Weekly Musing 11-28-10
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman


Happy Thanksgiving
As we finish this holiday week, it’s a great idea to reflect on the origins of Thanksgiving. See George Washington’s original proclamation.

Thanksgiving – The Original Idea

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2010/11/24/thanksgiving-the-original-idea/

RNC Race for Chairman – Wide Open
While current Chairman Michael Steele has NOT made his intentions known as to whether he will run for re-election or not, the field of potential candidates to fill that position grows.

I was the first candidate to enter the race almost three weeks ago and have announced a number of state chairman and national committee members getting behind my bid.

Three other candidates have officially formed “exploratory efforts” and filed 527 committees to explore their options. They include former Ambassador Ann Wagner, GOP operative Maria Cino and former RNC Political Director Gentry Collins.

Other names that are either making calls or mentioned in the press include RGA E.D. Nick Ayers, former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, former SC Chair Katon Dawson, former RNC Chair Mike Duncan, PA Chair Rob Gleason, CT Chair Chris Healy and RNC Legal Counsel & WI Chair Reince Priebus.

WKAR’s Off The Record Interviews Anuzis
I was this week’s guest on Tim Skubick’s Off the Record where I discussed the RNC race, MIGOP Chairman’s race, Governor-Elect Snyder’s “honeymoon” period and more. The interview starts about half way through.

http://red-cedar.wkar.msu.edu:8080/otr/otr-101126.mp4

Rick Snyder backs Bobby Schostak’s bid to be Michigan GOP head – Consensus Building?!?
“Bobby Schostak would be the best candidate to continue uniting the party and building on the successful organization he put in place for the 2010 election, Snyder and Lt. Gov.-elect Brian Calley said in a statement released Monday.”

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/11/rick_snyder_backs_bobby_schost.html

Michigan Republican State Convention
MI GOP State Convention to be held Friday and Saturday, January 28-29, 2011 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. Michigan Republicans will elect it’s new statewide and congressional district leadership at this convention.

National Journal’s Hotline Reports:
Anuzis Adds RNC Backers
“Several prominent Republican National Committee members who backed chairman Michael Steele in 2009 will not support him this year, switching instead to support Steele’s only announced rival.”

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/11/anuzis-adds-rnc.php

Wolfram: Anuzis best to lead national GOP
“I have known Saul since he was a student of mine many years ago. He attracted my attention with his belief in individual liberty and understanding that, as Friedrich Hayek noted, the social order requires nothing more than the spontaneous order of the market. Ludwig von Mises, one of Hayek’s mentors, demonstrated nearly a century ago that market capitalism is the only system capable of creating wealth for the masses and that central planning not only impoverishes us, but takes away our freedom.”

http://www.detnews.com/article/20101122/MIVIEW/11220374/1467/opinion01/Anuzis-best-to-lead-national-GOP

Is the Electorate Moving Right?
“If you look at the historical record, you do not really see much by way of growth in self-identified conservatives after 1994. This makes sense. Ideology is a more stable form of public opinion, as it’s usually built upon core values. The year-to-year changes are probably due to shifts in the opinions of less informed voters who have not developed a full ideological system of thought. So, I’d be willing to cede that much of the bump in self-identified conservatives will fade over time.”

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/electorate-moving-right_518538.html

Stay Up to Date on the RNC Race & Politics
If you are interested in getting more information and following the daily developments in the race for RNC Chair, follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.

On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728

On Twitter at:
@sanuzis

Thanks again for all you do!

An “anonymous friend” took the liberty of sending out the following photos and comment to members of the Republican National Committee..obviously trying to “define” my views…while my former economics professor shared his perspective in the Detroit News.

You decide…Trotsky or von Mises & Hayek?!?
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From: conscienceofaconsservative@gmail.com
To: conscienceofaconservative@gmail.com
Sent: 11/26/2010 9:43:42 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Leon Trotsky and Saul Anuzis, Separated at Birth? Photo Essay Shows Striking Similarities of the Totalitarian Twins…

Separated at birth? Which one is Trotsky? Which one is Anuzis? Hard to tell!

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Anuzis best to lead national GOP

GARY WOLFRAM

Saul Anuzis, current National Republican Committee member from Michigan and former Michigan Republican Party Chairman, announced on Nov. 12 that he is running for the Chairmanship of the National Republican Committee, a post currently held by Michael Steele.

