Michigan 9th Congressional District GOP

MI GOP Statewide Candidates @ Republican State Convention

2011-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Michigan Republican Party State Convention: Saturday, January 29th., DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Statewide Candidates for Michigan Republican Party Officer Positions:

Chair (choose one):
Troy Rolling
Bobby Schostak

Co-Chair (choose one):
Sharon Wise

Coalitions Vice-Chair (choose one):
Victor Diaz
Norman Shinkle

Outreach Vice-Chair (choose one):
Kent Clark
Eileen McNeil

Grassroots Vice-Chair (choose one):
Jim Duistermars
Steven Kuevinhoven

Ethnic Vice-Chair (choose one):
Ahmar Igbal
Linda Lee Tarver

Administrative Vice-Chair (choose one):
Carl Berry
Jon Nunn

Youth Vice-Chair (choose one):
Alex Clark
Sarah Ledford

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T20:14:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours. A blessed New Year!!

Harry Reid to Bring Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Tomorrow!

2010-12-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

Please call your U.S. Senators (you have two) office today and tell them to vote NO on Senator Harry Reid's effort to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Congressional policy re: homosexuals in the U.S. Military. The armed forces should not be a social experiement for Nancy Pelosi & her San Fransisco liberal buddies!

U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202)224-3121

Take Action! Stop the Last Ditch Union Power Grab

2010-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been fast and furious in Lansing and there are people trying hard to take your money. Your thousands of emails during our June Action Alert killed Senate Bill 1072…but only temporarily. This is likely the last Action Alert of the year, please make it count and finish off SB 1072 forever.

In the waning lame-duck hours of liberal power, there is a huge push to bring this back and pass SB 1072. The Michigan House of Representatives and State Senate are likely to vote on this budget busting bill today! Your state legislators need to hear from taxpayers like you now to avoid a massive waste of your tax dollars.
In its current form, SB 1072, supposedly a reform of binding arbitration that has been strangling local governments for 40 years, will actually expand union boss power. It will expand binding arbitration to local authorities, school districts and boards and do nothing to reform arbitration in cities and townships. Sadly, the bill’s sponsor is Republican Sen. Randy Richardville, who has put nothing regarding a local government’s ability to pay for outrageous arbitration awards in the bill. Is it any wonder unions support this so-called labor “reform”?

Today AFP-MI learned that, instead of expanding compulsory union arbitration to all local public servants, the new SB 1072 will simply expand it to most local government employees. We’re only two weeks away from swearing-in the new, fiscally conservative legislature you worked so hard to elect. Union bosses know that Wednesday –TODAY – may be their last chance!

E-mails from just two or three constituents can be more influential than all the union lobbyists who are pressuring your legislator. Take action by clicking here to write your state legislators.

Sincerely,
Jake Davison
Communications Director
Americans For Prosperity-Michigan

Rep. Peters undecided on Pelosi for minority leader --- same way he was undecided on Obamacare until he voted yes? Laughable

2010-11-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

THE HILL'S BLOG BRIEFING ROOM

Rep. Peters undecided on Pelosi for minority leader
By Jordan Fabian - 11/12/10 03:11 PM ET

The chorus of House Democrats expressing reservations regarding Speaker Nancy Pelosi's campaign to serve as minority leader grew again on Friday.

Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) said he has not decided whether to support Pelosi (D-Calif.) for minority leader, adding that he is waiting to see if other candidates jump into the race.

"I'll wait to see what happens when I get in next week," he said during an appearance on WJR Radio. "You know, I think that's just insider politics in Washington. It's never been my focus.

"We'll see who's actually running. Right now, I'm not sure who's going to be running," he added.

So far, 18 House Democrats have gone further than Peters, saying they oppose Pelosi's desire to serve a term as minority leader. But Peters's comments indicate that number could grow.

The freshman Michigan Democrat, who narrowly won reelection last Tuesday, is the second member of the class of 2008 to withhold his support for Pelosi, the other being Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes (D).

No other House Democrat has jumped into the ring against Pelosi, but conservative Blue Dog Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) has sent strong signals that he intends to run against her.

Pelosi's opponents have blamed her for the Democrats getting swept out of power by a 60-seat GOP wave on Election Day. Republicans tied many Democrats who lost to the unpopular Speaker.

But the San Francisco Democrat defended her Speakership, as well as her bid for minority leader, on Friday, telling NPR she expects to win "with overwhelming support from my caucus, not unanimous support."

"We didn't lose the election because of me," Pelosi added, blaming high unemployment for the Democrats' defeat.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/128961-rep-peters-undecided-on-pelosi-for-minority-leader

You can help Rocky & the GOP ticket win today until 7:30 PM @ these 4 Fix Michigan Centers!

2010-11-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

Best use of your time to help achieve victory is calling likely Republican and independent voters from one of four Oakland County/Michigan Republican Fix Michigan Centers. The calls are super short since it is just a simply Get Out the Vote (GOTV) message. We are calling all day until 7:30 PM. Come by today to call for Rocky & the GOP ticket at:

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 202, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Fight to the Finish Rally with Rocky & Ruth in Troy Tonight @ 9 PM!

2010-11-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Countdown to Victory ’10: Fight to the Finish Rally with Rocky & Ruth

Monday, November 1 · 9:00pm - 10:00pm

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Location BACC MICHIGAN (formerly Troy Elks Club)
1451 E. Big Beaver Road (east of Rochester Road)
Troy, MI

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Join

9th Congressional District Republican Party

&

Oakland County Republican Party

For the

Countdown to Victory ’10: Fight to the Finish Rally

Join GOP Congressional challenger Rocky Raczkowski, our next GOP Secretary of State Ruth Johnson & GOP nominees for state and county office to rally for a GOP victory on election day!

The Honorable L. Brooks Patterson: Master of Ceremonies

Monday, November 1st
9:00 – 10:00 PM

BACC MICHIGAN (formerly Troy Elks Club)
1451 E Big Beaver Road (East of Rochester Road)
Troy, Michigan

• Complimentary event
• Bring your friends
• Spread the word
• Get out the vote
• Sign up for a phone center shift on election day

Paid for by: 9th District Republican Committee & Oakland County Republican Committee

Oakland County Voter Guides: Non-Partisan Section of Your Ballot

2010-11-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Vote the non-partisan section of your ballot tomorrow too!

Vote for:

FOR SUPREME COURT (vote for not more than two)

Justice Robert Young
Judge Mary Beth Kelly

FOR OAKLAND COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE (vote for not more than one)

Kathleen Ryan

FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE - 54-2 (Troy & Clawson - vote for not more than one)

Michael A. Martone

FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE - 48 (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake and West Bloomfield Township - vote for not more than one)

Marc Barron

FOR OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEE (vote for not more than three)

Dan Kelly
Fred M. Mester

MICHIGAN PROPOSAL 01-10 - Michigan Constitutional Convention

Vote NO!

CITY OF TROY PROPOSAL 01, 02, 03 & 04 - Millage Tax Hikes

Vote NO, NO, NO & NO!

Get GOP lawn signs today from 4 Fix Michigan Centers - let's clean 'em out ASAP!

2010-11-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

The Michigan Republican Fix Michigan Centers still have tons of lawn signs left. Let’s get these out the door today/tonight immediately --- they aren’t any good after the election.

They have signs for:

Snyder/Calley for Michigan
Bill Schuette for Attorney General
Ruth Johnson for Secretary of State
Young/Kelly for Justices of the Supreme Court
Rocky for Congress
Various State Senate/State Rep. & County Commission signs for your area
Kathleen Ryan for Oakland County Probate Judge
Vote No on Troy millage hikes (Troy location only)

Get yours today until 9 PM. Let’s clean these centers out ASAP!

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 102, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Shocking! Obama: We’re gonna punish our enemies!!

2010-11-01T05:19:00.001-07:00

John Boehner hits President Obama for 'enemies'

Politico.com

John Boehner plans to hammer President Obama during an election-eve rally on Monday night.

By MIKE ALLEN | 11/1/10 7:35 AM EDT Updated: 11/1/10 8:03 AM EDT

House Republican Leader John Boehner plans to hammer President Obama during an election-eve rally on Monday night, for his use of the word “enemies” during an interview with Univision radio that got huge play in the conservative blogosphere.

The president said: “If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, ‘We’re gonna punish our enemies, and we’re gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us’ — if they don’t see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election — then I think it’s going to be harder. And that’s why I think it’s so important that people focus on voting on November 2nd.”

In remarks prepared for delivery to a rally in Cincinnati with Rob Portman, the GOP nominee for Senate in Ohio, and John Kasich, the GOP nominee for Ohio governor, Boehner says:

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a president in the White House who referred to Americans who disagree with him as ‘our enemies.’ Think about that. He actually used that word. When Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush used the word ‘enemy,’ they reserved it for global terrorists and foreign dictators — enemies of the United States. Enemies of freedom. Enemies of our country.

“Today, sadly, we have president who uses the word ‘enemy’ for fellow Americans — fellow citizens. He uses it for people who disagree with his agenda of bigger government — people speaking out for a smaller, more accountable government that respects freedom and allows small businesses to create jobs. Mr. President, there's a word for people who have the audacity to speak up in defense of freedom, the Constitution, and the values of limited government that made our country great. We don't call them ‘enemies.’ We call them ‘patriots.’”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/44476.html#ixzz142529DD8

Gallup: Republicans Appear Poised to Win Big on Tuesday - Lead in generic ballot large enough to give Republicans solid majority control of U.S. House

2010-10-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Republicans Appear Poised to Win Big on Tuesday - Lead in generic ballot large enough to give Republicans solid majority control of U.S. House
by Frank Newport, Jeffrey M. Jones, and Lydia Saad

PRINCETON, NJ -- The final USA Today/Gallup measure of Americans' voting intentions for Congress shows Republicans continuing to hold a substantial lead over Democrats among likely voters, a lead large enough to suggest that regardless of turnout, the Republicans will win more than the 40 seats needed to give them the majority in the U.S. House.

The results are from Gallup's Oct. 28-31 survey of 1,539 likely voters. It finds 52% to 55% of likely voters preferring the Republican candidate and 40% to 42% for the Democratic candidate on the national generic ballot -- depending on turnout assumptions. Gallup's analysis of several indicators of voter turnout from the weekend poll suggests turnout will be slightly higher than in recent years, at 45%. This would give the Republicans a 55% to 40% lead on the generic ballot, with 5% undecided.

Republicans' 15-point lead among likely voters contrasts with their 4-point lead, 48% to 44%, among registered voters, highlighting the importance of higher GOP turnout to the election outcome. This wide difference between the GOP's margin among registered voters and its margin among likely voters is similar to the 2002 midterms, in which Democrats led by 5 points among all registered voters in Gallup's final pre-election poll, while Republicans led by 6 points among likely voters -- an 11-point gain.

These final estimates of the vote among registered and likely voters are consistent with Gallup polling since Sept. 23. Republicans have led by an average of 4 points among registered voters and by 16 points among a low-turnout estimate of likely voters since that time. Thus, while voter preferences could change in the final two days, perhaps resulting from Democrats' final push to motivate their base to turn out, voter preferences appear to be quite settled in this final post-Labor Day phase of the campaign.

A Republican Majority Very Likely

Gallup models the number of seats a party will control based on that party's share of the national two-party vote for the House of Representatives, using historical voting data in midterm elections from 1946 to 2006. The model takes into account the majority party in Congress entering the elections.

Gallup's historical model suggests that a party needs at least a two-point advantage in the national House vote to win a majority of the 435 seats. The Republicans' current likely voter margin suggests that this scenario is highly probable, making the question of interest this election not whether the GOP will win the majority, but by how much. Taking Gallup's final survey's margin of error into account, the historical model predicts that the Republicans could gain anywhere from 60 seats on up, with gains well beyond that possible.

It should be noted, however, that this year's 15-point gap in favor of the Republican candidates among likely voters is unprecedented in Gallup polling and could result in the largest Republican margin in House voting in several generations. This means that seat projections have moved into uncharted territory, in which past relationships between the national two-party vote and the number of seats won may not be maintained.

Additionally, efforts by state legislatures in recent years have attempted to insulate incumbent members of Congress from strong partisan tides such as are in force this year. Congressional district lines have been drawn to make them safe for specific parties, which may reduce the impact of national trends on election outcomes.

In the early part of the 20th century, it was not unusual for an election to bring about a change in party control of 50 House seats or more. In recent decades, the partisan shifts have been more modest, with the Republicans' 54-seat gain in 1994 a rare exception.

Turnout Holds the Key

To the extent Tuesday does bring about a strong Republican wave, it will be to a significant degree the result of turnout. Republicans have a slender 4-point advantage in the preferences of registered voters, which expands to 15 among likely voters. Republicans usually turn out at higher rates than Democrats, so the margin's expansion is not unusual, but its size this year is. In general, Republicans' advantage in the vote is strongest in an average turnout scenario, while higher turnout scenarios bring more Democrats into the likely voter pool and increase the Democratic share of the vote.

Republicans' turnout advantage is highlighted by two key questions used as part of Gallup's likely voter model. One asks Americans how much thought they have given to the upcoming elections; the other asks those who say they plan to vote how certain they are about voting.

The Oct. 28-31 poll finds that nationally, 75% of Republicans and independents who lean Republican are "absolutely certain" they will vote in the 2010 midterms, compared with 68% of Democrats. While these figures are not the only indicator of relative turnout strength -- this is just one question in Gallup's seven-item likely voter model -- the record-high seven-point gap between the parties is strongly indicative of a relative surge in GOP turnout.

Similarly, 68% of Republicans and Republican leaners say they have given quite a lot of or some thought to the elections. This compares with 54% of Democrats giving the same amount of thought to the elections, resulting in a 14-point difference between the parties. That gap is greater than any Gallup has seen since and including the 1994 midterms.

Overall, Gallup's final likely voter pool consists of 35% of Americans identifying as Republicans, 32% as Democrats, and 32% as independents.

Vote by Key Demographic Groups

The structure of the vote among subgroups of the American population follows typical patterns.

Republicans do best among the following groups: men, whites, those living in the South and West, higher-income households, those who are married, and those who attend church frequently, with Democrats generally doing better among the demographic counterparts in each instance. (For full results by subgroup, please see page 2.)

There is virtually no difference in the percentage of Republican and Democratic likely voters supporting their own party's candidate. Ninety-two percent of Democrats are voting for the Democratic candidate in their district, and 96% of Republican likely voters are voting for the Republican candidate. Independents tilt toward the Republican candidate by a sizable 59% to 31% margin. The margin for Republican congressional candidates among independents is much greater among likely voters than among registered voters, suggesting independents voting Republican are significantly more likely to turn out than are those voting Democratic.

Key Indicators on Election Eve

The final pre-election survey continues to show that most key indicators assessing the political climate are not favorable toward the incumbent party.

President Obama's job approval rating among national adults is at 45% in this final pre-election survey. This is higher than the 38% job approval rating George W. Bush had just before the 2006 midterm elections, lower than Bush's 63% approval before the 2002 midterms and Bill Clinton's 66% approval before the 1998 midterms, and about the same as the 46% Clinton had before the 1994 midterms. Presidents whose approval ratings have been below 50% have suffered an average loss of 36 House seats in midterm elections since 1946.

Twenty-one percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, and 22% of Americans say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the country right now. Both of these measures are essentially tied with or lower than those before any previous midterm elections since Gallup began measuring them systematically.

Explore more Gallup data relating to the upcoming congressional midterm elections, including Gallup's complete generic ballot trend since 1950, in our Election 2010 Key Indicators interactive.

Learn more about Gallup's likely voter models for the 2010 midterm congressional elections.

Survey Methods

Results for this USA Today/Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews with 2,240 national adults, aged 18 and older, conducted Oct. 28-31, 2010. For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.

For results based on the sample of 2,027 registered voters, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±3 percentage points.

Results for likely voters are based on the subsample of 1,539 survey respondents deemed most likely to vote in the November 2010 midterm elections, according to a series of questions measuring current voting intentions and past voting behavior. For results based on the total sample of likely voters, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points. Based on past voting history in United States midterm elections and current interest in the election, turnout is assumed to be 45% of the voting-age population.

Interviews are conducted with respondents on landline telephones (for respondents with a landline telephone) and cellular phones (for respondents who are cell phone only). Each sample includes a minimum quota of 150 cell-phone-only respondents and 850 landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas among landline respondents for gender within region. Landline respondents are chosen at random within each household on the basis of which member had the most recent birthday.

Samples are weighted by gender, age, race, education, region, and phone lines. Demographic weighting targets are based on the March 2009 Current Population Survey figures for the aged 18 and older non-institutionalized population living in continental U.S. telephone households. All reported margins of sampling error include the computed design effects for weighting and sample design.

In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/144125/Republicans-Appear-Poised-Win-Big-Tuesday.aspx

Tuesday 8:30 PM: Rocky for Congress Victory Party in Troy!

2010-10-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

Join Us for the Rocky for Congress
Victory Party in Troy
Beginning at 8:30 pm, all Rocky volunteers and supporters are invited to gather at the Troy Marriott Hotel at 200 W. Big Beaver to await election results. Come join Rocky and Amalia and celebrate earning the opportunity to turn America around.

We need you Monday & Tuesday for a GOP victory!!

2010-10-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Help Rocky & the Republican ticket out at a Michigan Republican Fix Michigan Center on Monday or Tuesday by calling voters or visiting them at their doorstep with literature. Give us a couple of hours for victory on Tuesday night!!

MONDAY HOURS
9 AM - 9 PM

TUESDAY HOURS (phones only)
9 AM - 7:30 PM

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 102, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

We need you Sunday 12:00 - 6:00 PM for victory on Tuesday!

2010-10-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Join us on Sunday for door knocking, phone calling and lawn sign distribution from 12:00 - 6:00 PM at one of these Oakland County Fix Michigan Centers sponsored by the Michigan Republican Party for all of our GOP nominees:

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 102, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

You are needed @ 4 Oakland County Fix Michigan Centers for calling & walking toward a GOP victory!

2010-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 202, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Join us tonight @ 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 PM for the final Republican Roundup for a GOP victory!

2010-10-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

REPUBLICAN ROUNDUP - FINAL ROUNDUP BEFORE ELECTION DAY

Join the

9th Congressional District Republican Party

For a briefing by the

Michigan Republican Party

We think you agree that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her liberal friend Congressman Gary Peters need to be fired on November 2nd.
Please join us on a teleconference with the Michigan Republican Party as to how we can work together in the last few days of this election to dump Gary Peters and elect Rocky Raczkowski and the entire GOP ticket. The polls show the race is a dead heat. By learning how you can help at a local Fix Michigan Center you will help achieve victory.

Join us on Thursday Evening, October 28, during one of three identical conference calls: 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM

Please dial: 1-218-486-8700
Use this participant access code: 319025#

Let's have a conversation about taking back our country on Thursday evening either at 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 PM. We can't do it without you.
Talk to you then!

URGENT: Final Money Bomb to Keep Rocky's Ads on T.V.

2010-10-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Don't let Rocky's ads go off the air because of lack of funds! He needs a last minute push with new dollars for the final t.v. buy which must happen immediately. Please give generously via credit card. https://www.rockyworksforus.com/contribute/

Tea Party Express - National Bus Tour - Rolls in to Summit Place Mall Friday for Get Out The Vote Rally!

2010-10-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Tea Party Express - National Bus Tour - Get Out The Vote Rally

Friday, October 29 · 4:00pm - 6:30pm

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Location Summit Place Mall - outside old Macy's store - corner of Telegraph & Elizabeth Lake Roads
315 N. Telegraph Road
Waterford, MI

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More Info Join the three Tea Party Express buses, special guest speakers & candidates for office who will reclaim our government on election day. Bring friends/family/neighbors. Family friendly event so please make sure your signs/placards are child appropriate. Spread the word!

Free and ample parking.

http://www.teapartyexpress.org/

Breaking: 9th. Congressional District Republicans Endorse in 5 Key Races

2010-10-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

The 9th. Congressional District Republican Party's Executive Committee just unanimously endorsed the following candidates at their regularly scheduled meeting held in Bloomfield Hills.

Endorsements were made for:

FOR SUPREME COURT (vote for not more than two)

Justice Robert Young
Judge Mary Beth Kelly

FOR OAKLAND COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE (vote for not more than one)

Kathleen Ryan

FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE - 54-2 (Troy & Clawson - vote for not more than one)

Michael A. Martone

FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE - 48 (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake and West Bloomfield Township - vote for not more than one)

Marc Barron

FOR OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEE (vote for not more than three)

Dan Kelly
Fred M. Mester

Please vote NO on all tax increases (millage rate hikes) on all local ballots.

Gallup poll: Republicans 'in position to win'

2010-10-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Gallup poll: Republicans 'in position to win'

By ANDY BARR | 10/26/10 7:48 AM EDT

Republicans hold a significant lead among likely voters on a generic congressional ballot heading into the last week of the campaign, according to a new Gallup poll.

Gallup's model of a high-turnout scenario – where more than 40 percent of the electorate votes – shows Republicans leading 52 percent to 43 percent. If fewer than 40 percent of voters turn out, the GOP lead jumps to 14 percentage points, 55 percent to 41 percent.

Gallup editor-in-chief Frank Newport said the data shows Republicans remain “in position to win control of the House of Representatives in next week's midterm elections.”

The poll shows Democrats only trail Republicans by 4 percentage points among registered voters.

“Republicans have held the upper hand all year in terms of enthusiasm and turnout, giving their candidates clear advantages among likely voters,” Newport wrote. “Democrats appear to have closed that gap a little, particularly when the last four days of Gallup's interviewing are taken into account, and are thus doing slightly better in Gallup's voting estimates.”

The data is based on two polls conducted Oct. 14-17 and Oct. 21-24. For the registered voter sample, 2,746 registered voters were surveyed for a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Gallup surveyed 1,989 likely voters, the sample for which comes with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/44179.html#ixzz13T4rzr9v

Cantor: Obama, Pelosi & Congressional Democrats Extreme Not Tea Party

2010-10-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor: Obama is extreme not Tea Party
By Jeff Winkler - The Daily Caller | Published: 9:02 AM 10/22/2010

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor said it is President Obama and his political agenda that is out of the mainstream, not the Tea Party movement.

“This administration and the Obama/Pelosi agenda that has been unfolded over the last 20 months is the extreme agenda,” he said on CBS Friday. Cantor rejected assertions that the Tea Party is an extremist movement.

Cantor said Democrats and their allies have failed to recognize that many people in this country are scared of an over-reaching government and that’s the extremism they want to see stopped.

