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Thursday, February 26, 2015

Breaking: Gamrat May Run For RNC, Introduces Life At Conception Bill, Hires Keith Allard As Chief of Staff

Allard, top right, volunteers At A Fall Gamrat Event with Cindy Gamrat, left corner, and her son Joey, right corner

By Brandon Hall       
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


State Rep. Cindy Gamrat is keeping busy

Tonight, she announced she may run for RNC Committeewoman to replace Ronna Romney McDaniel.

She wrote:

"I want to take a minute to thank all of you for your prayers and support over the last few years; it is amazing to think of all that God has done and each day I am truly humbled and thankful to have the opportunity to share my faith and to be a voice for liberty. I'd like to clear up some rumors and let you know that I am talking with my family and seriously considering running for Republican National Committee Woman. I would really appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I begin conversations down this road. Thank you so much and God bless!"

>>>Gamrat would not have to give up her role as State Rep. if she runs and wins-State Rep. Holly Hughes previously also held the role while a legislator. Gamrat would join Isabelle Terry and Kathleen Berden as the declared candidates.

 She has also introduced her legislation to define life as beginning at conception in Michigan.

In a release, Gamrat said:

“Our nation was founded on the precepts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; life is inherently precious and at the core of all liberty,” said Gamrat. “Our state should lead the way in declaring that each person has inherent value and worth and that we will protect the lives of the most innocent and vulnerable among us."

She continued “As medicine and technology have advanced, the scientific consensus is indisputable: life begins at conception. This legislation brings together people of faith and reason to protect the lives and rights of the most vulnerable among us."

Gamrat says the bill contains an exception for emergencies related to the life of a mother, and she has garnered 22 co-sponsors so far.

Gamrat, along with fellow State Rep. Todd Courser, introduced the "Contract For Liberty" in early January, shortly before taking office. They say they will introduce bills to accomplish all ten planks of their contract.
In it, the first issue is "the Freedom To Be Born."

"1. The Freedom to be Born
 

Our nation was founded on the precepts of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness; life is inherently precious and at the core of all liberty; to deny a person their life is a violation of the
most basic of our fundamental freedoms and absolutely conflicts with both God’s Word and
our rights as guaranteed under the Constitution. Life is a blessing from God; each one of us has
been fearfully and wonderfully made. Our state can and should lead the way in declaring that
each person has inherent value and worth and that we will protect the lives of the most innocent and vulnerable among us."


Gamrat has also hired Keith Allard as her Chief of Staff. Allard is well known for his former role in Justin Amash's congressional campaign, is currently fighting the May 5th Roads Package, and recently, ran for State House last year. 

Allard, like Gamrat, is very popular among many in the party's liberty wing and has experience working in Lansing.

Keith Allard, second from right (Photo by DarKen Photography)
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson

Director Of Elections Releases Proposed Language For May 5th Road Package Vote, Board Approves

Photo by David Yardley



By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


The picture above-minus the x in the "No" section-is what Director of Elections Chris Thomas recommended to the Board of Canvassers that the ballot language be for the road package proposal Michiganders are voting on May 5th. It was approved.

While the " Safe Roads Yes!" side has 3 million dollars (with more to come according to Paul Mitchell) and plans to use scare tactics about road safety to get their way, polling shows Michiganders oppose the measure when they learn more about it.

Gov. Snyder has racked up many victories-but this time he is up against Paul Mitchel, John Yob, Scott Hagerstrom, Tom McMillin, and many, many others.

Sometimes money can outweigh a good message, but this proposal is so bad, that just does not seem likely. And the No side plenty of fundraising potential, too...

The text of the proposal on the ballot reads:


>>>DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS
PROPOSED BALLOT WORDING
PROPOSAL 15-1 


A proposal to amend the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% to replace reduced revenue to the School Aid Fund and local units of government caused by the elimination of the sales/use tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles operating on public roads, and to give effect to laws that provide additional money for roads and other transportation purposes by increasing the
gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

Eliminate sales / use taxes on gasoline/diesel fuel for vehicles on public roads.

Increase portion of use tax dedicated
to School Aid Fund (SAF).

Expand use of SAF
to community colleges and career / technical education, and
prohibit use for 4-year colleges/universities.

Give effect to laws, including those that:
o
Increase sales / use tax to 7%
, as authorized by constitutional
amendment

Increase gasoline/
diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for inflation,
increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and
other transportation purposes.

