Michigan Trump Republicans Event In GR Shut Down After Antifa Threats: Here's What Really Happened

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

The Michigan Trump Republicans event in Grand Rapids Tuesday was shut down after threats from members of the radical, far left organization Antifa. Many rumors, as well as a lot of incorrect information, has been promulgated ever since...

Here's what you need to know:

The event was originally scheduled to take place outside in Rosa Parks Circle, but when it was clear that it would be raining, organizers sought an indoor venue.

Diane Schindlbeck is the leader of West Michigan Republicans and is a co-founder of Michigan Trump Republicans. Schindlbeck called Flanagan's on Monday and told one of the owners about the situation. The owner was willing to host the group, and told them to stop in for lunch the next day so they could pick out food for the event.

Michigan Trump Republicans leadership arrived a little after 2, tried some food, and everything was going to plan.

In the meantime, however, members of Antifa learned of the new location and started making a series of threats against the business and promised a major counter protest of the event.

I arrived around 3:30 to help setup, and that is around the time when the script flipped: the other owner had learned of the threats and was worried about what it could mean for their business, which they have owned since November of 2016.

The owners then asked MTR to remove any promotional posts on Facebook advertising Flanagan's as the location. They also decided they didn't want any political signs or literature displayed as well. They also decided that the group could no longer use a mic/stereo system for the event's speakers, and that attendees would be limited to a specific small area of the bar which would have a difficult time holding the group. 

Sprinkled throughout these demands were hints-subtle and blatant-that the owners believed everyone would be better off rescheduling the event at another location.

The business owners, fueled by fear of Antifa threats and the "tolerant left," simply didn't want to get involved. It's their first year, they are building a reputation and trying to get by, the last thing they need is a boycott or vandalism and drama...

This is where MTR had a difficult choice: put on a half ass event that would have to turn people away, or respect the wishes of the business, and live to fight another day.

Choosing to reschedule the event was a tough decision, but it was the right one. 

MTR Co-founder Meshawn Maddock says this incident won't deter the group.

"The foundation of our freedom is based on the first amendment and the open exchange of ideas. What really makes America great is that we have open debate,  free thought. These totalitarian leftists are worse than the tyrant kings our forefathers faced," Maddock said. "Antifa protesters are attacking small business owners who also have a right to run their business. These threats of physical violence cannot be ignored.We won't back down, we will continue to meet with Trump supporters all across Michigan. We will be back to Kent County very soon."

Though temporarily emboldened, Antifa only won the battle, they lost the war, MTR is returning to Grand Rapids in mid November, and it's gonna be YUGE... Stay tuned!

 __________________________________________________________________
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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All Delegates Matter: Schuitmaker Under Fire For Implying Some Precinct Delegates Aren't Important

Leonard, left, Schuitmaker, right

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

 State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker is under fire for a Facebook post in which she said some precinct delegates are controlled, implying delegates who think for themselves and don't follow a leader are essentially worthless to her campaign.

 The post, which has since been removed, was regarding Monroe County Commissioner Greg Moore's endorsement of House Speaker Tom Leonard for his Attorney General campaign.

 Leonard and Schuitmaker are both seeking the Republican nomination for AG at the MIGOP convention next summer...

""Both Randy and Jason say not to worry bc (Greg) does not control delegates," Schuitmaker said, seemingly referring to former Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and State Rep. Jason Sheppard.

>>>Watch Greg Moore address the issue in a Facebook video:


3rd District MIGOP State Committeeman Matt Hall says the post is very revealing.

"This is how Tonya Schuitmaker publicly reassures her Lansing base that her candidacy is valid?? I have heard Tonya speak this way before about delegates, but never publicly," Hall said. "In Tonya’s perverted view of GOP politics...legislators control grassroots delegates. Once two area legislators inform her that a delegate does not matter she writes him off. The true Tonya Schuitmaker that I know is shining through for all to see...She should be worried, and not dismissive of a delegate like Greg Moore supporting her opponent. (T)he assumption behind her statement that the only people who she should be worried about are these elected officials who control the delegates is wrong."

Moore called Schuitmaker's comments "a mistake," and says that someone who would make such a comment clearly doesn't understand the convention process and what delegates do. Moore says delegates should think for themselves, he has no interest in controlling anyone.

Political consultant Stu Sandler of Grand River Strategies says he has never seen a convention candidate openly attack a delegate this way.

