Transparency, anyone?

Knowledge is power.

Cliches are a dime a dozen, but when you think about it, knowledge really is power. That's why I'm a big fan of transparency.

Now, I understand that there are times when government - and those who influence it – need to maintain some sort of confidentiality. People's identities need to be protected, and dangerous consequences may result if the CIA’s work is blown or a secret military operation is leaked (who knew about the raid on the bin Laden compound?)

But overall, transparency needs to be the rule, not the exception. That goes for those in government as well as those who seek to wield their massive resources to ensure that government does their bidding.

In the wake of that disastrous Supreme Court decision of 1/21/10 – the one whose name I will not mention – many of us wondered what we can do about it. There is growing support for an amendment to the United States Constitution, which would involve a massive undertaking if it is to be adopted.

But while we might not be able to stop corporations from spending their vast resources without, we can make them tell us when they’re doing it.

Enter the Corporate Accountability Amendment. It's a proposal to amend the state Constitution (much easier than amending the US Constitution!) to shed some light on the campaign finance system.According to their website, this amendment has two primary goals

1. Disclosure: Ensuring citizens know when CEOs and lobbyist are influencing elections and public policy by requiring instant disclosure of Corporate Funded Political Communications and Lobbying in Michigan.

2. Disclaimer: Ensuring large corporations and CEOs "Stand By Their Ad" by requiring them to identify who funded the political and lobbying communications on the ads themselves, just like candidates for office and unions have to do right now.

One thing I like about this is that when a political ad comes on TV, people will see right there who is behind it.

That Supreme Court case was one of the biggest affronts to democracy in a long time – right up there with the Emergency Manager law. If this amendment passes, starting in 2014, voters will see who is responsible for these ads that we have to put up with every election season.

And that knowledge will be power - power to make an informed decision and to know who's really responsible for that propaganda.

Being an amendment to the state Constitution, 322,000 signatures need to be collected to put it on the ballot. So be sure to sign up on their website to keep updated on how to help.

Republican tax hikes hit poor 1,000 times harder than rich

A new report from the Michigan League of Human Services shows just how much the Republican tax hikes are expected to hurt Michigan families.

Just a reminder in case you don't know what Michigan Republicans did:

• 51% of families will pay higher taxes.
• The Earned Income Tax Credit - which rewards people for work - was drastically reduced.
• The child tax credit was also reduced.
• The tax deduction for charities has been eliminated, costing you an extra $435 if you donate $10,000 per year to good causes.
• Pensions are now being taxed.

State Rep. Jud Gilbert (R-$80,000 Per Year), second from left in the top picture, tried to explain it away.

State Rep. Jud Gilbert, R- Algonac, chair of the House Tax Committee, says the bills were part of a larger package aimed at streamlining the tax code. He says about $1.4 billion in tax credits, including tax credits to businesses, were eliminated. The package also reduced the Earned Income Tax Credit - another credit for the poor - from 20 percent to 6 percent of the federal credit.

“I think what we’ve done in the revamping of the tax code,” says Gilbert,” is people are paying the same rate on the same amount of income. “

"Streamlining the tax code." Boy, we've sure heard that quite a bit from conservatives. It's a line that ignores a simple truth: Life isn't black-and-white. Not everybody can afford to pay the same on everything.

For a Party that claims to be all about Christian values, they sure don't act like they take Matthew 25 to heart.

Spending Money Wisely - or, In Defense of the MDP

With the success of Wisconsin Democrats' recent efforts to recall Republican lawmakers and replace them with Democrats, a number of progressives in Michigan have called on the Michigan Democratic Party to seek to recall Michigan Republican lawmakers.

The MDP's recent request for support in defeating recall attempts against Democratic lawmakers provoked the ire of one blogger on Blogging for Michigan. What follows is my response to his post, which I have chosen to repost here.

---------------

Frankly, I remain unconvinced that the MDP should be spending – rather, wasting – members’ hard-earned dollars on the remote possibility of electing Democrats just months before the entire State House will be up for election anyway.

There will be something in November 2012 called a ‘general election.’ If a Republican can’t be ousted in November 2012, they probably couldn’t be ousted in a recall election either.

Of course, many of us believe that in those rare cases in which a recall SHOULD be attempted, the petition-gathering stage of such an effort should be done on as grassroots a level as possible. Whatever your views on that, let’s be practical here: Is it worth it for the MDP to spend our (members’) money on getting petition signatures just for the ever-so-slight possibility that someone might be recalled in a couple months and possibly – just possibly – be replaced by a Democrat six whole months (i.e. 1/4 of a state House term) later, and just before the term is to expire anyway? Especially when it would take eight successful recalls just to bring Republicans down to 55 House seats?

Now if we had a recall system like they do in Wisconsin, I would be more likely to support MDP involvement in the petition-gathering stage. Consider the differences between Michigan and Wisconsin: There, once the petition is filed, the countdown is on for a general election to be held between the two major-party nominees (and if needed, a primary takes place beforehand). And that election can take place within a couple months. Here, OTOH, after petitions are filed, the next step is for an election to determine whether the person should actually be recalled in the first place. THEN there’s a primary, THEN a general election after that which would take place six months after the original recall vote (and about nine months after petitions are turned in).