Expand competitive bidding and warranties for road projects.

Increase earned income tax credit.

Should this proposal be adopted?

YES
[ ]
NO


_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson



  

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Dr. Rob Steele Declares FOR RNC In 2016

Dr. Rob Steele (Photo by DarKen Photography)
By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


Dr. Rob Steele announced at the MIGOP Convention last weekend that he will seek the position of RNC Committeeman currently held by Dave Agema. It is unclear if Agema will seek re-election.

Steele was the top vote-getter in last year's race for U of M regent, with former MIGOP Chair Ron Weiser coming in second. Weiser beat Dan Horning by 76 votes.

His website notes:

 "In 2010, Steele was the GOP nominee against John Dingell. He held Dingell to his lowest percentage of vote in his 55-year career in Congress."

_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Gov. Snyder Likely To Name OAISD Sup. Karen McPhee As New Education Policy Adviser


Karen McPhee (LinkedIn)

By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


 Sources tell West Michigan Politics that Gov. Snyder will name Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Karen McPhee as his new education policy adviser sometime later this week, or in early  March..

McPhee has served in her role as Superintendent for over 10 years. Before that, she spent 14 years as Asst. Supt. Human Resources/Communications at the OAISD and has been there for over 30 years.

McPhee holds degrees from Central Michigan University and Aquinas.

Craig Ruff is evidently no longer filling that role.

_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson

Monday, February 23, 2015

Romney: Time To "Move Forward" From Agema Controversy

Michigan RNC Committeeman Dave Agema




By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


Ronna Romney McDaniel tells Paul Egan of the Detroit Free Press it's time to "move forward" from  controversies surrounding RNC Committeeman Dave Agema:

"Among the points of division is Republican National Committeeman Dave Agema, whose comments and social media postings have been widely condemned as racist and anti-gay. McDaniel had refused to be drawn into the controversy while on the RNC, though RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and outgoing Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak are among those who have called on Agema to resign.

"Dave and I have had private conversations; I'm going to keep them private," McDaniel said Saturday. "There is no mechanism for removal. He's not going to step down, so we're going to move forward.""

Agema received almost 70% of the vote to defeat Saul Anuzis for the position in 2012.

_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson

Stop Lying To Michiganders About Road Proposal

State Rep. Greg MacMaster


By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


Some people keep saying that there's just no money in the budget for road funding as they support a proposal where 40% does not even go to roads. And remember-no road work will even begin until next April at the earliest. A lie repeated often enough becomes truth, so expect the extreme road rhetoric to continue as various interests try to scare Michigan voters..

Nolan Finley recently wrote that:

"Those who want the money to come out of current spending are delusional. Republicans aren't going to make substantial cuts to prison spending, Democrats aren't going to hack welfare spending, and neither party is going to touch school spending.

The right way to raise road money is to increase the fuel tax, but lawmakers couldn't agree to do that in the last session, and this new Legislature is even less likely to do so. If Prop 1 fails, revenue hikes of any kind will be off the table. Proposal 1 is flawed, but it's all we got.

So the real message to voters should be this: Hold your noses and vote for Prop 1, or keep driving on what may be the deadliest roads in America. Guaranteed."

Wow-delusional? "Deadliest roads in America?" Here we go...

Miraculously, though, there is $88 million for a new House "visitor center" and parking lot!

And $50 million so Arlan Meekhof and the Senate can get a new office with a better view of the Capitol building!

Those are just one time sources. Former State Rep. Greg MacMaster, however, has layed out over a billion dollars in revenue every year that doesn't touch education or prisons and does not raise taxes.

He writes:

"Following are five reform proposals that include some of Speaker Jase Bolger’s recent transportation funding proposal. They also include other reforms that were introduced last year but have not been acted on.

These reforms identify over a billion dollars that can be allocated to roads WITHOUT increasing taxes;

(1) Dedicate a portion of the sales tax on gasoline for roads.

When motorists purchase gasoline, they pay state and federal taxes for each gallon. Motorists also pay a 6% sales tax on top of that, which most people assume goes to roads. It doesn’t. It’s diverted to other government spending.

Dedicating 1.5% of the 6% for roads doesn’t solve the problem of diverting money people believe already goes to roads, but it’s a start.

This is a modification of Speaker Jase Bolger’s transportation proposal and would raise $195 million.

(2) Repeal Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Laws.

