‘Both Mark Schauer and John Dingell have earned new terms’

The Toledo Blade, one of America’s great newspapers, said it best today: “Both Mark Schauer and John Dingell have earned new terms.”

The endorsement offers a very good question on why his opponent, “Robert Steele, an Ann Arbor cardiologist, is rich enough to have poured considerable assets into his campaign,” is qualified to run for office:

“Mr. Steele offers the curious argument that he should be elected because he is a newcomer who knows nothing about politics. How would he feel about a would-be cardiologist who made a similar claim?”

Good question. The clear choice is U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, for re-election.

The editorial also makes an excellent case for re-electing U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek.

“That outcome was partly due to President Obama's statewide victory. But it also happened because Mr. Schauer, a devout Methodist with moderate stands on most issues, was far more representative of the district than Mr. Walberg, who pursued a hard-right social agenda.”

Passage of historic health insurance reform bill is victory for Americans

After decades of trying, stretching back almost a century, the U.S. House made history and passed the historic health care insurance reform Sunday night.

A major progressive victory was achieved that will rein in the worst insurance abuses and expand health care to 32 million Americans. The real winners will be the American people where getting sick is no longer a ticket to bankruptcy.

Like most people, I was glued to C-Span and MSNBC - with the exception of the dramatic MSU basketball game and for my wife to watch to “Desperate Housewives.”

There were some great floor speeches, and none were more inspiring than that of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She will go down in history as one of the Greatest Speakers in history for this accomplishment.

“This legislation will take its place in history beside the passage of Social Security and Medicare,” she said. “It will end the days of being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. It will help seniors finally afford their lifesaving prescription drugs by closing the donut hole in Medicare.”

It was accomplished, of course, with nothing but Democratic votes. That $1.4 million a day the insurance lobby was spending to spread lies and misinformation and kill the bill will now be spent to unseat those brave Democrats who did the right thing.

“For me, this wasn't about politics - it was about doing what's right for the people I represent,” said U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek. “Doing what's right isn't always easy, but I didn't run for Congress to walk away from a tough fight.”

Perhaps the most courageous stand was that taken by U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee, who realized federal law already barred federal tax dollars being spent on abortion and not only voted for the bill, he spoke for it when Republicans introduced an abortion resolution using language Stupak wrote. One of the classless teabagger Republicans called him a “baby killer” on the floor. He has not been identified, but Republicans know who he is.

The best result of health care insurance reform is that Rush Limbaugh will now be leaving the country.

Extremist group spends $100,000 to prop up sagging extremist Walberg in final weekend before election

In a last-ditch effort to keep their bought and paid for candidate in power, the extreme rightwing group Club for Growth announced Friday that it was pumping an additional $100,000 into the 7th District Congressional district race over the weekend for more false attack ads to prop up extreme Republican Tim Walberg, according to subscription only Gongwer.

Michigan Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, continues to lead the race over the incumbent, and Club for Growth is spending furiously to protect their investment in the final weekend before the election. Schauer, meanwhile, continues to pick up support in the far-flung 7th District that covers more land area than any of Michigan's 15 Congressional districts.

On Sunday the daily Jackson Citizen Patriot endorsed Schauer, saying, "Schauer is nothing if not effective, however. He has shown throughout his political career — as a Battle Creek city councilman and spending six years in the state House and six years in the Senate — that he cares about improving people's lives in a personal, tangible way."

Remember to vote for Mark Schauer for Congress tomorrow.

Walberg takes a dip in the sewer to try and keep his grip on his House seat

The spinning from extremist Tim Walberg and his rich alley, the Club for Growth, is spinning out of control as they see the 7th Congressional seat slipping away to Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek.

The latest attack has hit rock bottom for both taste and outright lying. The latest despicable ad goes even lower than the last one and it ads the new lie to the others that Schauer voted to send pornography to children. Walberg continues to try and draw comparisons between Schauer and Academy Award winning filmmaker and Michigan resident Michael Moore. I can guarantee you this: Michael Moore has done more for Michigan than Walberg has, and that includes Walberg's 16 years in the state House and two in the U.S. House. He has accomplished virtually nothing.

I debunked the last ad where Walberg lied and said Schauer voted to give illegal immigrants a driver's license in Michigan. That lie was easy to debunk, and this one will just as easy too.

In the 1990's when Schauer was still in the Michigan House he voted with the majority against a bill that would have made it more difficult distribute pornographic material over the Internet. It was a good thing he voted in the majority because he saved Michigan taxpayers thousands of dollars in legal fees defending a bill that was overturned as unconstitutional.

