Weekly Musing 10-16-11

Saul Anuzis

MI: Republican National Committeeman

My daughter just walked into the living room and said: “Dad, cancel my allowance immediately, rent my room out, throw all my clothes out of the window, take my TV, and stereo, and iPhone, and iPod, and my laptop. Please take all of my jewelry to the Salvation Army or Cash Converters. Then sell my new car, take my front door key away from me and throw me out of the house.” Then disown me and never talk to me again. And don’t forget to write me out of your will and leave my share to my brother.”

Well, she didn’t put it quite like that.. she actually said..
“Dad I have decided to work for Obama’s re-election campaign.”

(NOTICE: For those of you who take things too seriously, this was just a cute joke.)

MSU 28 vs UM 14 – Wow, What a Game!
Fans from across the state came to East Lansing to watch a great football game. A good game all the way through…and a better (long) tailgate which is why I’m late getting this newsletter out this morning!

Top 10 Reasons Stabenow Must Go

1. Debbie Stabenow has done NOTHING for Michigan while serving in the U.S. Senate except – collect a paycheck. Senator Do Nothing might be a better way to describe her.

2. Debbie Stabenow supports the Obama jobs plan which includes nearly 100 tax increases on American taxpayers and does nothing to help job providers hire more workers.

3. Debbie Stabenow voted FOR Obama’s national healthcare, which has done nothing to improve health care, only increase it’s cost and stop businesses from hiring more workers.

4. Debbie Stabenow has supported every new onerous regulation, which has impeded Michigan business and increased unemployment in Michigan.

5. Like Obama, Miss Debbie is against wars while campaigning, but we recently set a record for the longest war in American history in Afghanistan. She votes to run up federal deficits after the elections are held and American men and women continue dying in ill-defined, ever expanding wars and military excursions.

6. On Miss Debbie’s watch, Detroit and Flint have become the #1 and #4 most violent cities in America.

7. Americans have lost confidence in the federal government to an all-time low on Miss Debbie’s watch.

8. Miss Debbie voted for the Frank-Dodd re-write of the banking law which forces fees on debit and credit cards and will soon result in checking account fees.

9. Miss Debbie has opposed every effort to increase domestic energy production forcing the cost of a gallon of gasoline to reach all-time highs.

10. Miss Debbie panders to labor bosses who have sent jobs overseas with their excessive demands. It’s time to bring American jobs back to America, and that won’t happen with Senator Do Nothing in Washington.

Why Reagan succeeded and Obama Failed
“Senator Gramm’s central point is abundantly clear when we examine two presidents: one resolved to limiting government and freeing Americans to achieve, and the other resolved towards centrally planning and limiting the rewards to those who work hard and take risks. Government policies matter.”

http://detnews.com/article/20111006/MIVIEW/110060494/Wolfram–Why-Reagan-succeeded-and-Obama-failed

CAN OBAMA WIN? NOT THIS WAY
“The point isn’t that Obama won’t win but that in order to do so he will have to follow the time-honored Democratic route of rampaging around the Great Lakes and squeezing home in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It’s also not as if he doesn’t have anything to say to voters in these areas. With his rescue of the auto industry, he can claim to have saved many thousands of jobs in the Midwest, for example. But given his lowly poll ratings in many of these states, it’s going to be a challenge.”

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/johncassidy/2011/10/can-obama-win-not-this-way.html

Good Warning to Our Side: How Obama’s data-crunching prowess may get him re-elected
We need to use every tool available in our campaigns nationwide. The Democrats continue to innovate in some areas that should serve as a wake up call to our side!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/09/tech/innovation/obama-data-crunching-election/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

New Mobile App Launched To Track Michigan’s Worst Roads, Bridges – Cool Idea – The Catch, How to then Pay for Infrastructure Costs
“Bad enough that MITA and the Michigan Transportation Team are launching a mobile application allowing residents to upload photos of dangerous potholes, roads or bridges — and compete for $500 to the state’s best-worst photo…You can find the link to MTT’s new mobile app at the link below.”

http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/New_Mobile_App_Launched_To_Track_Michigans_Worst_Roads_Bridges_131288459.html

Life-Cycle Budgeting the Key to Infrastructure Success
“The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has concluded that using life-cycle budgeting to plan infrastructure projects, and to avoid situations such as the one in New Jersey, is the key to creating sustainable roads and bridges. A second CBO study showed that using life-cycle budgeting can reduce long-term maintenance costs by 40%.”