Suppose petitions to recall a Republican lawmaker were turned in tomorrow. The recall vote would happen in February, which is not an ideal time for Democrats, since that is the date of the Presidential primary (in which most voters will be Republicans, thus likely shellacking a recall attempt against a Republican by a wide margin). In the highly unlikely event that the lawmaker IS recalled, the primary to succeed him/her would be May 8. The general election would be August 7 - also not ideal since Republicans will have another statewide primary that day, this time for US Senate. Whether or not many Democrats vote will depend on whether or not Democrats have competitive primaries for different races in that state House district. Not to mention how confusing the ballot would be for those unfamiliar with the primary process - "Okay, so I could only vote for Republicans in that section of the ballot, so I guess I'll have to vote for the Republican in this state House race too." In the unlikely event that a Democrat is elected in August, guess what will happen just three months later? The general election.

Oh, but the MDP doesn't have the money to keep them in office or to help carry Michigan for Obama. Thus they who were elected in August lose just three months later. Plus we're stuck with President Perry, Senator Durant, and the scorn of Michigan once again being the scapegoat in the Democratic Party. All because the MDP was spending money trying to get people recalled so others could replace them for three months.

Suddenly, it seems pointless for the MDP to be spending all that money, doesn't it?

Now if the MDP had enough money to throw around, maybe it would make more sense for MDP leaders to support the petition-gathering stage. But as we all know very well, the DeVoses are not Democrats, and the MDP is not the richest entity known to humankind.

As to fighting Republican attempts at recalling Democratic lawmakers? Republicans are infamous for using every dirty trick in the book to get Democrats recalled. Witness (1) the 2007-2008 recall campaigns against lawmakers who voted to raise the income tax; (2) the tricks used to get Wisconsin Democrats recalled; and (3) the effort to get the affirmative action ban on the ballot in 2006. In all of these cases, deception was used to get signatures from people who wouldn’t otherwise support their efforts.

If any of these campaigns against Democratic lawmakers are able to get the necessary petition signatures, guess when the recall election would be? February 28. I already mentioned above that most of those who vote on February 28 will be Republicans, who would be much more likely to vote ‘yes’ on a recall question against a Democrat. Result? These Democrats would be VERY likely to get thrown out of office. In other words, this (the petition-gathering stage) IS the election, so to speak. Whether or not folks like Brandon Dillon stay in office for the rest of their terms could very well be decided more by the success or failure of the Republicans’ petition-gathering efforts, with the February 28 election being a formality.

That’s why this needs to be fought NOW.

As an MDP member, I expect Party leadership to act in ways that will help us elect Democrats and keep current Democratic elected officials in office. Every dollar that is spent on an effort that is highly unlikely to succeed is a dollar that cannot be spent helping to re-elect our President, re-elect Senator Stabenow, and take back the US House, the State Supreme Court – and, by the way, the State House.

Tom McMillin seeks to violate the Constitution of the United States; should he be expelled?

Michigan Messenger reports that conservative state representative Tom McMillin has introduced a bill that would ignore federal law and allow incandescent light bulbs to be manufactured in the state of Michigan.

McMillin's bill claims:

An incandescent lightbulb that is manufactured in this state without the inclusion of parts, other than generic or insignificant parts, imported from outside of this state and that remains within this state has not entered into interstate commerce and is not subject to congressional authority to regulate interstate commerce.

First of all: How does one define "generic or insignificant parts?"

Second - and more importantly - McMillin is attempting to supersede a federal law, the Energy Independence and Security Act, which phases out incandescent light bulbs.

McMillin's bill is bad enough in that it would undermine America and our energy security.

What makes it worse, however, is that McMillin is openly violating his oath to "support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state" as required by Michigan's own Constitution.

Article VI of the Constitution of the United States is clear:

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

So, by merely proposing this bill, Tom McMillin is violating the oath of office provided for under Michigan's Constitution by failing to uphold the United States Constitution and instead seeking to violate it.

Tom McMillin is breaking the law.

For the sake of the rule of law, Tom McMillin needs to be expelled from the Michigan House of Representatives.

Not that they'd do that to a fellow Republican, but you know they would try that if a Democrat did this.

Cue the Buyer's Remorse: Bernero would likely beat Snyder today

So says Public Policy Polling. The press release is in PDF form and it won't let me copy and paste, but here are a few highlights:

• Of poll respondents who didn't vote, Bernero leads 37-32%
• 47% would back Bernero, 45% would back Snyder
• Snyder's approval rating is 33% (with 50% disapproval)
• Collective bargaining rights are favored 59-32%; a constitutional amendment to ensure these rights would be backed by 49-37%
• Snyder's EFM power grab is opposed 50-32%

What does this tell us?

• Now that people know who Snyder is and what he stands for, they don't like him. No surprise.
• People have said that turnout was a big factor in the disastrous results. Well, this shows that it was. It also shows that with better turnout, Bernero wouldn't have had to persuade that many independents and others to vote for him in order for him to win.
• We didn't have to lose the 2010 election. The only reasons we did were because of bad turnout and the lack of funds needed to define the campaign on OUR terms, as opposed to their terms. (Hiring more paid staffers would've helped too, had we had the $$.)

That last point is important because it speaks to an issue I've noticed among many Democrats in recent months: The lack of a 'Yes We Can' attitude toward getting things done. I heard someone say as early as May 2009 that we wouldn't win the governorship. That attitude prevailed throughout the entire campaign, despite the fact that Michigan is a Democratic-leaning state. The reality is, if more people realized that we could have won... we might've won. People were happy to jump on board the campaign of Barack "Yes We Can" Obama, but who would want to volunteer for a campaign that they thought would be impossible to win? And more importantly, why did so many Democrats feed that mindset?

