WEST MICHIGAN POLITICS: August 2017

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Chuck Yob Endorses Stan Grot For Secretary Of State

Chuck Yob speaks at a Michigan Trump Republicans event at Yoberosa (DarKen Photography)

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Longtime Michigan Republican power broker Chuck Yob is endorsing Shelby Township Clerk Stan Grot's campaign for Secretary of State.

Grot announced the endorsement in a Facebook statement Thursday afternoon.

"I am extremely honored to receive the support and endorsement of the former Michigan Republican National Committeeman Chuck Yob," Grot said. "Chuck Yob is considered to be the Dean of the Michigan Republican party, personally I consider Chuck to be my mentor and a friend. Chuck is one of the most effective and influential leaders of our times in our Michigan Republican Party. Thank you Chuck for your friendship and your endorsement of my candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State."

Grot also announced the endorsement of Rep. Paul Mitchell, as previously reported by WMP.

"The very first endorsement for my candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State I received was, from our 10th Republican Congressional District Congressman, The Honorable Paul Mitchell," Grot said. "Paul Mitchell is a true conservative leader in Washington; he is very well respected and admired by his constituents. When Congressman Mitchell talks, people in Washington listen. He is representing our conservative core values and is working hard on our behalf. I am proud to call him a friend and appreciate his support and endorsement for my candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State. Thank you Congressman Mitchell."

Grot faces State Senator Mike Kowall, and MSU Professor Joseph Guzman in the battle for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State, which will be decided by precinct delegates next summer.

Grot, right, Mitchell, left

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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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Schuette Proxy Refuses To Vote Against Millions In Planned Parenthood Grants At SAB Meeting

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

A representative for Attorney General Bill Schuette recently refused to vote against millions of dollars in grants for Planned Parenthood at a State Administrative Board meeting earlier this month.

The vote was surprising given Mr. Schuette's pro life views. The representative for Lt. Gov. Brian Calley voted against the grants.

According to MIRS:

"A representative for Attorney General Bill Schuette chose to abstain from items on the State Administrative Board (SAB) meeting agenda...

There were $6.4 million in new grants proposed for Planned Parenthood, as well as a proposed $536,000 increase to an existing grant up for approval. Despite the abstention, those items and all other ones still gained SAB approval."

The "Michigan Pro Life" Facebook page expressed their disappointment in the vote.

"The pass-through money does not go toward abortion services. They are for family planning services and teenage pregnancy prevention programs...However, it is a shell game that allows them to spend other monies on abortion."

The State Administrative Board includes representatives for the Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Transportation Director, and State Superintendent.

Though the state administers the money, it is not part of the Michigan budget, rather, it's federal funds that are used.

The vote was a reversal from the past: Schuette's office had previously voted against similar grants in December of 2015.

Robert E. Lee's Michigan Connection

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Did you know that Robert E. Lee played a key role in the Michigan/Ohio border fight when he was a Lieutenant in the US Army?

The dispute over Toledo led to Michigan receiving the Upper Peninsula...

Check out this excerpt from the Chicago Tribune:
"It all began in 1755, when mapmaker John Mitchell misplaced Lake Michigan. When the Northwest Territory was created in 1787, the line that divided what eventually would become the states of Ohio and Michigan was drawn through the southern tip of Lake Michigan. But Mitchell`s map, on which the line was based, placed the tip of the lake farther north than it actually was. That line hit the west shore of Lake Erie north of the Maumee River and Toledo.

When Ohio petitioned for statehood in 1802, it selected the 1787 line as its northern boundary. But an old trapper appeared at the Ohio constitutional convention and told the delegates the map was wrong. A line drawn through the southern tip of Lake Michigan actually would fall south of the Maumee River, leaving Toledo in Michigan and depriving Ohio of an important natural harbor. The delegates hurriedly attached a proviso to the state constitution providing that if the line was south of the river it would be redrawn, placing it to the north.

Ohio was admitted to the Union in 1803, but Congress decided not to rule on the boundary question. Congress let matters ride until 1817, when two surveys produced different lines, one placing Toledo in Ohio and one in Michigan territory.
The disputed 468 square miles running between the Indiana border and Lake Erie was called the Toledo Strip.

Nobody cared much about the strip, which contained 80 families living in a quagmire noted as a breeding place for fevers and chills, until the early 1830s, when some developers realized that Toledo stood a chance of becoming a terminal for two railroads and the Wabash and Erie Canal.

Suddenly the swampy strip became a valuable piece of real estate. Michigan territory`s ``Boy Governor,`` 24-year-old Stevens T. Mason, and Ohio`s Gov. Robert Lucas squared off.