“People are tired of Washington spending the money we don’t have, they’re tired of the expanse of government into almost every aspect of our lives,” Cantor said. “And frankly, they want to see us return to the America that has always stood as the beacon of prosperity to the world.”

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2010/10/22/house-minority-whip-eric-cantor-obama-is-extreme-not-tea-party/#ixzz1368JQ2S4

Gary Peters' Playbook: Rep. Peters Voted Against Banning Taxpayer Funding of Abortions in Obamacare - Refused to Support Stupak Amendment

2010-10-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Taxpayer-Funded Abortion - Voted AGAINST the Stupak Amendment, which would have prevented the use of taxpayer funds for abortions. Low-income women have been victims of far-right-wing extremists for too many years. While rich women could afford an abortion, those less fortunate could not afford to do so. This inequity made it more difficult for the poor, and saddled society with the costs of taking care of millions of their unwanted babies. Gary Peters stood up against religious bigots by fighting to provide taxpayer funds to help these women in need. http://www.peters4congress.com/

Sources:
http://www.peters4congress.com/
National Right to Life Committee
Republican National Coalition for Life
Right to Life of Michigan

11 Days Left to Help Fire Nancy Pelosi/Gary Peters - Stop in 4 Oakland County Fix Michigan Centers to Volunteer Today!

2010-10-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

You have 11 days left to help fire Nancy Pelosi & her leftwing lap dog U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Liberalism). Have you helped yet?

We need you to help make voter contacts via telephone surveys or voter visits in local neighborhoods. Please visit the Michigan Republican Fix Michigan Centers listed below near you:

Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 102, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

You can also pick up lawn signs at these centers for:

Rick Snyder/Brian Calley for Governor/Lt. Governor
Bill Schuette for Attorney General
Ruth Johnson for Secretary of State
Bob Young/Mary Beth Kelly for Supreme Court
Rocky Raczkowski for Congress
Your State Senate Nominee
Your State Representative Nominee
Your Oakland County Commissioner Nominee

Bumper stickers are available as well. Stop in today or call to help! We CANNOT achieve victory without you and your friends/family. Fire Pelosi & Peters by helping today!!

Pew Research: Republicans leading the generic congressional ballot by a whopping ten points among likely voters, 50% to 40% - Rep. Peters Be Afraid!

2010-10-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2010

Political Wire

Republicans Expand Lead in Generic Ballot
The latest Pew Research survey finds Republicans leading the generic congressional ballot by a whopping ten points among likely voters, 50% to 40%. Last month, Republicans held a seven point lead.

Key finding: "The Republicans' advantage in 2010 is largely being driven by a swing in preferences among independent voters. Currently, likely independent voters favor the Republican candidate by 19 points (49% Republican vs. 30% Democrat). In November 2006, Democrats held a seven-point lead among likely independent voters."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/10/21/republicans_expand_lead_in_generic_ballot.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=political-wire

Detroit News: Raczkowski touts free market, big budget cuts

2010-10-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Last Updated: October 21. 2010
The Detroit News

Raczkowski touts free market, big budget cuts

Nathan Hurst Detroit News Washington Bureau / Detroit News Washington Bureau
Washington— When his father first held him up to click levers in a voting booth in the early 1970s, a political mantra was imbedded in little Andrew Raczkowski: Vote Democrat.

Forty years later, the 9th District challenger to U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, is a tea party-backed Republican with a tough-guy nickname — Rocky — and a tough-guy image — he served two tours of duty in Operation Enduring Freedom — who wants to slash taxes, ease business regulation and "defeat the Obama-Pelosi machine."

To convince Oakland County voters to hitch a ride to the right with him, Raczkowski is touting his adherence to many of the same free market, small government ideals espoused by former President Ronald Reagan, the man he says transformed his Polish immigrant family from Democrats to GOP lifers.

"My father was ecstatic to be an American. The country embodied the deep work ethic my parents held," Raczkowski said. "They wanted to add to the country, not take away from it, and Reagan embodied that."

How Raczkowski's pitch will play out to voters Nov. 2 won't just answer the question of whether he has what it takes to topple Peters, the freshman who was swept into office as part of the 2008 Obama wave.

The results of the race in Oakland County — once a Republican stronghold — will also be viewed as a microcosm of political theater playing across the country: Can a conservative, tea party-backed candidate who ran far to the right in a primary boost enough appeal to beat a Democrat who's running as a middle-of-the-road guy?

It might not be as easy for him as it would've been 10 years ago, when he last ran for the state Legislature.

"This is a different Oakland County," said Bill Ballenger, editor of the nonpartisan Inside Michigan Politics newsletter.

But in this year of anti-incumbent fervor, Raczkowski's conservative chops helped him to defeat Paul Welday, a former staffer for Rep. Joe Knollenberg, the more moderate Republican whom Peters ousted in 2008.

Wants cuts at Pentagon
Raczkowski was slammed for comments made in June questioning President Barack Obama's citizenship, which caused a post-primary firestorm. He subsequently withdrew the comments. He's also taken hits for comments he's made in support of privatizing Social Security, though his campaign says Raczkowski wants to protect benefits for those who've paid into the system with guarantees for future beneficiaries.

He questions the need for a federal Department of Education, responding to a Detroit News editorial board survey that it's an "unnecessary … no-value-added middleman."

Yet bucking conventional conservative wisdom, Raczkowski also wants to see budgets slashed at the Pentagon, which he says is spending "way too much time and money" on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan "in place of things we could be doing back at home."

He's also had to fight off accusations of fraud and theft in a lawsuit against a firm he used to head, Star Tickets of Grand Rapids. Welday used the suit against him in the primary and Peters has raised the issue as well.

The suit alleges Raczkowski and his company knowingly misreported ticket sales for a series of concerts featuring the '70s rock band KISS, singer John Fogerty, country singer Kenny Chesney and comedian Larry the Cable Guy at a motorcycle rally in 2008, and that Raczkowski himself hid ticket stubs to support sales receipts representing tens of thousands fewer customers than paid to show up.

The promoter is seeking more than $6 million in damages.

Raczkowski denies the accusations and has circulated court documents showing the Texas man suing him was recently charged with cocaine possession and is in dire financial straits. He's also suing Peters and Michigan Democratic Party chairman Mark Brewer over ads they've aired about the lawsuit.

A fan of Reagan
On the campaign trail, Raczkowski hasn't hesitated to talk about his role in the Army, where he served for 24 years after enlisting at age 17. His military experience, he said, gave him two important things: a deeper love of country and his nickname, which became his middle name.

His latest tour of duty came as he was hoping to challenge Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, for a second time in 2008 (he lost badly to the popular Democrat in 2002).

Raczkowski entered politics in 1994 with a losing primary bid to unseat former state Rep. Jan Dolan. He decided to run, he said, after unsuccessfully trying to contact Dolan for help starting his printing business. Raczkowski ultimately agreed to take the post in 1996 at age 27 following Dolan's retirement.

State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop worked with Raczkowski for two terms in the lower chamber and credited the candidate with "really kick-starting the venture capital push in Michigan," a push Bishop extended after Raczkowski was term-limited from another run in 2002.

Raczkowski tries to deflect the hits he's taken by channeling Reagan.

"He had an incredible sense of humor," Raczkowski said of the former president. "In politics, without that, what else do you have?"

nhurst@detnews.com

(202) 662-6738

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101021/POLITICS02/10210393/0/METRO/Raczkowski-touts-free-market--big-budget-cuts#ixzz1301VTFS6

Michigan's Biggest Liar: Michigan Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer

2010-10-20T15:08:00.001-07:00

When will the lies stop?

Mark Brewer, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party has been a consistent liar over the years, running vicious political campaigns to smear opponents by any means necessary. Brewer is one of the biggest liars in Michigan politics and has worked to tarnish the good names of Michigan’s public officials, and now that it is election season, he is pulling out all of the stops to try and defeat his opponents no matter the cost. Brewer has taken aim at many in the public arena including Justice Cliff Taylor, Justice Bob Young, Rick Snyder, Bill Schuette, and many others. Most of the claims he has launched are half-truths, deceptions, and/or down-right lies, and we are not going to let Mr. Brewer get away with it. These smear campaigns are the ugliest part of the political process, but fortunately studies have shown that voters reject this gutter-style brand of politics in favor of an open and honest dialogue about the issues.
For far too long Mark Brewer has stretched the truth, lied, and disregarded the consequences of his negative campaigns. You can help us debunk other lies by identifying questionable claims that you see or hear from Mr. Brewer and send them to Michigan's Biggest Liar.

The election is only two weeks away and Mr. Brewer is sure to reach into his bag of dirty campaign tricks before November 2nd. Stay informed and keep track of all of his lies at www.MichigansBiggestLiar.com.

Please Join Republican Congressional Candidates

2010-10-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

RNC COALITIONS

CONFERENCE CALL

Please Join
Republican Congressional Candidates

When: Thursday, October 21 at 4:00 PM EDT

Where: Dial-In Number: 888-566-2143 Code: 4743829

Rasmussen: Most Voters Oppose the Reelection of Anyone Who Voted for the Health Care Law, Auto Bailouts, Stimulus Plan - Rep. Gary Peters Voted YES!

2010-10-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Most Voters Oppose the Reelection of Anyone Who Voted for the Health Care Law, Auto Bailouts, Stimulus Plan
Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Incumbents, beware: The major votes you’ve cast in Congress over the past couple years appear likely to come back to haunt you this Election Day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that most Likely Voters think their representative in Congress does not deserve reelection if he or she voted for the national health care law, the auto bailouts or the $787-billion economic stimulus plan. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Those votes also appear to be driving factors in the GOP’s consistent lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot. Most strong supporters of President Obama believe those who voted for the measures should be reelected. Even more of those who Strongly Oppose the president disagree.

Forty-three percent (43%) of all Likely Voters say someone who voted for the health care law deserves to be reelected. Fifty percent (50%) oppose their reelection.

Thirty-six percent (36%) say if their local representative voted for the taxpayer bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler, he or she deserves to be returned to Congress. Fifty-three percent (53%) say that person does not deserve reelection.

Similarly, 41% say their representative in Congress should be reelected if he or she voted for the stimulus plan. But 50% don’t see it that way and say the individual should not be reelected.

The partisan divide is predictable since virtually no congressional Republicans voted for any of these measures. So Democratic voters overwhelmingly think those in Congress who voted for them should be reelected, while Republicans feel just as strongly that they should not be reelected.

But, tellingly, voters not affiliated with either party also feel strongly that supporters of the health care law, the auto bailouts and the stimulus should not be returned to Congress.

This survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted October 18-19, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted byPulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters think it would be better for the country if most congressional incumbents are defeated this November. Just 27% think their representative in Congress is the best possible person for the job, and only 37% think their local congressional representative deserves reelection.

Republican candidates currently hold a nine-point lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot. That means 48% would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate, while 39% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent.

Among those who would vote Republican, 80% or more say those who supported the health care bill, the auto bailouts and the stimulus plan should not be reelected. Those who would vote for the Democrat are slightly less emphatic in their support for those who backed the measures.

Only 19% of all voters think that most members of Congress understand how their decisions impact the economy. Sixty-seven percent (67%) say they do not.

But just 37% believe most voters understand the impact of Obama administration policies. A plurality (45%) appear to agree with President Obama that instead most voters are too scared of those policies to think clearly. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure.

Republicans and unaffiliated voters believe more strongly than Democrats that most voters are scared.

In today’s Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, 47% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's performance, while 52% disapprove. This includes 30% who Strongly Approve and 42% who Strongly Disapprove.

More than 90% of those who Strongly Approve of the job the president is doing think those who supported the health care bill and the stimulus in Congress should be reelected. They are less supportive of those who backed the auto bailouts.

But among those who Strongly Disapprove of how the president is doing, opposition to those Congress members’ reelection is at an even higher level.

Since Democrats in Congress passed the health care law in late March, support for its repeal has ranged from a low of 53% to a high of 63%.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of Americans still think the federal government bailout of General Motors and Chrysler was a bad idea.

Voters continue to give the stimulus plan mixed reviews. Thirty-four percent (34%) say it has helped the economy, but 39% think it has hurt the economy. Twenty-two percent (22%) say it has had no impact.

With two weeks to go until Election Day, voters trust Republicans more than Democrats on eight out of 10 important issues regularly tracked by Rasmussen Reports including the economy and health care.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it's free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/october_2010/most_voters_oppose_the_reelection_of_anyone_who_voted_for_the_health_care_law_auto_bailouts_stimulus_plan

Republicans Target Rep. Gary Peters' Mentor, Friend & Boss: Extreme Leftwing Speaker Nancy Pelosi

2010-10-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

US Republicans target 'witch' Pelosi

AFP/File – US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, seen here on September 15,pledged to extend tax cuts for most Americans … .by Olivier Knox Olivier Knox – Tue Oct 19, 5:08 am ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has proved an irresistible target to Republicans, who have branded the powerful Democrat a "wicked witch" and a would-be puppy killer ahead of November 2 elections.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has staged a nationwide "Fire Nancy Pelosi" bus tour to energize core supporters for the fight to retake the US Congress and dump the San Francisco lawmaker from her lofty perch.

Republicans have spoofed Pelosi as Disney's would-be Dalmatian skinner "Cruella," and portrayed her as "the wicked witch" of high taxes in a television commercial that sees her challenger melt her down to nothing with a bucket of water -- a nod to "The Wizard of Oz."

Pelosi, whose office says she has raised 52.3 million dollars this election cycle and held 212 political events in 24 US states plus Puerto Rico, recently shrugged off the attacks at a recent Washington forum for powerful women.

If "no one's talking about you, you have to wonder what you were doing," she said, calling the often personal attacks the "highest compliment" and stressing that US politics requires "a suit of armor" and the ability "to take a punch."

Pelosi, who as House speaker is technically the third-ranking elected US official, has pulled few punches in pushing President Barack Obama's agenda through a sometimes reluctant House of Representatives, even with numerous Democratic defections.

She powered an 800-billion-dollar economic stimulus plan to passage in February 2009, drove legislation to fight climate change through in June 2009, and led a Wall Street overhaul bill over Republican objections in June 2010.

Defending the largely party-line votes on such sweeping measures, Pelosi, 70, says "bipartisanship is nice, but it cannot be a substitute for action, not having it cannot prevent us from going forward."

Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner has described himself as "hopping mad" over some of Pelosi's hardball tactics -- notably the 11th-hour unveiling of the text of the controversial climate bill.

And deep US public frustration at the sour US economy and stubbornly high unemployment hovering near 10 percent now threatens to cost Democrats their majority in the House if Republicans can post a net gain of 39 seats.

"She's an inviting target, because she's emblematic of the Congress, and voters have very little respect, now, for Congress as an institution," according to Darrell West, director of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington.

And Republicans aim to "make her the poster child for a misbehaving and misguided Congress," much as then-president Bill Clinton vilified then-house speaker Newt Gingrich, West told AFP.

But Republicans are not Pelosi's only problem: Vulnerable centrist Democrats like Representative Chet Edwards of Texas, who she once floated as a possible running mate for then-candidate Obama, are running away from her.

Edwards recently unveiled a television ad that declares: "When President Obama and Nancy Pelosi pressured Chet Edwards, Chet stood up to them and voted 'no' against their trillion-dollar health care bill, and no to cap-and-trade," as the climate bill is known.

There have been many women advisers to US presidents, three women US secretaries of state, two women US vice presidential hopefuls from major parties -- but only one woman House speaker, second in line for the presidency.

Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro was born to a political family with roots in Venice, Genoa, Abruzzi, Campobasso and Sicily and raised in Baltimore's "Little Italy."

"We were devoutly Catholic, deeply patriotic, proud of our Italian American heritage, and staunchly Democratic," she once wrote.

She was first elected to Congress in 1987, joined the Democratic House leadership in 2001, became the first woman to lead a major US party in the House in 2002, rising to speaker after Democrats won a majority in 2006.

Pelosi has been a force on US foreign policy, notably leveling forceful attacks on China's human rights record, criticizing the war in Iraq and making frequent trips to Italy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101019/ts_alt_afp/usvotepelosi_20101019090837

CBS Poll: 1/3 of Obama Backers Won't Vote Democrat - Nancy Pelosi Democrats like Rep. Gary Peters in Huge Trouble!

2010-10-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2010 7:05 AM
Poll: 1/3 of Obama Backers Won't Vote Democrat
Posted by Bill Plante

A new CBS News-Knowledge Networks Poll shows President Obama's approval rating among people who voted for him in 2008 remains very strong, at 82 percent, but that will do little to help Democrats hold onto seats in Congress on November 2.

CBS News senior White House correspondent Bill Plante reports that, for the White House, keeping control of the House and Senate is all about getting Democrats and Independents who voted for the president in 2008 back to the polls, and on that score, the latest poll numbers show Mr. Obama hasn't closed the sale.

Only two-thirds of Democrats who voted for President Obama in 2008 say they'll vote for one of his fellow Democrats in 2010. The biggest erosion of support is among independents; just 42 percent of Obama's 2008 independent voters say they'll support a Democrat this year. Twelve percent say they'll vote for a Republican, and 38 percent were still undecided.

The one-word slogan that defined candidate Obama's campaign, "change" has been hard to come by, according to those surveyed. Just 16 percent of Obama voters believe he has brought significant change to the way Washington works. Almost half (48 percent) of independents say he's brought little change, or none at all.

Many supporters of Obama from 2008 are unhappy with Washington in general; 58 percent said they were dissatisfied or angry about the way things are going in the nation's capital. Only 41 percent say they're satisfied or enthusiastic about the federal government's performance. Independents are especially dissatisfied; with almost seven in 10 expressing that view.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20019995-503544.html

Gallup gauges that Republicans hold a lead with voters of 17 percentage points - Rep. Gary Peters oh where do you run to?

2010-10-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

Gallup poll: Voters prefer GOP

Supporters pick up election signs at a rally for Republicans in Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday. | AP Photo
By ANDY BARR | 10/19/10 7:47 AM EDT
Republicans continue to hold a commanding lead among likely voters on a generic congressional ballot, according to a new Gallup survey.

The GOP holds a 5 percent lead among registered voters and a lead among likely voters of 11 points or 17 points, depending on the turnout model.

Among registered voters, the GOP lead has increased by 2 percentage points in just the last week, jumping to a 48-to-43 percent margin.

If turnout is typical – around 40 percent – Gallup gauges that Republicans hold a lead of 17 percentage points. If turnout is higher than normal, the GOP has an 11 percent lead.

The data comes from two Gallup surveys conducted Oct. 7-10 and Oct. 14-17 that polled 2,700 registered voters, including 1,900 likely voters, nationwide. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43819.html#ixzz12oJaNZSt

CBS News: National Debt Up to $3 Trillion on Obama's Watch - Rep. Gary Peters Voted YES!

2010-10-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

National Debt Up $3 Trillion on Obama's Watch
Posted by Mark Knoller

New numbers posted today on the Treasury Department website show the National Debt has increased by more than $3 trillion since President Obama took office.

The National Debt stood at $10.626 trillion the day Mr. Obama was inaugurated. The Bureau of Public Debt reported today that the National Debt had hit an all time high of $13.665 trillion.

The Debt increased $4.9 trillion during President Bush's two terms. The Administration has projected the National Debt will soar in Mr. Obama's fourth year in office to nearly $16.5-trillion in 2012. That's more than 100 percent of the value of the nation's economy and $5.9-trillion above what it was his first day on the job.

Mr. Obama frequently lays blame for soaring federal deficits on his predecessor.

"By the time I got into office we already had a $1.3 trillion deficit and we had exploded the national debt," he said last month during one of his backyard chats with Americans.

Just last Friday, the Treasury Department portrayed it as good news when it reported that the federal deficit in the fiscal year that ended September 30th was $1.294 trillion. That's less than the $1.416 trillion deficit accrued in 2009 - the largest federal deficit ever recorded. It was also less than the $1.556 trillion that had been initially projected for 2010.

The soaring deficit and Debt is one of the reasons Mr. Obama is adamantly opposed to extending tax cuts for Americans earning over $250,000 a year.

The ten year cost would total $700-billion and Mr. Obama says it would needlessly add to the deficit and Debt.

"And then we've got to pay interest to China or whoever else is willing to buy our debt," he repeatedly argued in recent weeks.

President Obama and Congress await recommendations on ways to reduce federal deficits from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

The 18-member panel will report December 1st - after the midterm election.

The Commission, chaired by Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson, was established by Mr. Obama to provide recommendations on how to "put the budget into primary balance, meaning that the federal government will pay for all of its programmatic obligations."

The federal budget was last in balance from 1998 to 2001.

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

Mark Knoller is a CBS News White House correspondent. You can read more of his posts in Hotsheet here. You can also follow him on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/markknoller.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20019931-503544.html

Mother of All GOP Pizza Parties & Rock the 248 for Rocky & Rick is Tuesday!

2010-10-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Join the

9th Congressional District Republican Party

and

Oakland County Republican Party

for the

MOTHER OF ALL GOP PIZZA PARTIES
Tuesday, October 19th,
6:00 PM

Complimentary event to enjoy the fun, pizza and fellowship - then stay for Rock the 248.
&
ROCK THE 248
FOR ROCKY & RICK

Tuesday, October 19th,
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
(Stop in whenever you have time to help!)
Join grassroots activists as we plan to survey voters by telephone for Rocky Raczkowski for Congress and Rick Snyder / Brian Calley for Governor / Lt. Governor and the entire Republican ticket. Bring friends / neighbors / family. Let's rock the 248 area code in support of the Republican statewide ticket!
Join us for ROCK THE 248 at (food & soft drinks provided):
Tues., Oct. 19, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM: Troy Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party

Tues., Oct. 19, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM: Novi Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
(New Center for Western 9th District Republicans)

Tues., Oct. 19, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM: Clarkston Fix Michigan Center/Michigan Republican Party
(New Center for Northern 9th District Republicans)

Tues., Oct. 19, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM: Oakland County GOP HQ/Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
(See below for the Locations of the Fix Michigan Centers)

Fix Michigan Center Location Information:
Troy Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
671 E Big Beaver Rd Ste 101; Troy
(Located on the north side of Big Beaver Road west of Rochester Road; next to Big Beaver Tavern - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Novi Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
41700 Gardenbrook Rd Ste 202; Novi
(Difficult location in the area south of I-96, east of Novi Road and north of Grand River Avenue - Using map links or GPS unit is advised - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
5770 S Main St Ste D; Clarkston
(Located just north of Dixie Hwy [M-24] - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
203-470-4261

Oakland County GOP HQ / Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Ave; Bloomfield Twp
(Located on the southeast bound side of Woodward Avenue south of Square Lake Road - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Can't make the posted time?:
The Fix Michigan Centers are open everyday from 9 AM - 9 PM (Sunday hours: 12 PM - 6 PM). So stop in and help out whenever you are free!

