Republican Michigander

• Bruce Nichols - longshot running for governor

  The Argus had an interesting piece today. Bruce Nichols enters the gubernatorial race.
  
  The Brighton Township Republican recently announced his run for governor, and is in the process of gathering some 30,000
  signatures — and raising lots of money — to become the Republican nominee to succeed term-limited [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 10:36am EST
  

• Argus pushing for consitutional convention in 2010

  There's been a push for a constitutional convention (con-con) by a small, but influential group of Lansing elites and their followers. This has been going on for the last three years. I'm strongly opposed to opening Pandora's Box here. The Argus fails to make a solid case for it here.' [...]
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  Posted: December 06, 2009, 6:25pm EST
  

• Independent files in Hamburg

  This is going to be interesting. There's now a 3-way race. Normally, I think that would favor a democrat, but I think it favored the Republicans in 2008 in Hamburg.
  
  From WHMI
  
  11/30/09 - A new candidate has emerged in the Hamburg Township Clerk race. The [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 8:43pm EST
  

• Republican comeback in the Northeast?

  While the big story for 2009 was the takeover of the governor's mansion in New Jersey and Virginia, there's more good news for the GOP, and the disasters of 06 and 08.
  
  2006 and 2008 was a disaster for the GOP. Republicans were wiped out in much of the [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 2:17pm EST
  

• Jim Neilson picked as Republican nominee for Hamburg Township Clerk

  This is interesting to see and somewhat surprising to me. I did not expect the township committee to select the same candidate who was hired as interim clerk by the board.
  
  I don't know much about Neilson or the other nominee, so I don't have any strong opinions [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 4:34pm EST
  

• Hamburg Clerk Replacement Race

  This February, there will be a new elected Hamburg Township Clerk to replace Matt Skiba, who was recalled.
  
  The township committee decides the candidates. They are members of the executive committee who live in the township. They must be a minimum of two and no more than five. [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 3:11pm EST
  

• Obama lecturing about debt is like the Detroit Lions talking about winning

  Who the hell is Mr. Obama to say anything about debt? He makes Bush look like a moderate spender. From Reuters
  
  BEIJING, Nov 18 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama gave his sternest warning yet about the need to contain rising U.S. deficits, saying on Wednesday that if government [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 11:25am EST
  

• The rise of the Open Carry of firearms

  I caught this in the Argus today. Open Carry made the news today.
  
  From the Argus
  
  An Ohio man was ordered at gunpoint to lie on the ground in July after someone called 911 to report that he was walking down the street with a handgun, [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 10:38am EST
  

• Five years in prison for not buying government approved insurance

  Forget tea parties, I want a pitchfork party. THIS is what I hate about big government most of all. It always comes with a gun pointed at you, handcuffs, and prisons. We put too many people in jail to begin with in this country, and this will only add more. [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 3:14pm EST
  

• You got to be kidding me

  This is a joke. Charlie Crist, the establishment supported (NRSC) economic liberal governor of Florida and senate candidate now wants us to buy this.
  
  From The Hill
  
  
  
  Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) is now denying that he endorsed the stimulus package, the same package he [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 2:56pm EST
  

• The races outside of Michigan

  Outside of Michigan, we had several races out there.
  
  Virginia was a blowout. Straight down the line.
  
  Bob McDonnell is a strong conservative. He's no liberal, not even a moderate. However, he won 59%-41% in a state that has two democrat senators, went for Obama, and' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 12:51pm EST
  

• Livingston Results (UPDATED) - Skiba was destroyed, Anderson and Vieau projected winners in Brighton Schools

  Hamburg Township sent a message with an exclaimation point. I predicted Skiba would be gone by a 60-40 percentage. I was way off.
  
  Hamburg's precincts are in, and the result is clear. With all precincts in, the numbers are this.
  
  Skiba Recall:
  Yes - 4227 - 79.21%
  No - 1104' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 1:00am EST
  

• Nofs blows out Griffin

  This is a blowout in the 19th district.
  