A new survey conducted by an army lieutenant named Robert E. Lee supported the Michigan line. President Andrew Jackson was said to privately side with Michigan, but he wanted Ohio`s electoral votes in the coming election.
As the situation grew more heated, Lucas sent a survey party to post signs along the Ohio version of the border. Mason sent in troops.

On April 26, 1835, the first skirmish of the Ohio-Michigan War took place when the Michigan militia collided with the Ohio surveying party.

The militia opened fire. The Ohioans took to their heels. Nobody was hurt.

Flushed by victory, Mason ordered his deputies to arrest an Ohioan, Maj. Benjamin Franklin Stickney. That action was to draw the first--and last--blood.

The major was the great-grandnephew of his famous namesake and he shared his forebear`s penchant for eccentricity. He had two sons, and they were named One Stickney and Two Stickney, according to the order of their birth.

On July 16, 1835, Joseph Wood, a deputy sheriff from Monroe County, Michigan, saw Benjamin Franklin Stickney and son Two in the swamps of the strip. Heeding Mason`s orders, Wood tried to arrest them. As Wood placed the heavy hand of the law on Two Stickney`s shoulder, the youth drew a knife and shouted, ``Damn you, sir, you have got it.``

With that, Two stabbed the deputy. The Stickneys then galloped to safety across the Ohio border. Wood, whose injuries were superficial, repaired to a tavern.

Throughout the rest of the summer of 1835, the Michigan militia threatened Ohioans in the strip.

Then Jackson pulled the rug from under Michigan by removing Mason as the territorial governor. Not one to miss an opportunity, Lucas devised a plan that would bring the Ohio-Michigan War to a close.

On Sept. 7, 1835, Toledo`s judges and court officials, escorted by a 20-man armed guard, sneaked into the city before dawn and convened the first Common Pleas Court of a newly formed Lucas County, Ohio. They named three commissioners for their new county, established Toledo as the county seat and adjourned to a tavern to drink an early morning toast to their accomplishment.

Lucas County eventually was recognized as part of Ohio. Congress offered Michigan the Upper Peninsula as compensation.
When Michigan gained statehood in 1837, Mason was elected its first governor."

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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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Kowall Consultant+Knollenberg Chief Of Staff Mike Murray Says President Trump "Deserves To Hang"

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

***Update***

An hour after this story, the Kowalls were scrubbed from the website, but their endorsement is still visible via Google cache...

Mike Murray, a prominent Lansing-based Republican political consultant, is under fire for controversial comments he has made about President Trump, including a post that seems to call for the President's assassination via hanging.

Murray, a proud "Never Trump" who works as the Chief of Staff to State Sen. Marty Knollenberg, also runs Murray Communications, a consulting business with clients that include State Sen. Mike Kowall, his wife Eileen Kowall, State Sen. Geoff Hansen, and State Sen. Bruce Patterson.

Murray Communications also touts work done for the RNC, the Michigan Republican Party, the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee, Michigan Senate Campaign Committee, and others, such as the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

The issue first surfaced when Neal Rohrs, a Knollenberg constituent, was upset with Murray over being called a "loser and a dumbass" for supporting President Trump.

Rohrs believes Murray may have been on state time when those comments were made.

Rohrs posted an open letter to Knollenberg on Facebook.

"An open Letter to State Senator Marty Knollenberg. Right before I was defriended and blocked, your Chief of Staff Mike Murray called me a Loser and a Dumbass for being a Trump Supporter during business hours on 8/22/2017,". Fair Enough, this is still a semi free country. I can't wait to receive the next Republican fund raising letter. I can't wait to find out who runs against you in the next election. I don't have to take abuse from a tax payer paid republican who works for you on a business day. I hope to receive a public apology from YOU and Your Chief of Staff. I have been a Republican Precinct Delegate for a long time and enjoy fighting against Big Government Republicans who don't support the voters in this great state!"

Below, Murray lays out 10 issues he has with President Trump in a conversation with Rohrs.

Unfortuantely, Murray's animosity against President Trump reaches far deeper levels. In other posts, Murray calls President Trump a traitor and says that traitors deserve to be hung.

He also says that Trump supporters are "sycophants," that the President loves Russia, and that he should be impeached.

Murray also says Trump is a "danger to the Republic" and is "damaging our country."

>>>Take a look at some of his comments below:

Make Hell Gay Again: Michigan "Mayor" Bans Straight People

Elijah Daniel, left, via Twitter

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

For just $100, you can be the Mayor of Hell, Michigan for a day, and earlier this week, the "Mayor" decided to ban straight people from the small town of less than 100 people.

Elijah Daniel, a YouTube comedian, used the opportunity to make a statement against President Trump.

He took the President's statement on temporary immigration restrictions, and re-worded it to make his point. What his point is isn't exactly clear, but the whole situation is so absurd, it's pretty funny when you think about it.

According to reports:

"Once he was in office, Daniel followed President Trump’s lead...