While the Republican Party did well in the last election, a good deal of its success had to do with a reaction of the American people to a federal government that, like the British Parliament of 1767, believed that it had arbitrary power. The 2010 election was in many ways, a call for a return to the concept of a Congress limited to powers specifically stated in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, and an executive branch limited to the powers enumerated in Article II, Section 2. Mr. Anuzis is the right person to lead this movement.

I have known Saul since he was a student of mine many years ago. He attracted my attention with his belief in individual liberty and understanding that, as Friedrich Hayek noted, the social order requires nothing more than the spontaneous order of the market. Ludwig von Mises, one of Hayek’s mentors, demonstrated nearly a century ago that market capitalism is the only system capable of creating wealth for the masses and that central planning not only impoverishes us, but takes away our freedom.

Michigan has had the benefit of Saul’s representation on the National Republican Committee, and would benefit even more from his attainment of the Chairmanship. Our state, with all the economic problems that I have commented on before in this column, is in need of a Congress and presidency that establishes a rule of law, allowing entrepreneurs to be certain of the regulatory and tax environment within which they must operate. A state with close to 13 percent unemployment will be better off with a tax code that is simple, transparent, and has low marginal rates.

These are the types of policies that a House of Representatives and Senate controlled by members who understand and believe in the principles of limited government and individual responsibility can enact. Saul is the person who can put in place a Republican Party capable of electing candidates for the Congress and presidency that meet these standards.

Saul has demonstrated his ability to use the latest technology to advance the ideas of liberty. He has a record of raising money for the Michigan Republican Party in times that were tough both politically and economically in Michigan. He has a firm grasp of the strategy necessary to win control of the levers of government, not to advance the interests of certain groups and businesses, but to bring government back to the one for which the Founders pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. While other candidates for the position may have different strengths, Saul is one who can produce victory, but a victory that is worth achieving.

While Saul stated in his announcement that he wishes to remain a behind-the-scenes chairman, it is still necessary that the chairman reflect the philosophy and character of the Republican Party. One reason that Saul is the godfather of my oldest son is that he is a person of integrity with whom you can trust your own children. We are at a time in our nation’s history when we are in need of leadership of this kind.

We are faced with a massive and expanding national debt, a Federal Reserve bent upon dragging down the value of our currency and artificially setting the price of loanable funds at zero, and a president bent upon changing America into his vision for us rather than what an America made up of free individuals would look like.

We must give our support to leadership that will remove these obstacles and engineer an electoral outcome that would make George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson proud.

Gary Wolfram is the William E. Simon Professor in economics and public policy at Hillsdale College.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to “recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. 

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, President, United States of America

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/11/anuzis-adds-rnc.php

Anuzis Adds RNC Backers
By Reid Wilson
November 23, 2010 | 12:09 PM
Share
Several prominent Republican National Committee members who backed chairman Michael Steele in 2009 will not support him this year, switching instead to support Steele’s only announced rival.

Michigan RNC member Saul Anuzis, who announced his candidacy two weeks ago, will roll out his first roster of endorsements Tuesday in an effort to capture momentum before other candidates announce their own bids after the Thanksgiving break.

Some of the eight new RNC members publicly supporting Anuzis had backed Steele on the final ballots in 2009. They include Rhode Island GOP chairman Gio Cicione, Colorado Republican Party chairman Dick Wadhams and Delaware state GOP chair Tom Ross. Ross’s defection will be the most painful for Steele, for whom Ross served as a regional whip during the votes.

Anuzis will also unveil support from West Virginia GOP chair Mike Stuart, Nebraska party chief Mark Fahleson and national committee members Linda Ackerman of California, Dana Randall of South Dakota and Heidi Smith of Nevada. With his own vote and support from Virginia national committee member Morton Blackwell, Anuzis now has 10 votes for chairman.

Other contenders, though, are showing no signs of backing down. Former RNC co-chair Ann Wagner has filed paperwork establishing a fundraising vehicle with the IRS. Former RNC official Maria Cino has filed similar paperwork with the FEC. And Wisconsin Republican Party chairman Reince Priebus is close to making his own decision, and he’s already garnering support from other committee members like Illinois GOP chairman Pat Brady.