Questions?:
Contact the Michigan Republican Party field team at the above listed telephone numbers/email addresses. See you there!

Event Restrictions:
Cameras and electronic recording devices of any kind are prohibited.

########################################################################
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: twitter.com@MI9thGOP
FRIEND OUR FACEBOOK GROUP: Michigan's 9th Congressional District Republicans
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.MI9thGOP.com
E-MAIL US: MI9thGOP@gmail.com
########################################################################
PAID FOR WITH REGULATED FUNDS BY:
9th District Republican Committee
PO Box 4553
Troy MI 48099-4553
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Michigan Ninth Congressional District Republicans
PO Box 4553
Troy Michigan 48099-4553
United States

Rasmussen Poll Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 48%, Democrats 39%

2010-10-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Generic Congressional Ballot
Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 48%, Democrats 39%

Monday, October 18, 2010 Email to a Friend ShareThis.AdvertisementElection Day is just two weeks away, and Republican candidates hold a nine-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending Sunday, October 17, 2010.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of respondents say they would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate, while 39% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent.

Even more worrisome for Democrats, however, is the finding that among the voters who are most closely following the midterm elections Republicans hold a 55% to 36% lead.

While the margin has varied somewhat from week-to-week, Republicans have been consistently ahead on the Generic Ballot for over a year, and their lead has run as high as 12 points and as low as three points. When Barack Obama first took office as president of the United States, the Democrats enjoyed a seven-point lead on the Generic Ballot.

Among voters not affiliated with either major party, Republicans hold a 17-point lead.

The Republican advantage comes from a number of factors. One is the fact that midterm elections typically feature an older electorate with a smaller share of minority voters. Additionally, in 2010, there is clearly an enthusiasm gap favoring the GOP.

Results for this survey are compiled on a full-week basis, and crosstabs for full-week results and generic ballot trends are available for Platinum Members only.

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The Generic Ballot results were much different during the last two election cycles when Democrats regularly had large leads. The two parties were very close through the spring of 2009, but in June, around the time Democrats began their campaign for health care reform, Republicans pulled ahead for good.

The Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Senate Balance of Power rankings shows Democrats with a 48-46 advantage, while six races remain Toss-Ups (California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Washington, West Virginia).

The Rasmussen Reports Gubernatorial Scorecard projects 27 governorships for the GOP, 13 for the Democrats and 10 Toss-Ups (Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont).

Most voters continue to favor repeal of the national health care law, but the number of voters who expect the law to increase the deficit has fallen to the lowest point since its passage by Congress in March.

Nearly three-out-of-four (73%) believe it is at least somewhat likely that the new law will cause some companies to drop health insurance coverage for their employees, including 47% who say it is Very Likely.

With midterm elections bearing down, it’s perhaps no surprise that Democrats like the idea of one party running both Congress and the White House. Republicans and voters not affiliated with either of the major political parties are less thrilled by the idea.

Voters are more cynical than ever about the promises politicians make on the campaign trail.

For the second week in a row, 32% of Likely Voters now say the country is heading in the right direction.

Nearly half the voters in the country now think it is more common for people who are not eligible to vote to be allowed to do so than for eligible voters to be prevented from voting.

Despite assurances from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, most Americans are not confident in the Fed’s ability to combat low inflation and high unemployment rates. Americans also continue to show a lack of confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking industry.

A majority of voters prefer a candidate who tries to cut spending more than one who tries to get his district its fair share of that spending. But then most Americans feel the federal government has too much money and doesn't spend it well.

A plurality of voters nationwide continues to believe the U.S. situation in Afghanistan will get worse in the next six months.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it's free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/generic_congressional_ballot

Senator Wicker Urges Congress to Cut Spending as Treasury Announces $1.3 Trillion Deficit for '10: Rep. Gary Peters Voted for this Mess & Would Again

2010-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Wicker Urges Congress to Cut Spending as Treasury Announces $1.3 Trillion Deficit for 2010
Mississippi lawmaker advocates reducing spending to restore fiscal health

Monday, October 18, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today made the following statement after the Treasury Department confirmed the federal government’s deficit totaled $1.3 trillion in 2010.

“Today’s Treasury Department announcement about the deficit confirms what Americans have been warning all along – Washington is dangerously spending more than we can afford,” said Wicker. “Rather than creating jobs and improving the economy, the failed stimulus bill and government bailouts created one of the largest deficits in American history since the Second World War.

"More than one out of every 10 Mississippians is looking for work, leading many to question what they are getting in return for their tax dollars. Clearly, increasing government spending is not the answer to our economic problems. The reckless spending of today limits the opportunities for future generations. If we fail to drastically reduce the size of the government, our children and grandchildren will be forced to bear the burden.”

Earlier this month, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office first reported the $1.3 trillion federal deficit during the 2010 fiscal year, which ended on September 30. The total U.S. debt stands at $13.6 trillion.

# # #

http://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=bf9e8125-cfa2-44d9-2612-d76d5bfb3a4a&Region_id=&Issue_id=

Wall Street Journal: Democrats Pull Plug on a Dozen House Races. Is Rep. Gary Peters Doomed?

2010-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Politicalwire.com
October 16, 2010

Democrats Pull Plug on a Dozen House Races
"Democratic strategists acknowledged they are abandoning a dozen House seats the party now holds, as they try to salvage their majority in the chamber by shoring up candidates with better chances," the Wall Street Journal reports.

"The retrenching now under way happens in every election and is typically painful for the party running behind. Democrats are loath to admit that they are cutting off any of their candidates, but two Democrats familiar with the election strategy said that about a dozen seats now held by the party are lost. Ad-tracking data show that none of these districts is slated to receive party-funded TV ads."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/10/16/democrats_pull_plug_on_a_dozen_house_races.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=political-wire

Americans for Tax Reform Spends $513,000 to Expose Rep. Gary Peters' Extreme Leftwing Voting Record

2010-10-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Beltway Confidential
www.washingtonexaminer.com

Where they’re spending: ATR goes after Grijalva, Rahall, Sestak
By: David Freddoso
Online Opinion Editor
10/15/10 10:30 AM EDT

Over at NRO, Andrew Stiles writes that Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., is in mortal peril. He mentions that Americans for Tax Reform is planning an ad buy against him.

This morning the group reported its independent expenditure: $220,000 in television airtime. ATR is also pouring money into other unlikely GOP targets:

•$301,000 for ads against Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga.
•$513,000 for ads against Rep. Gary Peters, D-Mich.
•$463,000 for ads against Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn.
•$300,000 for ads against Rep.Nick Rahall, D-W.Va.
ATR is also spending $316,000 against a much more likely target, Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania’s Senate race.

Some of the ads are modeled after this one, with the names and states (obviously) changed: (see link below)

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/where-theyre-spending-atr-goes-after-grijalva-rahall-sestak-105027509.html#ixzz12Xa8QYFI

You need you today until 9 PM at Oakland Fix Michigan Centers - Super Saturday calls/walking happening now!

2010-10-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Super Saturday! Make voter contact telephone calls or walk door to door for Rocky for Congress, Snyder/Calley & for the entire GOP team today until 9 PM at one of these Republican Fix Michigan Centers:

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center:
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 202, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

You can pick up lawns signs/bumper stickers/literature at the centers too!

Help out today --- take back Congress & take back Michigan!

Michigan Law Enforcement Picks Bill Schuette for Attorney General - Vote for Bill Schuette Nov. 2nd!

2010-10-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Chiefs of Police
Endorse Schuette
Southeastern Chiefs Support Schuette for AG

The Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is endorsing former Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette for Attorney General.
The President of the Association, Chief Michael Lauretti of the Eastpointe Police Department, said that Bill Schuette “has always been fair and impartial and a friend to Law Enforcement and will make a fine Attorney General.”
“The Attorney General is the top law enforcement official in Michigan, so it is an honor to be endorsed by so many law enforcement leaders,” Schuette said. “These leaders understand that our state has to put public safety first if Michigan is going to make a successful turnaround.”
Read Full Release Here

Bouchard Backs Bill
Oakland County Sheriff for Schuette

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard today announced his endorsement of Bill Schuette for Attorney General.
“The first task of government is safety,” Bouchard said. “Unfortunately, state government is broken, and too often it is failing to make the hard choices to ensure that public safety is the top priority. Michigan families need a new team that will make fundamental changes to ensure their safety. I’ve worked with Bill Schuette, and I know he is the right person to be Michigan’s next Attorney General.”
Mike Bouchard is Sheriff of one of the largest law enforcement agencies in America with nearly 1,200 employees. Bouchard served at Ground Zero after 9/11 and he also served on the streets of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. In addition, he serves on the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, and is President Emeritus of the Major County Sheriffs of America.

Police Organizations Association Endorses Schuette for Attorney General
MAPO Joins with POAM, FOP, Deputy Sheriff’s &
Wayne County Chiefs of Police

Those Who Fight Crime the Most like Schuette the Best
The Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO) has endorsed Bill Schuette for Attorney General.
The MAPO consists of the following nine organizations:
The Detroit Police Officers Association.
The Detroit Lieutenants and Sergeants Association.
The Flint Police Officers Association.
The Grand Rapids Police Officers Association.
The Michigan State Police Troopers Association.
The Michigan State Police Command Officers Association.
The Police Officers Labor Council.
The Michigan Association of Police.
The Warren Police Officers Association.

U.S. Treasury Department Reports $1.3 Trillion Dollar Deficit, Rep. Paul Ryan Exposes the Real Nancy Pelosi/Gary Peters Record

2010-10-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

PAUL RYAN: TOO MUCH SPENDING, TOO FEW JOBS
by Paul Ryan on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 4:33pm.

U.S. Treasury Department reports $1.3 trillion dollar deficit

WASHINGTON – The Federal Government’s budget deficit for the fiscal year 2010 hit $1.3 trillion, according to a report released earlier today by the U.S. Treasury Department. This marks the second straight year the Federal government spent more than one trillion dollars in borrowed money, and the first time in modern history that the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a budget to account for their fiscal mismanagement.

In response to Treasury’s findings, House Budget Committee Ranking Member Paul Ryan (WI-01) issued the following statement:

“Today’s Treasury report makes clear Washington’s reckless spending spree plunged our nation deeper into debt. The $1.3 trillion deficit underscores the irresponsibility of Congress’ failure to pass a budget for this year. We cannot afford the twin deficits of too much spending and too few jobs – both the result of Washington’s failed economic policies. We urgently need to chart a new course.”

Key facts about Washington’s fiscal failures:

- Spin Can’t Hide Substance. The Obama Administration is seeking to put a positive gloss on the objectively terrible budget news. While statements from the Administration argue their fiscal stewardship improved the budget situation, a closer look at the FY2010 data shows the explosion in Federal spending and the continued weakness in the U.S. economy.

■The Obama Administration seeks credit for the $1.3 trillion dollar budget deficit coming in slightly lower than projected. Rather than any actual fiscal restraint, the lower figure is due to smaller outlays from recent one-time interventions in the economy. When lower-than-anticipated spending from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, Federal deposit insurance, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac are excluded, government spending continued to substantially increase in 2010.
■The Obama Administration also sought credit for higher revenue than anticipated, but this increase is almost entirely due to the increase in Federal Reserve’s earnings from its $2.3 trillion balance sheet. Both individual income and payroll tax collections declined in 2010, a reflection of anemic economic growth and high unemployment.
- Unprecedented Surge in Spending. Since January 2009, House Democrats passed more than $3 trillion in new spending increases, with a 24% increase in non-defense discretionary spending.

- Unsustainable Deficits and Debt. The $1.3 trillion deficit pushed total debt past $13.6 trillion this year. While Congress failed to pass a budget this year, the President’s budget plan doubles the debt in five years, and triples it in ten.

- More Spending, More Borrowing. Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently announced her intention to advance legislation during the lame duck session next month to add another $14 billion to the deficit and debt with another spending proposal. President Obama, despite recently admitting “there’s no such thing as shovel-ready projects,” continues to call for $50 billion in new stimulus spending.

- Higher Taxes. Democratic leaders rejected a bipartisan consensus that opposes across the board tax hikes set to hit on January 1, and instead adjourned with a promise to raise taxes on families and small businesses amidst continued economic hardships. House Republicans argue to stop the tax hikes and cut government spending to help spur economic growth, job creation, and fiscal responsibility.

###

TO LEARN MORE: http://house.gov/budget_republicans

Tomorrow is Saturday: Join us Across Oakland County @ Super Saturday in Bloomfield, Novi, Orion Township & Troy

2010-10-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

JOIN

the
9th Congressional District Republican Party
At
MOVE OAKLAND '10:
RALLY & VOTER CONTACT SUPER SATURDAY

Saturday, October 16th

Join Republican Party officials, GOP nominees and grassroots activists as we plan to rally our GOP ticket to victory and gather to walk precincts in the area or survey voters by telephone for Rocky Raczkowski for Congress and Rick Snyder / Brian Calley for Governor / Lt. Governor and the entire Republican ticket. Bring friends / neighbors / family. Let's move Oakland in support of the Republican statewide ticket!
NOTE: If you would like to walk your own precinct, then please RSVP by any Tuesday before 3:00 PM so we can create a walk book for you for that weekend. Otherwise, we will send people out in teams in the surrounding area. Reserve your precinct walk list by contacting the director of the office you want to pick your walk book up from. Contact information is listed below.
Join us for Move Oakland '10 at our Fix Michigan Centers (coffee & bagels provided):

Sat., Oct. 16 - 9:30 AM: Greater Oakland Republican Club (GOGOP) HQ
3677 S Lapeer Rd; Lake Orion, MI
(Located north of Silverbell Rd and next to Wally Edgar Chevrolet - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Walking precincts in the Rochester / Rochester Hills / Oakland Township area.

Sat., Oct. 16 - 9:30 AM:
Troy Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party

Sat., Oct. 16 - 9:30 AM:
Novi Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party

Sat., Oct. 16 - 9:30 AM:
Clarkston Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party - On Saturdays, the Clarkston FMC operates jointly at the Greater Oakland Republican Club (GOGOP) HQ. Please review GOGOP's meeting times and location listed above.

Sat., Oct. 16 - 10:00 AM: Oakland County GOP HQ/Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
(See below for the Locations of the Fix Michigan Centers)

Fix Michigan Center Location Information:

Troy Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
671 E Big Beaver Rd Ste 101; Troy
(Located on the north side of Big Beaver Road west of Rochester Road; next to Big Beaver Tavern - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Novi Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
41700 Gardenbrook Rd Ste 202; Novi
(Difficult location in the area south of I-96, east of Novi Road and north of Grand River Avenue - Using map links or GPS unit is advised - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
(Closed on Saturdays - On Saturdays, the Clarkston FMC operates jointly at the Greater Oakland Republican Club HQ)
5770 S Main St Ste D; Clarkston
(Located just north of Dixie Hwy [M-24] - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
203-470-4261

Oakland County GOP HQ / Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Ave; Bloomfield Twp
(Located on the southeast bound side of Woodward Avenue south of Square Lake Road - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Can't make the posted time?:
The Fix Michigan Centers are open everyday from 9 AM - 9 PM (Sunday hours: 12 PM - 6 PM). So stop in and help out whenever you are free!

Questions?:
Contact the Michigan Republican Party field team at the above listed telephone numbers/email addresses. See you there!

Event Restrictions:
Cameras and electronic recording devices of any kind are prohibited.

Rocky Opens Rochester Hills Campaign Office - Grand Opening Saturday, October 16th!

2010-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening
Rocky for Congress Satellite Office
945 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills
Join us on Saturday, October 16th
1 pm to 4 pm

Sign up to walk a precinct, make phone calls, get a yard sign or bumper sticker.

84% of Repubs and 68% of voters not affiliated w/ political parties like candidates who cut spending: Rep. Gary Peters voted 4 $800 billion stimulus

2010-10-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Most Voters Prefer A Candidate Who Lays Off The Pork
Friday, October 15, 2010
Rasmussen Reports
Many members of Congress pride themselves on their ability to bring home pork barrel spending, but with the mood of the voters in 2010, that may not be such a good idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters finds that 60% prefer a candidate who would work to cut federal government spending over one who would work to make sure his district gets a fair share of that spending.

Only half as many (31%) favor a candidate who would focus on getting the district its share of the spending.

Eighty-four percent (84%) of Republicans and 68% of voters not affiliated with either of the major political parties like a candidate who works to cut spending.

But 56% of Democrats disagree and opt for the candidate who will try to bring home a fair share of federal monies. Still, even 33% of those in Nancy Pelosi’s party prefer the candidate who will work to cut spending.

Not surprisingly, the gap on spending is even bigger between the Political Class and Mainstream Voters than it is between Republicans and Democrats. Seventy-four percent (74%) of Mainstream voters want a candidate who will focus on spending cuts, but 83% of those in the Political Class like a candidate more interested in getting a piece of the federal spending pie (see more about the Mainstream and Political Class divide).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters U.S. Voters was conducted on October 12-13, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

These results are consistent with long-held views by most voters that cutting government spending is good for the economy. Most also believe smaller deficits and lower taxes help the economy.

Sixty-one percent (61%) say cutting government spending would create more jobs than the $50 billion infrastructure plan proposed by President Obama.

At a time when the economy is the top concern for voters, this belief that spending cuts will help the economy is creating challenges for Democrats in the Midterm elections. Most voters believe that Democrats in Congress want to raise taxes and spending.

Of course, it may not matter what the candidate says his emphasis will be since voters are more cynical than ever about the promises politicians make on the campaign trail.

Additionally, 60% say most members of Congress don’t care what their constituents think anyway.

“These attitudes are part of the reason why voters voted against the party in power in 2006 and 2008 and are poised to do so again in 2010,”says Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports. “The gap between the American people and their political leaders may be bigger than at any time since the colonies had their dispute with England in the 1770s.”

Rasmussen has released two books this year, In Search of Self-Governance and Mad as Hell: How the Tea Party Movement is Fundamentally Remaking Our Two Party System.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it's free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/october_2010/most_voters_prefer_a_candidate_who_lays_off_the_pork

The Hill: Voters find Democratic party more extremist. Most likely for the extreme votes cast by Nancy Pelosi & Gary Peters?

2010-10-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Hill: Voters find Democratic party more extremist.

Posted by Moe Lane (Profile)

Thursday, October 14th at 10:45AM EDT

No Comments
This was one of their questions in their recent poll of ten open-seats (details here): 44% of likely voters think that the Democratic party is too extreme, as opposed to 37% who think that the GOP is too extreme. According to this poll, in fact, 22% of Democrats think that their own party is too extreme (11% of Republicans think the same of their own party)… and the breakdown of independent voters is virtually identical (43/37) to that of likely voters.

It’s the one-in-five of Democrats that’s the most interesting: consider that the districts being surveyed are a pretty good mix of Red and Blue, but did not have much in the way of hyper-Blue urban areas. What they’re surveying here are the suburban and mildly urban areas, where people feel perfectly safe in openly having Republican friends and where a GOP bumper sticker won’t get your car keyed. And in those places Democratic… I believe that it’s called ‘branding’… is taking a bit of a a beating. Why? One argument is that it’s because ordinary, decent Democrats are noticing that their leadership is somewhat at odds with the regular party voter:

“It is a reflection that the faces of leadership of the Democrats in government are seen as very liberal faces: Reid, [House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi [Calif.] and Obama,” [former GOP Congressman Vin Weber] said. “The leading faces of the Republican Party aren’t that well-known.”

Democratic Party strategists have tried to change that dynamic, working to raise the profile of House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), who would be in line to replace Pelosi as Speaker in the event of a GOP victory in the House.

But that effort has shown limited success.

…And I have to push back on this. John Boehner, Radical Republican? Look, I have a healthy respect for the man’s ability to hold together the GOP House caucus in the 111th Congress on a number of what turned out to be absolutely critical votes. It was a gamble to enforce 100% opposition to the stimulus, and it was a gamble that got him and the rest of the House GOP leadership loudly derided and attacked at the time. And I have some faint hope that he gets that the forces that seem poised to make him the next Speaker of the House are going to be ‘vast, cool, and unsympathetic’ to any attempts to go back to Business As Usual*. So I’m not trying to be insulting when I say this: the only really outre thing about John Boehner is that he smokes in public. Compare that to Nancy Pelosi, who jammed a monstrosity of a health care bill down our throats, and then grinned at the choking screams.

And the Democrats wonder why the inhabitants of Earth aren’t buying what they’re selling this cycle.

http://www.redstate.com/moe_lane/2010/10/14/the-hill-voters-find-democratic-party-more-extremist/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Actuary independent report: Rep. Gary Peters' vote on healthcare takeover will result in increased out-of-pocket cost 4 seniors on Medicare Advantage

2010-10-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

Medicare actuary: Reform will cost some seniors
Politico.com

Sebelius says the changes will end up strengthening the program. | AP Photo
By JENNIFER HABERKORN | 10/13/10 12:00 PM EDT Updated: 10/14/10 5:35 AM EDT
A Medicare official concedes that seniors may have to dig deeper into their wallets next year thanks to the health care law.

The new analysis obtained by POLITICO finds the health care overhaul will result in increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors on Medicare Advantage plans.

Richard Foster, the actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, also tells Senate Republicans that the overhaul will result in “less generous benefit packages” for Medicare Advantage plans next year. Foster is independent from the administration and non-partisan.

Democrats have long contended that Medicare Advantage plans – private insurance alternatives to Medicare – overpay private insurers, increasing premiums for everyone, and needs to be reformulated.

But Republicans say dramatic changes to the program mean some seniors won’t be able to keep their plans – a promise President Barack Obama made during the reform debate – and the GOP has made the issue part of its attempt to roll back the health law.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, says the administration is trying to downplay the effects of the overhaul on the Medicare Advantage plans.

“Painting a rosy picture of Medicare Advantage options denies the facts from the government’s own chief actuary,” he said in a statement to POLITICO. “And it’s a disservice to the 11 million current beneficiaries who count on this popular program.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says, in a separate letter sent recently to Grassley, the changes in the health care overhaul will end up strengthening the program.

“Next year, seniors will have new benefits, new protections against fraud, and better Medicare Advantage choices with meaningful differences at affordable premiums, and more beneficiaries will participate in the program,” she wrote.

Sebelius says that the remaining Medicare Advantage plans have higher standards to meet, stemming from a 2008 Medicare law. In addition, 99.7 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who have access to an Advantage plan this year will have it next year and that premiums are expected to decline by 1 percent next year.