This is contrast to Walberg's dismal record in protecting children. He has repeatedly voted against health care for children. I guess he figured they can just go to the emergency room like he tells the other 47 million uninsured Americans.

In every commercial Walberg claims Schauer was the "deciding vote on the largest tax hike in Michigan history." There is absolutely noting true about that statement, and it contains two lies.

You will recall that the Legislature had to make up a $1.8 billion budget deficit last year. The Legislature finally had to confront the constant tax cuts over the years with no corresponding cuts in spending. After painful cuts had been made across the board, the only other cuts would have had to have been made to vital public services like healthcare, education and public safety. After a brief government shutdown in the wee hours of Oct. 1, 2007 the Senate voted 19-19 for a slight increase in the state income tax and a since repealed sales tax on services.

Schauer is the minority leader in the Senate, meaning the Democrats are the minority in the Senate. That, of course, means Democrats cannot get anything passed in the Senate on their own, and in order to get anything passed Republicans had to vote for it. In a tie vote, the President of the Senate has to cast the tie-breaking vote, so the Lt. Governor actually cast the deciding vote.

Second, it's not the "largest tax hike in Michigan history." That actually occurred under Republican Gov. George Romney when the state income tax was implemented in 1960.

If you want to talk about tax increases, look at the crazy scheme Walberg co-sponsored. The National Sales Tax that would have placed a 30 percent sales tax on everything from food and prescription drugs to cars and homes. The dangerous plan would have had a devastating effect on senior citizens, working families and the auto industry.

It's easy to see why Walberg is taking a swim in the gutter. A new internal GOP tally of U.S. House races has all but conceded the 7th District seat to the Democrats. The poll rates 66 House Republican seats, and the 7th District seat has been rated as "likely gone" and placed on the death list.

As Election Day gets closer volunteers get going

MADISON TOWNSHIP -- With just two weeks until election day, its nitty-gritty time, and I experienced some of that while knocking doors for the Mark Schauer for Congress campaign in his opponent’s home county of Lenawee County on Sunday.

The Michigan Senate minority Leader is leading extremist Republican Tim Walberg in the polls in the spread out 7th U.S. congressional District, but the going is beginning to get tough. Most elections are won in the trenches, on the phones and on the doorsteps of voters. This late in the game, volunteers are going back to doors that have already been knocked on and the people were undecided or were not home. That made it less pleasant for me than in other trips in Adrian and Tecumseh, but worth every minute to elect a person like Mark Schauer.

Generally, people are not rude when you are at their front door, but I had three or four people tell me they were not interested. That was also worth it because it just means we will not contact them for get out the vote. Getting down to the nitty-gritty also makes it tough on the legs, and I got my daily dose of exercise. Houses are now further part, and because I walked in a township that is more rural, there are no sidewalks with large setbacks. That gives you a long walk up a long driveway.

I also saw the orange Walberg yard signs for the first time. There weren’t nearly as many as there were Schauer signs, especially when you consider this is Walberg’s backyard.

There was some positive press for Schauer here in Livingston County. The Daily Press & Argus finally caught on to Schafer’s ties to Livingston County. I know they have known about that for some time. Plus, a press release earlier this month announced Howell’s last two Republican state Representatives were endorsing the 1980 Howell High School graduate. I guess they were waiting to use the information until they could find a positive story for their favorite son Mike Rogers, who represents the 8th Congressional District.

The paper did a cutesy story about how both Rogers and Schauer were on the same football team at Howell.

The Schauer campaign is gearing up for the all important get out the vote activities beginning November 1, and they are looking for volunteers to knock on doors, phone bank, be a poll watcher, be a driver or runner or host volunteers. For those who want to volunteer in the eastern part of the 7th District can call (517) 417-6275. For those in the western part call (517) 316-7887

Political pundit predicts huge seat advantage for House Democrats next month

Michigan House Democrats will build on their 58-52 seat lead next month, according to Bill Ballanger in the latest edition of Inside Michigan Politics.

Ballanger is the editor and publisher of IMP, and the former state lawmaker and respected political pundit is going even farther on predictions he made in January and June that the Democrats will retain control of the House by an astounding margin of 70-40. Ballanger said according to a quartet of micro polls commissioned by East Lansing based Practical Political Consulting, the decision by Grampy McSame to abandon Michigan will have a negative effect on some vulnerable Democratic seats.