"I have seen a lot of things in convention races over the years, I have never seen one candidate openly discredit another candidate's endorsement until now," Sandler said. "Terrible move here by Tonya Schuitmaker. Tom Leonard posted an endorsement by Monroe activist Greg Moore. Greg might not be the biggest power broker on the convention floor or even in Monroe. But he is a good Republican and I would be proud to have his support if I was running for something. Not sure 2,000 delegates want to be evaluated by Tonya Schuitmaker openly on how many delegates they bring to convention. But I guess that's the joys of social media."

Schuitmaker has not commented about the situation at this time.

Schuitmaker has faced a rocky start to her Attorney General campaign. 

At the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference last month, she received around 30% of the vote in the straw poll, with Leonard grabbing nearly 70%. Leonard hadn't even declared his candidacy yet...

Stay tuned!
__________________________________________________________________
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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State Rep. Laura Cox Leads Schuette LG Buzz

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

State Rep. Laura Cox recently announced she is running for State Senate, but she may have another opportunity on deck: the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor.

Attorney General Bill Schuette is said to be giving Cox a hard look to be his choice for LG if Schuette wins the nomination for Governor next August.

If chosen, and she wins the Senate primary as expected, Cox will face a difficult choice: roll the dice on being LG in what will be a tough year for Republicans, or hang on to her seat in the State Senate.

State law doesn't allow Cox to be on the ballot for both positions. Current Lt. Governor Brian Calley faced the same issue in 2010, opting to join Gov. Snyder's ticket. 

Calley was then replaced in the general election for State Senate by Judy Emmons. Local party leaders made the choice, and while it's premature to speculate too much, one name rumored to be a top contender with Wayne County GOP leaders for the Cox Senate seat if it opens up after the primary is Shannon Price of Plymouth Township...

The LG position is voted on by delegates at the state convention. Though the nominee for Governor almost always gets his choice confirmed, it's no guarantee. Rumors of LG candidacies independent of any candidate for Governor are swirling, stay tuned!

 __________________________________________________________________
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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"March Against Meekhof" Protest Scheduled For November 1st In Lansing

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

The group Citizens for Responsible Senate Leadership is hosting a "March Against Meekhof" on November 1st.

The event will take place in Lansing, in front of the Capitol, at noon.

CRSL says that Meekhof stripping State Sen. Patrick Colbeck of his committee memberships and taking over his Senate office was the last straw....

>>>Click Here to check out the event's Facebook page

Read CRSL's statement below:

“Really this is an outrage. And you should be outraged whether Senator Colbeck is "your guy" or not. It is quite obvious that this a calculated political move from the political class to try and damage the campaign of a sitting Senator simply because he isn't part of that political class and came out of the tea party movement.

Its not the first time, in fact the political class in Lansing has tried to minimize Senator Colbeck his entire Senate career.

And for an interesting compare and contrast, Senator Colbeck received an 2016 "AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE ACHIEVEMENT" from the American Conservative Union Foundation and guess who didn't?

However, this is an opportunity to voice your opinion that this type of behavior should not be tolerated from those in leadership positions of power.”
--------------------------------------------------

Citizens for Responsible Senate Leadership

Arne Giummo - arne.pcf@gmail.com 734.515.8612
Julie & Bill McEvoy - 734.427.2633
Denis Curran - 734.427.7629
Estelle Oliansky - 734.748.2329
Duane Zantop - 734.274.2459
Ron Hoge
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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 Congressional Announcement Imminent In The 11th

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

WMP has learned that State Senator Mike Kowall is on the verge of launching his campaign for Congress.

Kowall is running for the 11th Congressional District seat held by Rep. David Trott, who is retiring after his current term.

Kowall's timing means he won't have to post fundraising numbers until January of 2018, though raising money is not expected to be an issue for Kowall, he is likely to be among the front runners in what will be an extremely competitive race.

Candidates in the race so far include businessman Rocky Raczkowski, Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise, State Rep. Klint Kesto, and former Congressman Kerry Bentivolio.

Also in the mix is business owner and former Michigan Trump Co-Chair Lena Epstein, who has nearly $800,000 on hand after raking in nearly half a million dollars in the last quarter. 

 

Kesto has raised around $46,000. Other candidates filed after the reporting deadline.

Kowall's decision to avoid a nasty convention battle for Secretary of State and fight on more friendly turf in the 11th was a smart move, stay tuned!