Foster says the additional costs seniors face will be partially offset by other pieces of the law, including reduced cost sharing for Medicare Parts A and B, lower Part B premiums and the filling of the prescription drug donut hole.

Last week, Grassley’s office highlighted an error Sebelius made in a speech to a gathering of AARP members. She incorrectly said the number of Medicare Advantage plans would increase next year. HHS later changed the written copy of the speech online without highlighting the change, which angered Grassley.

“Despite making a limited correction last week to an earlier speech delivered in Florida, the administration refuses to set the record straight appropriately,” Grassley said.

“But a new letter from Medicare’s chief actuary is nonpartisan and indisputable. Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage will pay more out of their own pockets as a result of the new health care law. Their costs will go up by hundreds of dollars on average in the coming years, by $346 in 2011 to a high of $923 in 2017.”

CLARIFICATION: The cost estimate came from the office of the actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, an independent, non-partisan office.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43529.html#ixzz12L4eOiWA

Another Reason to Fire the Democrats in '10: Biden Says Obama Asked Him to Run Again

2010-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Biden Says Obama Asked Him to Run Again
Political Wire
Vice President Joe Biden told the New York Times "he will be on the ticket with President Obama in 2012 -- all that buzz about Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton replacing him notwithstanding."

Said Biden: "I tell you what, there's real trust, that's why he's asked me to run again. Look, he said, 'We're going to run together, are you going to run?' I said, 'Of course, you want me to run with you, I'm happy to run with you.' "

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/10/13/biden_says_obama_asked_him_to_run_again.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=political-wire

4 Oakland County GOP Fix Michigan Centers support Rocky for Congress, Snyder for Governor - they need your volunteer hours for victory! Stop by!!

2010-10-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Phone calling & door knocking toward victory! Please stop by one of the Michigan Republican Party FIX MICHIGAN CENTERS supporting Rocky Raczkowski for Congress, Rick Snyder for Governor & the entire GOP ticket by helping today.

Stop by Monday - Saturday (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM) & Sunday (12:00 - 6:00 PM)

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 202, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

OAKLAND PRESS: Vote Bill Schuette for Attorney General & Ruth Johnson for Secretary of State!

2010-10-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

OAKLAND PRESS
Editorial: No doubt Johnson and Schuette are best
Published: Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Political races that offer two well-qualified candidates for one position are a bonus for voters.

But they often make it difficult for newspapers to pick whom it considers the best. Usually, the candidate endorsed has a slight edge in some category.

However, once in a while a race has a candidate who is head and shoulders above his or her opponent.

That is the case in both the battle for Michigan Secretary of State and Michigan Attorney General.

With all due respect to their Democratic opponents, who have strong credentials, Republicans Ruth Johnson and Bill Schuette are the obvious choices in these two races.

We’re particularly impressed with Johnson, of Holly, whose experience and knowledge is far superior to her Democratic opponent, Jocelyn Benson of Detroit.

But what is even more important about Johnson is that she is not a politician merely seeking another elected position.

Johnson is the epitome of a public servant who works hard for the benefit of the general public. She is honest, focused and efficient. As Oakland County Clerk she has been an outstanding administrator, running that department proficiently and effectively.

Her work ethic and values are beyond reproach. Other politicians should follow her example.

Benson is a bright, young and charming attorney who no doubt has a stellar future in politics and as an attorney. She teaches election law at Wayne State University and has written a book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and campaign finance laws.

But in this race, Johnson shines.

Johnson has served as county clerk since 2004 and, previous to that, was in the state House of Representatives for two terms.

She was elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 1988 and served five terms, including six years as vice chairperson.

One of her many accomplishments was to lead investigations into the misappropriation of funds at the Oakland County Intermediate School District. The probe resulted in criminal charges against then superintendent James Redmond.

Schuette, of Midland, is also very well experienced and qualified to serve as attorney general.

He has an extensive and varied resume that includes a stint as a congressman during the Reagan administration. Schuette was elected in 1984.

In 1991 Gov. John Engler appointed him director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Then in 1994, Schuette was elected to the Michigan Senate. Beginning in 2002, Schuette served for six years on the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Leyton, of Flint, also has a distinguished career. He has been an attorney for 26 years. In November 2008, Leyton was re-elected to his second four-year term as Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney. Prior to that, he served 12 years on the Flint Township Board of Trustees and previously was a clerk.

To repeat: Pick Johnson for Michigan Secretary of State and Schuette for Michigan Attorney General.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/10/06/opinion/doc4cad1e4a21cf9273313665.txt

The Hill's Healthwatch: Rep. Gary Peters is being criticized from both the right and the left this week over his support for healthcare reform

2010-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Healthcare takes center stage in Michigan
By Mike Lillis - 10/11/10 01:09 PM ET
Healthwatch
The Hill's Healthcare blog

Michigan Democratic Rep. Gary Peters is being criticized from both the right and the left this week over his support for healthcare reform.

In a debate Sunday with his Republican, independent and Green Party challengers, the freshman Democrat was forced to defend his vote against three candidates who all want to see the law repealed, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"Peters defended his vote, saying he still feels it's critical to provide affordable, accessible health care for all Americans, noting that it does a variety of important things, like prohibit insurance companies from rescinding coverage for people who get sick and allow children to stay on their parents' insurance benefits until age 26," the Free Press wrote.

Republican Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski disagreed. "It was a power grab by our government," he said. "I pledge to repeal it."

Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Douglas Campbell says the new law is too conservative. He wants to scrap it in favor of a universal coverage system backed by the federal government, the Free Press noted.

The latest analysis from the Cook Political Report indicates the race is tight but that the district "leans Democratic."

http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/123663-healthcare-takes-center-stage-in-michigan

2010 Oakland County Republican Party Voter Guide

2010-10-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

2010 Oakland County Republican Party Voter Guide

Statewide
Governor: Rick Snyder
Lt. Governor: Brian Calley
Secretary of State: Ruth Johnson
Attorney General: Bill Schuette

Congress
8th: Mike Rogers
9th: Rocky Raczkowski
11th: Thaddeus McCotter
12th: Don Volaric

Michigan State Senate
12th: Jim Marleau
13th: John Pappageorge
14th: Michael Peters
15th: Mike Kowall
26th: Dave Robertson

Michigan House of Representatives
26th: Ken Rosen
27th: Michelangelo Fortuna
29th: Bret Allen
35th: Michael Weinenger
37th: Christopher Atallah
38th: Hugh Crawford
39th: Lois Shulman
40th: Chuck Moss
41st: Marty Knollenberg
43rd: Gail Haines
44th: Eileen Kowall
45th: Tom McMillin
46th: Brad Jacobsen
66th: Bill Rogers

State Board of Education
Eileen Weiser
Richard Zeile

Regent of the University of Michigan
Andrea Fischer Newman
Andrew Richner

Trustee of Michigan State University
Brian Breslin
Mitch Lyons

Governor of Wayne State University
Diane Dunaskiss
Danialle Karmanos

Oakland County Board of Commissioners
1st: Beth Nuccio
2nd: Bill Bullard
3rd: Mike Gingell
4th: Tom Middleton
5th: John Scott
6th: Jim Runestad
7th: Christine Long
8th: Philip Weipert
9th: Kathy Crawford
10th: Stuart Foster
11th: Bob Kittle
12th: Jeff Matis
13th: Robert Gosselin
14th: Bill Dwyer
15th: Al Zaparackas
16th: Shelley Goodman Taub
17th: Anne Marie Blake
18th: Mark Ellis
19th: Mike Bosnic
20th: David Potts
21st: Mordechai Klainberg
22nd: Ezra Drissman
23rd: Charles Ehrenreich
24th: Antoine Delaforterie
25th: Richard Parisi

*Non-Partisan Ballot*
Supreme Court
Mary Beth Kelly
Bob Young
Probate Court
Kathleen Ryan
48th District Court
Marc Barron
52nd District Court
Michael Martone

Oakland Community College Board (Individuals listed below have had past/present involvement with OCRP)
Fred Mester
Thomas Kuhn
Olga Meyer
Dan Kelly
Debbie Macon

Detroit News: Brooks Patterson on Rep. Gary Peters' Negative Campaigning

2010-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Posted by L. Brooks Patterson on Thu, Oct 7, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Deflect, Deflect, Deflect
A reporter once asked famed mountain climber Sir George Mallory why he scaled Mt. Everest. He answered, "Because it's there."

A reporter once asked Willie Sutton why he robbed banks. He said, "Because that's where the money is."

If a reporter were to ask Congressman Gary Peters why he spends so much money on negative campaigning, he would say, "Because it works."

By "works" Peters obviously means that it deflects the public's attention away from his own extreme liberal voting record - a record Peters hopes the public will forget. Let's be honest, folks, how does an incumbent Congressman run on a record that includes the following votes:

•A vote for "Cap and Trade" (more often called "Cap and Tax"). It raises energy costs so significantly that it will drive American manufacturing offshore.
•A vote for Obamacare despite the overwhelming opposition of his constituents back home. This "let them eat cake" vote will impose trillions of debt upon our children and grandchildren.
•A vote for TARP, the Wall Street bailout. (Obviously, Peters did not want the public to remember that he worked for two major Wall Street institutions for over 22 years and now has the audacity to say he wants to hold those greedy bastards on Wall Street accountable!)
It's all about deflecting the public's attention.

When I was in law school, the professor who taught trial practice must have been thinking of Gary Peters when he told the old story that most lawyers have heard many times. The professor opined that "When the facts are on your side, you hammer the facts to the jury. When the law is on your side, then you hammer the law to the jury." One student raised his hand and asked, "What happens if you have neither the facts nor the law on your side?" The old professor looked at him and said, "That's when you put your opponent on trial."

Congressman Peters has taken this professor's advice to a whole new level. He hopes the public will forget his true voting record and join him in his tawdry effort to put Rocky Raczkowski on trial.

From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/brooksblog/index.php#ixzz129xtOyRZ

Detroit News: Brooks Patterson States Gary Peters' Campaign is One of the Nastiest, Negative Midterms Races Ever

2010-10-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Posted by L. Brooks Patterson on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Tell A Lie, Tell It Big, And Tell It Often
Congressman Gary Peters is spending an extraordinary amount of money funding one of the nastiest, most negative campaigns in the midterm elections anywhere in the United States of America.

He has been running an ad over-and-over accusing Rocky Raczkowski of being sued "by his PARTNERS in a business scheme."

Peters knows that is a lie. But as we learned during the Nazi era under the tutelage of the Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels, "Tell a lie, tell it big, and tell it often, and people will begin to believe it."

So let's take a closer look at Herr Peters' campaign ad.

A concert promoter by the name of David T. Rosen (who is now bankrupt and is facing cocaine possession charges) wanted to put on a concert. So he hires a consultant to advise him what to do; he hires a talent agency to line up the musical acts for the concert; and he hires Rocky Raczkowski's company called Star Tickets Plus to handle ticket sales and distribution.

When the concert goes bust (some of the named acts didn't show up), the promoter loses money and decides to sue all the people he had hired. Rosen sued his consultants, vendors, and suppliers, not PARTNERS.

Let me break it down with a very simple example: If I hire you to mow my yard and our relationship breaks down and we sue each other, you're not all of a sudden my PARTNER, you are a guy that I hired to mow my yard. No more - no less.

Peters, as a lawyer, knows the difference between a vendor who supplies services and a partner. Peters also knows that if he can trump up the charges to make it look like Rocky is being sued by his "PARTNER," then it sounds more sinister. (In fact, one of Peters' paid actors in his ad said exactly that: "If he ripped off his business partners, how can we trust him?")

Tell a lie, tell it big, and tell it often. Herr Peters knows his history.

From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/brooksblog/index.php#ixzz129vZbgEt

George Soros: I Can’t Stop a Republican ‘Avalanche’ - Note to Gary Peters' Supporters Your Guy is Going Down in November!

2010-10-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Soros: I Can’t Stop a Republican ‘Avalanche’
By SEWELL CHAN
George Soros, the billionaire financier who was an energetic Democratic donor in the last several election cycles but is sitting this one out, is not feeling optimistic about Democratic prospects.

“I made an exception getting involved in 2004,” Mr. Soros, 80, said in a brief interview Friday at a forum sponsored by the Bretton Woods Committee, which promotes understanding of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

“And since I didn’t succeed in 2004, I remained engaged in 2006 and 2008. But I’m basically not a party man. I’d just been forced into that situation by what I considered the excesses of the Bush administration.”

Mr. Soros, a champion of liberal causes, has been directing his money to groups that work on health care and the environment, rather than electoral politics. Asked if the prospect of Republican control of one or both houses of Congress concerned him, he said: “It does, because I think they are pushing the wrong policies, but I’m not in a position to stop it. I don’t believe in standing in the way of an avalanche.”

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/soros-i-cant-stop-a-republican-avalanche/?hp

Rasmussen: 55% Favor Repeal of Health Care Law; Voters trust Republicans more than Democrats, 48% to 40%, on the handling of the issue of health care

2010-10-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Health Care Law
55% Favor Repeal of Health Care Law
Monday, October 11, 2010 Email to a Friend ShareThis.AdvertisementThe majority of U.S. voters continue to favor repeal of the new national health care law but are slightly less emphatic about the impact the law will have on the country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters at least somewhat favor repeal of the new health care law. Only 39% oppose repeal. These figures include 41% who Strongly Favor repeal and 32% who are Strongly Opposed. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Since Congress' passage of the bill in late March, support for repeal has ranged from a low of 53% to a high of 63%.

But 41% now say the new health care law will be good for the country, the highest level of optimism measured since early July. Forty-nine percent (49%) still believe the law will be bad for the country, but that's the first time that belief has fallen below 50% since March. In prior surveys, those thinking the law will be good for America have ranged from 32% to 41%; in those same surveys, 49% to 57% have predicted it will be bad for the county.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 8-9, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Consistent with findings since passage of the bill, 79% of Republicans and 56% of voters not affiliated with either major party favor repeal of the health care law, while 59% of Democrats hold the opposing view.

Similarly, 75% of Mainstream voters favor repeal, but 53% of the Political Class are opposed.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of those voters with health insurance say it’s likely the new health care overhaul will mean they have to change their insurance coverage. Fifty-two percent (52%), however, disagree and say it’s not likely they will have to switch their coverage. These findings show little change since mid-June.

Among those same voters who have health insurance, an overwhelming majority (82%) rate their coverage as good or excellent. Just four percent (4%) rate their health insurance coverage as poor. These findings, too, have been fairly consistent since June.

With midterm elections scarcely a month away, voters rank health care second just behind the economy on a list of 10 important issues on voters’ minds this November.

Voters trust Republicans more than Democrats, 48% to 40%, on the handling of the issue of health care.

Detroit News Editorial Page: Rocky Raczkowski for Congress!

2010-10-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

Editorial: Candidates best suited for U.S. House of Representatives
These candidates are best suited to serve Michigan residents in the House of Representatives
It's a strange year in Michigan for congressional races, as it is across the country. One incumbent congresswoman — Democrat Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick — was booted by voters in the August primary, and three more face unusually spirited challenges.

Meanwhile, voters also have the chance to fill three seats left open by retirements. We offer these endorsements in the most competitive races: 9th District (Oakland County): This is among the most-watched races in the country because it is a microcosm of the national election trend. Democratic Rep. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Hills won his seat during the 2008 Obama tsunami. Now, Peters is at risk of becoming a victim of the tidal wave that's expected to wash out Democrats. His opponent is Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski of Farmington Hills, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran and former state lawmaker. Like many other moderate Democrats, Peters abandoned his stated commitment to fiscal discipline and bowed to pressure from House leadership in backing questionable big-spending initiatives. It is only since the campaign intensified that he has returned to the economic positions he championed while seeking the office in 2008.

Raczkowski promises to make reducing the debt and spending his top priorities in Congress. He backs a pay cut for federal employees, who have seen their incomes rise while workers in the private sector have sacrificed pay and benefits.

And in an unusual twist for a conservative, Raczkowski says he would advocate an immediate end to the war in Afghanistan, where he says the hugely expensive attempt at nation building is doomed to failure.

In a year in which controlling spending and reining in the deficit to foster a better climate for job creation top the concerns of voters, Rocky Raczkowski is the better choice in the 9th District. 15th District (western Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe counties): Democratic Rep. John Dingell of Dearborn, who is seeking his 29th term in the House, also faces a tough challenge from a fiscally conservative Republican opponent, Dr. Rob Steele of Ypsilanti. Dingell's name is on the unpopular health care bill, he wholeheartedly backed the stimulus and would raise taxes on high-income earners. But in a district that includes Ann Arbor, Dingell's views are not so out of line with those of the people he represents.

Yet Dingell has hardly marched lock step with the House leadership. In fact, the far-left wing of his party, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, conspired to oust Dingell from the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

He was targeted for the same reason we feel he should remain in Congress: because he fought for the domestic automobile industry. Dingell has often been the only thing standing between Detroit's automakers and the coastal liberals who would regulate them out of business. He vows to continue to do so, and Michigan will need him to keep that vow.

The industry is not out of danger. Just this month, the Obama administration floated the possibility of raising the mileage mandate to 60 mpg by 2025. Dingell understands the cost of such regulation, and insists that any environmental benefits be balanced against the impact on automotive jobs. Michigan can't afford to lose his reasonable voice. John Dingell should be returned for another term.

13th District (Detroit, Grosse Pointes): State Sen. Hansen Clarke, D-Detroit, upset Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick in the primary and now faces Republican John Hauler, a Grosse Pointe Woods businessman.

We gave Hauler a hard look because we believe Congress needs the balance of more fiscal conservatives. But we found his support of protectionist trade policies curious and were disappointed that he wouldn't consider a private investment option for Social Security.

Clarke takes similar positions on those issues, but it's what you'd expect from a candidate who has never pretended to be anything but liberal. We are intrigued by Clarke's enthusiastic commitment to attack deficit spending, and without raising taxes. He says he is a disciple of anti-debt financial planner Dave Ramsey in his personal life, claiming to now live debt-free. That sort of discipline would be useful in the Democratic caucus.

In truth, we've often been critical of Clarke's performance in the Senate. But there's no question about his integrity, his deep affection for the people of his district, or his understanding of their challenges. Hansen Clarke will give the 13th District a better representative than it's had in decades.

7th District: (south, mid-Michigan) This race is a rematch of the 2008 election, when Democrat Mark Schauer of Battle Creek defeated the first-term Republican incumbent Tim Wahlberg of Tipton. Neither candidate is perfect for the district's moderate, swing voters. Schauer is too liberal and Wahlberg is too conservative.

But his commitment to fiscal discipline and deficit reduction gives Wahlberg an edge this time. Schauer has been one of the most loyal votes for Pelosi, and that has often placed him at odds with the people he was elected to represent.

Wahlberg would make the 2001 tax cuts permanent to bring some certainty to the economy, and he would roll back the spending explosion of the past several years. He pledges to fight to keep Republicans from repeating their mistakes after winning the House in 1994, when they abandoned their pledge to be fiscally responsible. He says he will stay focused on economic issues and not actively pursue a socially conservative agenda. Tim Wahlberg is the best choice for the 7th District. 1st District (northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula): The last-minute retirement of veteran Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak left this seat wide open. A vigorous campaign is being fought between Republican Dan Benishek of Crystal Falls, and Gary McDowell of Pickford.

McDowell, a farmer, has experience in the state Legislature, where he voted against reforms that would have restructured state spending. He would likely do the same in Washington.

Benishek is a physician who would bring experience working in the medical industry to the rewriting of the health care bill. He calls himself a deficit hawk, and would vote against tax hikes that would threaten the nation's struggling economic recovery. Dan Benishek should be elected in the 1st District.

2nd District (west Michigan): Republican Rep. Pete Hoekstra retired from this seat to run for governor. It's being sought by Republican Bill Huizenga, a term-limited state senator from Zeeland, and Democrat Fred Johnson, a Hope College professor from Holland.

Huizenga was an advocate of reform in the Senate, as well as for measures that would spark economic growth, such as the Michigan film incentives. He would vote to hold the line on spending in the House, but he could also be counted on to offer innovative ideas for growing the economy. Bill Huizenga would serve the 2nd District well.

3rd District (Grand Rapids area): Another retirement, that of Republican Rep. Vern Ehlers, leaves this seat open. The contenders are first term state Rep. Justin Amash, R-Grand Rapids, and Democrat Pat Miles, a Grand Rapids attorney.

Miles is a bright and engaging candidate. But he backs most of the initiatives passed by Congress over the past two years, and that places him out of step with much of this conservative district. He would also raise taxes in the face of a faltering recovery.

Amash says he would encourage job creation by establishing a more certain tax and regulatory environment. He also would hold the line on taxes and spending. Justin Amash is best for the 3rd District. The remaining congressional seats in Michigan are held by incumbents who face less vigorous challenges.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101011/OPINION01/10110314/1008/Editorial--Candidates-best-suited-for-U.S.-House-of-Representatives#ixzz123SiiyDc

Free Press Covers Rocky vs. Peters Debate: Rocky Rails Against Taxes, Peters Takes Heat for His Big Government Vote for Healthcare Takeover Scheme

2010-10-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Congressional candidates tackle health care, jobs during debate
BY KATHLEEN GRAY
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

One of the hottest congressional races in the state got even hotter this afternoon as candidates for the 9th Congressional seat, which covers most of Oakland County, gathered for their final debate to try to make a final impact before the Nov. 2 general election.

U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, took most of the heat from the other candidates and the crowd for his support for health care reform.

Three of the candidates – Republican Andrew (Rocky) Raczkowski, Green Party candidate Douglas Campbell and Independent Bob Gray – said they would repeal the health care reform bill passed earlier this year. But Campbell said he would replace it with a socialized medicine system, such as what Canada offers.

“It was a power grab by our government,” Raczkowski said. “I pledge to repeal it.”

But Peters defended his vote, saying he still feels it’s critical to provide affordable, accessible health care for all Americans, noting that it does a variety of important things, like prohibit insurance companies from rescinding coverage for people who get sick and allow children to stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26.

For most people it was a day to rake the lawn, watch a rare Lions victory or take in some fall colors. But for about 200 politically engaged people, it was a day to support their favorite candidate as they debated issues ranging from health care to the deficit to the economy. The debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters Oakland Area, was held at Oakland University in Auburn Hills.

The candidates also tackled the thorny issue of creating jobs. Peters, Raczkowski and Gray said it wasn’t up to the government to create jobs while Independent Matthew Kuofie said it was up to government, academia and the private sector to create jobs, while Green said it’s been an appropriate role of government over they years to create jobs.

