Seriously, America is at a crossroads and rarely does a candidate step forward who is principled, honest and grounded in conservatism like Clark Durant.

In the NEXT 6 hours, we can help him raise another $18,650.00…my personal goal is help him get $25,000 to put him over the top. We’re getting there!

You can go online, and if you want your contribution to really count, in fact you must go online before the filing deadline TONIGHT by midnight and make a contribution! Be it $25.00 or $100.00 if you can…or get in trouble with your wife like I did and add a zero on whatever number:) This is about electing someone who will help restore the American Dream and make sure our children and grandchildren have a better America to live in.

Please, if you can, click on the link below…make whatever contribution you can TODAY, yup, Friday night — and be part of a “mini revolution” to help restore the American Dream.

OK, I’m a bit over enthuasiastic about Clark…but when you meet him, hear him and understand the kind of man he is…you’ll get it.

Thanks for your time and consideration!

www.clarkdurant.com

TO: Lauren Rakolta, Finance Director
FROM: Dick Wadhams, Campaign Manager
RE: MIGOP Mackinac Island
DATE: September 26, 2011

As someone who has never been to a Michigan Republican event on Mackinac Island, or any other political event here in Michigan, I wanted to share some observations and perspectives from my past experiences working on U.S. Senate races around the country. If you think it would be helpful, feel free to share this with our Finance Team or anyone else you think makes sense.

Perception “is” reality in politics. Clark and his team did a great job on the island. As is clear from almost every article and news story that came out of the conference, Clark is perceived as the leading challenger to Hoekstra in the primary.

Also, just as important was the end discussion with several supporters from other campaigns that we were first involved in a “primary within a primary”. Several people mentioned that the “more conservative” candidates should ultimately determine who would be the stronger alternative to Hoekstra and Stabenow. As I said to them and would stress to our campaign team, this discussion makes sense come March/April 2012, but not now.

We need to respect EVERY candidate’s efforts and encourage them to make their case to Republicans in Michigan. Although I feel confident in Clark’s campaign and the fact that I think we are in the strongest position to challenge Stabenow, it would be premature to do anything beyond having these general conversations.

Last week, Clark travelled the state holding 21 interviews ranging from a radio show in Marquette, to live TV appearances in Saginaw, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and newspaper interviews in Traverse City, Muskegon and other areas of the state. He did a good job tying Stabenow and Hoekstra together on several votes to increase the debt ceiling, supporting the “Bridge to Nowhere” and generally being part of the “Washington Way” of “business as usual”. Clark’s announcement was impressive. A lively, energetic, and diverse crowd at Cornerstone Schools in Detroit cheered Clark on, as he delivered a straight-from-the-heart announcement, enunciating the themes of his campaign.

From the moment I stepped off the ferry onto the island, Durant signs and stickers dominated the political landscape. The volunteers were a group of 30 quality young people from Hillsdale, Albion, MSU and other colleges, and they did a great job of placing our signs in storefront windows of local shops and banners at various hotels. Our stickers were clearly the most visible, while folks tried to figure out what Hoekstra’s “penny” meant.

I think getting a copy of Clark’s speech and newsletter under every door in every participating hotel was brilliant. I was surprised how many people approached Clark to talk about his speech, one activist saying it was in the tradition of Thomas Paine. And the newsletter really set the stage that this campaign was off and running.
I was told that traditionally, the Republican Mackinac Island Conference has been the “kick off” to most statewide campaigns during election cycles. Clearly, this was no different and it was a great success.

With 10 months to go before the primary and with the latest Michigan poll conducted by Inside Michigan Politics/MRG showed that at least 50% of the primary voters were still undecided. With Congressman Hoekstra having served for eighteen years in Congress and just coming off an unsuccessful statewide campaign for governor, these numbers are predictable and insignificant at this early stage.

When I ran Colorado U.S. Senator Wayne Allard’s first campaign in 1996, he, too, was a huge underdog to a much better known Republican opponent. But we knew that once primary voters knew that a solid conservative like Allard was running, the numbers would shift rapidly and that is exactly what occurred.

Once Michigan Republican primary voters know this race is between a former 18-year congressman who broke his term limits pledge, voted five times with Senator Stabenow to increase the debt limit, ran an unsuccessful statewide race and then went on to join a lobbying firm in Washington versus a man who has spent the past twenty years founding and building charter and private schools in inner city Detroit for under privileged kids –those numbers will shift rapidly in Clark Durant’s favor as well.

