3/28/2007

Detroit Free Press: Hoekstra criticizes Bush for division

For once, Pete Hoekstra goes after his fellow Republican instead of trying to place all of the blame on the Democrats.

A key Republican member of Michigan's congressional delegation criticized President George W. Bush on Tuesday for not developing better relations among Democrats, saying they could have come in handy with the administration facing almost daily pressure on a growing number of fronts.

"This is a relationship business," Rep. Pete Hoekstra, a Holland Republican, told the Free Press on Tuesday after he said on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" that Bush has never appreciated the importance of relationships with the opposition party."

It's too late," he said. "This is the stuff you do when you're riding at 80%" favorability ratings.

A CBS/New York Times poll taken this month showed Bush's favorability rating at 30%.

3/25/2007

Double dose of bad news for McCain

First there's this:

For the first time, favorite son Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "no longer has a double digit lead as the top choice for President among Arizona Republicans," according to a new Rocky Mountain Poll.

Rudy Guiliani is now within nine points of Senator McCain and has "made major gains in just the past two months. As of this week, McCain leads Guiliani by only 34 to 25 percent, but more important is the dynamic surge in Guiliani’s appeal rising to 25 percent from only 13 percent in January while McCain sank from 40 percent to only 34 percent."

"The surge in support for Guiliani seems to be fueled by retired Republicans and Republicans most likely to vote in a primary election. Among retirees, Guiliani leads McCain by 36 to 21 percent and among likely voters who call themselves Republicans, Guiliani leads McCain by a 32 to 21 percent margin."
It's bad enough when (1) only 1/3 of the Republicans who know you best - those in your own home state which you've represented in the Senate for two decades - support your campaign and (2) you're losing ground to the 'pro-abortion' Rudy. But then comes this:

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "said his presidential campaign would not meet its fundraising goals this quarter, and his campaign advisers acknowledged that" former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) "may wind up raising more," according to The Hotline.

"Some Republicans estimate that Romney, whose network of friends, business contacts and party donors is expansive, could accumulate more than $30 or even $35 million this quarter. McCain is not likely to raise in excess of $30M, according to Republicans outside his campaign who have been given the unofficial estimate." The deadline for campaigns to report their earnings to the FEC is March 31.
Wow Mr. McCain, your fellow Republicans are starting to like a 'baby-killer' and your fellow flip-flopper (who used to be a 'baby-killer' when it was convenient) more than they like you. I guess that's not surprising given that you were actually in Vietnam, and your party's attacks on 'Nam vets Kerry and Cleland show that that's a big no-no in their book.

Washington Post: Eyebrows raised in Mich. over prosecutor's firing

This is from the Washington Post:

In the aftermath of the surprise firing of U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Chiara, questions outnumber answers. Was she dismissed for political reasons? For poor performance? To make way for someone else? Western Michigan's legal community does not know what to think.

The Justice Department initially announced that the reasons were "performance-related," an explanation at odds with the current consensus in Grand Rapids. The chief federal judge firmly disputed it, as did Chiara, who said she was told her resignation was needed to clear the way for a political favorite.

Some defense lawyers speculate that Chiara, who once trained to be a nun, fell out of favor with the Bush administration over her personal opposition to the death penalty. The administration has pursued capital punishment in several states, including Michigan, that have no state death penalty or rarely use it.

Amid the competing theories, most everyone seems to agree that Chiara's forced resignation after five years, in the middle of a presidential term, is puzzling and that the administration's handling of the firing and its aftermath did a disservice to the 63-year-old career lawyer.

3/24/2007

Relay for Life

I have joined Team RFoC at CMU for Relay for Life 2007. (RFoC means Real Food on Campus, the dining commons where I work.) The team goal is $5,000, and we're just over 1/3 of the way there. I have set a personal fundraising goal of $100 and am more than halfway there. I could use your support, so please check out my donation page.

If you are also participating and would like to publicize your RFL page, feel free to do so by replying to this note.

Now let's get rid of cancer once and for all!

Best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards

Each of the Democratic presidential candidates has released statements surrounding the recent news that Elizabeth Edwards's cancer has spread to her bones.

