoting this so that you, dear Michigan Liberals, can help me answer one simple question: how in a million years did this joker get elected once, much less elected three times? - promoted by PerfectStormer)
This is a sad display of how far the Republican party has fallen. This is Michigan's own Thaddeus McCotter, treating Congress, America and especially his constituency here in Michigan like they are all stupid. Who is his audience for this hateful parade of lies? That is apparently all the Republicans have left is to appeal to the most hateful, ignorant and disfunctional segments of our society and try to scare them into getting involved with tales of the evil "liberal" boogeyman.
Here is Thad, on the floor of Congress, wasting our taxpayer dollars with divisive hyperbole. Thad McCotter is the kind of politician that gives all legitimate public servants a bad name.
But Rep. Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan, a member of the leadership, is credited with only $8,500 of nearly $950,000 he's been tasked with raising. "I've always met and exceeded whatever number they pull out of the air, and I intend to do so again," McCotter said in an interview. He said he represents a swing seat and usually takes care of his commitments to the committee later in the election year.
Sure, sure, of course. He's only $940,000 short, but with the economy being so strong, I'm sure he can make that up in, like, no time.
The U.S. House today voted to extend unemployment benefits an additional 26 weeks in hard-hit states like Michigan -- 13 weeks for states that aren't suffering as badly.
An amendment extending the benefits passed by a vote of 256 to 166.
...snip...
Voting against the amendment that included the jobless benefits were Pete Hoekstra of Holland, Mike Rogers of Brighton, Vern Ehlers of Grand Rapids, Tim Walberg of Tipton, Thad McCotter of Livonia and Dave Camp of Midland.
Offered a chance to support something that would specifically benefit unemployed workers in the state of Michigan, these people said, "Nah ... not interested."
Wow. Who knew Republicans even knew how to spell ethics, yet alone that they have any ethics at all. I came across this post on Representative McCotter's blog that John Boner (sic) has appointed McCotter to head a task force "that will get government off Americans' backs and out of their wallets."
Thursday, April 24, 2008 Boehner Announces Plans to Form GOP Fiscal Integrity Task Force for Comprehensive Attack on Government Waste House GOP Policy Committee Chairman McCotter Tapped to Head Task Force; Members to Be Appointed in Coming Days WASHINGTON, DC – House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today announced plans to form a special GOP task force to identify and fight for spending reforms “that will get government off Americans’ backs and out of their wallets.” The Leader’s Fiscal Integrity Task Force (“FIT Force”) will be headed by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), the chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. “Americans are tired of Washington wasting their hard-earned money while they’re getting squeezed by the rising cost of living,” Boehner said. “Republicans are the party of fiscal integrity, and we’re going to prove it to Americans by fighting as a team for reforms that will get government off their backs and out of their wallets.” “We need to attack the problem of wasteful spending in its entirety, from earmarks to entitlement spending, and everything in between,” Boehner added. “I appreciate Thad’s willingness to lead this task force, and I look forward to appointing a broad cross-section of members from throughout our Conference to serve on it.” The goal for the task force, Boehner said, will be to put fiscal integrity into government budgeting, taxing, and spending, and to demand that Congress run the federal government like a family budget. Boehner noted the task force will not be starting from scratch, but rather will be able to draw from work already done by the Policy Committee, House Republicans’ internal “Reasons to Believe” working groups, Republican committee members, and others, in addition to incorporating new solutions. Posted by Representative Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11) at 4/24/2008
Observer & Eccentric: High school freshman's blog makes a case against McCotter. The Congressional watch blog "Mad at Thad" got a nice profile in yesterday's paper.
WMR: Report from the Kent County Democratic Party March Meeting. Check out Phil's ridiculously detailed report. Wouldn't it be cool if more county parties started doing posts like this?
Media Mouse: Levin Tells Iraqis to Pay for Reconstruction. The Mouse has some criticisms about Sen. Levin's latest remarks about Iraq.
Freep: Mayor would attack text messages' authenticity. "There will be a lot of conversations about texts and the authenticity of all of it," he said Tuesday in a brief exchange with reporters. "So I'm looking forward to having that conversation at a later date."
Susan J. Demas: A recall worthy of ridicule. "I asked Drolet if he really believes Dillon spends every waking moment plotting to raise taxes again. 'It doesn't matter if I think he'll rape someone again,' he told me breezily. 'He has to be held accountable for the rape he did commit.'"
State Government/Legislation
Michigan Messenger: Anti-bullying forces to descend on Capitol to get Senate to pass bill. "Hundreds of educators, students and community members are expected to descend upon the State Capitol next week to demand the Senate pass a comprehensive bill aimed at stopping bullying in schools. The bill passed the state House a year ago, but has since languished in the Senate awaiting a hearing."
House Dems: House OKs $40 Million Expansion of No Worker Left Behind Program. "Under the leadership of State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township), the House today passed the governor's plan to expand Michigan's program to retrain thousands of displaced workers so they can land good-paying jobs available now in high-demand fields."