Another example: There was a mindset being pushed by many of the House Democrats that said, "Hey look, we're not going to win the State Senate, so support us instead." I asked a House Dem operative to elaborate on why he thought we wouldn't win the Senate, and all he could say was, "The numbers just aren't there." Turns out, the numbers WERE there. Had we kept the Senate seats we lost, we could've won back the Senate with LaGrand, Hopewell, Valentine, and Law. And with better turnout, we would have won the Senate. Instead, thanks to a fragmented campaign, the other side ended up with a 63-47 majority in the House when many people thought it impossible for Republicans to even get 56 seats. What a damn shame.

Yet another example: There is a YouTube video that was very popular among many of my Facebook friends and that was shared very widely, called "Michigan is screwed." That video was of a Rachel Maddow segment about the EFM bill. MSNBC had their own video of that segment, but the title didn't allude to us being 'screwed.' Someone I hadn't heard from in a LONG time posted the "Michigan is screwed" video on my FB wall, and before long I found the video on quite a few of my friends' FB pages.

I was even invited to an 'event' called "Michigan is F**ked." Yeah, really.

I could go on, but all I'll add is that what's going on now would not be going on if Democrats had done better in November. And Democrats would have done better if more of us had a better mindset - a mindset of doing what it takes to win, rather than a mindset of tearing down fellow Democrats and conceding an election long before it even takes place. But I mention all of this because the 2010 election has many lessons to offer us, and it is critical that these lessons be learned.

Bits of Tid: February 19, 2011

More Power Edition

• You know how Republicans are supposed to be against tax hikes? Well, not anymore. At least not on seniors and poor people.
• On Daily Kos they're talking recalls in Wisconsin. Perhaps we should consider a recall or two in Michigan - or at least organaize a campaign to recall someone, even if it comes nowhere near getting on the ballot. One benefit of the low turnout in 2010 is that the threshold for recalls is lower. It would only take 19,895 signatures to force Dave Hildenbrand to face a recall. Recall drives must start at least six months after a lawmaker's term begins, so we could start gathering signatures on or after July 1. If we campaign to get a recall on the ballot, we can at least use it as anm opportunity to educate voters.
• Be sure to follow the the Michigan, My Michigan group on Daily Kos! Let me know if you'd like to be added as a member of the group.
• Sad news: West Michigan Rising is closing.
• Happy news: I have been elected to three things in the past ten days! Earlier this month I was elected to the Kent County Democratic Executive Committee, filling one of a few vacancies. Last weekend at Cobo Hall, I was also elected as a member of the Michigan 3rd District Democratic Executive Committee. Then on Thursday, Dad and I were elected as Council 4362's two delegates to the Michigan Knights of Columbus State Convention in May. Delegates from our council are usually the current Grand Knight (currently myself) and a past Grand Knight (Dad was Grand Knight in 1999-2000). Dad was previously a delegate to the 2000 and 2003 conventions.
• What a difference 17 days makes. On February 2, nearly every school in West Michigan was closed, as were most businesses, due to one of the biggest blizzards to hit the area in many decades. Now, there's almost no snow on our deck and very little on the ground. I hear Mother Nature is going to do something about that tomorrow.

Michigan voters to elect three Justices in 2012

Governor Snyder is appointing state Supreme Court justice Maura Corrigan to a spot in his cabinet:

Gov. Rick Snyder has named Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan as director of the state's Department of Human Services, calling her a "true champion of children and families."

The GOP governor said Thursday he'll name a replacement for the court before Corrigan steps down Jan. 14. Corrigan is one of four Republicans on the seven-member court and has been deeply involved in children's issues while a justice.

One aspect of this that isn't often mentioned is that this will result in a special election for this seat on the 2012 ballot. This means that we will have three seats to elect in the 2012 election - those held by Marilyn Kelly and Stephen Markman, which will be for eight-year terms (through 1/1/2021); and one for the seat held by Corrigan's yet-to-be-named successor, which will be for the remaining two years of Corrigan's 2007-2015 term. (Note that the 2-year partial term will be listed separately from the 8-year regular terms).

While we're on this topic, Justice Marilyn Kelly, a Democrat, is over 70, so she won't be able to run again. That means we will have an open seat on the Court in 2012 - one that you know the other party will contend very heavily. And you know they will campaign for all three of their candidates together, like they did for Bob Young and Mary Beth Kelly (as opposed to the fragmented approach MDP leaders took in 2010).

In 2012, what is now a 4-3 Republican majority could turn into a 4-3 Democratic majority again - or it could be a 5-2 majority for either side. Since incumbency is much less of a guarantee for incumbents than it was just a few years ago, let's see what we can make of this!

You Did A Lot of Good, Jen: A Farewell to Gov. Granholm

First Lady Abigail Bartlet is chatting with her husband, Jed, as the Sun rises on the day he is to leave office. After wondering out loud why an outdoor inauguration is held in the middle of January, the outgoing First Couple pause for a moment before Abby says to the President, "You did a lot of good, Jed."

"A lot of good."

That, of course, is from the opening scene of the series finale of The West Wing. But that scene could easily be played out this morning in Michigan's Governor's Residence, with Dan Mulhern telling his wife that "You did a lot of good, Jen. A lot of good."

The circumstances are different, and unlike Bartlet making way for a fellow Democrat, Granholm is succeeded by a Republican (although one who claims to be a moderate - the proof will be in the pudding). But in her eight years guiding this state through some of its most challenging times, Jennifer Mulhern Granholm has great reason to be proud of all the good that she has done. I know I am proud of her, as I was before and always will be. So as she leaves office at noon today, I would like to introduce you to one of the most visionary leaders Michigan has had.

A Rising Star

October 5, 2000.

Mom and I waited several hours to see the Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, energize a crowd of supporters in traditionally Republican West Michigan. Fresh off his first of three debates with George W. Bush, Gore did not disappoint those of us who crowded into Calder Plaza.

But while he may have been the star of the show, someone else played a supporting role that proved her to be a rising star in politics and the Democratic Party. A rising star who energized the crowd by presenting a "top 10" list of reasons why she was proud to support Gore. That star was the state's Attorney General, Jennifer Granholm.

In early 2001, Granholm announced that she would run for Governor. Running on the slogan of "Protecting Our Families, Educating Our Kids," Granholm faced off against a field of Democratic candidates that included David Bonior, the longtiome congressman and (important in Michigan) friend of labor, and Jim Blanchard, the two-term Governor from the 1980s who served as President Clinton's first Ambassador to Canada. (Two other candidates garnered too little support to get on the ballot.)

Behind in the early polls, she won the primary by a convincing 20 points. Despite her early lead in the general-election polls against Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, Posthumus closed the gap considerably. Thankfully, on Election Day 2002 - a day that would otherwise turn out less than ideal for Democrats - Jennifer Granholm was elected the state's first female governor.

On January 1, 2003, at noon, US Appeals Court Judge Damon Keith swore in his former Clerk, Jennifer Granholm, as the 47th Governor of the State of Michigan. I remember being in my basement, watching as Granholm repeated the oath from Judge Keith, concluding with Keith saying, "So Help Me..." followed by Granholm's "So help me..." and then, both of them together, exclaiming, "God!"

In front of a cheering crowd at the State Capitol, a great leader took her place in Michigan history and began eight years of dedication and service to the most wonderful state in the union. And I, a high school sophomore at the time, couldn't be happier to meet her, along with First Gentleman (and author) Dan Mulhern and Lt. Gov. John Cherry at a family celebration two days after she took office.

An Accomplished Leader

Granholm's eight years as Governor of Michigan could be best described as "Greatness through Challenge" - the title of one of her early State of the State addresses. To say the least, her tenure has been one of enormous challenge - high unemployment, massive structural budget deficits, and a legislature that was at least partially in Republican hands throughout her tenure.

And yet, what she has accomplished is astounding.

(The above link is the source for many of the following facts and figures.)

It's no secret that Michigan has been one of the most economically ravaged states in the nation - thanks in part to the state's dependence on manufacturing. Through such efforts as the 21st Century Jobs Fund, the creation of which Granholm spearheaded, Michigan has saved more than 650,000 jobs. She has also created the No Worker Left Behind program, which has helped to retrain workers who have been laid off. While Michigan's unemployment rate is now around 12%, one can hardly imagine how much worse it would have been without her leadership. What would have happened if we'd had a governor who did not think government could do anything for the economy?

But what to do about diversifying our economy to make it less dependent on a sector that has not done well? And what about the many environmental issues that we as humans face, but that many politicians choose to ignore? Thankfully, Granholm has made diversifying Michigan's economy a top priority. Her chief focus has been establishing a solid footing for an emerging alternative industry in Michigan.

She was also responsible for helping to grow such industries as medicine and tourism. In the past eight years, thanks in part to Granholm's leadership, Grand Rapids has become home to the Medical Mile, where research in health and medicine has found a home. Granholm also oversaw the creation of the Pure Michigan campaign, rated one of the best and most successful tourism campaigns in the nation.

Then there's the issue of education. While the national conversation on education often focuses on bureaucratic matters, Granholm has instead focused on students. Understanding that a sound education system is a must for 21st-century America, Granholm shepherded into law legislation that has raised the standards in our schools so that students will be better prepared for college. As a result, dropout rates are on the decline, while college enrollment is at a record high. She has also shown leadership in supporting higher education, with the Michigan Promise Scholarship (now defunct, but no less loved by students) and the Cherry Commission on Higher Education, of which Lt. Gov. John Cherry played a leading role.

While other states have cut their budgets on the backs of the less fortunate, Granholm has left the safety net untouched. She reached a deal in 2007 to address the state's structural deficit by raising the state's income tax rate from 3.9% to 4.35%. She understands that government does have a role to play in the quality of life of our citizens, so she chose the route that was more difficult. For her courage, I will always be thankful.

It's worth noting that Michigan is now ranked as having the 17th best business climate in the nation, up from 27th place at the end of the supposedly 'pro-business' John Engler's 12-year tenure. Ours is also the third best state when it comes to bringing new businesses. In the past few months, our unemployment rate has dropped three times as fast as the national rate.

But how successful has she really been as a leader? Consider this: Despite a Legislature where the Senate has been in Republican hands since 1983 and remained so throughout her tenure, and despite the state House being in Republican hands in her first term, 80% of the proposals she laid out in State of the State addresses became policy.

The Comeback Kid

Still, not much more tells the story of how tough Granholm is than the difficult campaign she faced in 2006.

In the spring of 2005, the Democratic Party was in shambles. George W. Bush - yes, George W. Bush - had just been given a second term. Michigan did not appear to be recovering from the 2001 recession as quickly as the rest of the country. Granholm, once immensely popular, faced the very real possibility of a decisive defeat at the polls in November 2006.

Heir to the Amway fortune, the wealthy Dick DeVos announced his campaign in June of 2005. DeVos started airing ads in February of 2006 - after all of his Republican opponents had dropped out of the race, and nearly a year before the general election itself. By April, the race was a dead heat.

But this Governor had willpower on her side.

Interesting side note: One of my favorite memories of my college years at Central Michigan University occurred on my final night of my first semester as a freshman at CMU. All but done with the semester, save for an in-class freshman composition essay for which we really couldn't study, I decided to head out into the cold and snow to the house of Dr. Charles Novitski. Dr. Novitski was faculty advisor for the College Democrats at CMU, a group with which I became involved soon after coming to campus that fall. Dr. Novitski was hosting a social gathering to assist Granholm's re-election campaign the following year. She spoke through a live stream to social gatherings around the state that were similar to this one. That night was a catalyst of sorts for my involvement in the Isabella County Democratic Party, with which I have made many great memories and met many great friends.

Anyway, as the campaign progressed, the summer showed signs that Granholm could be in for a trouncing at the polls. But after she and the state Democrats started airing ads and getting their message across, she started to come back. After her dominating performance in a debate in early October, she took the lead, never to look back.

On Election Night 2006, as a number of CMU and Isabella Democrats gathered at the Bird, perhaps Mt. Pleasant's most popular bar, we watched as the returns from around the nation came in. Down went Santorum. Down went DeWine. Republican control of the House was in peril, and the Senate looked like it could flip. Then, after 9PM (when the polls had closed in the western UP), I looked at CNN's election results ticker.

Michigan. Governor. Checkmark by Granholm's name. "There's Jenny! She won!" I declared, the comeback complete. Granholm cruised to a 56-42% re-election victory. The only thing that would beat that is what happened two years later.

A Bright Future

On that cool day at Calder Plaza in 2000, I saw in Jennifer Granholm a leader with a bright future. Now that her time as Governor is over, I still see a leader whose future is just as bright as ever. Speculation abounds that President Obama has a spot for her in the Cabinet, at least in his second term (if he wins, of course). Her name was mentioned for a Supreme Court appointment. She has said that she does have a job lined up for after she leaves office, but that she won't announce that until later this month. Before that happens, she and her family will take a vacation in a warmer climate.

These have obviously been very difficult years here in Michigan. And I won't pretend she was perfect. But Jennifer M. Granholm has shown all of us how to lead with dignity, grace, and levelheadedness. The woman who promised to protect or families and educate our kids, has done so. A leader of character, Granholm leaves a legacy of which we can all be proud.

So as I recall that Gore rally in 2000, as I recall her election and inauguration in 2002 and 2003, as I recall the times I met her, the social gathering at Dr. Novitski's house, her 2006 triumph, and other great times, I recall a visionary leader whose time as Governor has concluded, but whose legacy will last for decades to come.

Thank you, Ms. Granholm, for all you have done for Michigan. We will miss you very much. All the best to you and your family!

Running Around the State

• First, my thoughts on John Cherry: For 27 years - starting with his joining the State House in 1983 - John Cherry has served Michigan with a tireless dedication to public service and commitment to the people of Michigan. He has served with integrity, always willing to work with others, but never willing to sacrifice his principles for the sake of personal gain. For that, I am grateful.
  
  A number of Democrats are joining the race for Governor. We Democrats are often a spoiled bunch when it comes to good candidates; there are usually so many good people to choose from! I look forward to finding out more about them, possibly meeting one or two, and supporting one in the primary.
  
• Joe Dumars and Denise Illitch are two new potential names for the Democratic nomination for governor. Incidentally, this is not the first time I've heard rumors surrounding Illitch; a couple weeks ago, I got a call from a polling firm that asked who I would vote for if the Democratic primary featured John Cherry, Andy Dillon, and Denise Illitch.
• Try Not to Hurl at the Thought, Part I: Bart Stupak (of Stupak Amendment fame) might also make a run, per The Detroit News. Incidentally, Chase Osborn is the only Yooper ever to serve as Governor.
• That same article says Dennis Archer, the former Supreme Court Justice and former Detroit mayor, and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano will not run. The News also says Congressman Gary Peters will opt for re-election to Congress.
• Aside from the race for Governor, do you remember Jane Beckering? She ran for Supreme Court in 2006. Justice Elizabeth Weaver and others have suggested that Beckering might make another run this year. Weaver and Robert Young, both nominated by Republicans for a race that appears on the ballot as non-partisan, are in the final year of their current terms.
• David LaGrand, is making another run for State Senate in the 29th District (Grand Rapids area). LaGrand came within a few thousand votes of knocking off popular Republican Sen. Bill Hardiman in 2006. That year, Hardiman got 71% of the vote in Kentwood, where he used to be Mayor; Obama won Kentwood two years later.
• Try Not to Hurl at the Thought, Part II: Looking ahead to 2012, there's speculation that one John Mathias Engler might be looking to challenge Debbie Stabenow for the US Senate that year. He's looking for a home to buy in mid-Michigan. Hey John: There's a foreclosed home down the street from me here in Kentwood, in case you want to know what it's like for ordinary people. At any rate, it does seem to say something about the Republicans if they might be forced to pin their hopes on someone who's been out of the state for much of the past several years and who many Michiganians will have forgotten or not even heard of by then.
• Try Not to Hurl at the Thought, Part III: You don't know how tempted I was to call this post "Michigan Has the Runs."
• UPDATE: Michigan Radio says Gov. Granholm has offered some comments on the Governor's race, including that she will not publicly endorse anyone.
  

Bits of Tid: October 26, 2009

• We're getting closer and closer to meaningful healthcare reform! Senator Reid is backing a public option with the option of allowing states to back out of it. While I can't say I agree with the opt-out provision, what is being offered now is certainly a lot better than what we have currently in our healthcare system.
• How's that No Worker Left Behind program working for Michigan?

  Of the nearly 34,360 people who finished training between August 2007 and February 2009, about 24,700, or 72 percent, either retained work or got a new job, while about 9,660, or 28 percent, were still looking for a job, according to the report being released Monday. It found more than 16,840 kept their jobs and about 7,860 found new employment.
  
  No Worker Left Behind offers up to $10,000 over two years to workers who attend community colleges or other training programs. It's overseen by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, which compiled the review.

Michigan Senate GOP leader condones mob violence

Eric at Michigan Liberal informs us about a rather telling interview with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop.

"I would suggest that everybody go back and read the Declaration of Independence," Bishop told Frank Beckmann this morning on WJR AM-760 in Detroit. "The kind of reaction that you're getting from the public out there was envisioned by our forefathers. And it's our responsibility to let the public know and to let our elected officials know how we feel about things."

The Declaration of Independence, of course, asserted U.S. independence from the British government. While Bishop didn't go so far as to endorse overthrowing the current administration, he said it is testing the limits of power envisioned by our founders.

He goes on:

While Bishop took exception to the "angry mob" characterization, he did say such a scene could replicate itself if Governor Granholm moves forward with a proposal she's floated in closed-door sessions to increase taxes on beer, cigarettes and soda pop.

...

"If she's going to rely on a proposal that includes tax increases she needs to let the public know that so that we can speak out, and if we turn into an 'angry mob,' so be it.

That's right. Mike Bishop - who wants to be Michigan's top law enforcement official next year - is suggesting that this mob violence "was envisioned by our forefathers."

This kind of violence has been condoned and carried out by many people, but what's different this time is that the person condoning this behavior sets policy in the Senate. Under his 'leadership' of the State Senate, important legislation that would help our state has stalled, even while Michigan lawmakers are paid some of the highest legislative salaries in the nation.

As one commenter on Michigan Liberal asked:

Where in the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, or anywhere in our Constitution does it say mob rule is among our democratic priniciples? Indeed, it seems I remember something about the Supreme Court saying that with rights come responsibilities.

The First Amendment allow us to "assemble peaceably" - keyword: PEACEABLY - but I cannot find any justification from the Founding Fathers for the kind of mob violence which Mike Bishop condones.

It also reminds us that the mob 'demonstrators' do not have anything valuable to add to the healthcare debate. Their concerns are not legitimate - it is because of this that they are acting up. The more violent they act, the more they prove that they do not have a valid point to make.

Trust

The economy - and what politicians do about it - is widely expected to be the #1 issue in next year's election for Governor. But just as important in any election is another issue that gets far less attention: Trust.

Trust is always important for a number of reasons. When we vote, we trust that those for whom we vote will do the best they can if elected. Politicians aren't perfect; they're humans like the rest of us. But we should expect them to do their best, even when we disagree with them.

Trust is even more important now in an age when many governors - including Mark Sanford, Sarah Palin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Blagojevich, and Eliot Spitzer - have humiliated themselves and their states. Local pols Kwame Kilpatrick and Monica Conyers have done likewise in Detroit.

If you think Michigan needs more embarrassment on the national stage, I suggest you support Mike Cox, who had an affair and blasted others for exposing the affair. Or you can get behind Pete Hoekstra, whose record in Congress stretches from opposing working families who have been hit by this economy to being hypocritical about the CIA to having an entire blog dedicated to his crazy tweets. Or how about Mike Bouchard, who was caught in a "pay-to-play" scheme in which he rewarded a company that contributed to his 2006 Senate campaign?

But if you think our lovely though beleaguered state deserves better, then I highly recommend supporting John Cherry.

How many people in Lansing know as much about working families - and the challenges they face - as John Cherry? Here's a guy who worked for Sen. Gary Corbin and served as political director for AFSCME before being elected to the state House in 1982 and 1984. He then won election to the Senate four times in a row, eventually becoming Senate Democratic Leader.

Then, in 2002, Attorney General Jennifer Granholm asked him to be her runningmate in that fall's election. The rest is history.

Or is it?

See, when you've been in Lansing as long as Cherry has, and when you've held a post like that of Senate party leader, getting caught up in the politicking of Lansing can cause you to forget the people whom you are supposed to serve. Not Cherry. From last year:

Republicans credit Cherry with keeping a level head, having a long-range perspective and improving relations after talks got rocky and legislative leaders sniped at each other in the media.

And as Alan Cropsey - yes, Alan Cropsey - said:

"This lieutenant governor has done a terrific job... Obviously, we disagree politically. But I have found him to be a very good guy to work with."

Ed Sarpolus of EPIC-MRA said that "Cherry's respected by both business and labor" after Granholm chose him as her running mate.