The roster of possible candidates also includes Republican Governors Association executive director Nick Ayers, former RNC political director Gentry Collins, former RNC chairman Mike Duncan, Connecticut party chairman Chris Healy and former South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson. Dawson has hinted he is also working to pull in a big name that would quickly coalesce RNC members.

What’s unknown is whether Steele himself will run for re-election. Steele’s inner circle has begun to crumble; Priebus, Brady and Ross were all big backers of Steele’s 2009 campaign, and their departure has many speculating that Steele won’t have the votes he needs to make a strong first-ballot showing. Steele has few public supporters, including Idaho party chairman Norm Semanko, who made his support for Steele public in a letter last week.

Steele has been on a post-election vacation, traveling to Rome to witness Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl become a cardinal.

FIVE State Chairman & Three Additional RNC Members

Endorse Anuzis for Chairman

In an unprecedented early show of support, five State Chairman and three National Committee Members announce their support for Saul Anuzis’ candidacy for RNC Chairman. VA – NCM Morton Blackwell had earlier sent out an endorsement letter.

Ackerman, Linda CA – NCW

Cicione, Gio RI – State Chairman

Fahleson, Mark NE – State Chairman

Randall, Dana SD – NCM

Ross, Tom DE – State Chairman

Smith, Heidi NV – NCW

Stuart, Mike WV – State Chairman

Wadhams, Dick CO – State Chairman

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Alphabetical List of Public RNC Supporters of Saul Anuzis

Ackerman, Linda CA – NCW

Anuzis, Saul MI – NCM

Blackwell, Morton VA – NCM

Cicione, Gio RI – State Chairman

Fahleson, Mark NE – State Chairman

Randall, Dana SD – NCM

Ross, Tom DE – State Chairman

Smith, Heidi NV – NCW

Stuart, Mike WV – State Chairman

Wadhams, Dick CO – State Chairman

Weekly Musing 11-21-10
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman

RNC Chairman’s Race in Full Swing
Since announcing my candidacy for RNC Chairman, I’ve been traveling the country, making phone calls and trying to keep up with a slew of media interviews.

There is clearly a growing consensus for “change” and a desire for a new direction and focus at the RNC.

I was in San Diego last week for the Republican Governors Conference and was able to meet with 23 Governors to discuss the need for “change”. EVERY Governor I spoke with was grateful for the Chairman’s service, but agreed that new political circumstances and challenges required new leadership.

I am the first announced candidate in the race, but expect several others to at least considering jumping in. Other names actively exploring that option include GOP operative Maria Cino, PA Chairman Rob Gleason, CT Chairman Chris Healy, RNC Legal Counsel and WI State Chair Reince Preibus and former Ambassador and RNC Co-Chair Ann Wagner. Several other names have been mentioned but have not actively engaged in any campaigning to date.

Chairman Michael Steele has not announced whether or not he will seek another term.

Here is the full text of my announcement letter, which also lays out my basic objectives moving forward:

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2010/11/12/why-im-running-for-rnc-chairman/

MI GOP Chairman’s Race
Candidates continue to travel across the state and get a feel for where our grassroots activists believe we should take our party. The future of the Michigan GOP is bright!

Governor-Elect Snyder has said he will make a formal endorsement and I know he’s been talking to the various potential candidates.

Candidates currently being talked about as possible Chairman include: Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, MPR Vice Chair Scott Greenlee, SOS Terri Lynn Land, and MRP Finance Chairman Bob Schostak.

I think we have some great candidates offering their talents to our party. I hope as we move forward, we will come up with a consensus candidate and unite the party going forward to help Governor-Elect Snyder help turn Michigan around.

Governor-Elect Snyder Leadership Team
MIRS reports “Gov.-Elect Rick SNYDER today took a step toward rounding out his key executive office with the appointment of Dennis MUCHMORE as Chief of Staff and Geralyn LASHER as Communications Director.

Mike GADOLA was tapped as Legal Counsel. All three appointees named today have strong Republican ties. When asked about party affiliation today, Snyder joked, “You know I’m not the one to ask. I’m not a labels guy.”

My Personal Favorite Endorsement
“John Batchelor on why the blue-collar Rust Belter Saul Anuzis should replace the self-promoting Michael Steele as Republican National Committee chairman…It is long past time for the drab Republican stalwarts to turn to a low-key but heavy-lifting leader. Anuzis, once a Teamster, qualifies by temperament and territory.”