“The real creator of growth is going to be small business and there is a real inability to get loans for basic working capital,” Peters said. “That’s why I worked very aggressively on a small business lending bill.”

Most of the candidate supported extending the Bush tax cuts, although Green said he would vote against the extension and Peters said he would make the tax cuts permanent for people making $250,000 or less and for a few years for people making more than $250,000 while the economy continues to recover.

“We’re taxing too much already,” Raczkowski said.

The biggest applause line of the day, though, was when an audience member announced the score of the Detroit Lions football game, 34-6, in the fourth quarter over the Rams.

The debate will be available to watch online in about three days at www.civiccentertv.com.

Read more: Congressional candidates tackle health care, jobs during debate | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101010/NEWS15/101010029/1322/Congressional-candidates-tackle-health-care-jobs-during-debate?GID=vDGHqVDmxneGYYUTw3CvbfhHqjwL4F9Z/7GJUPEaJ94%3D#ixzz120bfjQrK

Detroit News Covers Rocky vs. Peters Debate: Rocky's Less Spending, Less Government Vision Wins Crowd, Peters Falters Pushing Pro-Pelosi Votes

2010-10-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Peters, Raczkowski find little common ground in debate over health care, jobs
Marisa Schultz / The Detroit News
Rochester Hills — Candidates for the 9th Congressional District seat sparred over health care, jobs and government intervention during the debate for one of the most hotly contested races in Michigan.

Incumbent Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, is fighting to retain his seat in the face of anti-incumbent and anti-Democratic sentiment here and around the country. Republican Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski, former state representative and Tea Party-backed candidate, is hoping to take the seat back for the GOP.

Peters defended his support of the federal health care bill, saying it will protect consumers from insurance being rescinded and bolster health care options for pre-existing conditions.

“I believe every American should have access to affordable health care — the same health care that a member of Congress has — and that’s what we have in this bill,” Peters said during the debate at Oakland University.

Raczkowski called the bill “dangerous,” saying women under 50 would not have coverage for mammograms because it’s not considered cost effective. He vowed to repeal and replace it.

“This bill is garbage. It will ration health care,” he said.

Also participating in the debate were Green Party candidate Douglas Campbell and Bob Gray and Matthew Kuofie, who are not affiliated with a party. Campbell said he would have voted against the health insurance measure because it isn’t health reform, but says he supports socialized medicine. Kuofie supports some parts of the bill, such as offering insurance to those with pre-existing conditions, but has concerns over how the bill will be funded. Gray doesn’t believe in national health care. “You don’t want the health care you shouldn’t have to take it,” Gray said.

Asked about the role of the federal government in job creation, Peters said the government does not create jobs, but private businesses do. However, small businesses have had trouble getting loans so while in Washington he’s worked to help them, he said.

“I’ve worked very aggressively on a small business lending bill that just recently was signed into law that will put money in the hands of our job creators, which are small businesses,” Peters said.

Raczkowski said the government creates problems for job creation when it gets involved in business.

“We need less regulation — less harmful regulation — less taxes and allow the entrepreneur spirit to create more of the enterprise in the United States,” Raczkowski said. “It’s the individual that actually hires and creates. It’s the individual that develops. There is no government in history that’s ever created a job.”

Peters and Raczkowski found common ground in immigration, with both favoring an E-Verify Internet-based system to allow business owners to easily check whether potential employees are documented. Peters doesn’t believe in amnesty for illegal immigrants and supports tougher border security and tougher penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers. Raczkowski doesn’t support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants and wants English to be the official language.

The 9th District includes most of Oakland County, including Farmington Hills, Pontiac, Rochester Hills and Troy. The district is about 80 percent white, 11 percent black and 8 percent Asian. Twenty-six percent of residents have a college degree or higher, according to the 2009 American Community Survey. The winner of the election will land a 2-year term and salary of $174,000.

The debate comes as Peters and Raczkowski have been on the attack in ads and as well in the courtroom. Peters’ television ad that debuted in September highlights a lawsuit filed against Raczkowski, former chairman and CEO of Star Tickets, accusing him of a “concert ticket scheme that bilked his partners out of $6 million.”

In response, Raczkowski, a Farmington Hills resident, filed a defamation lawsuit in Oakland Circuit Court against Peters and Mark Brewer, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party.

On the issues, Raczkowski believes in reducing government, extending tax cuts for all and less government regulation to promote the growth of private businesses. Peters defends his votes for the auto bailout and stimulus funding. He said he’d vote to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for those making $250,000 or less, and a temporary extension for those making more than $250,000.

The debate, lasting nearly 1.5 hours, was sponsored by the League of Women Voters Oakland Area and Oakland University. It was moderated by Free Press Columnist Brian Dickerson. Also on the panel of questioners were Nolan Finley, editorial page editor of the Detroit News, Stephen Henderson from the Free Press and Roger Larocca, an assistant professor at Oakland University.

mschultz@detnews.com

(313) 222-2310

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101010/METRO/10100315/Peters--Raczkowski-find-little-common-ground-in-debate-over-health-care--jobs#ixzz120YfvjLj

Obama/Pelosi/Gary Peters True Unemployment Breaks 17% Again - Rep. Gary Peters' Vote in Favor of the Obama/Pelosi Agenda Kills Economy

2010-10-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

True unemployment breaks 17% again - Obama’s jobless recovery continues

Posted by Dan Spencer (Profile)

Saturday, October 9th at 2:28PM EDT

The government unemployment report that the economy lost another 95,000 jobs and that the unemployment rate remained stuck at 9.6 percent in September is a disaster for the Obama/Democrats.

The government’s broader measure of unemployment, sometimes referred to “true unemploytment,” now stands at 17.1 percent. As the Washington Post’s Frank Ahrens puts it, you are not included in the “official” unemployment rate if, a) you would like to have a full-time job but can find only part-time work, and b) if you’ve grown so discouraged at finding work, you’ve simply given up:

If you include all of these people into the number — all of the people who should be working full time but are not — the truer U.S. unemployment rate is a much higher 16.8 percent.
The higher, more inclusive, unemployment number is buried in the government’s monthly report as “U6 Total unemployed, plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force, plus total employed part time for economic reasons, as a percent of the civilian labor force plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force” in “Table A-15. Alternative measures of labor underutilization.” Unlike the “official” unemployment rate, the U6 number includes both marginal and part-time workers as the “true” or “real” unemployment level.

This is once again a good time to recall President Obama’s promises about his boondoggle stimulus package:

•When pushing for passage of his $800 billion so-called stimulus package, President Obama proposed five different goals over eight weeks for his boondoggle and finally settled on a claim that his bailout would create three to four million jobs.
•Team Obama used scare tactics to get the Democrat-controlled Congress to give him the massive spending bill dressed up as a stimulus. They assured us that without Obama’s bailout the unemployment rate would reach 9 percent, but if Congress passed his boondoggle, unemployment would peak at 8 percent.
The unemployment rate scare tactic was contained in Obama’s “The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.” At Innocent Bystanders, Geoff, has plotted the actual unemployment rates on Obama’s prediction chart. Where are the jobs?

As we all unfortunately know, despite Team Obama’s assurances unemployment not only surpassed 8 and 9 percent, it actually broke 10 percent.

When will Obama admit that his misguided tax, spend and borrow policies have not done the job and are epic failures? We may have so far avoided a double dip recession under Obama. But sadly, in less than two years, we have now seen true unemployment rise above 17 percent three times during Obama’s presidency.

http://www.redstate.com/california_yankee/2010/10/09/true-unemployment-breaks-17-again-obamas-jobless-recovery-continues/

Rep. Gary Peters' Vote for Obamacare Exposed for Bad Public Policy by Leading Democrat - Helps Destroy Medicaid for Seniors

2010-10-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

Gubernatorial candidate (Nevada) Rory Reid (D), also son of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D), admitted last night that Obamacare puts “significant pressure on states because Medicaid rates could go up significantly.”

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/10/08/morning-bell-at-the-mercy-of-the-obama-tax-hikes/

An Ode to Gary Peters by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson

2010-10-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

An Ode to Gary Peters

If Peters would run on his record
His campaign would be a big dud
That's why he has gone so negative
And has been busily slinging mud
Oakland County voters aren't stupid
We're smarter than the average bear
We still remember Peters voted for
The Stimulus, Cap & Trade and Obamacare

by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson

Obama/Pelosi/Peters Democrats Make Power Play to Control Every Aspect of Your Life Including While You Drive - Gary Peters Needs to Go!

2010-10-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood may push total ban on phone use while driving

Jonathan Oosting | MLive.com
AP Photo U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood this week continued his aggressive campaign against distracted driving, suggesting he could push states to ban any use of mobile phones by drivers.

Michigan lawmakers last year passed legislation making it illegal to send text messages while driving in the state, but LaHood said research underway could prove the need to ban all forms of phone use -- including the hands-free variety.

Bloomberg, Oct. 8: LaHood, whose campaign against texting and making calls while driving has led to restrictions in 30 states, says his concerns extend to vehicle information and entertainment systems such as Ford Motor Co.’s Sync and General Motors Co.’s OnStar.

"I don’t want people talking on phones, having them up to their ear or texting while they’re driving," LaHood said in an interview this week. "We need a lot better research on other distractions," including Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calls and the in-car systems, he said.

Those comments came in the wake of a report by the Highway Loss Data Institute report suggesting text messaging bans have had little effect on crash rates and have not dissuaded drivers from sending texts. LaHood called the report "completely misleading" and said "all the reputable research we have says that tough laws, good enforcement and increased public awareness will help put a stop to the deadly epidemic of distracted driving on our roads."

It's unlikely LaHood would or could push for a federal ban. Rather, Bloomberg suggests he could use the governments clout to persuade states to strengthen their distracted driving laws, much like it did when awarding highway aid funds to states that raised the legal drinking age to 21 or required the use of seat belts.

Such a ban could be a blow to Ford and GM, who promote on-board computer systems for their ability to interact with smart phones and facilitate hands-free conversations, which Lahood called a form of "cognitive distraction."

Chrysler, meanwhile, announced Wednesday it is sponsoring a free, hands-free cell phone application developed by Car and Driver magazine intended to "combat the dangers of texting while driving."

When running, the twee-titled "Txt U L8r" automatically responds to incoming texts with a customizable message along the lines of "text you later." At the same time, the application reads the incoming message aloud to the driver, and a paid version allows the driver to respond with voice commands.

http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2010/10/us_transportation_secretary_ra.html

Signs are in! Get your Snyder/Calley, Schuette & Johnson lawn signs & Rocky for Congress, Senate, Rep. & County Commissioner signs too!

2010-10-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

Signs are in! Signs are in! Get yours today!!

The Fix Michigan Centers have received their shipment of:

*Snyder/Calley lawn signs
*Snyder/Calley 4x8 large signs (for major roads)
*Bill Schuette for Attorney General lawn signs
*Ruth Johnson for Secretary of State lawn signs

They also have:

*Rocky for Congress lawn signs
*Numerous State Senate/State Representative/County Commissioner lawn signs

Get yours Monday - Saturday (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM) & Sunday (12:00 - 6:00 PM)

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center:
671 E. Big Beaver, Suite 101, Troy
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center:
5770 S. Main St., Suite D, Clarkston
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center:
41700 Gardenbrook, Suite 202, Novi
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

STATEMENT FROM RNC CHAIRMAN MICHAEL STEELE ON THE SEPTEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS

2010-10-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2010
CONTACT: Press Office
202-863-8614

View This Statement At GOP.com

STATEMENT FROM RNC CHAIRMAN MICHAEL STEELE ON THE SEPTEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

“Seventeen consecutive months with higher than 9% unemployment represent the final verdict on the failed economic policies of this White House and the Democrat Congress as voters head to the polls. President Obama and his left wing allies on Capitol Hill have spent trillions of taxpayer dollars with nothing to show for it but a mountain of crippling debt and chronic joblessness. 95,000 more jobs lost provides further evidence that their agenda of more spending, higher taxes, and bigger government is only fueling more economic uncertainty and making it harder to put Americans back to work. After nearly two years of weak leadership and broken promises, the American people will go to the polls in less than a month and reject this Administration’s economic mismanagement.”

###

Republican National Committee | 310 First Street, SE | Washington, D.C. 20003
p: 202.863.8500 | f: 202.863.8820 | e: info@gop.com
Paid for by the Republican National Committee.
310 First Street, SE - Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 863-8500
www.gop.com
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee

Saturday, Oct. 9th: Move Oakland '10 - We Need You to Walk/Call for Victory for Our GOP Nominees!!

2010-10-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

Join the

9th Congressional District Republican Party
At

MOVE OAKLAND '10:
RALLY & VOTER CONTACT SUPER SATURDAY

Saturday, October 9th

Join Republican Party officials, GOP nominees and grassroots activists as we plan to rally our GOP ticket to victory and gather to walk precincts in the area or survey voters by telephone for Rocky Raczkowski for Congress and Rick Snyder / Brian Calley for Governor / Lt. Governor and the entire Republican ticket. Bring friends / neighbors / family. Let's move Oakland in support of the Republican statewide ticket!
NOTE: If you would like to walk your own precinct, then please RSVP by any Tuesday before 3:00 PM so we can create a walk book for you for that weekend. Otherwise, we will send people out in teams in the surrounding area. Reserve your precinct walk list by contacting the director of the office you want to pick your walk book up from. Contact information is listed below.
Join us for Move Oakland '10 at our Fix Michigan Centers (coffee & bagels provided):

Sat., Oct. 9 - 9:30 AM: Greater Oakland Republican Club (GOGOP) HQ
3677 S Lapeer Rd; Lake Orion, MI
(Located north of Silverbell Rd and next to Wally Edgar Chevrolet - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Walking precincts in the Rochester / Rochester Hills / Oakland Township area.

Sat., Oct. 9 - 9:30 AM:
Troy Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party

Sat., Oct. 9 - 9:30 AM: Novi Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
(New Center for Western 9th District Republicans)

Sat., Oct. 9 - 9:30 AM: Clarkston Fix Michigan Center will be operating at the Greater Oakland Republican Club (GOGOP) HQ location for this Saturday (see location information above)
(New Center for Northern 9th District Republicans)

Sat., Oct. 9 - 10:00 AM: Oakland County GOP HQ/Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center

(See below for the Locations of the Fix Michigan Centers)

Fix Michigan Center Location Information:

Troy Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
671 E Big Beaver Rd Ste 101; Troy
(Located on the north side of Big Beaver Road west of Rochester Road; next to Big Beaver Tavern - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Novi Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
41700 Gardenbrook Rd Ste 202; Novi
(Difficult location in the area south of I-96, east of Novi Road and north of Grand River Avenue - Using map links or GPS unit is advised - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center / Michigan Republican Party
5770 S Main St Ste D; Clarkston
(Located just north of Dixie Hwy [M-24] - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
203-470-4261

Oakland County GOP HQ / Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Ave; Bloomfield Twp
(Located on the southeast bound side of Woodward Avenue south of Square Lake Road - Map Links: Tight View - Mid View - Wide View)
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Can't make the posted time?:
The Fix Michigan Centers are open everyday from 9 AM - 9 PM (Sunday hours: 12 PM - 6 PM). So stop in and help out whenever you are free!

Questions?:
Contact the Michigan Republican Party field team at the above listed telephone numbers/email addresses. See you there!

Event Restrictions:
Cameras and electronic recording devices of any kind are prohibited.

########################################################################
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: twitter.com@MI9thGOP
FRIEND OUR FACEBOOK GROUP: Michigan's 9th Congressional District Republicans
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.MI9thGOP.com
E-MAIL US: MI9thGOP@gmail.com
########################################################################
PAID FOR WITH REGULATED FUNDS BY:
9th District Republican Committee
PO Box 4553
Troy MI 48099-4553
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Michigan Ninth Congressional District Republicans
PO Box 4553
Troy Michigan 48099-4553
United States

Rocky Reaches 'Contender' Status in his Congressional Race Against Gary Peters, National Republican Campaign Committee Upgrades Raczkowski

2010-10-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Rocky Raczkowski Reaches ‘Contender’ Status
Michigan Republican Takes Critical Second Step in ‘Young Guns’ Program

Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Andrew ‘Rocky’ Raczkowski (MI-09) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program, with Raczkowski now facing a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to unseat Democrat lapdog Gary Peters. Since being elected in 2008, Peters has eagerly rubber-stamped his party’s reckless agenda that includes a trillion-dollar stimulus, a job-killing cap-and-trade bill and a disastrous healthcare takeover.

Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Raczkowski has already proven his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.

“Rocky Raczkowski has already proven that he will be a formidable candidate by meeting the Young Guns program’s rigorous goals and is well on his way to building a winning campaign that will put this seat in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Rocky is part of a strong pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s agenda of more spending and less jobs and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. His campaign has put Gary Peters on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”

With business, military, and community involvement serving as the cornerstones for his campaign, Andrew Raczkowski has the experience and enthusiasm needed to help carry his constituents’ interests to Washington. Elected in 1996 to the Michigan House of Representatives, Raczkowski soon climbed the ranks and in 1998, became the youngest Majority Floor Leader in the nation. Prior to his public service, he volunteered in the U.S. Army Reserves and has completed several military tours with his most recent one ending just over a year ago in September 2009. Raczkowski also has extensive business experience, as he is the former Chairman and CEO of Star Tickets, a Michigan corporation that employs many Michigan residents, and also serves with the Chamber of Commerce, Optimists, Jaycees, ALS of Michigan and many other civic and charitable organizations.

While already having achieved certain benchmarks to place him on the road to victory, Raczkowski now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.

Nancy Pelosi/Gary Peters' Stimulus Payments Went to 72,000 Dead People, 17,000 Went to People in Prison: Reject Gary Peters & His Big Government Ways

2010-10-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

72,000 stimulus payments went to dead people
Another 17,000 worth $4.3 million were sent to people in prison

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
The Associated Press

2010-10-08T02:09:29
WASHINGTON — More than 89,000 stimulus payments of $250 each went to people who were either dead or in prison, a government investigator says in a new report.

The payments, which were part of last year's massive economic recovery package, were meant to increase consumer spending to help stimulate the economy.

But about $18 million went to nearly 72,000 people who were dead, according to the report by the Social Security Administration's inspector general. The report estimates that a little more than half of those payments were returned.

Stimulus tracker: Follow how the money is spent
An additional $4.3 million went to more than 17,000 prison inmates, the report said. Most of the inmates, it turns out, were eligible to get the payments because they were newly incarcerated and had been receiving Social Security before they were locked up.

In all, the $250 payments were sent to about 52 million people who receive either Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, at a cost of about $13 billion. Other federal retirees also received the payments, but they were not part of the inspector general's review.

The inspector general for the Social Security Administration has been performing an audit to make sure no checks went to ineligible recipients. The latest report was dated Sept. 24 but was just recently posted to the agency's website.

People were eligible for payments if they were getting benefits during any one of the three months before the law was passed in February 2009.

Dead people were ineligible to get the payments. But, the report said, there is no provision in the law to recover payments incorrectly sent to dead people.

"Based on the failure of the SSA to properly check its records, and Congress' failure to fully think through the provisions needed to govern these payments, SSA lost $22.3 million in American tax dollars," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. "These findings are yet another example of congressional stupidity and a lack of accountability."

The Social Security Administration said that despite tight deadlines, workers accurately processed more than 99.8 percent of the 52 million stimulus payments.

"We worked with Treasury, developed new processes, and began issuing (payments) about 30 days earlier than the legislatively mandated deadline," the agency said in a written response included in the inspector general's report. "This was a major accomplishment for our agency."

The inspector general's report said that if similar payments are authorized in the future, prison inmates should be ineligible and the government should be able to recover payments made to dead people.

The Social Security Administration agreed with the recommendations.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39566021/ns/business-economy_at_a_crossroads/?ocid=twitter

Gary Peters' World Falls Apart: 1st. Democrat Announces Against Peters' Mentor & Boss Nancy Pelosi!

2010-10-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Bright Says He Will Oppose Pelosi for Speaker
By Kate Hunter, CQ-Roll Call
Alabama Rep. Bobby Bright on Thursday became the first Democratic incumbent to say publicly that he would not support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker in the next Congress.

“I am not going to vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House,” Bright told WSFA-12, a Montgomery-based television station.

Bright was one of a handful of moderate House Democrats who until Thursday would not commit to voting for Pelosi (D-Calif.). He told the television station that neither Pelosi nor Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) would get his support for Speaker at the start of the 112th Congress.

“I will vote for someone, a centrist, who is much more like me and also much more like 80 percent of the people in America,” the former Montgomery mayor said.

Bright’s opponent, Republican Martha Roby, has made an issue of his January 2009 vote for Pelosi. Pelosi has served as Speaker since 2007.

Bright made headlines in August for joking that Pelosi might “get sick and die” before the next Congress and therefore not be Speaker. He later said he regretted the remark and said it was taken out of context.

As of Wednesday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had spent more to boost Bright’s campaign than on any other competitive House race. The DCCC has already spent $626,000 on the Alabama race, according to the latest independent expenditure reports filed by the committee, and it is likely that total will surpass $1 million before Nov. 2.

Roby told WSFA-12 that Bright should now answer whether he would vote for “whomever the Democrats nominated” for the top House job.

“If that’s the case, it’s going to be more of the same,” Roby said.

Bright has distanced himself from Pelosi in his television ads this cycle. One recent spot featured him side by side with Boehner and said that he “votes 80 percent of the time with the Republican leader.”

Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) downplayed the significance of Bright’s comments Thursday, casting his as “just one vote” out of many in the Caucus. Clyburn insisted that Pelosi had strong support among her rank and file to continue in her current role.

“That’s no indication of anything other than that we have a very diverse Caucus which is a little bit different from the Republican Conference,” Clyburn said. Clyburn added that he had given money to Bright’s re-election effort despite the fact that the Alabama Democrat often votes against his party. And Pelosi herself has contributed to Bright’s campaign: According to Open Secrets, she has given $10,000 through her leadership political action committee.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704689804575536260615571000.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Newt Gingrich: GOP is "the party of paychecks."

2010-10-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

MINNEAPOLIS – Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is advising Republican candidates on November's ballots to frame the choice for voters between Democrats as "the party of food stamps" while selling the GOP as "the party of paychecks."

With a month to go before the election, Gingrich brought his branding effort to Minnesota on Wednesday. He raised money for Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Emmer and the state GOP during a private fundraiser.

He told reporters later that Republicans can campaign as the party of opportunity.

"Most Americans would like to get a paycheck," Gingrich said. "Most Americans would not like to be forced to have food stamps handed out by liberal Democrats."