  Calhoun County Results - 100% in.
  Mike Nofs - 10919
  Marty Griffin - 5184
  Other - 998
  
  Jackson County Results  - 89% in
  Mike Nofs - 8041
  Marty Griffin - 5690
  Other - 472
  
  This one is [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:10pm EST
  

• Update

  VERY LOW turnout in Green Oak. I was number 34 at about 1PM. There were about 250 if you count all the absentees. That's still not much.
  
  I took a drive around. Hamburg turnout seemed low (although higher than Green Oak) in all but one station where there was a' [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 2:00pm EST
  

• Biased tripe in the 3rd most leftist media outlet

  If I want to find a good left wing biased media source, I can always count on MSNBC with that little wuss Keith Olberman, The New York Slimes, or the standard setters in the media, the AP/Associated Press. Those three set the standards of leftism.
  
  Normally, I don't even' [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 7:55pm EST
  

• Election 09

  Tuesday is the first semi-major election day since Mr. Obama and his people took over Washington. There are no federal races outside of the special election in New York's 23rd district, however, so other dynamics besides the federal issues do matter.
  
  The biggest ones to watch are Virginia and' [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 11:36am EST
  

• Granholm signs budgets

  The budget has been signed.
  From Peter Luke
  
  
  
  "The budget is signed. State government will not shut down," Granholm said in a conference call with reporters. "This is the state budget we have, but it is not the budget we need."
  Granholm blasted the Republican-controlled [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 7:43pm EDT
  

• Brian Rooney running in wrong district (Congress, District 7)

  Maybe I could move to the 7th district in run. I have more ties to the district as one of the GOP challengers. Brian Rooney, who is part of the Steeler's Rooney Family, and has a brother Tom in Congress, has decided to move from Canton to Jackson and run' [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 7:06pm EDT
  

• Clustermuck in upstate New York

  There's a special election coming up in upstate New York, Congressional district 23. It's a close district, but has gone republican for congress for a long time. Moderate incumbent John McHugh left to take a job as secretary of the Army.
  
  The special election in New York has no [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 11:53am EDT
  

• Texting while driving. We don't need more laws.

  This is in the Argus. Good intentions, but I don't support it.
  
  
  Reading, writing or sending text messages while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle would be banned in Michigan under legislation approved by a House committee this morning.
  Responding to concerns about the potential' [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 8:10pm EDT
  

• Cox has highest lead in general election poll (45% Cox, 30% Cherry)

  Now this is real early, but the results are so far promising. EPIC/MRA, a democrat leaning polling firm, has all GOP candidates leading Cherry in the General election except Rick Snyder. The taps were posted by Wood TV in Grand Rapids. Some interesting results.
  
  Direction (US).
  35% - Right [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 12:53pm EDT
  

• I actually partially agree with Mr. Obama on something. Holy Smokes.

  As obviously known from my prior postings, I'm not a fan of Mr. Obama.That includes how he acts as a person, how his people runs his campaign, and his policies that 99% of the time results in more government and less freedom. This is one of the 1% exceptions (or' [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 7:45pm EDT
  

• Alger County - Updated

  Alger County is in the UP. It contains Picture Rocks National Lakeshore on its east side. Its west side is close to Marquette. Alger County, like many counties in the UP, leans democrat, although Bush won it in 2000. Social moderate-conservative (pro-life) democrats run best in these parts, and they [...]
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  Posted: October 18, 2009, 10:16am EDT
  

• Alcona County - Updated

  We're going in alphabetical order, and the county updates are going to be coming back, hopefully in time for the 2010 primaries. Alcona County is first.
  
  Background:
  Location - Northeastern Lower Michigan
  Population estimates - 11,719 (2000 census)
  County Seat - Harrisville (Population 514)
  Ethnic makeup - 98.0% White,' [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2009, 12:24am EDT
  

• Off the Record

  Recently, I was on the TV show "Off the Record" with Tim Skubick and three other bloggers. This was a bloggers edition of the show that is on PBS (WKAR was the flagship) stations across the state. There were two liberals and two conservatives on the show. Myself and Wes [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 4:27pm EDT
  

• $120 Million in stimulus spending creates 370 jobs

  I called this one a long time ago. Stimulus packages only stimulate government, not the economy. 
  