Joe Biden:

“I am truly sorry to learn that Elizabeth Edwards has had a recurrence of her cancer. However, I am pleased to hear that Elizabeth and John are optimistic and moving forward. Elizabeth, John and their children are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Hillary Clinton:

"Elizabeth is a wonderful, strong individual and my thoughts and prayers are with her, John, and their children during this difficult time. I admire her optimism and strength in the face of adversity, and I look forward to seeing them both on the campaign trail."
Chris Dodd:
"Jackie and I wish Elizabeth, John and the entire Edwards family the best during this difficult time and throughout Elizabeth's treatment process. Our prayers are with all of them."
Elizabeth Kucinich, wife of Dennis Kucinich:
Dennis and I wish Elizabeth and John Edwards and their family the very best as Mrs. Edwards continues her courageous battle with cancer.

She has shown true strength and dignity in addressing this disease. We admire her courage and her spirit.

We are confident that Mrs. Edwards will continue to play a vigorous role in this campaign.

I look forward to seeing her on the campaign trail as she and I and our husbands all work towards our visions for building a better America.

Barack Obama:
"Today, Michelle and I join every American in sending our thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth and John and the entire Edwards family. We all admire Elizabeth’s strength and determination and the deep love they so obviously share."
Bill Richardson:
“Barbara and I send our thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth and John as they deal with this latest challenge. Elizabeth has been an inspiration and role model to all of us with her courageous and very public fight against breast cancer.

I am hopeful and optimistic that Elizabeth will continue to win her fight. In the meantime, we should all redouble our commitment to supporting efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.”

A Final Four you can bank on

UCLA
Florida
UNC
Memphis

FUN FACT: All of the #1 seeds have made it to the Elite Eight. If they all reach the Final Four, that will be the first time that has ever happened.


How's your bracket looking?

3/22/2007

Republicans: Gonzales will - or at least should - resign

Going... Going... (almost) Gone-zales?

From the latest Evans-Novak Political Report: "It is impossible to find a Republican on Capitol Hill who believes either that Alberto Gonzales will survive as attorney general or that he should survive. That typifies the poor congressional relations of the Bush Administration that are rooted in arrogance."

"President Bush's gesture of phoning Gonzales to reaffirm his support is just that -- a gesture. His press conference last night to challenge the Democrats was a means of political positioning. As President Bush announced that Gonzales would appear on the Hill to testify, he was in fact throwing him to the wolves. At best, he has a few months left in office. Only a few Republicans on Capitol Hill have called for Gonzales's resignation so far, but the others are doing almost nothing to defend him."
Meanwhile, TrueMajority is offering Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream for a year if you can guess the day, hour, and minute at which Gonzo quits. I say 9:17 AM next Friday.

3/21/2007

Fired US attorneys led nation in convictions

Sounds like the GOP ain't all that tough on crime after all.

Every day, the explanations for the firings of the eight U.S. attorneys are becoming less about competence and more about corruption. Some new statistics show that the prosecutors were in fact leading the nation in output:

  • Six ranked in the top third of all U.S. attorneys for prosecutions, filing a combined 106,188 last year alone
  • Five ranked in the top third for convictions, achieving 98,939
  • Three were among the top five in the number of immigration prosecutions (including Carol Lam, whose firing was attributed to immigration by Karl
    Rove
    )
Now these were some busy folks. It is almost a wonder that the fired U.S. attorneys had the time to take the phone calls notifying them of their dismissals.

Got your Elite Eight right here

Florida
Oregon

SIU
UCLA

UNC
Vandy

Ohio State
A&M

3/19/2007

May they rest in peace.

Here are the names of each of the innocent troops from Michigan who have given their lives in Iraq. Please keep their families, as well as those who are currently serving in Iraq and their families, in your thoughts and prayers.