The Republicans went from controlling the House for more than a decade and wining one of the largest majorities in many years in 2002 to suffering the worst back-to-back election cycles since the early 1940s that culminated with the loss of the House in November 2006.

The McSame pullout is also having some positive results in the race for the U.S. House. The non-partisan Rothenberg Political Report upgraded the race between Democrat Gary Peters and Joe Knollenberg to "Tossup/Tilt Democratic." The race had previously been rated “Lean Republican.” A separate poll conducted by Grove-Insight for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) shows Peters ahead of Knollenberg 46-37 percent.

The race between Democrat Mark Schauer and extremist Tim Walberg is a toss up, and a recent poll by Myers Research & Strategic Services shows the Senate Minority Leader is leading Walberg by ten points, 46 to 36 percent.

Mark Schauer picking up support in Walberg’s back yard

ADRIAN -- Name recognition and support for State Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, in his quest to unseat extremist conservative Tim Walberg in the race for U.S. House in the 7th District is increasing.

Last month I knocked on doors in Lenawee County in Tecumseh, and I found that although people were receptive to Schauer after almost two years of Walberg, not a lot had heard of him. There was a noticeable difference on Sunday when I knocked on 68 doors in Adrian.

I saw plenty of Schauer and Rep. Dudley Spade, D- Tipton, yard signs, but I did not see a single Walberg sign. I understand yard signs don’t vote, but it’s good sign. It’s even more encouraging when you consider Lenawee County is Walberg’s home county, also a resident of rural Tipton.

What I found were more people who were supporting Schauer, and many asked for yard signs. There were a few undecideds, but not many.

Walking in Adrian was a trip down memory lane for me. I did a stint as the education reporter for the Daily Telegram. The Lenawee County Democratic Party is now located a few doors down from the Telegram in what used to be the Adrian Public Schools offices. I spent a few nights there covering Adrian School Board meetings.

All this positive Schauer news has Walberg and his friends at the extreme Club for Growth worried. They will start airing their first barrage of attack ads in the 7th district. This is the same radical group that ran a vicious smear campaign against incumbent Republican Joe Schwarz two years ago. The so-called Club for Growth wants to expand unfair trade deals - which have devastated Michigan's economy - and privatize Social Security. Back in 2006, Tim Walberg told the Jackson Citizen Patriot that he was "bought and paid for" by Club for Growth - so we know whose side he's on.

Mid-Michigan military veterans back Schauer

State Sen. Mark Schauer picked up the endorsement of a group of mid-Michigan military veterans in his race for U.S. Congress from the 7th Congressional District.

According to the press release announcing the endorsement, “Veterans for Schauer" is a constituency group committed to electing Schauer. The group, co-chaired by Brigadier General Bob Secrist and U.S. Navy Submarine veteran Fred Strack, will reach out to current and former members of the armed forces and mobilize support for Schauer's campaign.

"When the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base was facing closure, Mark Schauer helped rally the community and worked with people like Carl Levin and Joe Schwarz to keep the base open," Secrist said. "Mark has a strong record of standing up for our men and women in uniform, and will be a powerful voice for veterans as a member of Congress."

This is in sharp contrast to his opponent, who voted against the expanded GI Bill. Apparently, Tim Wahlberg supports the war but not the troops. Perhaps his healthcare plan for returning veterans is the same one he prescribes for the 47 million Americans without healthcare: go to the ER.

"Mark understands the serious challenges facing Michigan veterans, and has a strong track record of fighting for military families," Strack said "When it comes to jobs, affordable healthcare and keeping people in their homes, veterans can count on Mark Schauer to stand up for our values.”

Bishop punishes Michigan voters for his ignorance

LANSING -- Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, punished the Democrats and a member of his own caucus who briefly took control of the Senate to move three important bills out of committee on June 19 by further disenfranchising voters.

Subscription only MIRS reported last week that Bishop took away the vice chairmanship of the Senate Health policy Committee from Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton, who joined the Democrats in discharging an annexation bill – House Bill 5779 - he wanted and the so-called Kreiner fix bill Democrats wanted. He was also booted off the Senate Government Operations Committee. Of course, that committee is chaired by Bishop and rarely, if ever meets. It’s where Bishop sends bills he wants to block from ever being voted on.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, was kicked off the useless Government Ops Committee and the important Senate Campaign and Election Oversight Committee, for a second time. The person who came up with the rules to take advantage of the Republican ignorance and move the bills, Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, was kicked off the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will go from seven to six members.

House Bill 4301 is designed to address the recent interpretation by the Michigan Supreme Court in the case Kreiner v. Fischer. This bill was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives on March 14, 2007 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary where it remains, and it would go a long way to helping people injured in automobile accidents recover damages.