  From Ann Arbor Business
  
  The 397 jobs created or saved in Michigan come from $120 million in contracts, amounting to a cost of about $300,000 per job. But contract spending is [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 3:57pm EDT
  

• Part 2 - November 3rd Elections - 2009 - Local Elections

  While the big elections in Michigan this November is the State Senate's 19th District, along with Detroit's mayoral and city council elections, Livingston County has its share of elections as well.
  
  First off  - Hamburg:
  
  Hamburg has a recall election on the ballot. It's a simple yes or [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 1:43am EDT
  

• New Format and Layout

  We are testing a new format here. After several years, we decided it would be best to update the templates. I was not happy with how the 19th Senate District posts came up. I had some rare time, went into a zone when I started writing on this district, and [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 12:52am EDT
  

• Pardon the formatting troubles

  Unfortunately, the tables and polls/sidebar encroach on each other. I'll work on that later tonight or tomorrow.' [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 6:11pm EDT
  

• Part 1 - November 3rd Elections - 2009 (19th District, State Senate)

  While most of the hype for 2009 is for the elections in Virginia and New Jersey, we have several important elections here in Michigan.
  
  The first is the 19th State Senatorial District race. Unfortunately, my county/district profiles are severely out of date. This one is up for grabs.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 6:09pm EDT
  

• Washington Establishment gets right hook

  Politico has a great article today that leads to this long editorial.
  
  I've said for almost four years that the Republican Party is at a crossroads, mainly due to fiscal issues. It can follow the lead of the Republican Study Committee, Mike Pence, Jim DeMint, and Jeb Hensarling' [...]
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  Posted: October 11, 2009, 1:02pm EDT
  

• Rocky for Congress - 9th District

  We have some good news in the 9th District. Rocky Raczkowski is running against Gary Peters. Rocky's a good candidate who has a history of winning tough races. He won three times in Farmington Hills against democrats in a democrat leaning district won by Gore, Kerry, and Obama. He even [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  

• Bad company, that they can't deny. Bad Bad Company, till the day they die

  To paraphrase Paul Rodgers, Bad Company. That's what the Nobel Peace Prize is these days. It is no longer about world peace, but world leftism. It is what it is.
  
  2009 - Mr. Obama. His qualifications. Four Years in the US Senate and one year as the resident [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 2:06pm EDT
  

• Livingston County Takes on Blue Cross

  From the Argus.
  
  Livingston County has hired an attorney firm to take legal action and recoup an estimated $500,000 to $1 million in alleged overcharges from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
  Advertisement
  
  County Commissioner Dave Domas said the county board recently voted to take the step [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 11:42am EDT
  

• Roll Call on Tax votes. Who voted what.

  Tim Bledsoe and Dan Scripps voted for some, not all of the taxes. They are still tax raisers and need to be treated as such election time. Don't let them have things both ways.
  
  HB5352 - Income Tax increase
  
  Voting Yes:
  Kathy Angerer (D) - Monroe County
  Fred' [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 10:47am EDT
  

• More on the tax votes

  While the source is left of center, Ed Brayton and Michigan Messenger has more information than has been reported from the AP wires so far.
  
  On the tax bills:
  Among the bills passed were:
  
  HB 5352, which freezes the the yearly inflation adjustment on the personal [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 10:30pm EDT
  

• Bill Rogers on the tax votes

  I just got an email from Bill Rogers right after my post on the doctor tax. Here's what Bill sent out to us.
  
  House Democrats Vote To Raise Your Taxes
  Tonight, Lawmakers Penalize Taxpayers, Business Owners and Doctors
  
  I am outraged that tonight, the House Democrats [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 9:01pm EDT
  

• Michigan House Democrats raise taxes on doctors

  Way to increase health care costs with taxes, dumbasses. It's time for us to call our state senators tomorrow morning. Valde will be getting a call on this.
  
  Bad news from USA Today
  
  The Democratic-led Michigan House has voted to put a 3 percent tax on [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 8:50pm EDT
  

• Tax Votes Today?

  I caught this from Michigan Liberal of all places. Eric Baerren posted a snippet from Gongwer that shows possible tax increases being voted on today.
  From Gongwer via Michigan Liberal:
  he House is expected to vote on five revenue bills during Tuesday's session.
  