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=46745

The evangelical case for Mitt Romney —and against Robert Jeffress
After some “Christian leaders” took cheap shots at Mitt Romney and his religious beliefs, this article does a great job discussing what’s really important. This kind of demagoguery damages public discourse.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/the-evangelical-case-for-mitt-romney-and-against-robert-jeffress/2011/10/10/gIQA6KAvZL_blog.html

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/sanuzis

On Twitter at:
@sanuzis

Thanks again for all you do!

Weekly Musing 10-9-11

Saul Anuzis

MI: Republican National Committeeman

Michigan’s U.S. Senate Race Update
Liberal Democrat Debbie Stabenow is in for a race of her lifetime. The Michigan Republican Party has never been stronger or better funded. The MIGOP has an aggressive ground game planned for 2012 that will help candidates up and down the ticket.

Michigan Republicans have a VERY strong field of candidates led by Clark Durant, Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Gary Glenn, Randy Heckman, Pete Konetchky and several others. The statewide primary itself will help us get to know our potential Republican nominee and draw a stark contrast between the almost 20 year Washington insider liberal Democrat, Debbie Stabenow.

I’ve decided to support Clark Durant who announced the week before our GOP Mackinac Conference. He raised an impressive $750,000+ in just a few weeks! He is a solid movement conservative who will make us proud. Check out his website at:

www.clarkdurant.com

Christie & Palin Out! The Field is Set
New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie and former Governor Sarah Palin announced formally that they will NOT be seeking the Republican nomination for president.

For all practical purposes that sets the field with Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Michelle Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, Rick Santorum.

I posted a great op-ed below that was published in New Hampshire’s Union Leader discussing why Mitt Romney is the right candidate for those who consider themselves Reaganites. I agree.

Mitt Romney is a solid common sense conservative.

He admirably converted to a pro-life position and governed that way as Governor. His record has been praised and detailed by Massachusetts Right to Life. He supports the repeal of Obamacare and on day one will issue a waiver to EVERY state in our republic to allow them to implement their own state based programs. Romney’s impressive release of his foreign policy team of advisors and his program to restore America’s leadership worldwide is critical to our homeland’s security.

Most importantly, he’s a businessman who understands what it takes to design an environment to create JOBS in America. No candidate is better prepared or as uniquely qualified on this front as Mitt Romney, other than possibly Herman Cain whom I greatly admire. But Romney’s broad based experience and command of economics is critical for this time in our country. He’s the right man at the right time.

The ONE uniting factor amongst our “center-right” coalition in America is the need to defeat Barack Obama and his left wing social-Democrat policies. His spending, unfunded government mandates, record debt & deficits have put our republic on the brink of disaster.

We just can’t afford 4 more years of Obama.

America is NOT better off than it was 4 years ago… the bottom line is Obama has made it worse.

Union Leader: Mitt Romney is the right choice for Reaganites like me
“This record (Romney’s) stands in sharp contrast to that of Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, who recently threw his hat into the ring. Perry is a pay-to-play career politician. I saw the corrosion this type of politician causes when I arrived in Washington at the end of the Carter administration. That’s not the kind of background that can turn this country around…. Well, to paraphrase the late Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, I knew Ronald Reagan, and Gov. Perry is no Ronald Reagan.”

http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/10/07/mitt-romney-is-the-right-choice-for-reaganites-like-me/

Brilliant! A Republican Jobs Plan for All
Newt’s 21st Century Contract is a document on which the entire GOP can campaign & win a generation of governing majorities

http://spectator.org/archives/2011/10/05/newts-new-contract

The Biggest Spender: Obama’s Change for the Worse
“All these programs do not look good for the future of America or its people, for as American Enterprise Institute’s Director of economic policy Kevin Hassett said earlier this month, the Obama administration’s position “throughout this recovery has been that the U.S. can have the highest corporate tax on earth, a big regulatory crackdown, and a vast expansion of labor-union power and still expect a positive jobs story because of cash-for-clunkers and green jobs. This jobs report indicates how much damage that view has done.”
In the end, the newest Obama proposals are proof that his recent centrist posturing was just that, posturing. The new proposals are a continuation of the old Obama policies, policies that sadly have extended the recession, stifled economic growth, and will, for some years, have weakened America.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204422404576597781965791022.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_BelowLEFTSecond