 __________________________________________________________________
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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Sean Hannity Endorses Colbeck For Governor

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

State Senator Patrick Colbeck received a big endorsement for his Gubernatorial campaign when Fox News host Sean Hannity announced earlier this week that he is backing Colbeck.

Appearing on Hannity's radio show, Colbeck discussed direct primary care and how it can help bring free market principles and cost savings to the healthcare market. 

Colbeck estimates instituting direct primary care services in Medicaid could save Michigan's annual budget nearly $4 billion a year.

"Good luck in your race Pat, I hope you win, you have a full, complete endorsement," Hannity said at the conclusion of the interview.

It's a great win for Colbeck, who recently had his office taken over by Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof. He kicked Colbeck off of all his committees as well...

Colbeck also recently picked up the endorsement of popular Conservative preacher David Barton, CEO of WallBuilders, who praised Colbeck's conservative credentials...

>>>Listen to Colbeck and Hannity HERE. Interview starts around the 56 minute mark, with the endorsement around the 1:02 mark...

 __________________________________________________________________
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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You Scared, Bro? Upton May Abandon US Senate Campaign Over Bannon Fears

Bannon, left, Upton, right

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

Is Rep. Fred Upton abandoning what seemed like a certainty at Mackinac, running for US Senate, because he is scared of Steve Bannon?

That's what some reports are saying about Upton, who has been in Congress for over 30 years...

According to the Detroit Free Press:

"According to several GOP insiders, it wasn’t a matter of whether Upton would run, but when he would announce. Today, however, the congressman from St. Joseph appears to be having second thoughts. 

One source familiar with Upton’s deliberation says the congressman has gone from “95 percent” certain he’d run to “more like 50-50.” “He’s gone coy over the last few days,” the source told me. 

So what’s changed his mind, or at least leading him to waffle in his decision? 

Upton did not return a call seeking comment. But those close to Upton say he’s in part concerned about former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon thrusting himself into many Senate races. Even though Bannon is largely targeting incumbent establishment Republicans, moderate members of Congress — like Upton — know they could also end up in his vindictive cross-hairs. 

Upton was one of the only Republicans in Michigan’s delegation who never endorsed Trump leading up to the election, so it’s easy to see why he may fear he has a target on his back." 

Bannon, who left the White House during the summer, is declaring war on enemies of the President's agenda and plans to involve himself in many Senate and House races during the 2018 cycle.  

Bannon is visiting Michigan in a couple weeks, he'll be in Macomb for a fundraising dinner on November 8th... Stay tuned!

 __________________________________________________________________
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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Steve Bannon Coming To Michigan On Anniversary Of President Trump's Historic Win

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

 

Steve Bannon, President Trump's campaign CEO during the 2016 election, who then became one of Trump's closest aides in the White House, is coming to Michigan.

According to a press release:

"Today, Macomb County Republican Party Chair Cathy Kirk announced that former Chief Strategist for President Trump Steve Bannon will be the keynote speaker at the 2017 Macomb County Republican Unity Dinner on November 8, 2017, the first anniversary of President Trump’s historic victory in Michigan and America.

“I am so happy that Steve Bannon, who served as the CEO of the Trump campaign and the Chief Strategist in the White House, would join us to celebrate the first anniversary of President Trump’s incredible victory,” said Macomb GOP Chair Cathy Kirk. 

“(I)t is fitting that Mr. Bannon would come here, to Macomb County, to mark this occasion, since our community provided nearly five times the margin President Trump needed to win Michigan for a Republican Presidential candidate for the first time in 28 years," Kirk said. "The hardworking people of Macomb County, particularly our core grassroots activists, strongly support our President and we hope that everyone will join us to celebrate the anniversary his historic victory.”

The Macomb County Republican Unity Dinner will take place on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom in Warren, Michigan. 

Tickets start at $70 and can be purchased online at MacombGOP.org.

 __________________________________________________________________
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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Breaking: Taxpayers Funding Boersma's Legal Fees After Secret Spring Lake Township Board Meeting Vote

Boersma, right, with former SLT Trustee Rick Homan (Grand Haven Tribune/Marie Havenga)

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

A confidential source tells WMP that the Spring Lake Township Board recently met in closed session, outside of public view, to discuss the controversy over Spring Lake Township Clerk Carolyn Boersma's involvement in multiple yard sign heists related to the Ferrysburg Mayor's race.