Gingrich is considering a run for president in 2012 and is about to head off on a 12-city "Jobs Here, Jobs Now" tour with stops in South Carolina, Georgia, Iowa and Wisconsin, among other places.

Gingrich this week distributed a memo to Republican hopefuls saying they should use the final month to stress tax and spending cuts as a way to spur job growth while attacking Democratic policies as detrimental that effort.

He blamed policies by a Democratic Congress and President Barack Obama's administration for pushing the number of people receiving food stamps to historic highs. U.S. Department of Agriculture Data show 41.8 million people were on government nutrition assistance programs in July, up from about 32 million when Obama took office.

Do you think the GOP will take back the House and Senate?

"It's perfectly fair to say they are earning the title of the party of food stamps," he said. "By contrast, we have historically since Ronald Reagan of 1980 been the party of job creation."

Hari Sevugan, press secretary for the Democratic National Committee, said Democrats are pulling the country "out of the deep ditch" the current administration inherited from a Republican White House.

"Under Republican economic policies, nearly 800,000 Americans lost their job every month," Sevugan said. "Under Democratic economic policies, we are adding jobs every month. That's the choice."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101007/ap_on_el_ge/us_gingrich_food_stamps

GOP Experiencing Massive Enthusiasm Advantage Over Democrats

2010-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

GOP Experiencing Massive Enthusiasm Advantage Over Democrats
Wednesday, October 06, 2010 @ 11:10 AM

And the New York Times notes that President Obama is struggling to motivate the Democrats’ dispirited base as Republicans continue to experience a massive enthusiasm advantage:

Mr. Obama has focused much of his prodding — and not a small amount of personal pique — on the liberals most deflated by the first two years of his presidency. Assuming that many independents are out of reach, White House strategists are counting on Mr. Obama to energize, cajole, wheedle and even shame the left into matching the Tea Party momentum that has propelled Republicans this year. As he holds rallies aimed at college students and minority groups, sends e-mail to his old list of campaign supporters and prepares to host a town hall-style meeting on MTV, the president essentially is appealing to his liberal base to put aside its disappointment in him… At times, though, the message has come across as scolding and testy, in the view of some Democrats.

http://www.nrsc.org/gop-experiencing-massive-enthusiasm-advantage-over-democrats

Detroit News: Young, Kelly best choices for high court

2010-10-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Editorial: Young, Kelly best choices for high court
The Detroit News
Michigan in the past few months has become a very good place in which to be a plaintiff’s attorney. That’s not good for the law or the state’s economy. Incumbent Justice Bob Young and Wayne Circuit Judge Mary Beth Kelly are the best choices to restore the balance in Michigan law.

Young and Kelly are running against recently-appointed Justice Alton Thomas Davis and Oakland Circuit Judge Denise Langford Morris. While the Supreme Court candidates are listed on the nonpartisan section of the ballot, Young and Kelly were nominated at the state Republican political convention, while Thomas and Morris are the Democratic nominees. All of the nominees have solid judicial credentials and all are qualified to serve as justices of the Supreme Court.

But the law of Michigan is currently in turmoil. The working majority on the court changed with the election of Democrat Diane Marie Hathaway in 2008. In the 18 months since her election, the court has overturned more than a dozen legal precedents. And, in the words of incumbent Justice Stephen Markman, the court has “teed up” another half dozen precedents to be overturned when the justices’ next session begins this winter.

This rate of reversals renders all of the complaints from the previous Democratic minority of justices on the court about precedents being overturned hollow and hypocritical. And the fact is that many of the new reversals of prior precedents have served primarily to make it easier for plaintiff’s attorneys to bring lawsuits. In making it easier to bring lawsuits, the new majority has created uncertainty in the law and uncertainty in the state’s economy.

Lawsuits are essential to imposing liability for wrongdoing. But liability for lawsuits should be as closely related as possible to actual fault. The prior court, in which Young was in the majority, was respectful of the Legislature’s intent to channel and control liability.

Justice Robert P. Young has been on the high court since 1999. He came to the Supreme Court from the Michigan Court of Appeals, where he had served since 1995. Prior to that he served as vice president and general counsel to AAA Michigan and was with a major Detroit law firm. He is the author of the state Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Wayne County v. Hatchcock, which overturned the notorious Poletown case and protected private property from seizure by government for nonpublic purposes. He fully deserves to be returned to the court.

Judge Mary Beth Kelly served as chief judge of the state’s largest court, the Wayne Circuit Court, for six years. During that time she took on tough problems with the court, including working to speed up the Friend of the Court’s child support operations and getting more minorities on the court’s juries.

A Wisconsin Supreme Court justice once remarked that if a state’s highest court is working properly, it will issue conservative rulings when conservatives are writing the law in state legislatures and liberal rulings when legislative liberals are writing the law. The Michigan Legislature for the last 20 years has been either divided or dominated by conservatives. In our view, Mary Beth Kelly is likely to join Young in restoring balance to the court’s case law, putting the brakes on the current majority’s headlong rush to make this state a bonanza for plaintiff’s lawyers, by applying the law as written by state legislators.

Michigan residents will be well served if they vote for Bob Young and Mary Beth Kelly.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101005/OPINION01/10050312/1007/rss07#ixzz11aS1Tsjl

Lawn signs are in! Get yours today @ one of these GOP action centers!

2010-10-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Get Involved Today: 6 GOP Action Centers Need You!
Get involved today to send a message to Washington & Lansing: No more big government tax-and-spending on our watch!

Make phone calls or talk to voters door-to-door. Pick up a lawn sign. Place a bumper sticker on your car. We need you today!

Visit any of these six Republican action centers today:

Bloomfield Fix Michigan Center
42651 Woodward Avenue
Director: Bobby Talbot
btalbot@migopvictory.org
517-862-8321

Troy Fix Michigan Center
671 E. Big Beaver Suite 101
Director: Addison Pierce
apierce@migopvictory.org
517-862-8300

Clarkston Fix Michigan Center
5770 S. Main St., Suite D
Director: Mike Compagnoni
mike@migopvictory.org
517-214-2801

Novi Fix Michigan Center
41700 Gardenbrook Suite 202
Director: Ann-Marie Gostomski
agostomski@migopvictory.org
517-348-9490

Rocky for Congress Campaign HQ
34122 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, Michigan
Director: Jessica Corbett
jessica@rockyworksforus.com
248-556-4400

Rick Snyder for Governor Oakland County Campaign HQ
43249 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Director: Stu Foster
stu@rickformichigan.com
734-389-5880

"Ladies Night" Phone Bank for Senator John Pappageorge

2010-10-05T20:27:00.001-07:00

Join Senator John Pappageorge and his wife, Cristina,
at tomorrow's "Ladies Night" Phone Bank

When: Wednesday, October 6th, 4:30 to 7:30 pm

Where: Fix Michigan Troy Offices, 671 East Big Beaver Road, Suite 101
(next door to the Big Beaver Tavern)

Why: Lets do all that we can to help Senator Pappageorge, Rocky, Rick Snyder,
Bill Schuette, and Ruth Johnson ACHIEVE VICTORY ON ELECTION DAY!!

Note: Dinner will be served for all volunteers!!

RSVP: Tim Lee at 248-435-8660 or timlee118@gmail.com
Corinne Khederian, President, Birmingham RWC, 248-644-5274 or cvkhed@aol.com

"REPUBLICAN WOMEN = REPUBLICAN WINS"

Oakland Press: Brooks Patterson Calls Rep. Gary Peters "a fraud" & says "he's a phony".

2010-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Patterson predicts GOP sweep in state vote WITH VIDEO
Published: Tuesday, October 05, 2010

By CHARLES CRUMM
Of The Oakland Press

Voters are often fickle from election to election.

This year, Republican Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson predicts the pendulum is swinging away from Democrats, who scored a landslide in 2008, and back toward Republicans.

So much so that Patterson is predicting a GOP sweep in races for governor, secretary of state and attorney general, as well as other races up and down the ballot.

“What you see is another shift of the pendulum, quicker than the Dems anticipated,” Patterson said. “I remember a couple years ago when we got beat so badly, they opened up a can of Whoop Ass on us.

“People were saying back then that Republican Party is going to be irrelevant for the next 20 years, and here we are poised to come back and sweep the state and recapture the House of Representatives — all within a 20-month period. Incredible,” he said.

Patterson on Friday said the race to watch this year is for the Michigan Supreme Court, where newly appointed Justice Alton Davis is on the ballot with incumbent Bob Young and challengers Mary Beth Kelly and Denise Langford Morris.

Supreme Court races are technically nonpartisan, but the candidates are nominated by political party conventions held in August.

The Republican nominees are Young and Kelly while the Democrats nominated Davis and Langford Morris.

But with four weeks to go until the election, Patterson predicted voters will elect Republicans for governor, attorney general and secretary of state, oust first-term U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, and score gains in local offices.

The governor’s race pits Republican Rick Snyder against Democrat Virg Bernero. The secretary of state race is between Republican Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson and Democrat Jocelyn Benson, and the attorney general’s contest is between Republican Bill Schuette and Democrat David Leyton.

In the 9th Congressional District, entirely within Oakland County borders, Republican Rocky Raczkowski is challenging Peters for his seat.

Patterson recently signed on to the “Gary Peters Truth Squad” on Raczkowski’s behalf to blunt advertising by Peters about a lawsuit against Raczkowski in a ticket sales business he used to run.

Patterson supported Raczkowski’s opponent, Paul Welday, in the Republican primary but now backs Raczkowski and calls Peters “a fraud” who has spent more money on false advertising than Welday did.

“He’s a phony, he’s really starting to tick me off,” Patterson said of Peters.

Besides choosing a governor, secretary of state, attorney general, supreme court justices, and member of Congress this year, voters are also picking representatives to the state Senate, state House, county commission, university governing boards, local councils and voting on a slew of ballot proposals.

Contact staff writer Charles Crumm at 248-745-4649, charlie.crumm@oakpress.com or follow him on Twitter @crummc. More election information is at 2010electioninoaklandcounty.gspot.com.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/10/05/news/politics/doc4caa72be8872f223881353.txt

Detroit News: Gary Peters' ad makes allegations that have not been substantiated

2010-10-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Last Updated: October 01. 2010 1:00AM

Ad Watch
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News

The ad
A 31-second television ad slams U.S. congressional hopeful Andrew (Rocky) Raczkowski about a lawsuit filed against him in South Dakota in February 2009. The first page of the suit, filed by concert promoters in Texas, appears behind images of the candidate's face. Incriminating words, some from the suit, appear in bold, and several unidentified, would-be voters question whether they can trust Raczkowski: "If he's ripped off his business partners, how can we trust him?"

Who funded: Gary Peters for Congress

The race: Raczkowski is challenging U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, for Michigan's 9th Congressional District. Election Day is Nov. 2.

What it says
1) The ad says Raczkowski is "being sued by his former business partners for theft, fraud and conspiracy."

2) The ad cites court documents that say Raczkowski "set up a concert ticket scheme that bilked his partners out of $6 million" and "witnesses say he lied about evidence and destroyed documents to cover it up."

What record says
1) The 10-page lawsuit describes Star Tickets, Raczkowski's company, as a vendor, and one hired to sell tickets at a concert in South Dakota in the summer of 2008; it doesn't describe Raczkowski as an invested partner.

2) The damages sought a total of $6.5 million, but the plaintiff is seeking that from Raczkowski and the two other vendors. The plaintiff accuses Raczkowski specifically of destroying ticket stubs to misrepresent the number of ticket sales at the event. However, the suit offers no definitive evidence, only deductive conjecture: "It is my belief that Raczkowski had to destroy (and did destroy) ticket stubs...." Furthermore, witnesses have yet to give testimony supporting the plaintiff's claims, and a court has not yet adjudicated the matter.

In response to the ad, Raczkowski filed a defamation suit Monday in Oakland County Circuit Court, suing Peters and Mark Brewer, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Reality check
The ad makes allegations that have not been substantiated or adjudicated in court.

cjun@detnews.com (313) 222-2019

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20101001/POLITICS02/10010376/Ad-Watch#ixzz11RPZjMyD

Gallup: GOP Well Positioned Among Likely Midterm Voters - Rep. Gary Peters' Chances Continue to Look Bleak

2010-10-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

October 4, 2010

GOP Well Positioned Among Likely Midterm Voters
Voting preferences remain close among registered voters

by Frank Newport, Jeffrey M. Jones, and Lydia Saad

PRINCETON, NJ -- Gallup's generic ballot for Congress among registered voters currently shows Republicans with 46% of the vote and Democrats with 43%, similar to the 46% to 46% tie reported a week ago. However, in Gallup's first estimates among likely voters, based on polling from Sept. 23-Oct. 3, Republicans have a double-digit advantage under two separate turnout scenarios.

These initial estimates are based on interviews with more than 3,000 national adults, including more than 2,700 registered voters, and more than 1,800 adults who demonstrate a high probability of voting this fall, based on their answers to Gallup's standard likely voter questions that probe current voting intentions and past voting behavior.

Among registered voters interviewed over this period, the parties continue to have rough parity on Gallup's generic ballot for Congress, as they have since early September. If all voters turned out at this point, the national vote would be close, with Republicans having the slight edge.

However, not all voters will turn out. For this reason, Gallup identifies the subsample of registered voters most likely to vote in November, employing methods first used in the 1950 midterm elections. These estimates are based on respondents' answers to seven separate turnout questions. The results are used to assign a "likelihood to vote" score to each registered voter and, in turn, to create hypothetical models of the electorate based on various turnout scenarios.

For this initial estimate of those most likely to vote, Gallup has modeled a lower turnout estimate (40%, typical for recent midterm elections) and a higher turnout estimate. In both cases, the Republican share of the vote is above 50% and the Democratic share is 40% or less, underscoring the strong position in which the GOP would find itself were the election held today.

Gallup has found Republicans, compared with Democrats, expressing higher levels of enthusiasm about voting and more thought given to the elections throughout 2010. It follows that models in which voting is restricted to those most likely to vote would show Republicans doing disproportionately well.

Gallup's historical election trends suggest that the race often tightens in the final month of the campaign. In September and October 1994, 2002, and 2006, Gallup's likely voter estimates showed larger margins for the leading party than what the final estimate showed (with the final poll in 2002 moving from a slight Democratic advantage to a Republican lead in the final poll). At this point, four weeks remain until Election Day, and given the already-high levels of Republican enthusiasm, it is possible that Democrats could have relatively greater gains among likely voters over the next month. This history suggests that the likely voter model results at this point should be viewed as describing the current state of affairs, but not as predictive of the final party vote shares on Nov. 2.

Within both likely voter pools, Republicans are highly likely to vote for the Republican candidate, and Democrats for the Democratic candidate. Independents in both likely voter models skew strongly toward the Republican candidate. Gallup has found independent registered voters consistently preferring Republican candidates throughout the campaign.

Across both turnout scenarios, the overall vote results reflect the fact that Republicans become a larger part of the sample as turnout shrinks.

Based on statistical modeling of the historical relationship between the national vote and seats, any situation in which the Democrats have less than about 47% of the actual two-party national vote for Congress (i.e., 53% voting for the Republicans and 47% for the Democrats among those voting for one of the two parties) would strongly predict that Republicans would win enough seats to gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. If there is a widely disproportionate skew in turnout toward Republican voters and their national vote lead ends up being in the double digits, the Republican gains would be very substantial.

Gallup will continue to update both trends in registered-voter voting intentions and the hypothetical results of various likely voter models between now and Election Day. Gallup's final likely voter estimates have historically been very close to the final national vote.

Explore more Gallup data relating to the upcoming congressional midterm elections, including Gallup's complete generic ballot trend since 1950, in our Election 2010 Key Indicators interactive.

Learn more about Gallup's likely voter models for the 2010 midterm congressional elections.

Survey Methods
Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Sept. 23-26 and Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2010, with a random sample of 3,037 national adults, aged 18 and older, living in the continental U.S., selected using random-digit-dial sampling.

For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.

For results based on the total sample of 2,764 registered voters, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.

For results based on the total sample of 1,882 likely voters, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±3 percentage points.

Interviews are conducted with respondents on landline telephones (for respondents with a landline telephone) and cellular phones (for respondents who are cell phone-only). Each sample includes a minimum quota of 150 cell phone-only respondents and 850 landline respondents per 1,000 respondents, with additional minimum quotas among landline respondents for gender within region. Landline respondents are chosen at random within each household on the basis of which member had the most recent birthday.

Samples are weighted by gender, age, race, education, region, and phone lines. Demographic weighting targets are based on the March 2009 Current Population Survey figures for the aged 18 and older non-institutionalized population living in continental U.S. telephone households. All reported margins of sampling error include the computed design effects for weighting and sample design.

In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

For more details on Gallup's polling methodology, visit http://www.gallup.com/.

Republican National Committee - Coalition Teleconference w/ Chairman Michael Steele Thursday. Join in!

2010-10-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

RNC COALITIONS

CONFERENCE CALL

Please Join
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele

When: Thursday, October 07, 2010 at 4:00 PM EDT

Where: Dial-In Number: 888-566-2143 Code: 4743829

Make a difference today - donate to these important GOP campaigns!

2010-10-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

Rocky Raczkowski for Congress
https://www.rockyworksforus.com/contribute/

Ruth Johnson for Secretary of State
http://www.rj4mi.com/

Bill Schuette for Attorney General
https://billschuette.uscontributions.com/

Join Future GOP Lt. Governor Brian Calley & Future GOP Attorney General Bill Schuette in Troy Oct. 14 at Countdown to Victory Dinner '10

2010-10-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PARTY

&

ROCHESTER REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB

Invite You to

COUNTDOWN TO VICTORY DINNER ‘10

HONORED GUESTS

BRIAN CALLEY
Republican Nominee for Lt. Governor

&

BILL SCHUETTE
Republican Nominee for Attorney General

Thursday, October 14, 2010
Petruzzello’s Banquet Center
6950 Rochester Road, Troy, Michigan

Doors open at 6:30 PM – Program starts at 7:00 PM

Cost:
Pre-paid by Oct. 12: $25/person - $45/couple
At the door, as available: $30/person - $55/couple
Private VIP Reception: $100/person

No tickets issued for the event. Your pre-paid check is your ticket.

Mail check by Oct. 12th and make payable to:
9th District Republican Committee, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099

Priority seating for paid 9th District Republican & Rochester RWC members.
Please contact Theresa Mungioli at 248-410-8651 or mi9thgop@gmail.com for more information.
www.mi9thgop.com

Paid for by: 9th District Republican Committee, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099

Heritage Event for Young Professionals Tuesday in Birmingham --- Join Us!

2010-10-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Fellow Conservative:
We cordially invite you to attend a Heritage event for young professionals in downtown Birmingham - 7pm Tuesday, October 5, 2010.
To register for this event, visit www.MyHeritage.org/Heritage

The Southeast Michigan Committee for Heritage cordially invites you to attend an event for young professionals
Will Opportunity Keep Knocking?
How Government Policies are Making it Harder for You to Become Successful
Most young adults grew up in a time of unparalleled prosperity in America. Their parents' generation has become wealthier than any other generation in America's history. These boom years have led to exceptional growth and wealth creation. Many young professionals have always assumed that the same opportunities will exist for them as well. But is this the case?
Government policies being proposed today make these opportunities less likely. Bill Beach and Rob Bluey will explain how this Administration's policies will affect America's young professionals. Bill Beach will share real solutions to the economic problems facing the country and particularly the younger generation, from Obama's tax hikes to the economic impact of historically high debt burden.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
7:00 p.m. Reception
7:45 p.m. Remarks
South
210 South Old Woodward Avenue
Birmingham, Michigan
Registration Information
There is a $10 registration fee to attend. Wine, drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided.
To register for this event, visit www.MyHeritage.org/Heritage.
For more information, please contact Brittany Balmer at (202) 608-1524 or specialevents@heritage.org.
Young Professionals Host Committee
Nicholas Cabrera
Nick Dutchenshen
Robert Gillette
Robert Steele
David Wisz

Southeast Michigan Committee for Heritage
Sarah and Doug Allison, Honorary Chairmen Robert Gillette
Dulce Fuller, Chairman Barbara Kasler
Gilbert Cox Ed Levy
Ted FullerJames LoPrete
Dick GabrysMichael Monahan
Bob GilletteGregory Schwartz

Rep. Gary Peters' Vote in Favor of Obamacare (Healthcare Takeover Law) Causes Cuts to Medicare for Seniors!

2010-09-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Harvard Pilgrim cancels Medicare Advantage plan

By Robert Weisman
Globe Staff / September 28, 2010

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has notified customers that it will drop its Medicare Advantage health insurance program at the end of the year, forcing 22,000 senior citizens in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine to seek alternative supplemental coverage.

The decision by Wellesley-based Harvard Pilgrim, the state’s second-largest health insurer, was prompted by a freeze in federal reimbursements and a new requirement that insurers offering the kind of product sold by Harvard Pilgrim — a Medicare Advantage private fee for service plan — form a contracted network of doctors who agree to participate for a negotiated amount of money. Under current rules, patients can seek care from any doctor.

“We became concerned by the long-term viability of Medicare Advantage programs in general,’’ said Lynn Bowman, vice president of customer service at Harvard Pilgrim’s office in Quincy. “We know that cuts in Medicare are being used to fund national health care reform. And we also had concerns about our ability to build a network of health care providers that would meet the needs of our seniors.’’

Under Medicare Advantage plans, the federal government pays private health insurers to sell customers over 65 years old enhanced policies, many of which offer prescription drug coverage not covered by standard Medicare. But the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been seeking to reduce the amount it pays to private insurers for such programs.

Medicare told Harvard Pilgrim to notify customers that its Medicare Advantage program, known as First Seniority Freedom, was being canceled. In a mailing, the insurer was required to list alternative Medicare Advantage plans, including those offered by its competitors.

Harvard Pilgrim in a second mailing this week will urge customers to switch to a new Medicare Supplement plan it will begin offering in October. Unlike Medicare Advantage, which is overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the new Harvard Pilgrim plan will be overseen by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

It will be “slightly more expensive’’ than the Medicare Advantage plans, but competitive with supplemental insurance plans offered by rivals such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the state’s largest health insurer, Bowman said.

She said the Medicare Supplement plan will feature some benefits not covered by the current plan, such as fitness reimbursements, but won’t pay for prescription drugs, which are covered by some versions of the current plan. Instead, seniors can buy separate supplemental drug coverage through a partnership with Coventry Health Care, in Bethesda, Md.

As of yesterday afternoon, about 1,000 customers had sought information about the product change.