Congressman Hoekstra has been in the race almost twice as long as Clark has. He has “announced” that they plan on raising over $500,000 by the end of the first quarter. We have heard he has commitments for more than $650,000 and with the Governor and other “party leaders” making calls on his behalf, we feel we have to at least raise 50% of Hoekstra’s number. This last week they have tried to “low ball” their numbers and imply they may only hit “$400,000-$500,000”. However, insiders and others close to the campaign have indicated they believe they will easily beat his initial projections.

I know we have been shooting for $250,000 to $300,000 for this period. As we have discussed, I think this is critical and we should do everything we can to get as close as possible to Hoekstra’s numbers. I know we felt comfortable in planning on catching up to his fundraising before the end of the year, but coming close this quarter would send a huge signal throughout the political community both here in Michigan and around the country.

I have worked with many Senatorial candidates and Senators. I can honestly tell you that Clark is one of the best candidates I have encountered. His commitment and tenacity are those of a winning candidate.

We have a great opportunity to defeat Debbie Stabenow and Clark is the right candidate to do it. I look forward to working with you and the rest of our team over the next year.

One of the key take-aways from this weekend is the recognition by savvy reporters and operatives that career politicians have an uphill climb against insurgents. National reporters covering the Mackinac Conference, particularly in their background discussions, point to the fact that the 2010 political landscape was littered with establishment Republicans who lost to insurgent challengers such as Marco Rubio who came out of nowhere to defeat a sitting Governor. The examples could go on and on. Voters were particularly inhospitable to Congressman who supported TARP.

Congressman Hoekstra’s lengthy tenure in Congress, his pro-TARP vote, and his job at the Dickstein Shapiro lobbying firm, are significant liabilities. A recent CBS/New York Times poll showed only 12% of Americans hold a favorable view of Congress—this is tied for the lowest approval number EVER. Six years ago, an 18-year Congressman working for a D.C. lobbying firm may have been able to make a strong case that he was experienced and deserved a promotion to the U.S. Senate, but not today. The public mood clearly favors outsiders who are ready to make tough fiscal decisions that were not made in the past. As the attached graph shows, more than 81 percent of voters are dissatisfied with how the nation is being governed.

A career politician representing the “Washington way” cannot win. Voters hunger for a candidate who represents the “American way” like Clark Durant.
I had the honor of running U.S. Senator John Thune’s campaign when he defeated Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in South Dakota in 2004 which was the first time in 50 years a sitting Democratic leader was defeated for reelection. Senator Daschle had never been defeated for any race in 26 years, but he had steadily moved too far to the left of his state.

Not just any candidate could have defeated Daschle. Not just any candidate can defeat Senator Stabenow. It will take a candidate of Clark Durant’s conservative vision and his unique ability to reach beyond our traditional base to win. And I’m proud to be a part of Clark’s campaign.

Weekly Musing 9-25-11

Saul Anuzis

MI: Republican National Committeeman

Mackinac Republican Conference a Huge Success!
Michigan Republican took over Mackinac Island as activists from across our state gather to hear leading presidential candidate, U.S. Senate candidates and many others. The mood couldn’t have been more optimistic as we reviewed the political environment and had a chance to size up our candidates for 2012.

Congratulations to MIGOP Chairman Bobby Schostak and his team for putting on another GREAT conference at the truly Grand Hotel!

This is Romney Country

If there was every any doubt, Mitt Romney “rocked” the GOP Mackinac Conference this weekend. Mitt and Ann Romney mingled amongst activists, met with fundraisers, picked up key endorsements from leaders across the state.

Romney topped off the evening my giving the keynote at tonight’s dinners and delivered a “knock out punch” as he reminded Republicans of his roots, described his vision and reinvigorated our spirits as he brought back the concept of American exceptionalism.

Mitt “worked” the room taking pictures, shaking hands, thanking activists for their work and support. To say Michigan is “Romney Country” would be an understatement based on the reaction to his speech and attendance at events throughout the day.