The bipartisan HB 5779, the annexation reform bill, was introduced by Rep. Mark Corriveau, D-Northville, and it has overwhelming support. Last week 1,300 letters against the proposed annexation of part of Northville Township to Livonia were hand delivered to Michigan Senators.

All three bills were sent back to committee to die.

MDP names new Communications Director

The Michigan Democratic Party will have a new person crafting its outgoing message with the hiring of Elizabeth Kerr of Lansing as the party’s new communications director.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, announced from the Senate floor Thursday that Kerr will be leaving her position as deputy communications director for the Senate Democratic Caucus to take the new post.

The position at the MDP has been vacant for the past month after former director Jason Moon left to become the public information officer at the Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS).

Kerr will be responsible for all party internal communications, including the party newsletter, the Web page and e-mail alerts, and perhaps more importantly she will be responsible for getting the party’s’ message out to the media via press conferences, press releases, press briefings and advertisements.

MIS is more lucrative to Michigan than the Super Bowl

BROOKLYN - A report released Tuesday by Gary Wolfram, an adjunct scholar at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, says the Michigan International Speedway in Jackson County has an economic impact greater than the Super Bowl, bringing in more than $400 million to Michigan’s economy.

NASCAR racing has become a huge American sport, and the two premier NASCAR races held at the two-mile oval in scenic Irish Hills generates more than $400 million in total economic activity, with more than $260 million of that in direct economic benefit, according to the report. The track employs more than 5,000 people at its events, generating an annual payroll of about $5 million, and it pays $2.1 million in annual property taxes.

In contrast, Super Bowl XL in Detroit in 2006 only generated an estimated $302 million, according to a study commissioned by the Detroit Super Bowl Host Committee.

Vendors, fans and race teams at the weekend NASCAR races buy many items from local suppliers from spray paint equipment and auto parts to beer and ice. On race weekends the track hosts more than 60,000 fans — 60 percent of them from the other 49 states and more than a dozen nations.

“For me, the two races are the highlight of my summer, and we save all year for the tickets, the food and other necessities,” said race fan Jason Elliott of Fowlerville in Livingston County. “We load up the NASCAR bus and camp in the infield all weekend.”

The track is so important to Michigan’s tourism industry and has become such an economic engine that State Senator Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, and Rep. Mike Simpson, D-Liberty Township, recently founded the Michigan Auto Racing Caucus (MARC), which they will co-chair. The bipartisan caucus aims to increase awareness of auto racing entertainment in Michigan and promote its positive impact on the state’s economy.

“The Michigan International Speedway has a dynamic impact on the Jackson area, both economically and culturally,” Schauer said in a press release announcing the formation of the caucus. “Despite the economic and budget crises we currently face, auto racing continues to fuel our economy.”

Caucuses are informal organizations of members who share common interests and come together to push or influence a favorable agenda. Perhaps the most well known national caucus is the Congressional Black Caucus, but in Michigan the many caucuses include the Hunting and Fishing Caucus, the Veterans Caucus and the Greek Caucus.

MIS has not only had a tremendous effect on the local economy, but it has benefited many of the area’s non-profit agencies, service clubs, churches and school organizations. More than 200 service groups used MIS as a fundraiser for their organization in 2006, and by selling concessions, parking cars and other activities they collectively raised almost $500,000 in 2006 alone.

Senate Democrats introduce resolution to stop secret votes and harassment of media

LANSING – The flap over the vote for the sales tax increase in the wee hours Monday morning has led Senate Democrats to introduce Senate Resolution 114 Thursday to amend the Senate Standing Rules to ensure there are no secret votes.

The trouble began around 3 a.m. Monday when the Senate was voting to give immediate effect to House Bill 5198. The bill to tax certain services had passed earlier with a 19-19 tie broken by Lt. Gov. John Cherry. Since the state government had been shut down at midnight, Cherry called for a vote to give the bill immediate effect instead the normal procedure that says a bill only takes effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session.

Immediate effect takes a two-thirds vote or approval by 26 Senators. However, those votes are not recorded in the Senate journal, and a photographer from the Senate Democratic Caucus was taking photos of the board. A number of Senate Republicans objected to that, and Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, then ordered all Senate staff off the floor.

Subscription only Gongwer reported, “In the process a news photographer began shooting the voting board - Senate rules forbid photographing a non-roll call vote - and several senators shouted the photographer should be thrown off and one demanded his tape be confiscated. A sergeant stood with the photographer while that portion of the tape was erased.” However, it cannot be verified if that incident actually took place.