  House Democrats are expected [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 11:57am EDT
  

• Hugh Hewitt - talk show host - speaking at AFP

  Several things where Hugh Hewitt gave his opinions.
  
  1. "Wait not till November of 2010, but November 2009." That was a point that needed to be made. That is a reference to New Jersey and Virginia elections. On the same note, here in Michigan, we have a big race [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 11:37am EDT
  

• Jim DeMint, one of the few good Senators in the US, speaking at AFP

  Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal was one of the introducers of DeMint and gave a speech. He said that Obama said the stimulus package was supposed to keep the unemployment number below 8%. It's 9.8%.
  
  Biden said the bill worked beyond his wildest dreams.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 10:29am EDT
  

• AFP: Opening Speaker - Newt Gingrich

  Our first speaker is Newt Gingrich. Remember when we had a balanced budget? Thanks, Newt.
  
  Gingrich made the point. With Obama's election, this was "their moment." "Their moment" was Henry Waxman (elected in 1972) and Nancy Pelosi. The dems are moving heavily to the left. The Stimulus is [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 10:20am EDT
  

• Pence Speaks at AFP conference

  As I posted in my half asleep post last night, Mike Pence was one of the two keynote speakers at the AFP conference last night. Politico covered the speech.
  
  Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) exhorted Republicans Friday to rally against fiscal excess, promising a conservative crowd that the [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 8:41am EDT
  

• Update from Americans for Prosperity Conference

  I'll post more on this tomorrow since I got zip, zilch, zero sleep last night.
  
  There is 2000 people attending the conference. That's a good turnout for a DC area conference.
  
  There was a rally at the Capitol earlier. I have some pics there, albeit cell' [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 10:07pm EDT
  

• Live from Arlington, it's the Americans for Prosperity Conference

  We're here from "Defending the American Dream" in Arlington, VA. This is from the Americans for Prosperity conference. This conference is a group of fiscal conservatives coming together to bring back (or just bring) fiscal conservatism back to Washington.
  
  We'll be posting updates tonight and especially tomorrow when [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 12:05pm EDT
  

• Michigan Government Shutdown again

  The state legislature and the Matt Millen of Governors failed as of 12 midnight to reach an agreement.
  
  Keep in mind as you read this. The Senate Republicans passed a budget in June. They did their part. If the Democrat controlled House did the same thing and built from [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 12:44am EDT
  

• Election Day November 3rd

  There are some elections on November 3rd this year. The big one is the State Senate, district 19. It's a swing district that covers all of Calhoun County and part of Jackson County. Mark Schauer held that district before going off to screw us in Congress.
  
  The two [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 8:17pm EDT
  

• Are you running or managing a campaign, PAC, or ballot committee? Hire the best.

  Normally I prefer to talk about topics here instead of myself, but this is a shameless plug. If your committee needs a treasurer, let me know. Here's my business website. Republican Michigander Consulting LLC.
  
  This is a personal blog not tied to the business, so I'll go into' [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 3:20pm EDT
  

• Mackinac 2009 and updates

  It was interesting up at Mackinac this year.
  
  Unfortunately, I didn't catch the speaking dinners because of price constraints. Contrary to the myth, Republicans aren't all rich. I didn't care about Charlie Crist or Romney, but I did want to hear Tim Pawlenty speak. The best panels there' [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 9:33pm EDT
  

• Plaxico Burress - Two years in prison. You have to be kidding me.

  Two years in prison. That's what former Spartan and Giants Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress got for the infamous incident where he shot himself in the leg at the bar. He plea bargained to that after facing 31/2 to 4 years if he was convicted in New York City on firearms [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 1:15pm EDT
  

• Recent 2012 Straw Poll (Family Research Council)

  I found this interesting out of Politco
  
  
  Mike Huckabee cruised to an easy victory in a presidential straw poll taken among attendees at a social conservative conference, beating a group of four other Republican contenders by an over two-to-one margin.
  
  Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and [...]
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  Posted: September 20, 2009, 11:40am EDT
  

• Governor race updates, Mackinac Conference

  Mike Bouchard named Terri Land as running mate. WDIV reporting. That's not a real surprise since Land decided last July she was not running and endorsed Bouchard almost immediately. Does it effect the race? Maybe to a small extent. This is from the David Bonior playbook back in 2002. [...]
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  Posted: September 16, 2009, 1:02pm EDT
  

• Business Leaders for Michigan plan - Some of it good, some of it horrible

  The group that used to be Detroit Renaissance is now "Business Leaders for Michigan." Some hype came out about the business plan it endorsed. The Detroit News has its proposal out.
  
  From the Detroit News

  
  

  A newly formed coalition of Michigan CEOs announced Thursday it would support extending [...]
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  Posted: September 11, 2009, 5:53pm EDT
  

• Granholm wants to raise taxes again

  I'm shocked that Granholm, the Matt Millen of Governors, wants to raise taxes yet again after promising that it won't happen.
  
  There are three plans out. House Republicans plan (cuts), Senate Republicans (which passed and balanced the budget without raising taxes), and Granholm Democrats. Granholm was the last to [...]
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  Posted: September 09, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
  

• Brighton takes a stand against big government

  Holy Smokes. I didn't expect this big of a crowd.
  
  It's the joker.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The Three' [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2009, 9:40pm EDT
  

• Skiba faces recall election, November 3

  The Argus confirms what is expected. Matt Skiba, Hamburg Township Clerk, is facing a recall election.
  
  Hamburg Township voters will decide whether or not Hamburg Township Clerk Matt Skiba retains his position during the Nov. 3 election.
  Advertisement
  
  The Livingston County Clerk’s Office reviewed 10 pages [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 4:52pm EDT
  

• Updates (SCOTUS, Snyder, Tort Reform, tea party)

  A few things to mention.
  
  The Hill mentions that Justice Stevens may retire next year. That would be bad. We don't need the jerk in chief who despises the constitution to pick any more replacements. I think the 2nd pick will be more radical and maybe even' [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 9:17am EDT
  

• Hamburg - Deputy Clerk files compaint over his $0 salary

  I think Hamburg Township is going to have to open its pocketbook. From the Argus.
  
  Hamburg Township Deputy Clerk Mike Zeglevski has filed a complaint against Hamburg Township through the Wage and Hour division of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
  Advertisement
  
  The [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 10:55am EDT
  

• If I have to follow campaign finance laws, you should too

  The Argus hit the nail on the head with this editorial.
  
  From the Argus
  
  One of life's most difficult challenges is to select the dumbest idea to come out of the Michigan Legislature. There are just so many worthy contenders.
  Advertisement
  
  But it may be' [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 10:33am EDT
  

• Train to nowhere authority seek $32.4 million

  The latest in the WALLY train saga is this. They are seeking $32.4 million from federal tax money. This is now a seeking of federal Jurassic Pork from the stimulus of government package. The other day, I wrote about the lack of fiscal responsibility among the feds and the $11 [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 10:15am EDT
  

• Conyers in trouble?

  I'll believe it when I see it, but I don't think Monica Conyers has done John Conyers any favors.
  
  From the Hill
  
  House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) could face a tough reelection race in 2010, according to a new, independent poll released this weekend.
  [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 5:04pm EDT
  

• Where's this fiscal responsibility the dems promised us?

  Where's this fiscal responsibility Pelosi, Reid, and Obama promised us? It turned out to be absolute f'ing bullshit to be blunt. If you thought the Bush deficits were bad - and they were, they are nothing compared to what Mr. Obama is giving us. It's four times worse. That's not' [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 4:37pm EDT
  

• Ben Bernanke gets four more years

  I'm not a fan of this decision. I think in hindsight that Bush made a big mistake four years ago with Bernanke and Paulson. Obama repeated the mistake with Bernanke and Geithner.
  
  Desmond Lachman of Forbes magazine said it best:
  
  Despite Bernanke's many egregious errors of' [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
  

• The cult is shattering

  I told you so.
  
  From the Hill
  
  New polling indicates that the debate over President Barack Obama's healthcare reform effort might be hurting the administration as a whole to a point where it might not recover.
  