See the full article here:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-11-14/michael-steele-should-get-a-reality-show/?cid=topic:featured3

A Few Television Interviews on RNC Race
FOX News with Neil Cavuto on the RNC race.
http://www.foxnewsinsider.com/2010/11/15/saul-anuzis-on-why-hes-taking-on-michael-steele/
MSNBC Andrea Mitchell Report
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40198080#40198080

MSNBC ‘Last Word’ with Lawrence O’Donnell
http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2010/11/17/7456/5502

Great Resource:
House Republican Freshmen Directory
House Republican freshmen directory to reflect the latest House election results. They will keep making periodic updates as more election results come in. Note that the races not yet called are still indicated in this document (in red-bold).

http://rsc.tomprice.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Freshman_Facebook_of_the_112th–FINAL.pdf

Stay Up to Date on the RNC Race & Politics
If you are interested in getting more information and following the daily developments in the race, follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.

On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728

On Twitter at:
@sanuzis

Thanks again for all you do

From the Desk of

P. PETE VITALE
Youth Vice Chairman | Michigan Republican Party

November 19, 2010

Dear Fellow Republicans,

As current and former elected youth leaders in the state of Michigan, it is with great excitement that we announce our
support of Saul Anuzis for RNC Chairman. Saul is an active leader, who has taken the initiative to reach out to and
motivate the prosperous youth movement in Michigan. As a former youth leader, Saul understands the importance of a
successful youth movement.

During Saul’s time as Michigan Republican Party Chairman, the youth movement grew at an unprecedented rate. The
College Republican chapters increased rapidly, becoming the largest College Republican organization in the country. This
growth can be attributed to the competitive environment Saul created that allowed youth activities to flourish.

All leaders have their own unique management skills and abilities. Saul’s ability to motivate and connect with youth
leaders and grassroots activists grant us the confidence in his ability to mobilize a 2012 GOTV effort of unprecedented
levels. This GOTV effort will require knowledge of cutting-edge technology, an elevated level of fundraising, and a leader
who can bring together a diverse team to complete the mission of a GOP victory.

The 2010 Republican wave could have been even greater through innovative technology, better fundraising and an
environment that promotes youth involvement. These aspects of the GOTV effort will be critical if we want to accelerate
the momentum we have gained in 2010. This momentum alone will not ensure victory. We must elect a national leader
who has the ability to implement a state of art GOTV and 72-hour plan. Saul Anuzis effectively demonstrates the ability
to implement these programs.

It is imperative, now more than ever, that the Republican Party capitalizes on the momentum from 2010. Saul’s
experience with every crucial element necessary for a successful GOTV effort confirms that he is the leader the GOP
needs. We urge you to join us in supporting Saul Anuzis for RNC Chairman.

With regards,

Pete Vitale
Youth Vice Chairman, MRP

Gus Portela
Chairman, Michigan Federation of College Republicans

Matt Golden
Former Youth Vice Chairman, MRP

Justin Zatkoff
Former Chairman, Michigan Federation of College Republicans

Matt Hall
Former Youth Vice Chairman, MRP

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox Endorses Anuzis for Republican National Committee Chairman

Cox Hopes RNC Chooses Anuzis’s Leadership, Grassroots and Fundraising Skills for Chair

Livonia, MI—Attorney General Mike Cox today announced his endorsement of Saul Anuzis for Republican National Committee Chairman. Cox released the following statement in support of Anuzis:

“I proudly endorse Saul Anuzis for Republican National Committee Chairman. Saul Anuzis has the perfect combination of skills needed to lead the Republican Party in the 2012 election. Saul is a tremendous fundraiser who has built strong relationships with the donor community, a lifetime grassroots leader who knows how to keep party activists energetic and effective, a brilliant tactician who can execute top-notch campaign strategy, and a seasoned communicator who can craft the winning message for Republicans all over the nation. Saul led the Michigan Republican Party in outstanding fashion for four years, and I wholeheartedly endorse his bid for RNC Chair.”

#30#

Terri Lynn Land announced today her support of Saul Anuzis for RNC Chair. She issued the following statement:

“Since my days as a College Republican, I have known Saul Anuzis to be a tireless, passionate advocate for the Republican Party. I will never forget the advice I received from Saul when I ran my first race: „Terri, the votes are there ˆ you just have to go out there and get them.‰ Even then, more than 20 years ago, Saul knew that communication and work ethic were the most important ingredients in a successful campaign.