Newton resident Robert Gray, 68, a retired computer engineer and technology researcher, said he was disturbed to find out his plan was being discontinued. But he said he prefers to remain with Harvard Pilgrim because he is a longtime customer.

“If there’s a big increase in price or the various options in the new plan don’t seem to be the same . . . we might consider going to another plan,’’ Gray said.

More than 60 percent of senior citizens in Massachusetts are covered only by Medicare, according to Harvard Pilgrim research. Those who buy supplemental insurance are divided roughly evenly between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans.

Robert Weisman can be reached at weisman@globe.com.

http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2010/09/28/harvard_pilgrim_cancels_medicare_advantage_plan/

9th. GOP Release: Congressional Debate Showed Peters Dazed, Confused on the Issues, Rocky Provided Solid Solutions to Real Problems

2010-09-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

9th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PARTY

1ST CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE FINDS PETERS OUT OF TOUCH WITH OAKLAND COUNTY FAMILIES
Peters Seemed Dazed, Confused during Forum, Clung to Pelosi’s Talking Points at Every Turn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Glenn Clark
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 mi9thgop@gmail.com

TROY, MICHIGAN --- Last night U.S. Representative Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) squared off with Republican challenger Rocky Raczkowski at the 1st and possibly only congressional candidate’s forum for the 9th district seat hosted by the Oakland Press. During the debate in Pontiac, Michigan, Congressman Peters was evasive with answering questions put to him by the Oakland Press staff and by his Republican challenger, and he seemed dazed and confused as to the content of some of the questions. Peters largely stuck to Democratic National Congressional Committee talking points praising big government and defending his votes which exploded the nation’s debt.

Glenn Clark, Chairman of the 9th Congressional District Republican Party, who attended the forum stated the following related to the debate, “It is clear that Rocky Raczkowski won the debate hands down. The forum rules allowed candidates to engage each other. Rocky regularly tried to dive deeper in to various issues to discuss a solution to the economic downturn Oakland County families are experiencing. He clearly rejected a Washington-knows-best perspective that Gary Peters continues to back. In fact, the audience seemed to largely agree with Raczkowski’s market-based concept of moving the nation forward toward recovery.”

Clark went further by saying, “Peters, whenever challenged on any issue, seemed unable to defend his votes in the House. Whether it was his vote for the government expanding and option killing Obamacare healthcare takeover, tax raising Cap and Trade bill, or being a yes vote for the $800 billion failed stimulus, Peters never moved away from his liberal record of massively expanding the power and scope of Washington, D.C. Peters has been more focused on raising taxes on middle class Oakland County families than reducing the staggering unemployment rate in our area. Oakland County voters should fire Gary Peters in November and hire Rocky Raczkowski.”

-30-

Paid for by: 9th District Republican Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Michigan View: 9th District Rundown of Rocky vs. Peters Debate

2010-09-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last Updated: September 28. 2010
Debate: Rock 'em, sock 'em
Robert Laurie / The Michigan View.com
As anticipated, Monday night’s fight – er, debate - between 9th District Congressional opponents Rocky Raczkowski and Gary Peters was a slugfest.

Republican Raczkowski came out swinging just hours after filing an anti-defamation suit against his opponent for ads accusing him of “fraud” and “theft.” Raczkowski claimed that the Peters ad was filled with “misstatements” that only revealed Peters’ “state of desperation.” Peters shot back that the court battle between Raczkowski and his former business partner would be a long term distraction if he were elected. That may have been as close as the Democrat came to making a solid point all evening – because when it came to the issues, it’s clear why Peters has tried to divert this campaign to personal attacks.

For all the fisticuffs over lawsuits, the event (sponsored and streamed live by The Oakland Press) was issue driven. Rocky presented himself as a candidate of core conservative principles. . . and so did Peters. The first-term Pelosi poodle continued his Extreme Makeover as a pro-business, anti-deficit, state’s rights candidate. But that doesn’t square with his record.

It didn’t work.

Raczkowski came out strong, pointing at Peters as he described a Washington culture that ignores the wishes of the people they represent. “Congress,” Rocky said, “shouldn’t be stressful if you’re listening to your constituents.” Time and again, he used Peters’ voting record against him - Exhibit A in the Democrats’ failure to heed the wishes of the 9th district.

When Peters claimed that he was concerned about deficits and debt, Raczkowski countered that “It’s great to hear people talk about cutting the deficit, when they voted for every package that gave us this deficit.”

“How did you vote on Obamacare? How did you vote on stimulus? How did you vote on cap and trade?” Raczkowski asked. “It’s about trust. People trusted you, you had a chance. You’re in the tightest race of your life, because you lost their trust.”

For his part, Peters tried to portray Raczkowski as a “fringe” tea party extremist (this just days after Peters had used the left-wing extremist slur “teabagger” to describe his opponent). But the attack smacked of desperation, especially as the tea party continues to grow its mainstream influence. When asked if he thought of himself as a tea partier or as a more traditional Republican, Raczkowski said he felt “more closely associated with families of Oakland County. If that's the tea party or the Republican Party, I'm with them.”

Perhaps most embarrassing for Peters was an ill-fated attempt to portray Raczkowski’s support of a fair tax as nothing more than a 23 percent, across-the-board tax increase. In truth, the fair tax is designed to completely replace the current tax system, rather than expand it. Peters came off looking silly at best - at worst, willfully ignorant.

As the evening came to a close, Raczkowski took one last opportunity to paint Peters as a man who had turned his back on his district. “If you had listened to the people of Oakland County,” he said, “you would never have voted for Obamacare, and you wouldn’t have voted for cap and trade.”

“We need someone who will actually listen to Oakland County,” Raczkowski concluded. “Not Nancy Pelosi.”

http://detnews.com/article/20100928/MIVIEW/100928001/Debate--Rock--em--sock--em

Rasmussen Poll - Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 46%, Democrats 40%, Rep. Gary Peters' Re-election Chances Continue to Sink

2010-09-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 46%, Democrats 40%

Monday, September 27, 2010

Republican candidates hold a six-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending Sunday, September 26, 2010. This is the closest gap between the parties in a month.

Forty-six percent (46%) of respondents say they would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate, while 40% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent.

Still, while the margin has varied somewhat from week-to-week, Republicans have been consistently ahead in the Generic Ballot for over a year. During 2010, the GOP edge has never fallen below five points and has run as high as 12 points. When Barack Obama first took office as president of the United States, the Democrats enjoyed a seven-point lead on the Generic Ballot.

Among voters not affiliated with either major party, Republicans hold a 14-point lead.

Results for this survey are compiled on a full-week basis, and crosstabs for full-week results and generic ballot trends are available for Platinum Members only.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, notes that “voters are ready to deliver the same message in 2010 that they delivered in 2006 and 2008 as they prepare to vote against the party in power for the third straight election. These results suggest a fundamental rejection of both political parties.”

A new book by Scott Rasmussen and Doug Schoen addresses the broader discontent roiling the political landscape this year. MAD AS HELL: How the Tea Party Movement Is Fundamentally Remaking Our Two-Party System , published by Harper-Collins, is now available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and other outlets.

The Generic Ballot results were much different during the last two election cycles when Democrats regularly had large leads. The two parties were very close through the spring of 2009, but in June, around the time Democrats began their campaign for health care reform, Republicans pulled ahead for good.

The Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Senate Balance of Power rankings shows Democrats with a 51-45 advantage, while four races remain Toss-Ups (Colorado, Illinois, Nevada and Wisconsin).

The Rasmussen Reports Gubernatorial Scorecard projects 27 governorships for the GOP, 13 for the Democrats and 10 Toss-Ups (California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont).

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Likely Voters now say the country is heading in the right direction.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters nationwide favor repeal of the new health care law, including 46% who Strongly Favor it.

While the headlines have cooled a bit in recent weeks, voters feel more strongly than ever that the federal government is encouraging illegal immigration and that states like Arizona have the answer to the problem.

Democrats tried unsuccessfully last week to push the so-called Dream Act, a measure that puts some illegal immigrants on the path to citizenship, through Congress last week. Most voters believe children brought to this country illegally who complete two years of college or serve in the military should get a chance at U.S. citizenship, but they also agree that allowing this route to citizenship just encourages more illegal immigration.

With the jobless rate inching back up and the economy remaining in the doldrums, most Americans lack confidence in the president’s economic advisers.

Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters say most members of Congress get reelected not because they go do a good job representing the folks at home but because election rules are rigged to their benefit.

With less than six weeks to go until Election Day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remains the most unpopular of the four top congressional leaders as she has been since this session of Congress began early last year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is a close second.

President Obama recently chose Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren to launch the newly created Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, an agency that will further regulate the lending practices of banks, mortgage lenders and credit card companies. But most Americans say increased competition, not more government regulation, will do more to protect borrowers.

Over half know someone who has lost their home because they could not pay their mortgage, but just 20% believe that when banks foreclose on a home, it's generally due to unfair lending practices.

Americans definitely prefer the free market to government regulation, but they’re less confident in an unbridled marketplace as a response to poverty.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes a Ponzi scheme as “an investment swindle in which some early investors are paid off with money put up by later ones in order to encourage more and bigger risks.” Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate Ron Johnson made waves with his recent description of the Social Security system as a Ponzi scheme, but just 27% voters agree with him.

But 75% of voters think it is at least somewhat likely that most of today’s younger workers will work past the traditional retirement age of 65.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/generic_congressional_ballot

Senator Santorum Back in Oakland County to Stump 4 Rocky @ "It Takes a Family" Fundraiser at the Townsend

2010-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Women’s Luncheon – “It Takes A Family” – Birmingham
Special Appearance: Rick Santorum
When: Friday, October 1, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Where: Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St., Birmingham
Cost: $55 donation per person/$80 includes signed copy of his book/$800 reserved table for 10, includes signed book for each guest
RSVP: event.rockyworksforus.com or 248-556-4400

Volunteers Needed for Senator Pappageorge's Senior Salute

2010-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Senator Pappageorge is hosting the Third Annual Southeast Oakland County Senior Salute on Monday, October 4th. This is a fantastic event that draws over 800 seniors from the Senator's district to enjoy a day completely planned for them and I am proud to assist the Senator with this wonderful Salute. The event includes 50 plus booths, flu shots, entertainment, free hot lunch, door prizes, and much more.

In order to make the Senior Salute run smoothly, we are asking for volunteers to help make this a success for a third year in a row. Details regarding the Senior Salute are as follows:

WHAT: SOUTHEAST OAKLAND COUNTY SENIOR SALUTE

HOST: STATE SENATOR JOHN PAPPAGEORGE

WHERE: ROYAL OAK FARMER'S MARKET, 316 EAST 11 MILE ROAD

WHEN: MONDAY, OCTOBER 4th, VOLUNTEER ARRIVAL TIME IS 9:30 am
EVENT IS SCHEDULED FOR 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

RSVP: Contact Corinne Khederian at cvkhed@aol.com or 248-644-5274 or
517-488-7866 / SeniorSalute@gmail.com

If you are able to volunteer all or part of your day, Senator Pappageorge would be most appreciative as will all the seniors attending.

Thank you,
Corinne Khederian for the
Third Annual Southeast Oakland
County Senior Salute

Detroit News: Obama/Pelosi/Peters stimulus didn't save the nation from depression but they spent $800 billion

2010-09-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Nolan Finley, Detroit News
Stimulus didn't save the nation from depression

Wait a minute -- economists are now saying the Great Recession ended in June of 2009, when the economy began growing again.

But President Barack Obama is defending the $787 billion stimulus package, which failed to deliver the promised reduction in unemployment, by claiming it kept the economy from falling into a depression.

And yet, according to some economists, the recession was over before the stimulus dollars were spent.

We've been had, folks. Nearly $800 billion of our money was spent to end a recession that was already over. The massive spending didn't put Americans back to work. So all we end up with is a hugely expanded government and a gigantic debt that will be repaid with higher taxes on either ourselves or our grandchildren

Worse, all that spending likely made conditions worse and prolonged our misery because it sucked money out of the private sector, and the policy-making that surrounded it gave job creators the jitters.

"The stimulus had no effect at all," says Harry Veryser, a University of Detroit Mercy economics professor and author of an upcoming book on the collapse.

At least it has had no effect on employment, the measure everyday Americans use to determine when a recession has ended.

Gary Wolfram, an economist at Hillsdale College, contends employment is lagging because fears that the deficit will lead to higher taxes, as well as the uncertainty about the costs of Obamacare, have kept investors sitting on more than $3 trillion private dollars that ought to be going into job creation.

"As long as government creates this high level of uncertainty about the future, employment will not rebound," he says.

Wolfram adds that the money was squandered on a wish list of politically motivated projects and programs, and not strategically targeted to impact job creation in the hardest hit states, including Michigan.

"If we'd cut corporate income taxes instead, there would have been an immediate reaction from the economy," he says.

The spending also did little to shore up the housing market, which typically leads an economic comeback.

But Obama and his Democratic cohorts in Congress couldn't demonize corporations for destroying the economy, and then hand them a tax break. And if they had spent the money on a broad reduction in tax rates for individuals, they couldn't have steered the stimulus money toward their political supporters.

So they spent and spent, without a clear strategy of how that spending would impact employment in job-starved places like Michigan. They were more concerned with achieving their ideological wish list than they were in putting Americans back to work.

They acted against all evidence that this version of counter-cyclical spending would produce any better results than it had in the past.

The pinpointing of the recession's end debunks Obama's desperate defense of the stimulus. It ought to also spark a debate on whether a different approach would have produced better results.

"Had we done nothing, we would have been better off than we are now," Wolfram contends.

Doing nothing wasn't an option, given the condition of the economy.

But what Obama did -- spend $800 billion in a single minded pursuit of his far-left agenda -- has produced nothing but a might angry electorate.

Nolan Finley is editorial page editor of The News. Reach him at nfinley@detnews.com or (313) 222-2064. Read more at detnews.com/finley and watch him at 8:30 p.m. Fridays on "Am I Right?" on Detroit Public TV, Channel 56.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100923/OPINION03/9230338/1008/OPINION01/Stimulus-didn-t-save-the-nation-from-depression#ixzz10bNinGeG

Obama/Nancy Pelosi/Gary Peters Stimulus Made Economic Crisis Worse 'Black Swan' Author Says - Peters Voted Yes!

2010-09-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Obama Stimulus Made Economic Crisis Worse, `Black Swan' Author Taleb Says
By Frederic Tomesco - Sep 25, 2010 10:36 AM ET

U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration weakened the country’s economy by seeking to foster growth instead of paying down the federal debt, said Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of “The Black Swan.”

“Obama did exactly the opposite of what should have been done,” Taleb said yesterday in Montreal in a speech as part of Canada’s Salon Speakers series. “He surrounded himself with people who exacerbated the problem. You have a person who has cancer and instead of removing the cancer, you give him tranquilizers. When you give tranquilizers to a cancer patient, they feel better but the cancer gets worse.”

Today, Taleb said, “total debt is higher than it was in 2008 and unemployment is worse.”

Obama this month proposed a package of $180 billion in business tax breaks and infrastructure outlays to boost spending and job growth. That would come on top of the $814 billion stimulus measure enacted last year. The U.S. government’s total outstanding debt is about $13.5 trillion, according to Treasury figures.

Obama, 49, inherited what the National Bureau of Economic Research said this week was the deepest U.S. recession since the Great Depression. Even after the stimulus measure and other government actions, the U.S. unemployment rate is 9.6 percent.

Governments globally need to cut debt and avoid bailing out struggling companies because that’s the only way they can shield their economies from the negative consequences of erroneous budget forecasts, Taleb said.

Errant Forecasts

“Today there is a dependency on people who have never been able to forecast anything,” Taleb said. “What kind of system is insulated from forecasting errors? A system where debts are low and companies are allowed to die young when they are fragile. Companies always end up dying one day anyway.”

Taleb, a native of Lebanon who gave his speech in French to an audience of Quebec business people, said Canada’s fiscal situation makes the country a safer investment than its southern neighbor.

Canada has the lowest ratio of net debt to gross domestic product among the Group of Seven industrialized countries and will keep that distinction until at least 2014, the country’s finance department said in March. Canada’s ratio, 24 percent in 2007, will rise to about 30 percent by 2014. The U.S. ratio, now above 40 percent, will top 80 percent in four years, the department said, citing IMF data.

“I am bullish on Canada,” he told the audience. “I prefer Canada to the U.S. or even Europe.”

Mortgage Interest

Canada’s economy also benefits from the fact that homeowners, unlike their U.S. neighbors, can’t take mortgage interest as a tax deduction, Taleb said. That removes the incentive to take on too much debt, he said.

“The first thing to do if you want to solve the mortgage problem in the U.S. is to stop making these interest payments deductible,” he said. “Has someone dared to talk about this in Washington? No, because the U.S. homebuilders’ lobby is hyperactive and doesn’t want people to talk about this.”

Taleb also criticized banks and securities firms, saying they don’t adequately warn clients of the risks they run when they invest their retirement savings on the stock market.

‘Have Fun’

“People should use financial markets to have fun, but not as a depository of value,” Taleb said. “Investors have been deceived. People were told that markets go up regularly, but if you look at the last 10 years that’s not been the case. The risks are always greater than what people are told.”

Asked by an audience member if returns such as those posted by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett -- who amassed the world’s third-biggest personal fortune through decades of stock picks and takeovers -- are the product of luck or talent, Taleb said both played a part.

If given a choice between investing with Buffett and billionaire investor George Soros, Taleb also said he would probably pick the latter.

“I am not saying Buffett isn’t as good as Soros,” he said. “I am saying that the probability Soros’s returns come from randomness is much smaller because he did almost everything: he bought currencies, he sold currencies, he did arbitrages. He made a lot more decisions. Buffett followed a strategy to buy companies that had a certain earnings profile, and it worked for him. There is a lot more luck involved in this strategy.”

Soros gained fame in the 1990s when he reportedly made $1 billion correctly betting against the British pound.

Taleb’s 2007 best-seller, “The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable,” argues that history is littered with rare, high-impact events. The black-swan theory stems from the ancient misconception that all swans were white.

A former trader, Taleb teaches risk engineering at New York University and advises Universa Investments LP, a Santa Monica, California-based fund that bets on extreme market moves.

To contact the reporter for this story: Frederic Tomesco in Montreal at tomesco@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: David Scanlan at dscanlan@bloomberg.net

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-25/-black-swan-author-taleb-says-obama-s-stimulus-made-economic-crisis-worse.html

Desperate Liberal U.S. Rep. Gary Peters Attacks Opponent with Sexual Slur in Front of Room of Female Voters

2010-09-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

Last Updated: September 24. 2010 1:00AM

Peters slur: Rocky 'is a teabagger'
Henry Payne / The Michigan View.com

At a recent candidates' forum in Bloomfield Hills, Democratic U.S. Rep. Gary Peters used the slur 'teabagger" when attacking his congressional opponent, Republican Rocky Raczkowski, according to sources familiar with the event, including the Raczkowski campaign. "Teabagger" (or "teabagging") is a crude term used against Tea Party members that takes its name from an oral sex act, and has been widely condemned as offensive even as some Democrats continue to use it. Anderson Cooper famously used the term on CNN earlier this year and later apologized.

The two candidates for the 9th district congressional seat appeared together at an event held by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the Bloomfield Township Library on Sept. 19. Alpha Kappa -- a black women's group -- is historically friendly territory for Democrats, and sources say Peters was comfortable -- perhaps too comfortable -- in disparaging his Republican opponent.

"My friend here is a teabagger," Peters is purported to have said at one juncture, pointing in Raczkowski's direction. A Peters staffer at the event reportedly froze at the term's use. Repeated calls to the Peters campaign to confirm or deny the term's use were not returned.

The term is particularly offensive to women, and two Michigan tea party officers -- both women -- were furious upon hearing of Peters' use of the term.

Wendy Day, founder of Common Sense in Government and also an active tea party organizer, said that "for a U.S. congressman to show such poor judgment shows his lack of character."

"I did not think (Peters) was so dishonorable that he would use that term," said Janice Daniels, a tea party organizer and resident of the 9th district in Oakland County, who gasped when she heard the term.

Daniels decried the use of the "offensive term" at "a time when we need the conversation in the public arena raised to a higher level."

Indeed, Peters himself called out Rocky earlier in the campaign for allegedly questioning whether President Obama is a natural born U.S. citizen and "joining the birther movement." The "birthers" are a discredited fringe on the Right, and Peters used as evidence an audiotape alleging that Raczkowski demanded to see Obama's birth certificate.

The tape is simply too garbled to know the truth of the comment, and Raczkowski adamantly denied that he had made the comment. Still, it was Peters' claim to the high ground in this campaign and put both campaigns on notice that words matter.

It is ironic then, that it is Peters who seems to have slipped. Coupled with his personal attacks on Raczkowski's business ethics this week, the "teabagger" slur is evidence that the Peters' campaign has given up the high ground for the gutter.

Henry Payne is editor of The Michigan View.com

'Truth Squad' Exposes Peters' Attack Ad for Lies, Half Truths Against GOP Challenger

2010-09-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

Peters ad sparks protest by Raczkowski supporters
Published: Thursday, September 23, 2010

By Shaun Byron, For the Daily Tribune

Rocky Raczkowski supporters protest outside the Berkley Public Library. The campaign for Rep. Gary Peters debuted a new TV ad, “Truth,” which talks about a pending $6 million fraud case against Peters’ congressional opponent, Rocky Raczkowski. Tim Thompson/For the Daily Tribune

BERKLEY — A television advertisement looking to focus attention on a $6.48 million lawsuit and criminal allegations against GOP challenger Rocky Raczkowski is attracting plenty of attention from both sides of the political fence.

A new television advertisement called “Trust” was presented to the media by U.S. Rep. Gary Peters’ campaign manager Dan Farough and Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer at a news conference Thursday at the Berkley Public Library on Coolidge Highway.

Raczkowski seeks to unseat Peters, a first-term incumbent, in the Nov. 2 general election.

The advertisement gives attention to ongoing litigation involving former business partners who accuse Raczkowski of bilking them out of millions of dollars from a series of outdoor rock concerts that were held while he was chief operating officer of Star Tickets.

Farough said the timing of the advertisement has nothing to do with recent reports of Raczkowski leading in the polls against Peters.

An automated poll conducted Sept. 13 of 300 likely voters in the 9th Congressional District has Raczkowski with about a 5 percent lead.

Farough said the validity of the results is questionable because it was automated, which raises the margin of error, and the poll used a small sample size.

Outside of the library were a number of Raczkowski supporters protesting the advertisement.