  Obama's first term in office now revolves around his [...]
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  Posted: August 23, 2009, 9:27am EDT
  

• Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

  One of my favorite sayings is "Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance." Mr. Obama ran his mouth and said Gitmo was being closed. Now regardless of you being for/against closing Gitmo, where are these people going to be placed? We don't know yet.
  
  Mr. Obama wants Michigan to' [...]
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  Posted: August 20, 2009, 5:02pm EDT
  

• Here we go again

  Heads up - from the AP
  
  'Ticket tax' again surfaces in Mich. budget talks
  
  (AP) — LANSING, Mich. - Entertainment and sports organizations are on guard in case a proposal to put a 6 percent sales tax on tickets is revived during Michigan's budget talks.
  
  A [...]
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  Posted: August 17, 2009, 4:00pm EDT
  

• Ken Sikkema pushing for gas tax

  I was never a big fan of Ken Sikkema's policies. He was a fiscal liberal republican who gave Granholm most, if not all of what she wanted from 02 to 06.
  
  Before the 07 tax increases, we had a period of big spending and "fee" increases, "tax shifts" and [...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2009, 10:46am EDT
  

• Mike Cox for governor

  It's been almost ten years since we had a good governor. Pre-2000 John Engler. The last eight years of Granholm has been a disaster. For most of those eight years, she was able to get everything she wanted due to either mostly democrat control, or willing Republicans who fiscally acted [...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  

• Brighton Schools candidates filed

  The Argus mentioned that seven candidates filed for the Brighton School Board. There are two positions that are open, with one incumbent and two former members running.
  
  In fact, the Nov. 3 election is almost like a board reunion since two former board members — Bill E. [...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2009, 9:41am EDT
  

• Rick Snyder - Outsourcing at Gateway

  One of the biggest issues in Michigan is the outsourcing of jobs out of the United States to Mexico and China. NAFTA and GATT were bipartisan screwings of our manufacturing base, as well as to our sovereignty as GATT placed the US under WTO jurisdiction. When it comes to those [...]
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  Posted: August 06, 2009, 3:34pm EDT
  

• Congress and their fiscal "responsibility"

  It's like Democrat Jim Blanchard's helicopter all over again.
  
  These jerks on Capitol Hill ripped the Big 3 a new one on national television for flying in private jets to their meetings in Washington. Leave it to Congress to say one thing in a snobbish haughty matter to [...]
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  Posted: August 06, 2009, 11:33am EDT
  

• The Michigan system on torts regarding FDA approved drugs

  A friend of mine, Jason Miller, has an interesting article in the Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review. One of the big issues in Michigan is the limitations of tort lawsuits against pharmecuticals whose drugs have been approved by the FDA.
  
  It's a good read on the issue, [...]
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  Posted: August 05, 2009, 4:43pm EDT
  

• August Update

  Let's get back rolling here.
  
  Several things in the news.
  
  1. We will have a special election this November for a key state senate seat, the 19th. The primary was yesterday. Mike Nofs, a former state rep from Battle Creek won for the GOP and Marty' [...]
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  Posted: August 05, 2009, 3:57pm EDT
  

• Update - New Polls, semi-hiatus

  First off, don't expect much from me on here in the next month. It's going to be my busiest month yet.
  
  I may have something up on the Howell Schools clustermuck situation in the next week. I've talked to a couple of people and read the Argus take [...]
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  Posted: July 01, 2009, 1:43pm EDT
  

• Terri Land not running for governor. Bouchard receives her endorsement

  Nick at Right Michigan breaks the story
  
  This I didn't expect, but I have been wondering why Land was not as active as I thought she would be. I think what is more interesting though is who she endorsed. Bouchard, from the other side of the state.' [...]
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  Posted: June 25, 2009, 12:27pm EDT
  

• There goes my first choice for President in 2012

  Almost anyone following politics knows the news, so I don't need to rehash it here. Mark Sanford's in big trouble.
  
  Now I've heard there are some bigtime beauties in Argentina but Mark, what the hell are you thinking? Married for 20 years, four kids, in good shape as [...]
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  Posted: June 24, 2009, 7:21pm EDT
  

• Bachmann, the Census, and ACORN

  Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann is causing a stir regarding her refusal to answer many of the questions on the 2010 census.
  
  Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann told the Washington Times that she and her family will not be fully filling out the 2010 census forms.
  
  Bachmann, a [...]
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  Posted: June 20, 2009, 12:58pm EDT
  

• It's past time for Hamburg Township's government to start acting like men

  One thing Livingston County is known for is Republican government. While I'm not a big fan of government in general, for the most part it is run well. We don't have the taxes of our neighboring counties. The quality of life here is better than our neighboring counties. The government [...]
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  Posted: June 19, 2009, 9:00pm EDT
  

• The GOP's biggest obstacle to a comeback, idiot senators

  First of all, I want to get this out of the way. I'm not on board yet for the 2012 Sarah Palin for president campaign. I'm still undecided, and while I like Palin, she's not my first choice among potential candidates. That aside, Palin is a big draw for the' [...]
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  Posted: June 08, 2009, 11:46pm EDT
  

• Bouchard is in for Governor

  Nick at Right Michigan posted this. The announcement was yesterday.
  
  I like Bouchard, but I am concerned after what happened in his race against Stabenow who should have been defeated. Now Bouchard didn't get a lot of help which was a travesty, I am skeptical about backing someone' [...]
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  Posted: June 04, 2009, 2:50pm EDT
  

• Gas Tax push continues

  The Argus story today gave Mike Craine (road commission) a bully pulpit to parrot the talking points of the Lansing elite in its support to increase the gas tax. This is just what I want to hear as the prices are going up to $3 a gallon once again.
  [...]
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  Posted: June 04, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
  

• Amateur Hour. Brian Deese as GM boss? Even I'm more qualified than this guy.

  I have about as much faith in this guy than I did of Gary Bettman when he was first named NHL commissioner. Gary Bettman has been a disaster for the NHL. Bettman was a lawyer who was the VP for the NBA and had no hockey experience whatsoever.
  
  Now [...]
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  Posted: June 03, 2009, 1:00pm EDT
  

• The Hummer to soon be a foreign truck?

  Well, I won't be buying one of these anytime soon. If true, Hummer is no longer an American car company.
  
  From the AP?
  
  DETROIT – General Motors Corp. took a key step toward its downsizing on Tuesday, striking a tentative deal to sell its Hummer brand' [...]
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  Posted: June 02, 2009, 2:39pm EDT
  

• John Brown, Scott Roeder, Bleeding Kansas, and George Tiller

  One of the most controversial individuals in American history was John Brown. John Brown was a militant abolitionist against one of the greatest evils sanctioned and protected by law in the 19th century. Slavery. What is legal isn't always right. Slavery was legal and sanctioned. Abortion is legal. In tort' [...]
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  Posted: June 02, 2009, 1:39pm EDT
  

• Government's war on the auto industry

  Right now, the biggest enemy to our auto industry is the government. First of all, I titled this "Government's war on the auto industry." I did not title this the Obama Chicago Mob war on the auto industry, or even the democrat war on the auto industry. They are some' [...]
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  Posted: June 01, 2009, 11:00pm EDT
  

• Smoking and Judges

  Two things here.
  
  First, Mike Hatty is the newest circut judge here in Livingston County. I don't really know him that well and only met him a couple of times. From what I do know, he's a nice guy and a much better pick by Granholm than the [...]
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  Posted: May 28, 2009, 1:45pm EDT
  

• Obama picks Sotomayor for SCOTUS

  I don't know a lot about her outside the fact that she's currently on the 2nd Circuit Appeals. At least she has a lot of judicial experience and has a record. With Obama, I can almost say for 100% certain we won't get a strict constructionist. I think this choice' [...]
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  Posted: May 26, 2009, 10:13am EDT
  

• The latest

  I haven't had any time to update this with the recent schedule, so I'll hit a couple of things.
  
  1. Obama's SCOTUS pick - I'll reserve comment until the choice is made. I hope it's not Granholm, the Matt Millen of governors. She'll be Obama's Harriet Miers. [...]
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  Posted: May 24, 2009, 10:24pm EDT
  

• The gas tax push is official

  Here we go. The gas tax push was not a boy who cried wolf. The wolf is there, and it is a push of several bills. Peter Luke has the story. One correction to his story. The gas tax in Michigan is NOT 19 cents. I repeat. It is not [...]
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  Posted: May 15, 2009, 2:19pm EDT
  

• Screw the NRSC, back individual candidates only

  Real quickly.
  
