Weekly Musing 5-15-11
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman
Michigan Republicans Meet!
Led by our state Chairman Bobby Schostak, over 100 Michigan Republican party leaders gathered in Lansing to plan for 2012. County Chairs and Victory Center leaders had a Friday afternoon “mini campaign school”, our statewide youth leaders had their own session while the State Committee met. And yes, Friday night we held our traditional “pizza & politics” evening where folks caught up and networked with potential candidates!
Both former Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus and former Attorney General Mike Cox received standing ovations when they came up to speak in recognition for their service to our party. Thanks for your continued service to our party & state!
2012 Presidential Nominating Process
MIGOP State Committee went into a “closed session” yesterday to discuss the options, rules and opportunities with the regard to the nominating process. Chairman Schostak appointed a “sub committee” to review the various options and recommend to the Policy Committee and ultimate the State Committee as a whole, a plan. In addition to members of the State Committee, he has asked for representatives from the Governor’s Office and House & Senate Leadership to participate on the sub-committee. We hope to vote on our rules by August.
U.S. Senate – Dump Stabenow Effort Grows
National and state leaders continue to discuss the vulnerability of Senator Debbie Stabenow here in Michigan. Her re-elect numbers are low for an incumbent along with her “most liberal” rating and “rubber stamp” votes for Obama and his policies make this a viable seat for Republicans to pick up.
Potential candidates continue to hold meetings and discussions with party activists and donors. Many have started making the rounds statewide as we prepare for the primary process. There are at least 11 possible candidates holding discussions with national and state party leaders.
There is growing discussion from SE Michigan GOP leaders regarding a possible US Senate run by Oakland County District Judge Kimberly Small of West Bloomfield. Known as one of the toughest judges in Oakland County, both donors and insiders say she has the energy, smarts and fundraising ability to be a very formidable opponent for Debbie Stabenow. Looking forward to hearing from her.
Other candidates who joined me this weekend and continue to be talked about are John McCulloch, Rob Steele, Randy Hekman, Al Pease, Peter Konetchy as well as several others who have not publicly expressed their intent.
Judge Kurtis Wilder for Michigan Supreme Court
Kurt worked the MIGOP State Committee meeting this weekend setting up appointments to travel statewide to introduce himself to the party faithful. He was well received and lined up meetings and speaking engagements statewide. Make sure you take the time to get to know Judge Wilder…he’d be a great Supreme Court member.
Morning Jay: No GOP Frontrunner? No Problem!
“Beyond the psychic discomfort, which is understandable, I really do not think Republicans need to worry about this at all.”
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/morning-jay-no-frontrunner-no-problem_560840.html
Cong. Mike Rogers enters national spotlight
No surprise to those of us from Michigan. Congressman’s role as head of Intelligence Committee, death of bin Laden raises profile
http://detnews.com/article/20110514/POLITICS02/105140362/1022/Mike-Rogers-enters-national-spotlight
Saving the American Dream: The Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
“Saving the American Dream is The Heritage Foundation’s plan to fix the debt, cut spending and, above all, restore prosperity. It balances the nation’s budget within a decade—and keeps it balanced. It reduces the debt and cuts government in half. It eliminates government-mandated health care and fully funds our national defense. It squarely confronts Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the three so-called entitlement programs, which together account for 43 percent of federal spending today.”
Best/Worst States for Business – Michigan #46
More than 500 CEOs considered a wide range of criteria, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment, in our annual ranking of the best states for business.
http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business
A Great Educational Resource – FREE
The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.
All of the site’s resources are available to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy’s materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.
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