A level-headed, respected consensus-builder whom even Republicans say "has done a terrific job?" Good chance he'll be the same as Governor. Really important, even when - no, especially when - few people on the other side are willing to cooperate.

But why just 'trust' people's words? (Thanks everyone, I'm here all night. Try the veal.)

• The Detroit News named Cherry one of "Michigan's Most Effective Lawmakers."
• His colleagues elected him Chair of the National Lieutenant Governor's Association in 2006.
• During the 2002 and 2006 campaigns, the Posthumus and DeVos campaigns could not find any sort of scandal about Cherry with which to try to topple him and Granholm. Yes, it's true that people vote the top of the ticket - in Presidential and even more so in gubernatorial elections. But if there was something scandalous about Cherry, then why didn't they bring it up?

Oh, and one more thing. U-M Alum:

MSU Alum:

Need I say more? :-)

Maybe not. But I will note that that picture of Cherry - featured prominently on the bio section of his campaign website - was taken at CMU. More reason to trust him!

Bits of Tid: July 31, 2009

• Governor Granholm has issued an executive order allowing Michigan to move forward on becoming more energy efficient.
• Look at the list of President Obama's first Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients! What an amazing list - stretching from Ted Kennedy to Sandra Day O'Connor, Billie Jean King, to Desmond Tutu!
• Sen. Max Baucus ('D'-MT) has 'no idea' how he'll vote on Sotomayor's nomination next week. No idea because he's not very smart? Or because he's not very progressive? Either way, it tells me that there are other Finance Committee members who are more deserving of the Chairmanship than Baucus. (And yes, I figured out years ago that the Finance Committee does not handle SCOTUS nominations.)
• Do the Lions want another 0-16 season? It looks like the answer is yes, as evidenced by their signing of a WMU alum to their roster.
• Tigers' magic number: 60.
• Here's something neat:
  

Bits of Tid: June 25, 2009

• Sorry I haven't blogged much lately. I've been in Argentina with my mistress.
• Some insurance companies "confuse their customers and dump the sick, all so they can satisfy their Wall Street investors," said a former Cigna executive.
• Unemployed? Michigan Senate Republicans don't like you.
• While Michigan Republicans are attacking financial aid for students, the Obama Administration is making it easier to apply for aid.
  
• Wow! Obama's having a wonderful effect on US foreign policy! Under his leadership, Team USA beat Spain 2-0 in soccer, all while refusing to bow to the rest of the world by calling it "football." I'm impressed! (So it wasn't Obama's doing, but hey!)
• Tigers' magic number: 86.

Bits of Tid: January 8, 2009

"Behold, All Things Have Become New" Edition

• John Cherry is running for Governor! Other fine Dems may also enter the race, and so I am not willing to say at this point that I endorse Cherry. However, I very much like what Cherry has done for our state.
• Meet Nancy Killefer, the first CPO of the United States. (That's Chief Performance Officer. :-) )
• When you're done meeting her, I'd like you to meet Chief Justice Kelly and Justice Hathaway.
• So they're raising hay about Attorney General-designate Eric Holder. You know what? Leahy's right. He'll be confirmed easily. I mean, the new President's got more Senators of his party than Bush did in 2001, when Ashcroft was confirmed 58-42.
  
• Any Republicans who oppose helping auto workers but support this proposed porn industry bailout can expect to hear an earful from me.
• I'm using 43things.com to help me keep track of my New Year's Resolutions and other things I want to do during my life. Highly recommended!

Divesting from Darfur - please act!

If we truly care about our fellow human beings, we must do our part to make sure the genocide in Darfur stops.

Progress Michigan's blog, The Upper Hand, discusses a way for Michigan to act to stop this - and what you can do to help make it happen.

Michigan has the potential to do something. House Bill 4854 (and its Senate complement) would take Michigan's money out of the genocide and urge the supporters of these atrocities to change their ways. The $150 million of taxpayer money that is invested through the state public pension funds would be used to urge the foreign companies that give the Sudanese government its blank check to murder thousands to instead use their money and clout to end the genocide and help the civilians. If they refuse, Michigan will join with 24 other states in the country and withdraw its funds.

However, this legislation is going nowhere. The House of Representatives came together to pass it, 108-2, drawing the support of both Democratic and Republican leaders. However, a couple of activist Senators have refused to even take the measure up to a vote, letting it languish for months in the Appropriations committee.

I encourage you to contact your senator as well as Appropriations Committee Chair Ron Jelinek ( SenRJelinek@senate.mi.gov ). Already, 24 other states have passed similar laws.

Bits of Tid: March 7, 2008

• There is reason for a renewed sense of hope today. Democrats here in State of Michigan, whose voice in the presidential nominating process has been silenced by both a lousy primary/caucus schedule and most of the Michigan Democratic leadership, may yet have a role to play in the selection of our nominee! Nothing's certain yet, but we just might have a 'do-over' caucus!
• Look at that delegate total to the right. 111-delegate lead for Obama. That includes a somewhat-sizeable-but-shrinking superdelegate lead for Clinton and a 155-pledged-delegate lead for Obama. As opposed to the 159-pledged-delegate lead he held before Tuesday. So while Hillary may have stopped Obama's momentum, she did little on Tuesday to actually move closer to the nomination. Clinton is 573 delegates away from clinching the nomination, while Obama needs 462.
• The aforemenmtioned numbers do not include Michigan and Florida delegates. Should revotes happen in both states, causing delegates there to be seated, Obama would need 646 more versus Clinton's 757.
• Maybe it's because they're attractive, but I like Michigan's female Democratic lawmakers.
• Eight months before an election, you really shouldn't trust the polls. That said, if this one from SurveyUSA is worth believing, Barack Obama just might have a shot at North Dakota and Nebraska. Also, Obama would probably have more electoral votes safely in his column than Clinton, meaning he could focus resources on battleground and purplish-red states.
• Eight months before an election, you really shouldn't trust the polls. That said, we already see the Schauer-Walberg race turning into a hot one. Meanwhile in Illinois, Democrats just might take Dennis Hastert's old seat in a special election this weekend.
• Just a friendly reminder: We are 67 days away from the candidate filing deadline here in Michigan. By that day, all petitions to get Levin and other candidates on the ballot must be turned in. (Actually, if you've got them filled out, turn them in now to the MDP or your local party HQ. Want to obtain petitions? Get them at your local party HQ or request them here.) I hope to get my precinct delegate re-election form filed with the city clerk today.

Bits of Tid: January 29, 2008

A Quarter of a Thousand Edition

• This is Post #250 on Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott!
  
• Check out Michigan Liberal for a liveblog of the State of the State! The address will be given at 7PM. You should be able to see it on your local PBS station.
  
• Yours truly was interviewed by 9&10 News regarding the State of the Union! Watch the video; I'm the guy in the blue shirt.
• State Senate Democrats have a new blog!
  
• Want to help get healthcare on the ballot this November? Check out HealthcareForMichigan.org to see what you can do.
• "We have an opportunity to make critical progress in 2008," says Carl Levin in his preview of the new year in Congress.
• Less than 6,700 hours until the polls open on Election Day!
  
• January is Michigan Mentoring Month, School Board Recognition Month, and Stalking Awareness Month. You have about 56 more hours to celebrate!
  

Bits of Tid: December 29, 2007

• I'm back online after a two-day illness. I vomited three times Thursday, then suffered abdominal discomfort most of yesterday. But lucky for you - and sadly for our Republican friends - I'm back.
• So Purdue won the Motor City Bowl, 51-48 over my beloved Chippewas. Which isn't surprising; actually, in a Big Ten vs. MAC matchup where the MAC team lost badly to North Dakota State at home, it should've been a blowout. Especially since this was a rematch of a game Purdue dominated earlier in the season.
• Incidentally, remember last year when John L. Smith was axed as MSU's coach? His replacement was Cincinnati's Mark Dantonio, who was replaced at Cincy by CMU coach Brian Kelly. West Virginia Assistant Coach Butch Jones was chosen to be CMU's new coach. Well, Lloyd Carr is being replaced at U-M by West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rogriguez... and guess who was interviewed for the WV job? Yep, Butch Jones. After just one year at Central.
• I'm going back to CMU in less than two weeks. I will have class just three days a week! And my Monday night class will be with a professor named Gary Peters. Incidentally, feel free to support Peters's campaign for Congress.
• Harry Reid is keeping the Senate open over the holidays to prevent Bush from making recess appointments. Now that's what I call 'checks and balances.'
• Lawmakers need to do away with the 'first-bill' tradition, whereby lawmakers are essentially required to feed their colleagues after their first bill passes. So says Jean Doss at Dome Magazine. I have to agree.
• You know those credit card offers which say you're 'pre-approved' for such-and-such credit card? You can opt out of them.
• As I post this, we're just about 56 hours away from 2008..... yikes!

Bits of Tid: November 10, 2007

• The Employee Non-Discrimination Act was passed in the House! Now on to the Senate!
  
  
• Here's a question for you:
  

  What do you love about our state? What do you want to change? What's your best vision for Michigan's future?

  Have an answer to that? You might want to take part in the Center for Michigan's Envision Michigan competition.
  
  
• Part of saving our planet involves changes in government policy; part of it involves making businesses and institutions more eco-friendly (see previous post); still another part will involve personal action by each of us. Are you living a sustainable life? American Public Media's Consumer Consequences game can help you find out.
  
  
• Looks like Mike Bishop could be the target of a recall attempt.
  
  
• Some serious issues are facing our world, as evidenced by the Latest News section of CNN.com. As of 8PM Saturday, the seventh and eighth stories in that section were "It's a boy for 'View' co-host Hasselbeck" and "Thirsty? Try a refreshing ham soda."
  
  Thank you, CNN, for raising awareness of these very volatile issues we face in America. Not.
  
  
• Here's a new phrase I like: Green collar jobs.


• And here's one I don't like: "Get real." Yep, it's my latest submission to Lake Superior State University's Banished Words List. My reasoning?
  

  Do you ever hear people telling you to "get fake" or "get unreal?" I know I haven't.

• I haven't been blogging much. I realize that. I've had a lot on my plate. However, my academic load between now and Thanksgiving is as light as a college junior could expect, so maybe I'll post more. I am working on posts which will include:
  
  • A unique spin on this past week's elections;
    
  • A preview of 2008 Congressional elections;
    
  • An item discussing presidential veto overrides through the years;
    
  • Energy efficiency tips;
    
  • A few more photos from around campus;
    
  • Thoughts on young voters, incl. my ideas on how to actually get more of them voting; and
    
  • Another late-night humor post!