Why Job Providers FEAR Obama’s Policies
“This resort to divisive populism – laying the blame on “fat cats” and pillorying the president’s favorite villains – “millionaires and billionaires” – is exactly the wrong approach. It seeds the suspicion that the administration is more interested in campaigning and undermines the confidence that business needs if it is to invest in the face of new regulations, healthcare costs and an increased bureaucracy. Businesses sense that the administration no longer understands how this perceived hostility saps the animal spirits required for taking risks on expansions and start-ups. When governments are shown to be powerless or incompetent, ordinary people suddenly realise that their elected officials have neither the understanding, the political power and sometimes not even the will to do what is necessary.”

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/d49abc24-eb5a-11e0-9a41-00144feab49a.html#axzz1ZjXv3tIe

Great Information on Early GOP Primaries
Frontloading HQ has great articles, maps and the latest information as to what is happening with the presidential nominating process.

http://frontloading.blogspot.com/

Michigan 9/11 survivor: ‘The enemy failed’
A good friend Patrick Anderson, founder and president of Anderson Economic Group, was attending an economists’ convention in the World Trade Center’s Marriott hotel when the planes hit on September 11, 2001. He escaped before the Marriott collapsed underneath the falling towers. During the ceremonies here in Michigan, he gave a great speech to the Michigan legislature that I would encourage all to read…an never forget!

http://detnews.com/article/20110909/MIVIEW/109090413/Michigan-9/11-survivor–‘The-enemy-failed’#ixzz1ZRc3f4SN

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/sanuzis

On Twitter at:
@sanuzis

Thanks again for all you do!

Mitt Romney is the right choice for Reaganites like me
Union Leader
Gerald Carmen
October 7, 2011
Print Edition

I AM PROUD to call myself a Reaganite. I had the honor of working closely with then Gov. Ronald Reagan during his 1980 presidential campaign and then serving in his admin-istration. Ronald Reagan is rightly revered as a great President, a great American, and a great conservative who turned America around when it stood on a great precipice.

In 2012, Americans are atop an even more intimidating cliff. The coming election is the most important moment for our future as a nation. We will either elect a new President or keep the exceptionally flawed one we now have. We can’t afford four more years of Barack Obama. We need a true leader now, one who will continue down the path marked by Ronald Reagan’s footsteps, a conservative who can win next November and then successfully govern. In my estimation, Mitt Romney is the only candidate in the race with the credentials to carry the Reagan mantle, recapture the White House, and then turn around the American economy.

Romney is not a career politician. He’s a lifelong businessman. That is exactly what we need in Washington right now; someone who understands how jobs are created. But Romney has also been a public servant, one who accomplished a number of extraordinary things.

He has demonstrated true political skill by getting elected as a conservative in the liberal state of Massachusetts. He showed his mettle by governing as a true conservative once elected. As governor, he slashed spending, balanced the state budget and turned a deficit into a $2 billion rainyday fund, all managed while cutting state taxes on 19 different occasions. All this in one of the most liberal states in the nation.

As governor, Romney also fought the good fight on illegal immigration. He advocated securing America’s borders with a physical fence. He pressed for a mandatory biometric, tamper-proof employmentverification system. He fought against amnesty for illegal immigrants. He vetoed a plan to charge in-state tuition to illegal immigrants attending Massachusetts universities.

Long before Arizona enacted its tough new laws, he worked to get the Massachusetts state troopers into the business of enforcing federal immigration laws. In this, Romney was a true pioneer.

This record stands in sharp contrast to that of Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, who recently threw his hat into the ring. Perry is a pay-to-play career politician. I saw the corrosion this type of politician causes when I arrived in Washington at the end of the Carter administration. That’s not the kind of background that can turn this country around.

State spending in Texas grew under Rick Perry. So did state borrowing. When Perry first took office, Texas had $13.7 billion in outstanding debt. Last year, it was nearly $38 billion, almost tripling in 10 years. I wasn’t surprised to learn that back when Perry was a Democrat he enthusiastically backed Al Gore’s presidential campaign in Texas and before that had endorsed the candidacy of Jimmy Carter, who went on to become the worst American President of the 20th century.

