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Thaddeus McCotter

Friday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

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

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

State Government/Legislation
  • 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.
Energy, Environment and the Economy
  • 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.
Local, State, National Politics
  • 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.
Let me know if I forgot anything. Drop your links in the comments section...
Discuss :: (0 Comments)

McCotter's War: The threat of commnity China

by: bfealk

Sat Dec 01, 2007 at 20:31:00 PM EST

McCotter's War: The threat of Communist China

Heading into another even-numbered year, at least one congressman facing re-election wants to discuss the war threatening America's future.

Not the potential quagmire in the Middle East, but what U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter called the "asymetrical war" being waged against the United States of America by the People's Republic of China.

 
 
"The corporate elite do not wish to understand this," McCotter said of the growing threat. McCotter called the tactics of China, "Everything short of outright physical engagement. It is a cold war, but only one side seems aware they're engaging in it, and that's the Communist Chinese."

There's More... :: (0 Comments, 730 words in story)

Skinner for Congress - in the 11th against Thaddeus McCotter

by: bfealk

Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:43:17 AM EST

I don't know how this works legally, but I'd support Nancy Skinner for Congress from the 11th District.  How about it, Nancy, make a move to the 11th and run against Thaddeus McCotter, that way if you win, we'd have two Democrats in Congress instead of one.
I'd even support your candidacy and if it helps I'd work on your campaign and donate what money I can.
Discuss :: (10 Comments)

Mad At Thad Facebook Group

by: Mad At Thad

Fri Nov 23, 2007 at 16:59:33 PM EST

I am the blogger at Mad At Thad, a blog devoted to the ousting of Thaddeus McCotter, and I would like  to urge you to join my Facebook group, also titled Mad At Thad.

McCotter is a shill for the George Bush.  He still supports the war, he is still against stem cell research and is still against SCHIP.  He must be voted out in 2008.

So please, join the group, and help send Rep. McCotter a message.

Also, any advice with the group or my blog would be appreciated.

Discuss :: (2 Comments)

Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Wed Nov 14, 2007 at 07:16:48 AM EST

Happy Hump Day! Enjoy your morning cup-o-links...

State Government/Legislation
  • LSJ: With focus on budget, other bills sit and wait. Chris Andrews takes a look at all the issues that have been ignored during the budget debate (hint: there's a lot).
  • AP: Senate plan would hurt Mich. rivers, critics say. Environmental groups are criticizing the Senate Republican water withdrawal bills; Sen. Birkholz accuses them of "grandstanding." You can read more on in this Free Press article.
  • Democratic Edge makes the case that term limits aren't the problem, it's the candidates, stupid.
  • Lessenberry: Jack takes a look at the current status of the workplace smoking ban bill that's being held up by Sen. Bishop.
  • Michigan Messenger: Some Planned Parenthood Clinics Closing Due to State Budget Changes. "Clinics in Hart and White Cloud have already closed and others in Mt. Pleasant, Muskegon and Grand Rapids will close by the end of the year. Officials are concerned that the closings will deny critical services to women in those communities and even increase abortions."
Michigan's Economy
  • The Conversation: Quicken Loans picks downtown Detroit. The Gov's blog does a nice job of sorting through the good news about Quicken moving to Detroit.
  • LSJ: Mayor to announce plans for park stage. It sounds like Mayor Virg Bernero will be announcing plans build a permanent outdoor performance venue in Adado Riverfront Park later this morning. Keep an eye on the LSJ for more details.
  • Mining Journal: Mine decision delayed. "Michelle Halley, an attorney with the National Wildlife Federation, said she thinks it is ?interesting? the DEQ is seeking an extension. In her conversations with agency officials, she said it was unclear to her exactly what the DEQ would do during the extension period."
  • DetNews: GM launches effort to make Chevy green brand. GM is gearing up to re-launch Chevy as their environmentally-friendly brand by launching... a giant truck.
  • WWJ: Hunting Loonies: Canadian Consumers Could Provide Boost For Michigan Retailers. Here's an upside to the weak dollar: "Not only are there a lot of Canadians near Michigan, they are relatively affluent. AEG found that more than 520,700 Canadians live within an hour's drive of a Michigan border crossing and that their household incomes average $75,200 at the current exchange rate. That?s significantly higher than the roughly $46,000 (U.S.) average family income on this side of the border."
Local/State/National Politics
  • Media Mouse: Ehlers says he doesn't want to "go to war with Iran;" How has he Voted? Media Mouse has a great roundup of Rep. Ehler's voting record on Iran-related issues. Definitely worth a read.
  • BFM: Thaddeus McCotter - Today's Worst Person in the World. Keith chose McCotter for his ridiculous comments about Catholics United. You can watch the clip here.
  • Great Lakes, Great Times: Finally, my thoughts on the primary/caucus fiasco. Our own ScottyURB wants a caucus. Head over to his blog to share your thoughts.
Odds & Ends
  • BFM: We Sent Them to War, Why Can't We Send Them to College? "Now more than ever our returning soldiers need the assistance of the GI Bill. The good paying jobs that earlier veterans turned to in our automotive plants and steel mills are gone - and they're not coming back." To learn more about how Michigan Bloggers are supporting the troops, click here.
Let me know if I forgot anything. Drop your links in the comments section...
Discuss :: (15 Comments)