WMP has learned the board voted unanimously, with Boersma abstaining, to authorize township tax dollars be used for any legal fees Boersma may incur as a result of criminal charges in the case.

It's unclear if the Scholten and Fant law firm will be used as is typically the case with SLT, or if another firm will be utilized.

WMP broke the story a few weeks ago, reporting that Boersma was in the middle of a police investigation and may face criminal charges after a series of sign heists from a home supporting Ferrysburg Councilmember Regina Sjoberg, who is currently running for Mayor.

Police found signs inside the Boersma's vehicle after identifying the car from trail cam video and eye witness reports...

>>>Breaking: Ottawa County Prosecutor Considering Criminal Charges Against Spring Lake Township Clerk Carolyn Boersma For Stealing Yard Signs In Ferrysburg Mayor's Race

Boersma told the Grand Haven Tribune the whole issue was a misunderstanding.

"“This is just a simple misunderstanding," Boersma said. "Neither Tim nor I are in the habit of stealing political signs. I hope to have the issue explained and resolved very soon. But, until then, I really can't say any more.”

Boersma has yet to elaborate why she violated established procedure for sign removal, and no charges have been officially filed yet... Stay tuned!

 __________________________________________________________________
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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Epstein Reports Nearly $800k On Hand As Race To Replace Trott Heats Up

Epstein, right, with Ted Nugent on Fox News

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

Detroit area business owner Lena Epstein has announced she has nearly $800,000 on hand for her campaign to replace Rep. David Trott, who announced his retirement last month. 

That figure was powered by nearly half a million in donations from the latest reporting period.

Epstein's announcement comes as two new candidates have entered the race in recent days, former Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, and Plymouth Twp. Supervisor Kurt Heise.

Epstein, a former co chair for President Trump's Michigan campaign, says she is happy with how the race is going so far.

"“I feel humbled and blessed by the outpouring of support we’ve received since I announced my candidacy for the 11th Congressional District," Epstein said in a statement. "I want to express my thanks to the business leaders and grassroots supporters who have made contributions to our campaign. It is critically important that Republicans nominate a candidate who can defeat the Democrat next year because this will be a highly targeted seat. We must put our best candidate forward.”

Epstein also faces businessman Rocky Raczkowski, who was the leader of President Trump's Veteran outreach efforts in Michigan.

 __________________________________________________________________
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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Developing: Senate Majority Leader Meekhof Takes Over Colbeck's Office

By Brandon Hall

(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof didn't just boot Senator Patrick Colbeck off all his committees, Meekhof is also taking over management of Colbeck's office.

According to a letter from Jordan Hankwitz, Meekhof's Director of the Senate Business Office:

"effective immediately, the Senate Majority Leader will directly oversee all personnel actions for staff assigned to your office, including, but not limited to, hiring, rehiring, transferring,status changes, leaves of absence, terminations and separations of employment, timecard approvals, and intern registration. Approvals regarding personnel actions must be submitted to the Senate Business Office Human Resources Department for appropriate routing."

But wait, there's more!

The letter also says that "effective immediately, all office operations expenses and eligible reimbursement for your office require approval of the Senate Majority Leader."

(Read the full letter below)

Meekhof says the actions are punishment for Colbeck attending a Right To Life dinner in Holland a few weeks ago without notifying his office he'd be in Ottawa County. Swamp protocol in Lansing dictates legislators must tell their peers when they are visiting the district they represent.

Colbeck and Meekhof have been feuding for years, with Colbeck being the only re-elected Senator not to receive a prominent committee chairmanship in 2015 after upsetting Meekhof, who took the reigns as Senate Majority Leader that January.

One aspect of the story has been surprising: not a single Senator has defended Colbeck in the wake of Meekhof's punishment. Sen. Rick Jones even said he would have kicked Colbeck out sooner! While Colbeck's base has been energized big league, the impact outside of that orbit seems to be minimal, though Colbeck has received a flurry of well needed earned media for his Gubernatorial campaign. 

Can one imagine what the reaction would be if Tim Greimel or Jim Ananich rebuked someone in their caucus for attending a Planned Parenthood fundraiser?! 

The outrage would be deafening.

For Colbeck though, crickets. I guess that's what happens when you don't repeatedly bend over for the Lansing cartel, it can be a lonely road.

 __________________________________________________________________
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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