“My ban is a copy-and-paste of Trump’s Muslim ban, but with heterosexuals instead,” Daniel said, taking some rhetorical license.

His mayoral proclamation explains that when he was growing up, he was often told that homosexuals would go to hell. But “now the heterosexuals are trying to take that from us too,” Daniel wrote.

So, as mayor of Hell, he would establish “new vetting measures to keep radical heterosexuals out of our town.”

To make sure his words reached as many people as possible, he posted the ban on Twitter."

Wow...

You can't make this stuff up, folks, welcome to "Pure Michigan."

MSU Professor And Former Trump Michigan Co Chair Dr. Joseph Guzman Announces Secretary Of State Campaign

Guzman, right, meets with President Trump in the fall of 2016

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Dr. Joseph Guzman, a Michigan State Professor who was a Michigan Trump Co-Chair and member of President Trump's National Hispanic Advisory Council during the 2016 campaign, has filed paperwork to run for Secretary of State.

Guzman was repeatedly attacked on campus for supporting Trump, but always stood his ground. WMP broke that story, which was picked up by numerous national outlets.

After President Trump won, Guzman was a top candidate for Labor Secretary, even going to Trump Tower in New York to discuss the position as one of four finalists on the shortlist.

According to Jonathan Oosting of the Detroit News:

“I think it’s vitally important we ensure the integrity of our voter systems, our election systems, and that we continue the progress (current Secretary of State) Ruth Johnson has made in customer service,” Guzman told The Detroit News, explaining his motivation for a run.

Guzman previously worked as first deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy in the Office of Financial Management and Comptroller, as deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force and as deputy director of the Department of Defense’s Biometric Management Office.

“I’ve had a lifelong interest in policy and public service,” he said when asked about his qualifications for secretary of state, a post that involves oversight of elections, vehicle registration and drivers licensing.

Guzman and his family moved to Michigan seven years ago. His three oldest children have gone to college here, and Guzman said he and his family have “really become Michiganders.”

Current Secretary of State candidates include Shelby Township Clerk Stan Grot, and State Senator Mike Kowall.
__________________________________________________________________
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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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Hillary Clinton Returns To Michigan For Book Tour (But You'll Have To Pay)

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Hillary Clinton is headed back to the Great Lakes State this fall to promote her new book.

Hillary will be in Ann Arbor on October 24th promoting "What Happened," and those hoping to see the former First Lady and Senator will have to pay up, as tickets must be purchased.

It's not clear how much the Ann Arbor event will be, but other cities will cost attendees between $45 and $125.

Hillary's visit to Michigan seems to be her first since she lost the state to President Trump in a historic upset...

Jamie Roe of Grand River Strategies says he can't imagine people paying money to see Clinton.

"Didn't see Hillary Clinton come campaign for your vote in MI, WI, OH, PA, IA, or some other state? Well you can pay to come see her come to your state on the book tour where she will tell you why she lost, and you get to pay big bucks for the honor," Roe said in a Facebook post. "You can't tell me that there is anyone who will actually pay for this."

Those hoping to attend can register for tickets HERE.

__________________________________________________________________
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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Shirkey+Stamas Brokering Deal For Senate Majority Leader In 2019

Shirkey, left, Stamas, right (DarKen Photography)

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan has only had a first term Senator lead the chamber once in state history, and if the Senators currently eligible for re-election have their way, 2019 won't be an exception.

The buzz around Lansing is that the 8 Senators who hope to return after the 2018 election are coming together to keep control of the Senate in their hands.

The deal currently being floated would put Sen. Mike Shirkey in the Majority Leader's chair from 2019-2021, and Sen. Jim Stamas at the helm from 2021-2023.

One possible issue: new Republican Senators will outnumber the group 18-8 if current seats are held. If a first term Senator can rally the group, they will secure the votes for Majority Leader.

To buck the 2nd termers, a freshman Senator would need at least 14 members of the 2018 class to vote their way.

Two Senate candidates to watch: State Rep. Laura Cox, and State Rep. Jim Runestead. Both could be major players in a leadership battle should they win their primary and decide they are interested...

Other possible Senate candidates, like State Rep. Tom Barrett, State Rep. Gary Glenn, and former State Rep. Bob Genetski, could make things interesting as well, they know how the Lansing game is played.

It's too early to dive into this exhaustively, and their are other candidates to keep an eye on, but it will definitely be interesting to see how things shape up, stay tuned!

The 8 Republican Senators expected to be returning in 2018 include:

Sen. Shirkey
Sen. Stamas
Sen. Knollenberg
Sen. Zorn
Sen. Schmidt
Sen. O'Brien
Sen. MacGregor
Sen. Horn
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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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Monday, August 21, 2017

Grassroots Leader Jason Gillman Says Ronna Is A Bulldog For Trump, Best RNC Chair Ever

Ronna Romney McDaniel

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Below is an excerpt from a great article written by Jason Gillman, the Editor at RightMI.com, about the amazing work Ronna Romney McDaniel has done as RNC Chair!