Oakland Press:Protesters show up at GOP picnic.

by: bfealk

Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 05:18:32 AM EDT

On Saturday, August 4, about 30 protesters joined with the Iraq Summer campaign to protest the continued war in Iraq.  Apparently our protest was more entertaining than the party the GOP host was throwing.  Several party goers came out to meet with us, although a few were pretty upset we were there.
Discuss :: (0 Comments)

VIDEO: Untangling the Mess in Iraq

by: bfealk

Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 04:22:53 AM EDT

Tammarra of Americans Against the Escalation in Iraq carefully untangles our soldiers from the mess in Iraq.
Discuss :: (0 Comments)

VIDEO: Americans Against the Escalation of the war in Iraq

by: bfealk

Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 04:16:18 AM EDT

Here is the video from the rally held in the capitol on Friday, July 13.
Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Americans Against Escalation in Iraq call for Republicans to end the war

by: bfealk

Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 22:34:50 PM EDT

50 voters of Republican districts demonstrated in Lansing on Friday in front of the state Capitol.

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Iraq Summer holding rally in Lansing Friday 12:30 p.m.

by: bfealk

Thu Jul 12, 2007 at 22:07:54 PM EDT

Iraq Summer Holds MI Republicans Responsible for Votes to Continue Endless War in Iraq

On Thursday night, the United States House of Representatives voted to end the war in Iraq responsibly and bring our troops home.  Michigan Congressmen Ehlers, Upton, McCotter, Knollenberg, and Rogers all voted to continue the failed policy in Iraq and keep our nation on a path of endless war.

Americans Against Escalation in Iraq plans to hold those Congressmen accountable for their votes on Friday with a Press Conference and Rally as part of their Iraq Summer campaign. 

The event will be held from 12:30-1:30 at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.  Speakers will include Kevin Kelley and Bruce Fealk.

Eight Republican US Senators have recently changed their position on the war in Iraq.  Five of them were targets of the Iraq Summer campaign.

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Show Your Support for Glenn Anderson: Contribute Today!

by: DraftGlennAnderson

Tue Apr 10, 2007 at 23:36:30 PM EDT

It is never an easy task to take down an incumbent member of Congress. The truth is, this race could cost millions of dollars to come out on top. We need to show Glenn Anderson that we are serious about not only wanting him as our candidate, but are very serious about him being our next Congressman.

http://www.actblue.c...

 

There's More... :: (3 Comments, 108 words in story)

Draft Glenn Anderson for Congress!

by: DraftGlennAnderson

Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 22:59:00 PM EDT

Are you tired of being represented by a right wing extremist and rubber stamp for President Bush? If so, I am here to announce that hope is on the way! A group named Citizens for Representatives Who Show Up For Office Hours is working hard to Draft State Senator Glenn Anderson to Congress! Sen. Anderson served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the past 6 years before defeating incumbent Republican Laura Toy to represent Michigan's 6th district in the state Senate.

Please take a few moments to stop by the Website and sign on to show your support for Sen. Anderson. Thaddeus McCotter now serves as Chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee, yet another reason he needs to be defeated in 2008. Lets build grassroots strength now so we can turn Michigan's 11th BLUE next year!

Discuss :: (6 Comments)

McCotter Hides Behind Landlord

by: Cordelia Lear

Mon Feb 26, 2007 at 00:36:23 AM EST

Gutless. Completely gutless.

Thaddeus McCotter (R-Clueless) tried to hide behind his landlord, instead of allowing constituents to deliver letters to his office.  Last Thursday about 30 people who were part of the MoveOn.org effort to deliver letters and petition signatures opposing the escalation of troops in Iraq gathered at McCotter's Livonia office.

When the protesters moved inside, they were briefly challenged by the building manager, who told them McCotter was not in the building and that the congressman's staff did not want to meet with the group.

"You can make an appointment with him. You're not a tenant of the building," he told them.

Yes, that's right. The fifth ranking member of the Republican Congressional leadership who signs letters to constituents "I work for you" hid behind a building manager.

Cheap. Tawdry. Gutless. And, just plain inexcusable.

Your constituents' tax dollars fund your office Mr. McCotter. Shame on you and your staff.  You don't show up for scheduled office hours and you don't want constituents in your office.

If you're going to cast votes contrary to wishes of the majority of the people in your district, at least have the common decency to listen to opposing views.

McCotter has been a steady supporter of the Iraq War and is supporting a troop escalation. He voted against the non-binding resolution. phikapbob has more details in his diary about thin-skinned Thad's pompous comments on the subject.

Discuss :: (13 Comments)
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