Senate Republican leadership says the Senate rules bar the media from taking photos of the vote board during unrecorded votes. In an email response Carol Viventi, the Secretary of the Senate, said “Consequently, no one, media included can take pictures of the board when it is an unrecorded vote.” But that’s news to some regular media that cover the Capitol on a regular basis. Phillip Hendricks, the news director at Lansing TV station WLNS, said he has never heard of that rule.

“I don’t know of any policy that prohibits us filming anything,” he said. “We have never had a problem, and we film what ever we want.”

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, said the caucus photographer was shooting the board at his request, and he and the caucus attorney checked for any written policy that prohibited staff from shooting photos of the board. He said any change in Senate rules must be approved by a vote of the full Senate. Schauer said he received a letter from Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, in response to what rules were used to stop the board from being photographed that cited a policy Schauer said he cannot find, and he also said he cited “long-standing custom and usage” as the precedent for banning visual recording of the vote board for non-record votes. Schauer said the so-called long-standing custom violates both the spirit of the Open Meetings Act and the Constitution.

“We have no right as Senators to cast votes in secret,” Schauer said. “I will always error on the side of openness.”

The resolution will amend the standing rules to allow no secret votes, and to allow the press, public and staff to photograph the board at any point in the Senate session.

“Our First Amendment is clear, our Constitution is clear, our rules are clear - the public has a right to know how we represent them in this chamber,” Schauer said in a press release. “The resolution we offer today should not even be necessary, but it will once and for all end any perception that there are secret votes in this Senate.”

Veteran journalist says no vote for income tax increase jeopardizes Michigan

NOVI - Veteran journalist Jack Lessenberry told a group of West Oakland County Democrats that the budget and economic situation in Michigan is the worst he has ever seen it.

“However bad you thing the situation is in Michigan, it’s worse,” he said. “There is no way to exaggerate the situation.”

Lessenberry has worked as a foreign correspondent and executive national editor of The Detroit News, reporting from more than 40 countries. His writing has appeared in such national publications as Vanity Fair, Esquire, The New York Times, The Washington Post and the Boston Globe. He is also a professor of journalism at Wayne State University, and his freelance columns appear in The Metro Times, The Traverse-City Record Eagle and The Toledo (Ohio) Blade. He is also a senior political analyst for Michigan Public Radio.

Lessenberry was extremely critical of the state Legislature’s inability to pass a budget, or approve a much needed income tax increase. He said no company would want to move to Michigan with the government in disarray, the roads and infrastructure crumbling and the state’s biggest assets, the schools, being starved. He says as a professor at Wayne he sees far too many promising students drop out of college simply because they cannot afford the tuition, especially in light of an 18 percent increase in tuition this summer.

“It’s not even a raise in taxes, it’s a restoration,” Lessenberry said. “I’m not a farmer, but farmers settled this state.
“They know that to prosper they cannot eat next year’s seed corn,” he said.

He lashed out at the Republicans refusal to vote for the income tax increase because of the fear of a recall from a man who has never had a job where he was not paid with tax dollars.

“Republicans believe in taxes they just believe in taxing the poor,” he said. “They are turning Michigan into Mississippi with ice storms. It’s very scary for those of us left in Michigan.”

Despite speaking in front of a room full of Democrats, he pulled no punches and also had hard words for Democrats too. He took Gov. Jennifer Granholm to task for a lack of leadership on the budget. He said she should have bought a half hour of TV time to tell people the budget situation in a quasi fireside chat and use the political capital she gained in the election with an overwhelming victory and being term-limited.

“We will be the laughing stock of the nation if we have a shutdown,” Lessenberry said. “The governor took far too long to take a principled stand. She let Mike Bishop take a major role.”
“I just do not understand why the governor did not take the lead on this,” he said. “She has no political capital to lose.”

Lessenberry was also critical of the 10 freshman Democratic House members in vulnerable seats who did not cast an up or down vote for the income tax increase during last weekend’s marathon House session.

“They are gutless wonders,” he said. “They refused to vote because they want to hang on to a job they are going to lose in six years; the state of Michigan is at stake here.”

Lessenberry had some bold predictions for the presidential primary, saying Hilary Clinton would be the Democratic nominee. He also said he did not expect Barack Obama to be her running mate no matter how well he did in the primaries because Lessenberry thinks asking voters to vote for two firsts in the same election – a woman and African-American for president and vice-president - was asking too much. He expects her running mate to be a male Senator from a Middle Western state. However, he had no idea who the front-runner was in what he called a particularity weak Republican field

“Hilary Clinton is already the Democratic nominee; she has already been anointed,” he said. “Usually, it’s the Republicans who settle this first.”