Gillman, a former Grand Traverse County Commissioner, is a grassroots favorite.

Gillman challenged State Rep. Larry Inman in the primary last year and received approx. 40% of the vote, an impressive feat against an incumbent legislator.

"Ronna McDaniel has been better than any national chair of the RNC," Gillman said. "No other RNC chair has used social media so successfully, put themselves in front of (even the fake news) cameras daily in support of our president and his/our agenda.The woman is a bulldog and knows when to attack the other side without reservation. Actively promoting Republican ideals (not necessarily establishment capitulation either) she is constantly visible and keeping a positive face on the Republican Party."

Gillman hopes more follow Ronna's lead.

"She has earned my respect," Gillman said. "I hope she can continue to perform as well, and keep the weak sisters in the party from abandoning our constantly assaulted (and effective) president."

>>>Read the full article HERE

Gillman

Rep. Paul Mitchell Will Introduce And Endorse Stan Grot During Secretary Of State Announcement

Mitchell, left, Grot, right (Photo by DarKen Photography)

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Shelby Township Clerk Stan Grot is about to kick off his campaign for Secretary of State in Lansing Tuesday at 1 pm, and WMP has learned Grot will be introduced and endorsed by Congressman Paul Mitchell.

Mitchell, a former business leader who won his seat as a DC outsider, represents Michigan's 10th District in Congress, it's his first year as a Representative.

Mitchell earned significant street cred with conservatives and grassroots activists when he led the campaign to stop Prop 1 in 2015, the proposal would have been the biggest tax hike in over 50 years for the Great Lakes State.

Grot will hold two announcements, one on August 22nd in Lansing near the Capitol building, and one in Macomb on August 23rd.

The event in Macomb will be held from 6-9 pm at The Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township and features dinner, dessert, and drinks. It is free of charge, but donations are welcome.

Grot filed his first campaign statement a few weeks ago, revealing he raised over $70,000 during the last 3 months.

His main opponent in the race, State Sen. Mike Kowall, raised just $600. Kowall is an establishment favorite, so expect Lansing money to pour in soon, in addition to whatever he transfers from his Senate account.

Grot has been busy traveling across Michigan this summer, visiting with delegates at local Republican Party dinners, as well as at grassroots events.

He is also speaking at rallies organized by the Michigan Trump Republicans.

In May, he hosted RNC Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel during a big fundraising dinner for the 10th District Republican Party at Shelby Gardens.

Grot's plan to improve the Secretary of State's office includes:

-requiring documentation proving US citizenship at registration
-elimination of voters registered in other states
-a crack down on issues in Detroit
-implementation of mandatory photo ID requirements for voting
-use the Social Security database to remove voters who have died
-audit local municipalities who struggle to conduct elections properly

__________________________________________________________________

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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Thursday, August 17, 2017

Will Ted Nugent Endorse Lena Epstein For Senate?

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan Senate candidate Lena Epstein is receiving some big praise from rock star Ted Nugent in her fight to send far left Sen. Debbie Stabenow to the unemployment line.

Epstein and Nugent appeared together yesterday during an episode of "The Specialists" on Fox News.

Speaking to Frank Beckmann on WJR Thursday, Nugent spoke glowingly of the Detroit area businesswoman, who burst on to the political scene last year as a Co-Chair of President Trump's Michigan campaign.

"I spent some time on Fox with a young lady from Detroit, her name is Lena Epstein, and boy, did she nail exactly where Michigan has to go, and get rid of Debbie Stabenow who is a status quo Nancy Pelosi Maxine Waters weirdo intentionally and openly trying to destroy the American dream," Nugent said.

>>>Listen HERE

Nugent says he isn't making any formal endorsements quite yet, but his appearance with her and positive comments afterward could be a great sign for Epstein that the Motor City Madman may back her candidacy.

Nugent was in the news recently for saying that Kid Rock has no plans of running for the seat despite teasing he may do so. Epstein says if Kid Rock enters the race, she'd love to campaign with him so they can work together toward defeating Stabenow.

Epstein has been extremely visible at events across the Great Lakes State, notably rallies held by Michigan Trump Republicans where she is frequently a keynote speaker.

Epstein, who has unapologetically stood with President Trump since last summer, has received strong grassroots support because of her commitment to the President, as well as the Constitution and conservative values.

Epstein has also proven that she can raise money, bringing in nearly half a million dollars in just over a month before the campaign's first FEC deadline.

__________________________________________________________________

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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Thursday, August 31, 2017

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Monday, August 21, 2017

Thursday, August 17, 2017