Gov. Rick Perry delivered a strong speech during the luncheon keynote and impressed many with his rhetoric. Unfortunately, he only spent a little less than two hours with Michigan Republicans and many didn’t get a chance to hear much more than his luncheon speech.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-romney-perry-michigan-20110925,0,3011238.story

Clark Durant Announces for U.S. Senate

Following his announcement tour around the state, Clark Durant arrived on Mackinac Island Friday greeted by signs, stickers and an enthusiastic group of supporters.

Clark and his wife Susan met hundreds of activists and talked about his vision of Michigan and America. He clearly laid out his “American Way” and contrasted his experience and record to that of Debbie Stabenow and other’s “Washington Way”.

Durant carried his “citizen’s politician” message to activists from around the state, picking up key support and fundraisers from every corner of the state.

http://detroitnews.com/article/20110924/POLITICS02/109240371/1024/POLITICS03/Republicans-at-Mackinac-conference-set-sights-on-Senate-seat

http://www.ClarkDurant.com/

See Bob Lutz endorsement of Clark Durant:

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/09/12/bob-lutz-endorses-clark-durant-for-u-s-senate/

Here is my endorsement, written with Besty DeVos and Spencer Abraham:

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/08/11/devos-abraham-anuzis-durant-for-u-s-senate/

Durant Introduces Nationally Respected Campaign Manager to Michigan Activists
Durant was accompanied on the Island by Dick Wadhams, who will be moving to Michigan from Colorado to run Clark’s Senate Race. Wadhams is nationally recognized for John Thune’s impressive upset victory over then Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in South Dakota, Wayne Allard’s victory in Colorado and he also served as Chief of State to Virginia’s Senator George Allen.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/09/durant-hiring-w.php

Hoekstra supporter Jack Hoogendyk in his newsletter took a cheap shot at Wadhams publishing a misleading headline which read:
“Clark Durant Hires David “I’m tired of the ‘nuts’ in the Tea Party” Wadhams as His Campaign Manager.”

The problem is, Wadhams NEVER said that.

The “rest of the story”: In Colorado’s last election for U.S. Senate and Governor, Dick Wadhams oversaw a fair and open nomination process as Colorado Republican Chairman where any Republican voter could participate and any Republican could compete for the nomination. As a result, there was a record turnout in Colorado’s Republican precinct caucuses and primary election. The ability of tea party activists to play a successful role in the process was demonstrated by the nomination of candidates with significant tea party support for U.S. Senator and Governor. Although a conservative third party candidate for governor undermined any ability for the nominee to win, the Colorado Republican Party under Dick’s leadership worked closely with the Senate nominee who narrowly lost. Dick is proud of overseeing a nomination process that welcomed a new generation of Republican leadership and activism as inspired by grassroots tea party groups across the state.

The link that Hoekstra’s supporters sent around proved Wadhams never called tea partiers “nuts” and does not have him saying such a thing — because it was never said it. In frustration to some of the renegade Republicans who created a third party effort, Wadhams said he was “tired of the nuts” who did not understand the role of the state party and state chairman, NEVER personalized it to tea partiers. Several bloggers, left and right, decided to characterize Dick’s statement as such but no legitimate journalistic entity ever reported those quotes. There are tons of quotes in national and
Colorado media where Wadhams paid tribute to tea party activists.

A cheap shot – which shows the desperation of a campaign, which apparently is “feeling some heat”. I guess talking about the issues, the candidates voting records and positions gets someone nervous?!?

Let’s stick to the facts.

Solyndra Nation: To find a metaphor for the failed Obama presidency, look no further than Solyndra
“Government meddling isn’t limited to alternative energy. The U.S. Treasury stands behind Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, General Motors, and AIG, not to mention all the other companies that profit from loopholes, sweetheart loans, and subsidies. The cliché has it that government is picking winners and losers. But that’s wrong: It picks only losers. Winning companies don’t need public support.”

http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/solyndra-nation_593645.html

Mitt Romney Announces Support of MI Speaker of the House Jase Bolger and Additional Members of the Michigan Legislature:
Mitt Romney also announced the support of Michigan Speaker of the House Jase Bolger. 
 
“I am proud to announce the addition of Speaker Bolger to my growing Michigan team,” said Mitt Romney. “Speaker Bolger joins an already impressive team that will be critical as I campaign in Michigan and spread my message of job creation, less spending, and lower taxes.”
 


Speaker Bolger, who will serve as a Co-Chair of the Michigan campaign, announced his support saying, “Michigan voters have seen firsthand failed policy after failed policy of government creating an environment in which job providers cannot thrive. We have worked hard in the state Legislature to start making Michigan a more competitive place to provide a job, so that it’s easier for our citizens to find a career. Mitt Romney has a record of results as a job creator and a governor. Every conversation I’ve had with Mitt has focused on how he can make America more competitive and how he can work with us to bring more opportunities to Michigan. Of all the candidates, he has the most economic experience. Mitt Romney knows what it will take to get the national economy on the right track so that economic recovery is possible for states like Michigan.”
 
In addition to Speaker Bolger, the following members of the Michigan Legislature announced their support for Mitt Romney:
 


State Senator Dave Hildenbrand

State Senator Jim Marleau

State Senator John Pappageorge

State Representative Kurt Damrow

State Representative Joe Haveman

State Representative Chuck Moss

State Representative Margaret O’Brien
State Representative Wayne Schmidt 
 


These legislators join previously released members of the Michigan Legislature supporting Governor Mitt Romney:
 


Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville 

State Senator Rick Jones
S
tate Senator Roger Kahn

State Senator Mike Kowall

State Senator Phil Pavlov

State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker

State Representative Dave Agema

State Representative Jon Bumstead

State Representative Frank Foster

State Representative Kurt Heise

State Representative Marty Knollenberg
State Representative Eileen Kowall

State Representative Matt Lori

State Representative Greg MacMaster

State Representative Mark Ouimet

State Representative Lisa Posthumus-Lyons

State Representative Paul Scott
State
Representative John Walsh 

State Representative Dale Zorn

Mitt Romney for President – My Endorsement!
“After watching the last two debates, I have decided to publicly endorse and actively work in support of Mitt Romney’s effort to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States…

I have watched the nominating process unfold and as I have said over and over again, there is NOTHING more important for our country and our children than stopping Barack Obama and his policies.

To paraphrase William F. Buckley, I think now, more than ever, it makes sense to support the most conservative candidate who can win…Mitt Romney is that candidate and now is the time to start rallying our forces…

Romney is tested, he’s ready, he’s committed and he is best prepared for the challenge ahead. I urge you to join me in supporting Mitt Romney to be our next President of the United States of America!”

The full text of my letter:
http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/09/15/mitt-romney-for-president-my-endorsement/

Romney for President Press Release:
http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/09/15/romney-for-president-press-release-anuzis-endorsement/

Michigan Talk Radio Interview with Michael Patrick Shiels on My Endorsement of Mitt Romney:
http://www.citadellansing.com/MTN/MPS%20Podcasts/Sept11/(9.16)/Saul%20Anuzis%20(9.16).mp3

Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.

Please share.

Feel free to 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!

Weekly Musing 9-18-11

Saul Anuzis

MI: Republican National Committeeman

Mitt Romney for President – My Endorsement!
“After watching the last two debates, I have decided to publicly endorse and actively work in support of Mitt Romney’s effort to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States…

I have watched the nominating process unfold and as I have said over and over again, there is NOTHING more important for our country and our children than stopping Barack Obama and his policies.

To paraphrase William F. Buckley, I think now, more than ever, it makes sense to support the most conservative candidate who can win…Mitt Romney is that candidate and now is the time to start rallying our forces…

Romney is tested, he’s ready, he’s committed and he is best prepared for the challenge ahead. I urge you to join me in supporting Mitt Romney to be our next President of the United States of America!”

The full text of my letter:
http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/09/15/mitt-romney-for-president-my-endorsement/

Romney for President Press Release:
http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/09/15/romney-for-president-press-release-anuzis-endorsement/

Michigan Talk Radio Interview with Michael Patrick Shiels on My Endorsement of Mitt Romney:
http://www.citadellansing.com/MTN/MPS%20Podcasts/Sept11/(9.16)/Saul%20Anuzis%20(9.16).mp3

NYC Stunner: Republican Turner Wins House Special
“Republican Bob Turner won a special election Tuesday in a New York City congressional district that has been held by Democrats for nearly a century – an upset that delivers a stinging rebuke to President Obama and his party…For Democrats, however, it’s the loss in New York City, a traditional party stronghold, that is the most ignominious defeat. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee rushed in reinforcements in the final week, spending over a half-million dollars on a television ad against Turner and sending in volunteers who reached out to over 450,000 Democratic voters in the district.”

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/09/nyc-stunner-rep.php

Auto Legend Bob Lutz Endorses Clark Durant for U.S. Senate – Read his Letter!
“I have known Clark for more than twenty years. He has vision; he is a leader; he assembles the right team to execute good plans; and he has always created a great return on investment. I am asking you to join with me to host an event for Clark, and to invest in his race to represent all of us in the United States Senate.


Clark is absolutely the best candidate in the Republican primary, and he is uniquely positioned to beat Debbie Stabenow in the general; in fact, in my judgment, and that of others, he is the only Republican who can win the race for the United States Senate.”

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/09/12/bob-lutz-endorses-clark-durant-for-u-s-senate/

And don’t forget our original endorsement from former Senator Spence Abraham, Party Chair Betsy DeVos and I sent out on Clark’s behalf. Notice the votes Stabenow cast. Do they bother you? They should. We can do better than folks who have gotten caught up in the Washington Way or doing things!

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/08/11/devos-abraham-anuzis-durant-for-u-s-senate/

Pete Hoekstra says he has overcome mistakes that kept him from winning governor’s race in 2010 – Announces for U.S. Senate
“We didn’t raise enough money and we didn’t have the organizational capacity to run a statewide race,” Hoekstra said Monday…Hoekstra’s biggest obstacle to winning the nomination appears to be Clark Durant, a Detroit charter school founder who is backed by former state GOP chairs Betsy DeVos, Saul Anuzis and former U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham.”

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/09/pete_hoekstra_says_he_has_over.html

Michigan could be an early presidential primary state
“Michigan could become a major player in the 2012 Republican primary if GOP legislative leaders follow through with a plan to hold the primary election on Feb. 28.”

http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110913/NEWS05/110913013

Obama Allies: Time to Wake Up – Trouble Ahead!
“Crushing defeats for the Democratic party in two special congressional elections on Tuesday, an economy that’s showing no signs of revival, and Obama’s declining approval ratings have become too much to defend, even for some of the party’s most zealous spin doctors. The president’s support is eroding across the board, and the coalition of liberals, minorities, young people, and labor that helped elect him in 2008 is fraying badly.

“Democrats should be very nervous,” said Bill Burton, a former White House spokesman and senior strategist at Priorities USA, which is raising millions of dollars for the 2012 election. “They need to put on their war paint and get ready for what is going to be a very difficult battle. Unless activists really engage and recognize the stakes of this fight, it’s going to be impossible for the president to win.”

http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/obama-allies-time-to-wake-up-20110914

Obama: The Obsolete ‘Post Office President’
“Yet here is Barack Obama, our Post Office President, bitterly clinging to the theories of the past and doubling down his investments in failure, while new ideas and innovations pass him by. Such is the fate of anyone who presumes to place the static judgments of an entrenched bureaucracy over the rational thinking and creative efforts of free minds.”

http://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2011/09/11/obama_the_obsolete_post_office_president_99247.html

Obama’s Pathetic, Pedestrian Speech
“Lest there be an doubt about Obama’s real intentions, consider that his speech was obviously modeled on Harry Truman’s call for a special session of the Republican Congress in the summer of 1948 so he could campaign against it. And consider that Obama pointedly refused to rebuke Jim Hoffa’s “let’s take these sons of bitches out” — meaning Republicans — when he introduced him last Monday in Detroit.”

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/09/12/obama_buys_the_drinks_that_other_guys_pay_for_111287.html

Today – Sunday CBS Michigan Matters
Watch Brooks Patterson and I square off on WWJTV CBS Michigan Matters about Durant vs Hoekstra for U.S. Senate. My point, Durant is more electable! Watch it at 11:00am this morning:)

Congratulations to Chairman Sig Vaznelis
This week Cook County GOP elected Sig Vaznelis as their new Chairman. Sig served as the Lemont Township GOP Chairman and now takes on a huge challenge and job! I’m looking forward to working with Sig through the 2012 elections.

Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.

Please share.

Feel free to 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!

