The Hill: Voters find Democratic party more extremist.
Posted by Moe Lane (Profile)
Thursday, October 14th at 10:45AM EDT
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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
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Actuary independent report: Rep. Gary Peters' vote on healthcare takeover will result in increased out-of-pocket cost 4 seniors on Medicare Advantage
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
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
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Another Reason to Fire the Democrats in '10: Biden Says Obama Asked Him to Run Again
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
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!!
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
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!
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
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
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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
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
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 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
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
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