Perry’s stance on immigration alone should disqualify him from ever getting conservative support. Back in 2001, he wrote about his desire for “a more seamless, transparent border” with Mexico. Amazingly, he’s called the idea of building a fence there “preposterous” and “idiocy.” Perry didn’t stop there. He turned on the biggest illegal immigration magnet in America by signing legislation that offered in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants, making Texas the first state in the nation to do so. Illegal immigrants receive almost a $100,000 subsidy to attend the University of Texas under Perry.

Gov. Perry calls himself a Ronald Reagan conservative.

Well, to paraphrase the late Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, I knew Ronald Reagan, and Gov. Perry is no Ronald Reagan.

I care deeply about the future of this country. The No. 1 requirement to getting this country back on track is to beat Barack Obama in November. After that, we need to make sure the candidate who beats him will roll back his failed experiment in liberalism and return common sense, conservative leadership to the White House. Ronald Reagan proved that good leadership goes a long way in America— our people are strong and will respond quickly to Mitt Romney’s leadership.

America has been blessed with great leaders at critical periods in our history. During these difficult economic times, Gov. Mitt Romney is right leader to create jobs and restore America’s prosperity.

Gerald Carmen of Manchester was a three-term New Hampshire Republican Party chairman and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva from 1984-86.

Durant Reports Stunning Fundraising Numbers

Beyond all expectations, Clark Durant announced today that he raised over $750,000 these last few weeks! Durant, whom many considered an under-dog challenger against 18 year Congressman Pete Hoekstra in the Republican primary, surpassed goals set by Hoekstra and others saying “we must raise at least $500,000″ to be considered credible.

Congressman Hoekstra is yet to release his fundraising numbers, but was rumored to have commitments of over $650K as Governor Snyder made personal fundraising calls on his behalf and the Michigan Congressional Delegation hosted a DC Lobbyist fundraiser for Hoekstra several weeks ago.

Friday, September 30th was the legal deadline for first quarter checks to be collected. Political observers are still waiting for numbers from Hoekstra, Glenn, Heckman, Konetchy, Boman and others.

There is an old saying in politics:

“It takes two things to win an election, money and everything else.”

Clark Durant has both! He’s right on the issues, putting together a strong campaign and clearly has the fundraising base to effectively compete against Senator Debbie Stabenow.

See the Durant for U.S. Senate Press Release Below:

CLARK DURANT RAISES $750,000 IN LESS THAN SIX WEEKS

Momentum Builds for “the American Way, not the Washington Way”

For Immediate Release Contact: Dick Wadhams
Tuesday October 4, 2011 Tel. (313) 719 – 8200

Email: clarkdurant2012@gmail.com
Website: http://www.clarkdurant.com/

DETROIT — Michigan Republican Senate candidate Clark Durant announced today that he raised over $750,000 during the final six weeks of the third quarter.

“I am truly humbled and encouraged by the outpouring of support,” Durant said. “There is momentum building to shake up Washington. Our supporters are sending a strong message that they want the American way, not the Washington way.”

Durant filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on August 18 and formally announced his candidacy http://www.clarkdurant.com/2011/09/26/clarks-announcement-speech/ on September 23. The Durant third quarter FEC report due on October 15 will show he raised more than $750,000 during the six weeks he has been an official candidate. Most of the funds were raised in the final two weeks of the quarter as a response to a strong campaign announcement, an aggressive effort at the bi-annual Michigan GOP Mackinac Conference, and a strong message to change business as usual in Washington.

“Raising more than three quarters of a million dollars in such a short period of time sends a clear signal that citizens want change,” Durant said. “We are an insurgency campaign with some real momentum at our back. However, this is just a first small step on the long and challenging road to defeat Senator Debbie Stabenow.

“Probably Congressman Hoekstra will report larger numbers since he has been in the race longer and has the support of the establishment, but I am very pleased with our strong start to challenge the way politics has been done in the past.”, said Bob Lutz, Durant’s General Finance Chairman.

The Durant campaign finance chairman is auto industry leader Bob Lutz http://www.clarkdurant.com/2011/09/12/car-whiz-lutz-backs-durant-for-senate-spot/. Durant has been endorsed by former Senator Spencer Abraham along with former state party chairs Betsy DeVos and Saul Anuzis http://www.clarkdurant.com/2011/08/11/betsy-devos-spencer-abraham-and-saul-anuzis-endorse-clark-durant-for-senate/ and many grass roots activists.