  The NRSC is at it again. They officially broke their longtime policy of getting involved in open primaries when they endorsed Charlie Crist, Florida's governor in the open Senate race which is held by Mel Martinez. Marco Rubio, the Florida Speaker of the house, is another' [...]
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  Posted: May 13, 2009, 9:00am EDT
  

• Chrysler, Specter's defection (good riddance), Pennsylvania grassroots v estabishment, Souter

  A lot of major things have gone on the past week that I haven't posted about because of my time constraints.
  
  First, Chrysler declared bankruptcy. Who knows what will happen. It's now in the hands of a judge. In Bankruptcy court, judges are a blind draw, and they [...]
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  Posted: May 01, 2009, 1:20pm EDT
  

• Obama craps on our "Right to an attorney"

  To anyone with libertarian leanings that voted for Obama - I told you so. I don't have much time to go into details, but this is bad. We have a right to counsel in our Constitution for a reason. Often, people charged with crimes who are convicted are so because' [...]
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  Posted: April 25, 2009, 6:56pm EDT
  

• Second Amendment Incorporated? In the 9th Circuit of all places?

  This is breaking news right now. Pro 2nd amendment Law Professor Eugene Volokh broke the news on his blog.
  
  The decision is here, Nordyke v King

  
  
  I haven't read it yet don't have time to until later today. Unanimous 3 judge panel ruled on this. Obviously, [...]

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  Posted: April 20, 2009, 1:21pm EDT
  

• Gas tax to increase in Michigan soon? (Side title - we're broke despite revenue increases)

  This isn't the first time this issue has come up. The Lansing elite has been trying to shove this down our throats for years. The Gas Tax. Both parties haven't been great on this.
  
  2007 - Hopgood and DeRoche push for gas tax
  
  The usually [...]
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  Posted: April 18, 2009, 5:30pm EDT
  

• Secretary of State proposes Constitutional Convention procedures

  A major press release came out from the Secretary of State's office regarding the upcoming con-con on the ballot. I'll need to see the exact language before giving final opinions, but this is a good start for discussion purposes and brings this front and center. We do not know [...]
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  Posted: April 18, 2009, 2:08pm EDT
  

• Paul Welday running for Congress against Gary Peters

  I don't know who else is running against Peters, but good luck to whoever his opponent is. Welday is stepping up to the plate, so good luck to him.
  
  And this gets me to a side issue. One of my biggest complaints from both Lansing and DC is' [...]
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  Posted: April 16, 2009, 11:23am EDT
  

• The tea parties - A good start, but needs to be sustained.

  Back in my football days, we had a saying about the season. It is a marathon, not a sprint. The "season" started in January with offseason weightlifting and conditioning. The hard work in January was to pay off in the fall.
  
  This tea party is a good start. [...]
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  Posted: April 16, 2009, 11:18am EDT
  

• The Cluster-you-know-what in Hamburg Township

  If one of you all back in August right after the primary was having a bet on the over/under for recalls being filed before May, I would have taken that bet on double or nothing. I saw this a long time ago.
  
  Former Hamburg Township Trustee Mike Bitondo [...]
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  Posted: April 13, 2009, 2:48pm EDT
  

• What is at risk at a Constitutional Convention?

  One thing I keep saying in my strong opposition to a Constitutional Convention is that literally everything is on the table. I don't think that gets the point across as much as it should since I realized that most people haven't read the Constitution of the State of Michigan which [...]
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  Posted: April 13, 2009, 12:30am EDT
  

• Perlberg Argus editorial on Constitutional Convention

  One issue I'm following closely is the Constitutional Convention issue for 2010. On the ballot will be a question of a con-con. Quite simply, if it passes, there will be a new constitution in Michigan, with literally everything on the table.
  
  I am 100% against a con-con for' [...]
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  Posted: April 12, 2009, 10:23am EDT