AdrianFox, Bradley C.1st Sergeant20-Apr-2004


Akron, Tuscola Co.Hartman, David A.Sergeant 1st Class17-Jul-2004


AlansonPaton, Justin T.Private 1st Class17-Feb-2007


Ann ArborHoward II, Curtis T.Staff Sergeant22-Feb-2006


Ann ArborKim, Minhee Lance Corporal01-Nov-2006


Atlantic MineChristensen, Thomas W.Staff Sergeant25-Dec-2003


Battle CreekDickinson II, Michael AStaff Sergeant17-Jul-2006


Bay CityAlex, EugeneStaff Sergeant02-Sep-2006


Bay CityVan Slyke, Bufford "Kenny"Private 1st Class28-Feb-2007


BrightonDaul, Andrew P.Specialist19-Dec-2006


CaledoniaBucklin, Brock L.Specialist30-May-2006


CalumetJohnson, Paul J.Staff Sergeant20-Oct-2003


CantonBlumberg, Trevor A.Sergeant14-Sep-2003


Cedar SpringsBrown, Timothy D.Specialist04-Nov-2005


CentrevilleMorris, Brian LeeStaff Sergeant21-Aug-2005


ChelseaCollinsworth, Clifford R.Lance Corporal21-Oct-2006


ClimaxLittle, Jason T.Lance Corporal07-Jan-2006


Clinton TownshipKlein, AllanLance Corporal26-Jan-2005


ClioSather, Scott DouglasStaff Sergeant08-Apr-2003


ConcordWheeler, Donald L.Specialist13-Oct-2003


DansvilleNorris, Curtis L.Sergeant23-Dec-2006


DavisburgPeterson, Justin D.Captain01-Oct-2006


DetroitJack, Edward E.Lieutenant Commander29-Jan-2005


DetroitGentry, Lewis J.Staff Sergeant26-Oct-2005


E. LansingReynolds, Sean C.Sergeant03-May-2003


East LansingButler, Adrian J.Specialist27-Jul-2005


Eaton RapidsNealey, Troy D.Lance Corporal29-Oct-2006


FlintPedersen, Michael FrancisSergeant02-Apr-2003


FlintBrassfield, Artimus D.Specialist24-Oct-2003


FlintMiller II, Lowell T.Captain31-Aug-2005


FlushingYoumans, Joshua V.Sergeant01-Mar-2006


FowlervilleKilpela, Andrew J.Lance Corporal10-Jun-2005


FreeportCarver, Dane O.Specialist26-Dec-2005


GainesTrevithick, Richard K.Specialist14-Apr-2004


Garden CityBurgess, BryanSergeant09-Nov-2006


GladwinWentz, Brad A.Sergeant20-May-2005


Grand RapidsFester, Gregory J.Major30-Aug-2005


Grand RapidsFloyd, Al'KailaSergeant13-Jul-2006


Grand RapidsVollmer, Chad J.Sergeant23-Dec-2006


Grand RapidsStout, Brandon L.Specialist21-Jan-2007


GregoryHanks, Michael WayneLance Corporal17-Nov-2004


Grosse Pointe ParkMcCloud, Joseph TraneMajor03-Dec-2006


GwinnHattamer, Stephen C.Staff Sergeant25-Dec-2003


HardwoodPriestap, James D.Sergeant 1st Class23-Nov-2006


Hazel ParkDearing, John Wilson "J.W."Private 1st Class21-Nov-2005


HemlockReppuhn, Justin D.Lance Corporal11-Nov-2004


HesperiaSamson Jr., Dennis K.Specialist24-Jul-2006


HillsdaleJagger, Aaron1st Sergeant09-Aug-2006


HowellAlgrim, Wilson A.Private 1st Class23-Dec-2006


HudsonvilleHerrema, Richard J.Sergeant 1st Class25-Apr-2006


JacksonBeeler, Brent E.Lance Corporal07-Dec-2006


KalamazooWebber, Matthew A.Sergeant27-Apr-2006


La SalleMiller Jr., Dennis J.Private 1st Class10-Nov-2004


LaingsburgCassidy, Paul J.Captain13-Jul-2003


Lake OdessaYates III, NyleCorporal16-Mar-2006


Lake OrionPlouhar, Raymond J.Staff Sergeant26-Jun-2006


LansingFrank, Stephen W.Captain29-Apr-2005


LansingSmith, Justin S.1st Lieutenant07-Nov-2005


LansingDarga, Paul J.Chief Petty Officer22-Aug-2006


Lathrup VillageManoukian, Nicholas J.Lance Corporal21-Oct-2006


LawtonCastillo, Luis J.Lance Corporal19-Jan-2007


Lincoln ParkFrank, Craig S.Sergeant17-Jul-2004