He said the U.S. Congressional districts have been so effectively gerrymandered he expects little change there, but there could be a race in the 7th District where GOP U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg faces a challenge from the Democratic Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer and in the 9th District where long-time Republican Joe Knollenberg faces a challenge from Democrat Gary Peters.

“He (Walberg) is somewhere to the right of Genghis Khan. The last time I said that I got an angry note; Genghis Khan was angry at being compared to Tim Walberg.”

Lessenberry said he was less than excited about Peters' chances of winning because he called him a “lousy campaigner.” He said Peters was qualified, smart and capable, but he is not a good campaigner. He said he singe-handily allowed the first Republican to be elected to the position of attorney general in Michigan in almost 40 years.

“You need to get Nancy Skinner out of there first," he said. “The last thing the Democrats need is a bruising primary.”

The state House will be an interesting place next year with 44 members term-limited, but Lessenberry said it will be a good year for Democrats.

“Democrats will pick up a few more seats,” he said. “I do not see Republicans taking control of the House.”

Senate passes a one-month continuation budget

LANSING – Just a few hours after a press conference where Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she would veto a continuation budget if it is not linked to a tax increase, the Senate did just that today, passing Senate Bill 772 and 773 along party lines.

“The idea of a continuation budget to solve the budget problem is ridiculous and ludicrous,” said Sen. Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods. “…If the goal is to shut down government then a continuation budget surely accomplishes that.”

The bill provides a temporary budget for one month for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Senate Republicans, who control the Senate, said it would allow bond payments so the state does not default and payments will be made to local school districts. The state has to make up a $1.8 million budget deficit. The bills passed on a straight party line vote of 20-17, and Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell) was absent.

“If we came to an agreement today on how we can balance the budget with reforms, cuts and revenue it is doubtful if we can put the necessary rules in place to pay our bills in time by the first week of October,” said Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy.

The Democratic controlled House met in a marathon session all weekend and today to try and pass a state income tax increase to 4.6 percent from 3.9 percent. Both the Senate and House have said it will take a combination of cuts, reforms and new revenue to balance the budget. However, the Senate refuses to pass any tax increases, and no House Republican will vote for any increase either.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, used sports analogies like “it’s gut-check time” and the Senate was “punting,” saying a continuation budget may be necessary, but an agreement on a 12-month fix should be in place first.

“This is accepting defeat and waving the white flag,” he said. “What’s worse is we don’t even know what is in the bills because it appoints a 10-person committee.”

Coulter Quote of the Week: dedicated to rightwing bloggers and Xavier University students

This week’s two Minutes of Hate, otherwise known as the Coulter Quote of the Week, is dedicated to two people this week.

The first is dedicated to the folks over at “rightmichigan.com.” They attacked Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, because Ken Brock, his Chief-of-staff, was paraphrased in an opinion column by a reporter as calling one of Schauer’s potential opponents in the Democratic nomination for the 7th Congressional District seat a "liberal, Jewish trial lawyer.” What he was doing was talking about how hard it would be for David Nacht to win the nomination in a conservative district that has been held by Republicans for years. The same day Brock apologized for the remark, and Mr. Nacht accepted the apology and understood the context the unfortunate word, “Jewish,” was used. However, it took four days for the good folks over at wrongmichingan to post the apology.

The second dedication goes out to the students at Xavier University in Cincinnati who raised more than $25,000 in a “Counter Coulter” campaign – the speaking fee Ann Coulter was charging the Xavier University College Republicans and Young America’s Foundation to speak for them – to donate to tolerant student groups at a counter event held the same day Coulter is speaking. Great job.

Here in Livingston County, in less than three weeks the queen of hate will be at Cleary University’s Economic Club Speakers Luncheon Series speaking for Cleary University, speaking for the Livingston County Republican and further reinforcing the false notion that Livingston County welcomes racists of all ilks. She will collect her $30,000 for 90 minutes of hate, and she will be gone.