“Not many people can compete with Saul‚s political pedigree: He has managed and coordinated countless campaigns on every level; served as Third Vice Chair, Third District Chair, State Party Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, and RNC Committeeman from Michigan; worked for the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee and the Senate Republican Campaign Committee; served as Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus and has built a successful small business from the ground up.

“Regardless of the task at hand, Saul brings boundless energy, innovative thinking and incomparable work ethic. His tenure as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party was highlighted by his ability to engage grassroots activists, and his visionary use of social media to communicate with and inform the base.

“For these reasons, I am proud to endorse Saul Anuzis to serve as the next RNC Chair. The work he has done to build the Republican Party in Michigan and ensure quality candidates are elected will be immensely valuable to the RNC, as well as to individual state parties across the U.S. The upcoming 2012 election cycle will require a leader with vision, optimism, energy and ability to build coalitions. Saul Anuzis is that leader.”

November 15, 2010

Fellow Republican National Committee Members:

Congratulations to all of you on our hard fought battles to win back the majority of the House of Representatives and to make significant gains in the Senate, Governors’ offices, and state legislatures.  This truly was an historic election.

But now is not the time to rest.  We have to finish the job in 2012 by electing a conservative Republican President, regaining the Senate, and growing our majorities in the state offices.  And in 2011, we will have important off year elections in my state of Virginia, as well as New Jersey, Mississippi and elsewhere.

That is why I write to you in support of Saul Anuzis for RNC Chairman.  To finish the job, it will be essential for us to have new leadership at the RNC.  Saul is a solid, competent, common sense conservative with a demonstrated record of winning hard-fought principled victories in solidly blue territory.

As in nomination contests, I look in party leadership elections for electable candidates who will do more than they think they absolutely have to do for conservative principles.  Saul Anuzis will be a Chairman who will, once again, inspire the confidence of our grassroots activists, attract top talent to the RNC, revitalize fundraising from our small and large donors, and focus on the organizational nuts and bolts of a ground game that delivers our message and our voters to the polls.

Saul has excellent relationships across the country with social, economic and foreign policy conservatives.  He worked successfully with Tea Party activists in Michigan who became a vital part of the winning coalition.  He will build this same coalition nationally.  Saul will provide the essential leadership to run and manage the RNC and put together a winning team and game plan to facilitate our wins in 2012.

Over these next two years, we cannot afford a revolving door of senior staff or serious mismanagement problems that distract us from the 2012 prize or discourage our donors and activists.  The next Presidential race is likely to be very close, and we will have to protect our new House majority.  In addition, the Senate races will be a target-rich environment.

You and I need someone like Saul with a demonstrated ability to lead and manage the large operation that is the RNC and accomplish these goals.  Saul has no further political ambitions other than Republican victories in 2011 and 2012.  He has committed to running for only one term and will remain entirely neutral in the presidential primary process.

Over the past two years, Saul Anuzis has been doggedly committed to doing the hard work of creating a conservative, common sense Republican resurgence in Michigan – a blue state – while remaining true to our Republican platform and conservative principles.  The Michigan Republican Party created an environment in which they won every statewide office.  They took back the state house and Supreme Court, increased the majority in the state senate, and increased the Republican Congressional delegation by two seats.  He served two terms during two of the toughest cycles for Republicans in a long time, yet still helped lay the groundwork for the victories we accomplished this year.

Those of us who experienced the thrill of victory in the historic elections of 1994, only to experience two years later the agony of a presidential defeat in 1996, know we will have to be on top of our game to win in 2012 – on top with fundraising, on top with organizational strength, and on top with our common sense conservative principles – with no distractions from a winning agenda.

As you may know, I have trained tens of thousands of grassroots activists and have spent years teaching the nuts and bolts of elections to our activists.  Saul is one of the most tech-savvy members we have.  He uses new media daily and consistently, creating an impressive online following of activists nationwide. I know Saul understands how important these efforts are.

The plan that Saul has set out demonstrates that he understands the elements a successful Chairman of the RNC needs to lead and attract the top talent who will put in the 24/7 efforts we will need to win in 2012.

Thank you for your service to our party and conservative principles.  I hope you will join me in supporting Saul Anuzis for Chairman of the RNC.

Cordially,

Morton C. Blackwell

Virginia Republican National Committeeman