Sue Berstein of Farmington Hills and Glenn Clark of Troy led the group of citizens — calling themselves the Oakland County Truth Squad. Berstein and Clark both cited Peters’ voting record, saying he’s a part of the political machine with a 95 percent history of voting with Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on issues of health care reform and cap and trade.

“If he’s going to run, he ought to run on his record, not on a smear campaign,” Berstein said.

“This is a frivolous lawsuit and if Gary Peters wants to use half-truths and innuendo as far as the character of his opponent, that needs to get out to voters of this district,” Clark added.

Listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 11, 2009, in South Dakota, are Rozone Productions LLC, RTR Illuminated Investors 3 LLC and Robert Rosen. The lawsuit will go to trial this spring.

In an affidavit of Rozeon Productions Chief Executive Officer David Rosen and filed in Texas, the company hired Star Tickets while promoting a series of outdoor concerts in South Dakota.

In the document, he accuses Raczkowski of taking possession of the boxes containing ticket stubs following the events and destroying it as evidence to steal a portion of the profits by underreporting attendance.

Rosen said his company was told attendance was estimated by Star Tickets to be about 25,000 while he contends it was much greater.

The lawsuit has been an ongoing issue for Raczkowski and was brought up during the primary election.

Brewer, the state Democratic Party chairman, said that as an attorney, the case is not a routine dispute between business partners, citing allegations of fraud and conspiracy.

“If this lawsuit was frivolous or without merit, it would be dismissed by now,” he said.

http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/09/23/news/doc4c9c1b8ebec2a999494897.txt

Get Involved Today: 6 GOP Action Centers Need You!

2010-09-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

STATEMENT FROM RNC CHAIRMAN MICHAEL STEELE ON THE SIX MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF OBAMACARE

2010-09-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2010

View This Statement At GOP.com

STATEMENT FROM RNC CHAIRMAN MICHAEL STEELE ON THE SIX MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF OBAMACARE

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

“The six month anniversary of ObamaCare will be a lonely one for President Obama and Congressional Democrats. The President’s plan was unpopular when it was passed in March and today the wholesale takeover of the American health care system is undeniably radioactive. Democrats who were promised a winning campaign issue are instead running ads against ObamaCare in hopes that they can distance themselves from their Party’s $2.5 trillion mistake. Even the best public relations campaign cannot paper over the long list of broken promises sold to the American people.

“Rather than work across the aisle, Democrats chose to pursue a health care takeover that has resulted in higher premiums for families, more taxes for businesses and reduced benefits for our seniors and children. In less than two months, voters will prove that representative government is still alive and Democrats will be held accountable for their reckless behavior while in office.”

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55% of Americans said Obama’s overall economic plans have made things worse, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters supported same failed policies via roll call votes!

2010-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Most Americans Want All Bush Tax Cuts Extended
By John D. McKinnon
A new CNBC poll gives a boost to Republicans – along with some Democrats – who want to maintain the Bush-era tax breaks.

In the new poll released this week, 55% said that “increasing taxes on any Americans will slow the economy and kill jobs,” CNBC said. Only 40% said the Bush-era tax cuts should be canceled for higher earners, as President Barack Obama advocates. Obama and congressional Democratic leaders want to allow the Bush-era breaks to expire for families earning more than $250,000 beginning next year. But they’ve run into opposition from Republicans as well as a growing number of centrist Democrats.

Other recent polls generally have showed significant public support for maintaining current tax levels on higher earners. But it’s usually fallen short of an outright majority.

The CNBC poll also showed significant erosion of support for placing more regulation on business. Eighteen months ago, 47% said increased regulation would be good for the economy. Now, only 34% say so.

In addition, 55% of Americans said Obama’s overall economic plans have made things worse so far.

Still, while his policies didn’t fare so well, Obama’s job-performance approval hasn’t changed much recently. His approval rating stands at 47%, with 49% disapproving of his performance. That’s basically unchanged from July’s 48%-49%, and down a bit from April’s 50%-48%.

Elections 2010

http://ht.ly/2I7kS

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman: Hard Work Puts GOP in Line to Win

2010-09-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hard work puts GOP in line to win

This is no accident. While it was impossible in January 2009 to predict how the political environment would shape up by September — and most observers at the time scoffed at the idea of a Republican majority — it is now clear that our hard work over the past 20 months has put us in a position to win in November.

Republican candidates have been contrasting their pro-growth positions with the failed policies of their Democratic opponents, which have led to higher unemployment and record spending. Democrats have responded with what appears to be their only message: They have more campaign money.

Unfortunately for them, that cash advantage has subsided to the point where they can no longer rely on financial superiority in the race for the House. Less than a year ago, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee enjoyed a 6-1 cash-on-hand advantage over the National Republican Campaign Committee. The GOP closed that gap to 2-1 over the summer.

Now, after outraising the DCCC for four straight months, we narrowed the gap to only 1.6-1 — an alarmingly small margin for a majority party that has pinned its hopes in November on its financial resources.

We have the pieces in place to accomplish our goal: retiring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Now, we must use the next several weeks to execute it.

But assuming that the majority is already within our grasp would be a fatal mistake. The campaign’s final weeks could be the difference between a Republican majority that could stop the Obama-Pelosi agenda and start putting Americans back to work and just more of the same policies that have led the country down the road of economic and fiscal peril.

The sun has finally set on Recovery Summer. Welcome to the fall.

Texas Rep. Pete Sessions is chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42508_Page2.html#ixzz10Gk6Wy5i

AP Poll shows dismal verdict for the Dems’ healthcare takeover scheme

2010-09-21T14:38:00.001-07:00

AP Poll: Health care law making us muddle-minded
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR and TREVOR TOMPSON (AP) – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON — Six months after President Barack Obama signed the landmark health care law, the nation still doesn't really know what's in it.

More than half of Americans mistakenly believe the overhaul will raise taxes for most people this year, an Associated Press poll finds. But that would be true only if most people were devoted to indoor tanning, which got hit with a sales tax.

Many who wanted the health care system to be overhauled don't realize that some provisions they cared about actually did make it in. And about a quarter of supporters don't understand that something hardly anyone wanted didn't make it: They mistakenly say the law will set up panels of bureaucrats to make decisions about people's care — what critics labeled "death panels."

The uncertainty and confusion amount to a dismal verdict for the Obama administration's campaign to win over public opinion. Before the final votes in Congress, Obama personally assured wavering Democrats he'd take the case to the American people after the law passed. But it hasn't worked. And in the final stretch before the midterm elections Republicans are united by their call for repeal.

"I'm insecure about a document that was as big as the health care bill and wonder if anybody understands exactly what's in it," said Diann Kelley, 61, a retiree from Marietta, Ga., who says she's "somewhat opposed" to the law. The AP poll was conducted by Stanford University with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

"The main fear is the cost," explained Kelley. "I'm not sure that we can afford to take on something quite as massive as the health care reform with the economy the way it is."

It's not that Kelley has a negative opinion about everything in the law. The prohibition on health insurance companies denying coverage to people because of pre-existing medical conditions "is really a fine idea," she said.

The poll's questions included a true-or-false quiz on 19 items, some of which are in the law and others not. People were also asked how confident they were about their answers.

For the most part, majorities picked the right answers. But a sizable number also got things wrong. And right or wrong, people were unsure of their answers. Two-thirds or more were uncertain about their responses on eight of nine core provisions of the legislation.

Analysis of the findings indicated a split as far as the impact of accurate knowledge, between Democrats and independents on one side and Republicans on the other.

Accurate knowledge of the law made no difference in overwhelming opposition from Republicans.

Michael Cagnina, 33, a web developer from Powhatan, Va., summed it up: "It just doesn't make me feel comfortable that the government is going to give people free health care but ultimately the government's money is my money."

However, for Democrats and independents, the more accurate knowledge people had of the bill, the more they liked it.

"Among Democrats and independents, the lack of knowledge is suppressing public approval of the bill," said Stanford political science professor Jon Krosnick, who directed the university's participation. "Although the president and others have done a great deal to educate people about what is in this bill, the process has not been particularly successful."

The White House is staging an event Wednesday to mark the six-month anniversary of Obama signing the bill. The president and top administration officials will be joined by people from around the country who are already benefiting from such popular provisions as allowing adult children to remain on their parents' insurance until they reach 26.

Will it make a difference?

The poll shows Obama has yet to find the right wavelength for communicating even information that's relatively straightforward. One question stood out as an example:

People were asked whether the Congressional Budget Office had ruled that the legislation would probably increase the government's debt, or whether the nonpartisan budget analysts found that the health law would reduce red ink. (Correct answer: CBO found it would reduce the federal deficit over time.)

But 81 percent in the survey got the wrong answer, including a majorities of both supporters and opponents — even though Obama seldom misses a chance to remind audiences of CBO's favorable report.

Overall, three out of ten in the poll said they favored the law, while four in ten said they were opposed. Another 30 percent were neutral. The findings on support and opposition differ from another recent AP poll, but the two surveys cannot be compared because they were drawn up and carried out differently.

The other survey, an AP-GfK political poll, found 41 percent supporting the bill and 46 percent opposing it, with only 12 percent neutral.

The new survey was conducted Aug. 31 to Sept. 7, and involved interviews with 1,251 randomly chosen adults nationwide. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.

The survey was conducted by Knowledge Networks, which first chose people for the study using randomly generated telephone numbers and home addresses. Once people were selected to participate, they were interviewed online. Participants without Internet access were provided it for free.

Stanford University's participation in the project was made possible by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Associated Press writer Natasha Metzler, Deputy Polling Director Jennifer Agiesta and News Survey Specialist Dennis Junius contributed to this report

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gSXIViw_RWvU3uweKkhKfhAVGgqgD9ICH3DG2

Rasmussen Poll: Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 48%, Democrats 38%

2010-09-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 48%, Democrats 38%
Monday, September 20, 2010
Republican candidates now hold a 10-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending Sunday, September 19, 2010.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of respondents say they would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate, while 38% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent.

Still, while the margin has varied somewhat from week-to-week, Republicans have been consistently ahead in the Generic Ballot for over a year. During 2010, the GOP edge has never fallen below five points and has run as high as 12 points. When Barack Obama first took office as president of the United States, the Democrats enjoyed a seven-point lead on the Generic Ballot.

Among voters not affiliated with either major party, Republicans hold a near two-to-one lead.

Results for this survey are compiled on a full-week basis, and crosstabs for full-week results and generic ballot trends are available for Platinum Members only.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, notes that “voters are ready to deliver the same message in 2010 that they delivered in 2006 and 2008 as they prepare to vote against the party in power for the third straight election. These results suggest a fundamental rejection of both political parties.”

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/generic_congressional_ballot

Rasmussen Poll: 61% favor repeal of ObamaCare

2010-09-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Health Care Law
61% Favor Repeal of Health Care Law
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sixty-one percent (61%) of Likely U.S. Voters now at least somewhat favor repeal of the new national health care law, including 50% who Strongly Favor it. That’s up eight points from a week ago and the highest level of opposition measured since late May.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 33% of Likely Voters oppose repeal. Since the passage of the bill in late March, a majority of voters have consistently favored repeal of the new law, with support ranging from a low of 53% to a high of 63%.

Only 33% say the health care plan will be good for the country, the lowest level measured since late July. Fifty-six percent (56%) disagree and believe the new law will be bad for the United States.

On both questions, there is a large divide between mainstream voters and the Political Class. While 74% of Mainstream voters favor repeal, 74% of the Political Class are opposed. Likewise, most Mainstream voters (71%) feel the health care law will hurt the country, but 68% of the Political Class believe the law will be beneficial.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 18-19, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95%level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of all voters nationwide say the health care law will increase the federal deficit. Just 11% feel the new law will reduce the deficit, while another 18% say it will have no impact. These findings show little change since late March.

A strong majority (60%) feel that under the new law, the cost of health care will go up. Only 13% say costs will go down, and 18% say they will stay about the same. These findings, too, have remained fairly consistent since passage of the bill.

Forty-five percent (45%) of Americans expect to spend more for health care a year from now than they are spending right now.

Only 20% say the quality of health care will get better under the new law. Just over half (53%) feel the quality of health care will get worse. Twenty-one percent (21%) expect it to say the same.

While debate continues to rage in the country over the national health care bill, Americans are only slightly more confident that the private sector has a better chance than the federal government of maintaining quality care and controlling costs.

Recent polling finds that 40% of Americans nationwide say they have chosen not to fill a prescription because it cost too much. Thirty-nine percent (39%) also say that they have postponed a medical procedure or checkup to save money in the past six months.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/health_care_law

Poll: Independents dislike both parties, but leaning Republican

2010-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Poll: Independents dislike both parties, but leaning Republican
By Chris Moody - The Daily Caller | Published: 2:44 PM 09/20/2010 | Updated: 3:38 PM 09/20/2010

By Chris Moody - The Daily Caller

Chris Moody is a political reporter for the Daily Caller from San Diego, California. Before joining the Daily Caller, Moody was the Manager of New Media at a think tank in Washington DC, a freelance writer and a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He is currently a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University and lives in downtown Washington DC.

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Despite holding a generally unfavorable view of Republicans, most independent voters are leaning toward the GOP, a new poll of likely independent voters finds.

While 54 percent of those polled said they view the GOP unfavorably, half are leaning Republican in the weeks before the election and 52 percent said that Republicans represent their views more than Democrats. Only a quarter said they had a favorable view of the Democratic Party, and less than one third said they hold views that are in line with the Party of the president.

The survey was conducted by veteran Democratic pollster Douglas E. Schoen, and commissioned by Independent Women’s Voice, a conservative-leaning non-profit organization.

“Those who say they plan to vote for a Republican candidate do so to vote against Obama and his agenda, not because they trust the Republicans,” said Schoen, who advised President Bill Clinton throughout the 1990s.

The primary issues that concern independents, the survey found, were increases in government spending (88 percent) high taxation (83 percent) and “the growing size and scope” of the federal government (79 percent).

That is not to say that independents have high hopes that Republicans will perform better on those issues. Less than one in ten said they thought Republicans would cut taxes and spending.

“Both parties are seen as big spenders and big taxers,” Schoen said. “The Republicans are really not seen as fiscal conservatives.”

It is imperative then for Republicans who are relying on independents to swing a tight race to focus on cutting taxes and government spending, the study’s commissioner concluded.

“If Republicans fail to convince voters that they are committed to scaling back government and cutting taxes and spending, these independents may become so disgusted that they simply stay home rather than vote,” Schoen wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece co-authored with IWV President and CEO Heather R. Higgins. “They are increasingly trending Republican, but they will remain that way only if the GOP offers them the agenda they so clearly demand.”

The results that suggest independents are angry at both parties appears to represent sentiments held by most Americans. In an Associated Press poll released last week, 60 percent said they had an unfavorable view of Democrats and 68 percent disapproved of congressional Republicans.

“When you see numbers like this — and I am a Democrat…that is as close in a poll to a Clarion call as you are ever going to get,” Schoen said. “And to ignore that, as I think the administration and Democrats have, is to create political peril.”

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2010/09/20/poll-independents-dislike-both-parties-but-leaning-republican/#ixzz106QKu4rj

OAKLAND PRESS: U.S. Rep. Peters trails in latest tracking poll

2010-09-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

U.S. Rep. Peters trails in latest tracking poll
Published: Wednesday, September 15, 2010

By CHARLES CRUMM
Of The Oakland Press

Republican challenger Rocky Raczkowski has the lead over first-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Gary Peters in the 9th congressional district, an independent weekly tracking poll released Wednesday indicates.

The automated poll conducted Sept. 13 of 300 likely voters in the 9th congressional district and 400 likely voters statewide has Raczkowski at 45 percent and Peters at 40.7 percent with 10.3 percent undecided.

The poll was conducted by The Rossman Group in partnership with Team TelCom.

Kelly Rossman, CEO and founder of the Lansing-based Rossman Group, says Raczkowski is benefiting from the sour mood of voters towards Congress.

"It's no secret that Democrats have been gaining ground in Oakland County over the past decade," Rossman said. "But Congressman Peters has some work to do if he wants to mak esure the anti-incumbent mood sweeping the country doesn't sweep him out of office after just one term."

The weekly poll also looked at the races for governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

In the race for governor, likely voters polled gave Republican businessman Rick Snyder a 51.3 percent to 31.8 percent lead over Lansing mayor and Democrat Virg Bernero with 17 percent undecided.

Voters polled also indicated they preferred Republican Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson over Democrat Jocelyn Benson for secretary of state by a 42.3 percent to 28 percent margin with 29.8 percent undecided.

In the attorney general's race, Midland Republican Bill Schuette led Democrat David Leyton of Genesee County 40.3 percent to 31 percent with 28.8 percent undecided.

Contact staff writer Charles Crumm at 248-745-4649, charlie.crumm@oakpress.com or follow him on Twitter @crummc. More election information is at 2010electioninoaklandcounty.blogspot.com.

Independent Poll Shows Rocky Leading Peters by Almost 5 Points, Trouble Brewing for Left-Wing Incumbent

2010-09-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Independent Poll Shows Rocky Leading Peters in the 9th Congressional
September 15, 2010 • The Rossman Group
LANSING, Mich. — A new independent poll shows Republican challenger Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski with a slight lead over freshman Democratic Congressman Gary Peters in the 9th Congressional District. Raczkowski received 45 percent to Peters’ 40.7 percent, with 10.3 percent undecided and the other three candidates splitting the rest. Peters defeated longtime incumbent Republican Joe Knollenberg in 2008 in the district that covers the bulk of Oakland County in Southeast Michigan.

The 9th Congressional District race is one of three in Michigan that both national Republicans and Democrats have their eyes on to determine the Majority in the House
“It’s no secret that Democrats have been gaining ground in Oakland County over the past decade,” said Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO and founder of The Rossman Group, who conducted the survey in partnership with Team TelCom. “But Congressman Peters has some work to do if he wants to make sure the anti-incumbent mood sweeping the country doesn’t sweep him out of office after just one term.”
The results from the congressional district poll are as follows:
Michigan 9th Congressional District
` Gary Peters (D) – 40.7 percent
Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski (R) – 45 percent
Campbell (GRN) – 2.7 percent
Goodman (LIB)– 0.3 percent
Grey (IND) – 1 percent
Kuofie (IND) – 0 percent
Undecided – 10.3 percent

Contact: Kelly Rossman-McKinney, 517-487-9320 (office), 517-749-0529 (cell), krossman@rossmangroup.com

The automated poll, conducted September 13, surveyed 300 likely voters in the 9th Congressional District and an additional 400 likely voters throughout the state on the statewide candidate races. The margin of error was +/- 5.6 percent. The results of the poll can be found below. For charts showing the movement over the past several weeks, please visit the "cool stuff" section of this website.

* Methodology: This Rossman Group/Team TelCom Weekly Survey was an automated statewide telephone poll of 300 likely voters in the 9th Congressional District and 400 likely voters across the state for the statewide races. The poll was conducted on September 13, 2010. Participation was stratified based on past voter behavior and census data. A screen was employed to include only those participants who said they would definitely vote, either at the polls or by absentee ballot, in the November 2010 General Election. The margin of error is plus/minus 5.6 percent. All numbers are rounded and may exceed 100%. Attribution: For attribution purposes, please recognize both organizations that partnered in the poll: The Rossman Group and Team TelCom.

http://www.rossmangroup.com/newsitem.php?newsid=492

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE LAUNCHES FIRE PELOSI BUS TOUR WEBSITE

2010-09-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2010
CONTACT: Press Office
202-863-8614

View This Statement At GOP.com

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE LAUNCHES FIRE PELOSI BUS TOUR WEBSITE

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced the launch of the Fire Pelosi Bus Tour website, www.FirePelosiBus.com. The website will allow visitors to easily follow The Fire Pelosi Bus as it crisscrosses the country to visit major cities, targeted districts, and rural communities to spread the message that it is time for Republicans to retake the House of Representatives and fire Nancy Pelosi.

FirePelosiBus.com will be updated daily with photos, videos, and blog posts from the road, as well as visitor submitted testimonials from grassroots supporters across the nation. RNC Chairman Michael Steele will be joined by Republican candidates, state legislators, activists, and volunteers, all working to elect Republicans and stand up against the tax-and-spend agenda of Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama. Additionally, the site will link directly to candidate homepages and provide a constant stream of Facebook, Twitter and blog updates to ensure that Republican supporters are plugged-in with the latest news from the campaign trail.

The Fire Pelosi Bus will roll through all 48 states in the Continental U.S., making stops at RNC Victory Centers, State Party Headquarters, and other local events and sites. The mission of the bus tour is to get-out-the-vote for Republican candidates in key districts, energize supporters heading into the final days of the election, and bring the Republican message of fiscal responsibility and limited government directly to Main Street. The bus will be emblazoned with the simple phrase, “Need a Job? Fire Pelosi!”

“The RNC is excited to get out of Washington, DC and hit the campaign trail with our top-notch candidates and dedicated supporters,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele. “Their ideas and energy are the reason that Republicans will take back control of the House and Senate and help lead our nation back to economic prosperity and fiscal responsibility. The next six weeks will be entirely devoted to firing Nancy Pelosi, standing up to the Democrat’s big-government agenda, and diving into the trenches to do the hard work of turning out the vote and winning races up and down the ballot.”

FirePelosiBus.com will feature several sections to allow visitors to easily follow the bus across the country and find events near their hometowns. In addition, the “GenerationNOW” page will encourage students, recent graduates, and young professionals to submit their own YouTube videos about why they want to fire Nancy Pelosi and move America in a different direction.

“The failed policies of Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid have led to high unemployment, skyrocketing debt, and an unprecedented expansion of the federal government. The RNC’s Fire Pelosi Bus Tour will take the Republican message to local communities feeling the brunt of Democrat failures,” said Chairman Steele. “The American people know that this economy is not moving in the right direction fast enough and more unchecked spending and higher taxes aren’t the solution, they are the problem.”

In addition to the RNC’s focus on regaining control of the House, the tour will also boost Republican candidates in critical U.S. Senate, gubernatorial, and local state races. The RNC is devoted to building a solid foundation of Republican leaders all across America. Supporting up-and-coming Republican candidates that are breaking new ground is a critical component to building a stronger GOP for years.

During the span of six weeks between September 15 and the election, the Fire Pelosi Bus Tour will visit over 100 different cities, big and small, and travel more than 14,000 miles from coast to coast. The tour will help build support for local Republican Parties and candidates, as well efficiently use online fundraising tools to maximize grassroots donations. The FirePelosiBus.com website will have a page where visitors can donate to the RNC. To date, the RNC has over 300 staffers on the ground, over 300 RNC Victory offices open and more than 11 million voter contacts have been made.

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