Here are this week’s quotes of the week:

“Moreover, a question on reparations has got to be confusing when you're half-white and half-black. What do you do? Demand an apology for slavery and money from yourself? I guess biracial reparations would involve sending yourself money, then sending back a portion of that money to yourself, minus 50 percent in processing fees — which is the same way federal aid works.” --- Online column 8/1/07

“Democrats are counting on illegal immigrants to be the future of their party, their border guards for the new socialist state. At least liberals have a clear mission and know what they're fighting for. Their plan is to destroy America.” --- Online column 8/22/07

Despite apology made and accepted rightwing attack dogs continue to attack

Ken Brock, the Chief-of-staff for Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, apologized for a misguided word he used in talking to a newspaper columnist about an opponent of his boss for the Democratic nomination for the 7th Congressional District seat, and despite the person he made the remark about accepting the apology, that’s good enough for Republicans.

In an opinion column in the Battle Creek Enquirer by Susan Demas that ran on Friday before the long Labor Day holiday weekend, Demas paraphrased and said Brock said:

“Democratic state Sen. Mark Schauer is psyched to take him on, vowing to amass $3 million by next year. His chief of staff, Ken Brock, seemed to channel the odiousness of Karl Rove earlier this month, bragging that only Schauer can raise that kind of money, unlike "liberal, Jewish trial lawyer" David Nacht or "lazy" Jim Berryman, for whom Brock twice worked.”

The GOP propaganda machine immediately took off to spin this slip of one word that Brock used to describe the problems Nacht might have in raising money in the 7th District, and because of the long weekend only counter balance to that that spin and lie were bloggers like myself. They called Brock anti-Semitic, talked about 1940’s Germany and called for Schauer to fire Brock. Basically, it was just one more attack on Schauer as the right-wingers realize what a good candidate he will be.

Because there are so few rightwing blogs, the attack showed up on something called “rightmichigan.com. The blog and the few people who comment there attacked Schauer and Brock all weekend. However, the story on the apology also ran in the newspaper on the same Friday, but it took so-called Rightmichigan.com all weekend to acknowledge the apology. The drones teed off on the original story reporting the remark all weekend, but the apology story did not get posted until Tuesday.

It seems a little over the top to condemn someone and calling for their dismissal for an employee allegedly saying one word taken according to a columnist who paraphrased it with no idea of the contest or even when it was said. I have no idea how it was said, and I would like to hear the entire quote. I guess if you take a walk in a Republicans shoes, calling someone a trail lawyer and a liberal is the ultimate insult, but I have a lot of respect of trial lawyers and liberals. To me, being a Jewish trail lawyer is a good thing, not a bad thing. It also seems so ironic to me that people who count Ann Coulter as their hero and spokesperson would condemn a guy, or anyone, for one misguided word. This is a case of rightwing grasping at straws to find something to bash Schauer over the head with. It shows what kind of dirt and attacks they will stoop to in their campaign against Schauer, and this is just a glimpse of what we can expect all the way up to next November.

I called for Brock to apologize to Nacht both publicly and privately, and he did that as soon as the paper hit the newsstands.

“Brock said today he already had apologized to Nacht, and he has no intentions of resigning his post over the comment.
“The moment I saw it in the paper, I knew I had to call him,” he said. “I knew I was wrong the moment I said those words. I was further saddened they were printed in the paper, and I apologize to anyone else who may have been offended.”

Nacht also immediately accepted it.

“Nacht said he knows Brock isn’t anti-Semitic. He said he believes Brock was using religion, profession and political orientation in a political analysis, not as a personal attack.
“It’s a tricky thing to talk about a candidate’s religion in an analytical way without being accused of being prejudiced,” Nacht said. “I don’t think my work as a lawyer nor my religion would have been a barrier to my being elected. So I disagree with the substantive aspect of the comment that it was something negative, but I think he was trying to legitimately point out weaknesses in my campaign.”

You would think this would be enough for right-wingers like those on Wrongmichigan.com, but it’s not about the truth or doing the right thing it’s simply about finding something to attack Schauer with.

Its Democrats and Republicans going "bumper-to-bumper" to benefit Community Inclusive Recreation

This Saturday Night at 7:30 p.m. August 25th, The Bob Frahm Community Racing Challenge returns to Springport Motor Speedway, presenting the 2007 Congressional Challenge.

State Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Kalamazoo, Rep. Mike Simpson, D-Jackson, Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, and Rep. Mike Noffs, R-Battle Creek, will don the drivers gear and take to the high banks of Springport Motor Speedway in a 10 lap sprint to prove who is the fastest legislator.

Benefiting from this week's event is Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR), based in Battle Creek, serving all of Calhoun, Barry and Jackson counties. The Mission of CIR is to provide and promote inclusive social, recreational, educational and art activities for people of all abilities through programming, leadership and support of community inclusion. CIR is a United Way Program Delivery Partner

"They are a wonderful organization with a vision and commitment to community inclusion,” Schauer said. “The CIR is changing mindsets, attitudes and accessibility barriers, and I am proud to support their efforts."