###

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.

Weekly Musing 10-2-11

Saul Anuzis

MI: Republican National Committeeman

Romney for President Update
After winning the last three debates by most pundit’s analysis and a stellar showing at Michigan’s GOP Mackinac Island Conference, Romney continues to move forward organizationally and in the polls.

I’ve had a chance to talk with party leaders from around the country and with the primary calendar falling into place, Romney’s national organization is showing it’s strength. Both the candidate and the campaign are disciplined, targeted and taking advantage of the opportunities afforded it.

See more at:

Romney Withstands Perry Surge To Retake GOP Lead In National Poll
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/09/29/140917334/romney-withstands-perrys-surge-looks-like-gop-frontrunner-again

Durant for U.S. Senate Update
Clark Durant jumped in with both feet over these last two weeks. He formally announced his candidacy, began raising money, had a great showing on Mackinac Island, launched his new web page, hired a nationally renowned campaign manager and participated in a number of Tea Party and GOP events across the state!

The GOP Mackinac Island Conference presented a unique opportunity to cap off his announcement week by meeting with thousands of GOP activists from around the state. Clark and his team were everywhere.

Fundraising and the first quarter results will dominate much of next week’s political news as Congressman Hoekstra laid down his fundraising gauntlet announcing his $500,000 goal. Insiders suggested with the Governor’s endorsement and active fundraising along with the Congressional Delegation hosting a DC lobbyist event – speculating he is “low balling” his numbers and that he would hit around $650,000.

The Durant Team spent the last two weeks hosting three fundraising, building a Finance Committee, implementing an online effort which all showed great promise coming into this quarter’s Friday deadline. I’m looking forward to seeing how competitive each of the campaigns turn out to be as they announce/report their results.

Personally, I think the key numbers will be the year-end reports when all the candidates will have a more even fundraising opportunity. Now that each have an organization, have been campaigning statewide and will have the same amount of time to campaign and raise money, we’ll have a better barometer as to how the campaigns stack up.

See Clark Durant son’s endorsement on his blog – great stuff!
http://hunter-gatherer.com/blog/special-announcement-and-endorsement

Reuters Exclusive: Democrats push tax hikes first in deficit talks – NO Surprise BUT Bad Politics & Policy! We Have A Spending Problem!!!
“Democrats want tax hikes to be the first item negotiated in “super committee” deficit-reduction talks… During the super committee’s initial closed-door meetings, “Republicans wanted to just talk about spending cuts and Democrats said, ‘No,’” the aide said.

Republicans strongly oppose tax hikes, arguing they will hurt an anemic economic recovery. But they have not ruled out closing some tax loopholes as part of tax reform. Democrats, including President Barack Obama, insist revenue increases must be part of any deficit reduction deal.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/01/us-usa-debt-supercommittee-idUSTRE78T5QE20111001

Complex calendar gives Mitt edge
“A detailed analysis of the likely primary calendar — which is still in flux, though should be clearer by this weekend — offers a half-dozen possible outcomes, including early knockouts by either Romney or his main rival, Perry.”

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/64685.html

Tea party gets bad rap for telling truth – Right On
“Best I can tell, their major offense is holding Washington accountable. Listen to them, as I did on Mackinac Island last week during the Republican Leadership Conference, and the only demand you hear is that politicians stop mortgaging America’s future to reckless spending and swelling deficits.”

http://detnews.com/article/20110929/OPINION03/109290333/Tea-party-gets-bad-rap-for-telling-truth#ixzz1ZLkhBdhC

Fails them on Policy & Jobs BUT Obama tells blacks to ’stop complainin’ and fight
“In a fiery summons to an important voting bloc, President Barack Obama told blacks on Saturday to quit crying and complaining and “put on your marching shoes” to follow him into battle for jobs and opportunity.”

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-tells-blacks-stop-complainin-fight-015928905.html

Facebook News
I met with the folks at Facebook and will be migrating both of my pages into one using some of the new features they have announced over the last few weeks. Please be patient if you have some difficulties during the migration, but hopefully this will help me better communicate and share information with my friends.

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!

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!