These laws dictate the minimum amount that workers for certain types of public construction projects must be paid. These arbitrary amounts are upwards of 25% higher than amounts paid by the private sector.

A study by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy found that “repealing Michigan’s prevailing wage law would have an impact the equivalent of giving every taxpayer a rebate equal to five percent of his state income tax payments.”

According to an October 2013 report by the House Fiscal Agency, individual income tax revenue is expected to be approximately $8.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2013-14.

If the state realized the savings forecast by the Mackinac Center study it could result in a savings of $415 million that could be reallocated to roads.

(3) Permanently dedicate 1% of use tax revenue to roads.

This is part of Speaker Jase Bolger’s transportation proposal and would raise $239 million.

(4) Redirect Oil & Gas royalty revenue to roads.

In May 2001, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund cap was reached, resulting in $35 million a year in excess funds to be directed to the State Park Endowment Fund and the Game and Fish Protection Fund.

As oil and gas is often transported over Michigan’s roads, this unexpected windfall should be rerouted to maintaining Michigan’s roads.

(5) Competitively bid certain state agency services.

A recent analysis by the Legislature’s House Fiscal Agency identified $2.4 billion in state spending that includes budgetary line items where additional savings could be realized through competitive bidding. A mere 3% in total spending would result in a savings of $72 million.

Additionally, if the Corrections Department’s health and medical services were competitively bid, it could realize a $50 million savings.

Combined, that’s a $122 million savings that could be transferred to roads.

Total savings from just these five reforms: over a BILLION dollars and NO TAX INCREASE!

Does this package of reform proposals solve our road problem? No, but it’s a start. It’s perpetual funding that would help create a long term funding solution for our roads and bridges as well as preserve Act 51.

Speaker Jase Bolger has some good ideas that do not rely on higher taxes. I’ve also offered a few. And there are other legislators who are sharpening their pencils and offering innovative ideas as well.

Other legislators have proposed creative solutions to lower overall transportation costs, provide better value for taxpayers through road construction guarantees, and identify new sources of revenue that do not include higher taxes.

Some of the most creative measures may not have been realized yet. Not a day goes by without constituents suggesting ideas for other reforms in policy and operation of state government, and many of them are quite good.

Raising taxes is seldom their first choice, why should it be ours?"

Don't like MacMaster's plan? Tim Skubick noted recently that a majority of Michiganders support legalizing and taxing marijuana to fix roads.

Interestingly enough, we wouldn't even have to tax it-simply making it legal would end over a billion dollars in the costs of enforcing Michigan's maijuana laws.

In a Harvard study, "The Budgetary Implications of Drug Prohibition," it was revealed:

"Eight states each spend more than $1 billion annually enforcing marijuana laws: New York, $3 billion; Texas, $2 billion; California, Florida, $1.9 billion; Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, $1 billion."

Looks like Tim Skubick may have been on to something..."Pot for Potholes," I like it. #Pot4Potholes is a natural hashtag. By the way-violent crime, car accidents, and thefts are down in Colorado after they legalized pot. Could make it hard for propaganda outfits to combat those facts if marijuana reform advocates can get something before voters...

Anyway-this B.S. that this is our "last choice," only choice," et al is complete garbage and most Michiganders know it.

Road funding is Rick Snyder's political baby-he'll do anything to get it done. Even if it means paying a $700 million "ransom" to special interests as Paul Mitchell says, to get it -as any parent would for their child if they could.

Snyder can get his road funding, but it probably won't come on May 5th. And that's probably a good thing-because "the deadliest roads in America" won't be fixed until at least next April in this package.

Our deadly roads can't wait that long-tell Arlan Meekhof and Lansing to get back to work NOW and find a way to deliver safe roads to Michiganders as soon as possible. They have lots of ways to get it done.
_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson

Who Will Replace Romney At The RNC?


 


 By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


With Ronna Romney McDaniel's election to the position of MIGOP Chair, delegates were buzzing about who might replace her when the newly elected State Committee meets next. (She told the Detroit Free Press this weekend she is resigning FROM THE RNC-not as Chair-immediately.)

Per the RNC's gender rule, her replacement must be a woman.