CIR is fortunate to have a wealth of partnering individuals and agencies throughout Battle Creek, and beyond. As a result of the relationships that have been cultivated throughout the 12 years that CIR has been in the community, participants have had opportunities to experience wonderful activities. And this weekend is no exception, as the world of automobile racing will be opened up to the great folks at Community Inclusive Recreation.

"With my 33 years in law enforcement, serving over 30 years with the Eaton County Sheriff Department; I've chased bad guys from every corner of this county and back: now they'll be chasing me, “ Jones said.

This fun event will be very racy as these four strong-minded and strong-willed drivers jump behind the wheels of Bob Frahm's Community Racing Challenge pure stocks for a 10 lap featured heat. Joining the Lansing lawmakers will be two representatives of CIR, making it a full field of challengers.

The Community Racing Challenge charge is to provide meaningful support to local non-profit organizations in the form of fund raising and team building events which will not only foster new interest in local short track racing, but enhance the relationship between drivers, owners, local businesses and the citizens of the community.

The kick-off for the Community Racing Challenge will take place Thursday, at Brown Stadium in Battle Creek where CIR will be hosting their 13th Annual Celebrity Softball Bash. This event pits the members of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni and Detroit Tigers Alumni in a softball game versus Battle Creek community leaders. Former Detroit Tiger pitcher Dave Rozema and former Detroit Red Wing Shawn Burr are among the many big names taking part in this big event.

The Community Racing Challenge will be on-site, along with one of the Challenge Race Cars handing out free vouchers for the race on Saturday night and giving everyone an opportunity to sit in the racer and try on some race gear. Schauer and representatives Noffs’ office are expected to be on-hand to meet and greet all the dedicated people involved in this popular community event.

For more information on this event, please visit www.communityracingchallenge.com, the online home of the Community Racing Challenge. There you'll find videos and photos of past events, directions to the racetrack, ticket information, event schedule, free on-line vouchers and more. Or contact Patrick McNamara via email at patrick@communityracingchallenge.com or phone 734.536.0319

Numbers prove this is the laziest state Senate in more than a decade

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) called out the Republicans who control the Senate for not having a single appropriations bill passed for the 2007-2008 budget before July 31, according to subscription only Gongwer News Service.

Schauer told Gongwer this is fewest total roll call votes held so far in a decade and no budget bills having passed the chamber under chief obstructionist Mike Bishop. The Senate earned the reputation as the place where bills go to die in the last session even when Republicans controlled the House, and Bishop is only enhancing that reputation.

In contrast, by this time in 2006 the Senate had passed 23 budget bills, and at no time in the last 10 years had it passed fewer than 13 budget bills - in 1996 - by the end of July.
In addition, Mr. Schauer said the session overall have resulted in a paltry number of actual votes. Through the end of July, the Senate had taken a total of 235 roll call votes, he said, compared to 614 in the same time frame a year ago.
"Michigan is burning, our people are struggling, we need to put down the fiddle and pick up the pace," Mr. Schauer said.

This accurate assessment comes on the heels of news, again reported by Gongwer, that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State Police and Military and Veteran Affairs sent budgets for those departments to the full Appropriations Committee. However, the move represented the first action by the House taken on what are supposed to be Senate-originating budgets. Both HB 4353 and HB 4356 were unanimously adopted by the subcommittee.

Gongwer is also reporting legislative sources said House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) and Bishop (R-Rochester) are preparing to hold an extensive series of meetings on the budget in August. Gongwer also reported sources indicate that both Houses could be preparing for a long-day on August 22. There are only two session days left before the budget has to be drafted. Gongwer said Aug. 22 is the only real day of action for the Senate.

“In the Senate little action is expected on August 8 and August 15 first because some members will be at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting in Boston next week and second because several members are going to Israel the following week.”

Cleary, the Senators are living up to their reputation as obstructions, and Schauer had it correct when he called it the “do-nothing-Senate.” The fact that Senate Republicans have dragged their feet on the budget has also contributed to the hikes in tuition Michigan’s colleges and universities have had to enact because e they had no idea what the state budget will look like.

It also seems ironic that the leading rightwing blog – one of only three rightwing blogs in the entire state – continues to make the false claim that the House and Dillon are obstructions, dragging their feet and other ridiculous, false names.