MIRS BREAKING NEWS: Senate OKs Feb. 28 Prez. Primary — 10:56 a.m.
www.mirsnews.com/alert.php?alert_id=552
———————–
The Senate today chose Feb. 28, 2012, at its date for the presidential primary.

SB 0584 sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Randy RICHARDVILLE (R-Monroe) was discharged on the floor without a hearing from the Local Government and Elections Committee. The bill passed 25-12 with Sen. Joe HUNE (R-Hamburg) voting no.Richardville offered a substitute of SB 0584 that established that the primary would be held on Feb. 28, which already is one of four regular election dates in Michigan. That passed without discussion on General Orders.

Under the original version of SB 0584, a Presidential Primary Election Date Selection Committee would do just that, and have one member appointed by Gov. Rick SNDYER, one member appointed by Richardville and one by House Speaker Jase BOLGER (R-Marshall). The amended version skips that step.

Sen. Steve BIEDA’s (D-Warren) amendment that would have provided for no-reason absentee voting was shot down on a mostly party-line 12-25 record-roll-call vote, with Sen. Tory ROCCA (R-Sterling Heights) crossing over. Bieda said 26 states have laws and it would “modernize Michigan’s election system.”

Democrats, who have no stake in the primary as their nominee almost certainly will be President Barack OBAMA, have criticized the $10 million price tag.

“How do you justify a $10 million expenditure to hold a single-party closed primary at the same time we’re cutting” a whole host of programs in the state budget? Bieda said.

Although the Feb. 28 violates National Republican Committee (NRC) rules, GOP National Committeeman Saul ANUZIS told MIRS Tuesday that he will ask the for a waiver to avoid penalties (See “Anuzis Planning Appeal On Feb. 28 Date,” 9/13/11).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Romney Press Office

September 15, 2011

857-288-3610

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN SAUL ANUZIS

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today welcomed the support of former Michigan Republican Party chairman and current Michigan Republican National Committeeman, Saul Anuzis.

“Saul Anuzis is a widely respected leader of the conservative grassroots movement, not only in Michigan, but across the country,” said Mitt Romney. “I am thrilled to have him on board our leadership team in a critical state like Michigan.”

“I am proud to endorse Mitt Romney for President,” said Anuzis, “His singular focus on fixing our economy combined with his Michigan roots and ability to relate to the hopes and dreams of Michigan voters make him the one candidate that can and will beat Barack Obama.”

“The most pressing issue facing Michigan and America is jobs and our economy. You can look at Mitt’s experience in turning around the Olympics, putting Massachusetts on a strong economic footing while cutting taxes 19 times and his career as a conservative businessman and see that he has the skills and experience needed to be President.”

Background On Saul Anuzis:

In 2005 and again in 2007, Saul Anuzis was unanimously elected Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. In 2009, he was elected as Republican National Committeeman for Michigan, and serves as Chairman of the RNC Technology Committee.

Saul Anuzis is a regular contributor to many other right-of-center blogs, and is recognized by many as one of the most tech-savvy RNC members in the country, leading the way in the use of technology as a tool in political party communications.

###

Mitt Romney for President

After watching the last two debates, I have decided to publicly endorse and actively work in support of Mitt Romney’s effort to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States. There are four primary reasons for my support:

ONE: He is uniquely qualified to serve as President – no one is better prepared.

TWO: He can beat Barack Obama in November, early polls showing his strength.

THREE: He is a strong leader & has a vision to make America strong & prosperous.

FOUR: Mitt Romney will make Michigan competitive for Republicans in 2012 on the day he wins the nomination.

I have watched the nominating process unfold and as I have said over and over again, there is NOTHING more important for our country and our children than stopping Barack Obama and his policies.

To paraphrase William F. Buckley, I think now, more than ever, it makes sense to support the most conservative candidate who can win…Mitt Romney is that candidate and now is the time to start rallying our forces.

I’m a big fan of Newt Gingrich and Thad McCotter…but they don’t seem to be in position to get the nomination, let alone put together an effort to defeat Obama. I have tremendous respect of Tim Pawlenty’s past efforts. I’m intrigued and look forward to getting to know Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman, Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum, Herman Cain and Ron Paul…all who have an important message to deliver and add to the debate.

However, this election is so important and the task at hand so daunting I believe only the strongest, best organized, best financed and best prepared candidate can effectively challenge Barack Obama this fall across our entire country.