LowellElandt, Aaron C.Sergeant30-May-2004


LuzerneWright, Jason G.Private 1st Class08-Dec-2003


MerrillPorras, Ralph N.Sergeant03-Sep-2006


MidlandGoward, Richard AllenSpecialist14-Apr-2003


MilfordKidd, Mark D.Corporal25-Jan-2007


Millington/FlintYost, Anthony R. C.Master Sergeant19-Nov-2005


MonroeGreer, Nicholas J.Private 1st Class07-Oct-2005


Mount ClemensLehto, Jason A.Staff Sergeant28-Dec-2004


Mount PleasantEllsworth, Justin M.Lance Corporal13-Nov-2004


Mundy TownshipPetriken, Brett J.Staff Sergeant26-May-2003


MuskegonCardinal, Anthony O.Corporal25-Dec-2005


North AdamsHodshire, Michael PaulSergeant30-Oct-2005


NoviDreasky, Duane J.Sergeant10-Jul-2006


OntonagonCherava, Nicholas O.Corporal06-Oct-2005


OtsegoPayne, William L.Master Sergeant16-May-2003


OvidKieffer, Ricky A.Staff Sergeant15-Mar-2005


Paw PawDeRoo, Gabriel G.Sergeant20-Aug-2006


PentwaterRobbins, Todd JamesSergeant03-Apr-2003


PetoskeyLindemuth, Michael B.Corporal13-Apr-2005


Port HuronVasquez, Mark D.Staff Sergeant08-Nov-2003


PortlandHuhn, David A.Lance Corporal01-Dec-2005


Rapid RiverMicks, Joseph P.Corporal08-Jul-2006


RochesterHoward II, Walter B.Corporal02-Feb-2006


Rochester HillsMalson, Adam1st Lieutenant19-Feb-2005


SaginawDavis, Donald N.Staff Sergeant24-Aug-2004


SaginawJackson II, William SamuelStaff Sergeant11-Nov-2006


SaginawMejia II, Bobby Private23-Dec-2006


Saint JohnsNelson, Andrew H.Private 1st Class25-Dec-2006


Saint LouisRosas, Richard H.Private 1st Class25-May-2004


Sand CreekBrazee, Joshua T.Specialist23-May-2005


SanfordBurgess, Ryan J.Lance Corporal21-Dec-2006


ShelbyWitteveen, BrettPrivate 1st Class19-Feb-2007


Shelby TownshipBarbret, Mark A.Private 1st Class14-Oct-2004


Shelby TownshipHill, Tarryl B.Private 1st Class07-Feb-2007


Shiawassee CountyMorr, Allan A.Private 1st Class22-Feb-2006


SilverwoodMiller, Nicholas A.Lance Corporal28-Dec-2006


South HavenSummers, Vincent E.Staff Sergeant15-Oct-2005


SouthfieldGrimes, SeanCaptain04-Mar-2005


StanwoodShilling, Bradley N.Specialist18-Nov-2006


Swartz CreekWebb, Brandon JLance Corporal20-Jun-2006


Swartz CreekStevens, Randy LeeSpecialist16-Apr-2005


Swartz CreekMeyer, Jason MichaelPrivate 1st Class08-Apr-2003


TaylorMcGeogh, Holly J.Private 1st Class31-Jan-2004


TemperanceGarza Jr., Juan GuadalupePrivate 1st Class08-Apr-2003


Traverse CityAkers, Spencer C.Sergeant08-Dec-2005


Tuscola CountyDrier, Charles A. "Chuck"Sergeant24-May-2005


Union CityWatson, Craig N.Lance Corporal01-Dec-2005


Union LakeHarting III, Ralph J. "Jay"Captain29-Apr-2005


Union LakeNave, Kevin GerardMajor26-Mar-2003


VassarEsckelson, Christopher E.Corporal28-Dec-2006


WarrenKim, In C.Corporal07-Dec-2004


WarrenMarku, GentianCorporal25-Nov-2004


WaterfordBushart, Damian S.Private 1st Class22-Nov-2003


WaterfordWaits, Andrew K.Specialist13-Apr-2006


WebbervilleMcCoy, Gregory W. G.Staff Sergeant09-Nov-2006


White CloudDerks, Brian K.Specialist13-Aug-2005


White LakeKolasa, Alexander J.Corporal31-May-2006


WyomingBlodgett, Nicholas H.Private 1st Class21-Jul-2004


WyomingBurri, Eric T.Specialist07-Jun-2005


WyomingSmith, Ross A.Corporal09-Feb-2006


YpsilantiMcCune, Donald R.Specialist05-Aug-2004


YpsilantiBloomfield II, Gerald M.Major02-Nov-2005


YpsilantiKoehler, Gary A.Corporal01-Nov-2006