Jackson Cit-Pat: SmartZone bill clears big hurdle. Jackson could be eligible for a new SmartZone under a bill being pushed by Rep. Simpson and Sen. Schauer.
WOOD: Granholm Town Hall Meeting Video. Here's your chance to watch the Governor's town hall, in case you missed it (link via BFM).
Freep Editorial: Great Lakes states must protect every drop they can. "How long can Michigan and the other Great Lakes states afford to let such problems spiral out of control? Somewhere, a potential water disaster is lurking, much as a transportation disaster struck when a Minneapolis freeway bridge collapsed last August."
LSJ Editorial: Crumbling: Michigan needs investment in roads, not more gravel. "Businesses look at public infrastructure when deciding where to invest. If they see Michigan going backward, will it increase or decrease the chances new firms will land here?"
Environment, Energy & the Economy
Tri-Cities Biz Review: Alt-energy grows like a breeze, thanks to corporate purchasers. "Sustainability is finally becoming more than a buzzword, and morphing into a real business imperative. We salute the SC Johnsons and Steelcases, those corporations doing the right thing and proving the financial worth of alternative energy sources." You can read more stories on renewable energy in the Business Review publications here and here.
Flint Journal: UAW's Gettelfinger blasts American Axle in local speech. Give 'em hell, Ron! "We don't have a national health care program when every other country takes care of their citizens," Gettelfinger said. "We pay more and get less... But that's why we have 47 million uninsured Americans in this country."
WLNS: City Named as One of the Best to Live and Work. "Forbes magazine has named Jackson one of the best metropolitan areas to live and work." Yes, you read that correctly.
[con]serving Michigan: CDC Report Adds to Growing Evidence of State's Toxic Burden. "Under pressure from the public and from Congress, including U.S. Reps. John Dingell and Bart Stupak, both Michigan Democrats, the CDC finally released the report this last week. The recently leaked report finds that thirteen Michigan communities have elevated rates of infant mortality, cancer and other health problems."
Great Lakes Guy: X Doesn't Mark the Spot in MI. Sixty-four teams to date have entered the $10 million competition to see who can produce a market-ready automobile capable of 100 mpg. None are from Detroit, and only one is from Michigan (Ann Arbor).
Michigan Messenger: Metro Airport expansion plan doesn't fly with neighbors. "A planned expansion of Detroit Metropolitan Airport is threatening to uproot thousands of people and dozens of businesses, but local officials and residents are fighting back."
Odds & Ends
Phil Power: We must change bad attitudes. "What Michigan needs to realize is that the auto industry has transformed its manufacturing basis from a brawn-based to a brain-based model. It's no longer enough for a new hire to get to work more or less on time and not get into fights with his or her foreman."
Let me know if I forgot anything. Drop your links in the comments section...
Tom Spencer is looking for volunteers to help his campaign in the 11th District! This week, Tom will be appearing at the following events to build awareness and get signatures for his primary ballot petition:
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd - Garden City Democratic Club, with special guest Lt. Gov. John Cherry - Garden City Community Center Room 114 - 31735 Maplewood, Garden City, 48135 (734) 421-2638
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...
Primary Coverage
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.
Local, State, National Politics
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.
State Government/Legislation
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?"
Energy, Environment and the Economy
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.
Let me know if I forgot anything. Drop your links in the comments section...
MCCOTTER'S WORLD: U.S. Rep. scolds fellow Republicans and calls for a break with the UN
If Republicans are ever going to regain their majority in Congress, they will need to offer voters something more than just "Democrats bad, Democrats bad."
And the United States should take most of the $425 million or so it now sends to the United Nations and use it to help establish a new "Liberty Alliance" of free nations, based in Eastern Europe, where people appreciate freedom, and are committed to pursuing the cause of human liberty that the United Nations has evidently quit.
That's not me talking, but U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, never one to keep his thoughts to himself, although some people surely wish he would. A Republican from Livonia midway through his third term, McCotter has raised some eyebrows recently by taking to task both his fellow GOP lawmakers and the United Nations for being monumental failures.
Loquacious to say the least, and given to sprinkling his speeches with word plays and song titles, McCotter isn't shy about making people uncomfortable to make a point.
"A transformational majority," he said the GOP, who won control of Congress in 1994 and lost it a decade later, "sinned and slipped into a transactional 'Cashocracy' -- promises, policies, principles, all bartered -- even honor. The majority now is of the ages, may it rest in peace."
In another recent speech, McCotter described the United Nations as "the poster child of failed hopes. ... A global Tammany Hall, lethal to the liberty and dignity of our human family."
"We must stop paying through the nose to get kicked in our assets," McCotter said in the UN speech. Noting that less than half the UN members are now free nations, McCotter suggested that the United States, which chips in more than 20% of the organization's budget, send only as much in dues as the lowest-paying "free-loading tyrant" and put the balance into the new Liberty Alliance.