Romney’s singular focus on job creation combined with his Michigan roots and ability to relate to the hopes and dreams of native Michiganders make him Mark Brewer’s worse nightmare.

The most pressing issue facing Michigan and America is JOBS and our economy. No other candidate has the knowledge and experience creating jobs and turning things around. You can look at Mitt’s experience in turning around the Olympics, putting Massachusetts on a strong economic footing while cutting taxes 19 times and his lifetime career in the private sector.

Michigan clearly wants leadership with private sector experience because government has demonstrated they don’t have all the answers. America needs someone who gets it, who’s been there and done that, someone to help restore America’s confidence and greatness. We need something more than another career politician because it’s career politicians have gotten us into this mess and they aren’t going to get us out. Mitt is a conservative businessman and that’s the experience he will bring to the White House to turn our economy around.

To put it succinctly, with 25 years of experience in the private sector, Mitt Romney knows how our economy works and how to implement pro-growth policies that will produce jobs. Mitt is clearly the strongest candidate to take on President Obama and he has the skills needed to rein in spending, control our exploding deficits and bring fiscal sanity back to Washington.

Mitt Romney has taken a common sense conservative approach on issue after issue. From his jobs program, to taxes to support for a strong defense, his positions are sound. While some question his position as Governor on healthcare, we need to remember he was able to create their state’s program without raising taxes and by implementing a free-market plan, not a government plan. I believe that difference will be a strong issue for us when taking on Obama. He has also been clear that it was a state approach, which may not work in other states. That is why the issue should be addressed at the state level, not the federal level. And he is 100% clear on this: as President he will REPEAL Obamacare, and on day one will give all 50 states waivers from complying with Obamacare.

In the end, our goal is to put America back on the right track. We need to do whatever it takes to win this election and stop the dangerous policies of Barack Obama and his allies in the Democratic Party. They have put our country in a tenuous position economically, abroad and in my opinion – challenged the fundamental constitutional tenants of our limited republican form of government.

Elections are about choices. And the stakes for our country are too high to ignore and/or just sit on our hands.

I firmly believe that Governor Mitt Romney is the right man, at the right time to step up and serve our country. As with every candidate, there will be things I don’t necessarily agree with or may have done differently myself. However, the ultimate test comes in the comparison to Barack Obama, his policies and Romney’s ability to offer our country a viable alternate.

Romney is tested, he’s ready, he’s committed and he is best prepared for the challenge ahead. I urge you to join me in supporting Mitt Romney to be our next President of the United States of America!

Saul Anuzis

Republican National Committeeman for Michigan

AUTO INDUSTRY LEADER BOB LUTZ ENDORSES CLARK DURANT FOR US SENATE

For Immediate Release Contact: Adam Raezler
Monday September, 12 2011 Tel. (313) 719 – 8200
Email: clarkdurant2012@gmail.com
Website: www.clarkdurant.com

Today, Bob Lutz is issuing a letter endorsing Clark Durant for U.S. Senate to business and civic leaders in Michigan. (See attachment) Bob Lutz is joining the campaign as General Finance Chairman, and will assist by fundraising, public speaking, press interviews and other campaign activities as time permits.

“Lutz knows that when the product line-up is stale, you’ve got to start fresh, be bold, and give people something they can be passionate about. That’s as true in politics as it is in cars. I am grateful to Bob for his support,” said Durant.

“Bob Lutz is an auto industry legend. I am honored to have his support. Bob knows the American way of innovation, private initiative and support for free enterprise will put Americans back to work.” concluded Durant.

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If you would like more information about Clark Durant’s United States Senate campaign, or to schedule an interview with Mr. Durant, please call Adam Raezler at (313) 719-8200.

SEE FULL TEXT OF LETTER BELOW:

Dear Friends:

In the automobile business, I am known as a “car guy”. I love product. It is all about passion, excellence, and superior value. Great product makes all the difference for success.

Every great car has character. You see it in the lines, the look, and the feel…inside and out. It is in the little details. It is in the standard equipment, and the extras. It is in first impressions off the line and in the showroom…and the lasting impressions at classic auto shows years later. All cars have to run well, be available at prices that work for customers, and maintain their value over time.

In the end, you buy a product just right for you, a product you love to own, to drive, and even just to park in your driveway. So, let me tell you about a great product that is coming to the marketplace, a product that I didn’t design, but I am helping it come to market. It is well built; it is of superior value; it is well tested over many years; it is excellent in every important way, and this product this person is needed right now in Washington, given the crisis facing our country. That product this person is my friend Clark Durant. I write today to ask you to join with me in supporting Clark, a well tested model of excellence!

I have known Clark for more than twenty years. He has vision; he is a leader; he assembles the right team to execute good plans; and he has always created a great return on investment. I am asking you to join with me to host an event for Clark, and to invest in his race to represent all of us in the United States Senate.

Clark is absolutely the best candidate in the Republican primary, and he is uniquely positioned to beat Debbie Stabenow in the general; in fact, in my judgment, and that of others, he is the only Republican who can win the race for the United States Senate.

I will tell you why, but first, a word on Clark’s distinguished career, a career that will make possible his victory.

Based on his work more than forty years ago as an undergraduate at Tulane University, Clark was hired in 1971 by Dr. George Roche, the new President of Hillsdale College, to be the Director of Dr. Roche’s new initiative, the Center for Constructive Alternatives. The idea for the Center grew out of Dr. Roche’s personal experience with Clark’s work in New Orleans, even before he became President of Hillsdale College. The College’s now very influential letter of opinion, Imprimis, was initiated by Clark at Hillsdale in order to take the ideas of freedom, self government, business, politics, and culture to a wider audience, today around the world.

After Hillsdale, Clark attended the Notre Dame Law School where he taught a great books course in the undergraduate school. He returned to Detroit to practice law with his father, and for many years he represented individuals who could not afford a lawyer.

In March of 1983 Clark was recommended by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole to become the Trustee of a bankrupt state owned, taxpayer subsidized Ann Arbor Railroad. It had more than $100 million in debts and claims filed against it. It could easily have been liquidated. But, after paying off every allowed claim, rehabilitating the track, and allowing unique labor agreements to take the railroad forward, Clark and his team found a way to save and create jobs, to expand service, and to eliminate the need for state subsidies and state ownership by putting the railroad into the private sector. The railroad became a taxpayer, not a tax user.

In October of 1983, President Ronald Reagan nominated Clark to serve on the board of the Legal Services Corporation, a highly controversial agency designed to provide legal services to the poor. He was confirmed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate. Clark served four years as Chair of the Board. He had the rare political courage to challenge the status quo both inside and outside of the Congress…earning the enmity of all of the special interests. The President later applauded Clark’s leadership and bold steps to shift the debate.

A final word on his career. Twenty years ago Clark founded the immensely successful Cornerstone Schools in Detroit. Please go to Clark’s Facebook page at clarkdurant.com and read the Detroit Free Press article by Stephen Henderson, the editorial page editor, regarding the schools which give inner city parents a low-cost, high-performing option outside of the city’s public schools. The article credits Clark with enormous leadership in the city for education.

Clark is running against two career politicians (Hoekstra/Stabenow), both of whom have stood on the sidelines during their lengthy tenures in Washington D.C. while our economy has deteriorated. They have done nothing to halt the explosion of our federal debt. Federal spending is out of control. And, when they do act, both Pete and Debbie have voted for spending programs, increased debt ceilings, and federal budgets that only make matters worse. Greece is not just a bankrupt foreign country; it is a reality for us to know, and fear. The career politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, have failed us and put us on a path to Greece.

Clark alone can win this U.S. Senate race, because his life’s work has stretched across the usual political divisions. No other Republican or Democrat in this race will be able to reach across the divisions, as Clark can do. Clark is a problem solver for all people, and he has been one for his entire life. He is not a career politician. His life demonstrates great foresight, character, leadership, tenacity of purpose, excellence, and superior value….he’s a tremendous product.

Now is not the time for summer patriots. All of us need to get active and involved. I write this letter because I tremble for my state, and my country. Denise and I are paying for it. Please invest whatever you can, today. Host an event with me. An envelope has been provided for you to send your thoughts and contribution back to me. Donate online today at clarkdurant.com. They will send me the list. Thank you very much.

Bob Lutz

Have You Forgotten?

George W. Bush Flight 93 Memorial Speech, September 10, 2011