Here are some names that were mentioned:

Linda Lee Tarver
Wendy Day
Kelly Mitchell
Terri Lynn Land
Julie Calley
Marian Sheridan
Kim Shmina
Mary Whiteford
Jan Peabody
Cindy Duran

Also as of this week-Sharon Wise
Judy Schwalbach
Jennifer Helmer
Theresa Mungioli 
Betsy DeVos 
Cindy Gamrat

Stay tuned... As of Tuesday night, Kathleen Berden and Isabelle Terry were the only declared candidates.
_________________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 

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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson





Sunday, February 22, 2015

Snyder Battles Romney And MIGOP Party Leadership In May 5th Roads Fight

MIGOP Leadership "selfie" (Wendy Day)


By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)



Not only is the new MIGOP leadership short on white, Christian males-there's just one in the bunch-it's also short of support of support for the Governor's controversial road tax package.

Even new Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel opposes it. She wrote:

"Unfortunately, there are some who choose to mischaracterize my record and positions without even taking steps to speak with me directly.

For the record, I support our platform. I voted for it in 2012. I do not support the May 5th Sales Tax Increase or Common Core. I proudly voted against Common Core at the RNC. I look forward to sharing our plans to strengthen the grassroots by working more closely with county, district and local activists. We will continue to run a positive race that will exemplify our belief that it will take “all of us” to be successful in 2016 and beyond. "


Grassroots Chair Wendy Day? Opposed.

Ethnic Vice Chair Darwin Jiles? Opposed.

Admin. Vice Chair David Wolkinson? Opposed.

Coalitions Vice Chair Adi Sathi? Opposed.

Youth Vice Chair Michael Banerian? Opposed. He told WMP "I don't feel that our legislature has exhausted all other possibilities before asking us to increase our taxes."

The only person in party leadership on record supporting the proposal is Outreach Vice Chair Kelly Mitchell. 

She told WMP "We need to find the revenues to support good roads and bridges to inspire and encourage new business development in Michigan. If we don’t do it now we will have to do it later. This is for the next generation who will use and benefit from these investments."

_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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May 5th DRAMA: Meekhof Interrupts, Calls Paul Mitchell A Liar, Refuses Challenge To Debate



By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)


Things got interesting in the 2nd Congressional District's caucus room Friday night when Paul Mitchell took to the stage to rally the crowd for his group "Say No To Higher Taxes And Special Interest Deals."

As he was speaking, Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof accused Mitchell of lying, interrupting him as he spoke. Mitchell immediately shot back, challenging Meekhof to a defacto debate. "Come on up here!" Mitchell said, as Meekhof shook his head, refusing.

Meekhof supports may quip it would not be appropriate to have debated Mitchell, but how in the hell was it appropriate to interrupt and call him a liar?

Reminds me of Joe Wilson interrupting Obama at the State of the Union, only Mitchell was ready to "knuckle up" on the spot! This shows that we MUST see a debate between Paul Mitchell and Meekhof or a designee. If the package is so good, surely Meekhof and lots of people will jump at the opportunity to debate Mitchell, right?

_________________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 

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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson



Saturday, February 21, 2015

Update: Osmer and McMillin Win Chair Races, Welday Bounced





First District Chair Jesse Osmer, right



By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)



 
State Rep. Lee Chatfield Chairs the 1st District Convention Friday in Lansing


In what was easily the most heated Congressional District race, Chairman Jesse Osmer prevailed against challenger Adrian Poulisse in the First.

That caucus went to almost midnight. Osmer reportedly received approx. 51% of the vote....

Also of interest: in the 8th, Tom McMillin beat Norm Shinkle to become Chair.


In the 7th, David Dudenhoefer was elected Chair. In the 2nd, Mike Hewitt prevailed.

In the 14th, Paul Welday was bounced from the Chairmanship, losing to

first time candidate Janine Kateff of West Bloomfield-wow!

Update: "David Dudenhoefer won the 13th district chairmanship, not the 7th. Hank Choate, former two term Jackson County GOP chairman, is the new 7th district chair (after unseating incumbent district chair Margo Aseltine)" Thanks, Peter Baergen!
Kateff
 

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson

Friday, February 20, 2015

Source: Hughes Pushed Romney McDaniel As Courser's Vice Chair In 2013

Romney McDaniel

 

 
 By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)
 
A source extremely familiar with the 2013 MIGOP Chair campaign of Todd Courser tells WMP that Norm Hughes, who was a key adviser to the Courser Chair campaign, strongly opposed Cindy Gamrat as Courser's Vice Chair and pushed hard for Ronna Romney McDaniel for the position in the race against Bobby Schostak...

The convention takes place tomorrow.
 
_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson