MichiganLiberal

UPDATED: Rally to Save the MI Promise Scholarship

PerfectStormer — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:28:42 GMT

UPDATE: It's raining in Lansing, so the rally has been moved to Rm. 115 of the International Center on the MSU campus.

The Michigan Promise is simple: pass the Michigan Merit Exam and the state will give you $4,000 for college (Okay, the requirements of the scholarship are slightly more complicated, but the bottom line is still "Pass the test. Get four thousand bucks to use for school.") I'll happily confess that I'm not the brightest bulb in the drawer, but doesn't it follow that if we give kids a) incentive to pay attention in high school and pass the MME, and b) give them four thousand bucks to use for school, they'll be better-educated and better-prepared to take on the kinds of high technology jobs that are so critical to Michigan's recovery and survival?

Apparently the Republicans in the Michigan Senate don't think so. They killed the Michigan Promise last week. That is, they broke a promise to 96,000 Michigan students counting on that money to be able to finance their education. That high-pitched squeal you heard last week wasn't Leon Drolet's pig--it was 96,000 parents and their kids screaming "OMG what are we going to do now?" and college lenders from all over the state shouting "Cha-CHING!"

Today the MSU College Dems are fighting back. They're going to gather ~~at the Rock~~ on the MSU campus to collectively beat Mike Bishop and the Republican caucus over the head with a clue. You're invited to join them at 10:00AM, rain or shine (and from my seat here in Westcoastville, it's lookin' like rain).

By the way, later this morning the state is expected to release the latest unemployment figures. If these kids were smart (and they are...they earned four thousand bucks by passing a test, for pete's sake), they'd print out copies and hand them out..assuming they can scrounge enough paper and ink to print out all those zeroes.

Keep the promise, Republicans. The kids kept theirs.

Complete remarks by President Obama at Macomb Community College

ScottyUrb — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:11:21 GMT

As distributed by The White House:

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Michigan! (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you so much. First of all, give Joe a big round of applause for the wonderful introduction. (Applause.) We've got some special guests here -- now, if everybody has chairs, go ahead and use them. (Laughter.) Feel free. We've got some special guests here today that I just want to acknowledge. All of you are special, but these folks I want to make sure that you have a chance to see them.

First of all, one of the best governors in the country, please give Jennifer Granholm a big round of applause. (Applause.) Lieutenant Governor John Cherry -- give John a big round of applause. (Applause.) One of my favorite people, a former colleague of mine, still just a fighter on behalf of working families each and every day -- Senator Debbie Stabenow. (Applause.) We've got Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon, in the house. (Applause.) We've got a lot of other local elected officials, and I just want to thank them.

A couple of people who are missing: Carl Levin, who is doing great work. (Applause.) He's in the Senate right now fighting on behalf of a bill to make sure that we're not loading up a bunch of necessary defense spending with unnecessary defense spending. So he's the point person on it. The only reason he's not here is because he is working alongside the administration to get this bill done. Please give him a big round of applause. (Applause.) Congressman Sandy Levin, also working hard on your behalf each and every day, but is not here today. (Applause.) I want to go ahead and acknowledge the new mayor, since he's the new mayor -- Mayor Dave Bing, great ball player. (Applause.) My game is a little like Dave Bing's -- (laughter) -- except I don't have the jump shot or the speed or the ball handling skills -- (laughter) -- or the endurance. Also don't have the afro. Don't think I forgot that, Dave. I remember. (Laughter.) I remember that.

I also want to acknowledge that we've got the Executive Director of the White House Council on Auto Communities and Workers, who's working hard, has a direct line to me each and every day. He's traveling constantly back here -- Ed Montgomery. Please give Ed a big round of applause. (Applause.)

And the Chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian Tribe, Derek Bailey is here. Please give Derek a big round of applause. (Applause.)

And finally, the president of the college where we are here, Jim Jacobs. Give Jim Jacobs a big round of applause. (Applause.)

And those of you who I've missed, you know how grateful I am that you're here. And thank you all. It is wonderful to be back at Macomb. It was terrific visiting this campus as a candidate, but I have to admit, it's even better visiting as a President. (Applause.)

Now, this is a place where anyone -- anyone with a desire to learn and to grow, to take their career to a new level or start a new career altogether -- has the opportunity to pursue their dream, right here in Macomb. This is a place where people of all ages and all backgrounds -- even in the face of obstacles, even in the face of very difficult personal challenges -- can take a chance on a brighter future for themselves and their families.

There are folks like Joe, who just told us his story. When Joe lost his job, he decided to take advantage of assistance for displaced workers. He earned his associate degree here at Macomb, and with a pretty impressive GPA, I might add. And with the help of that degree, Joe found a new job, working for the new Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital as a maintenance mechanic, using the skills he learned here and the talents that he brought to make a fresh start.

There are workers like Kellie Kulman, who is here today. Where's Kellie? Raise your hand, Kellie. Where are you? There you are. There's Kellie right there. (Applause.) Kellie is a UAW worker at a Ford plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. (Applause.) She used to drive a fork lift, right? But then she decided to train here at Macomb for a job that required new skills, and now she's an apprentice pipe fitter. It's a telling example: Even as this painful restructuring takes place in our auto industry, workers are seeking out training for new auto jobs. And Joe and Kellie's story make clear what all of you know: Community colleges are an essential part of our recovery in the present -- and our prosperity in the future. (Applause.) This place can make the future better, not just for these individuals but for America.

Now, since this recession began 20 months ago, 6.5 million Americans have lost their jobs, and I don't have to tell you Michigan in particular has been hard-hit. Now, I -- the statistics are daunting. The whole country now, the unemployment rate is approaching 10 percent. Here in Michigan, it's about five points higher. And new jobs of course are going to be coming out and we're going to see continuing job loss even as the economy is beginning to stabilize.

Now, that's not just abstractions. Those just aren't numbers on a page. Those are extraordinary hardships, tough times, for families and individuals who've worked hard all their lives and have done the right things all their lives. If you haven't lost a job, chances are you know somebody who has: a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a coworker. And you know that as difficult as the financial struggle can be, the sense of loss is about more than just a paycheck, because most of us define ourselves by the work we do. That's part of what it means to be an American. We take pride in work -- that sense that you're contributing, supporting your family, meeting your responsibilities. People need work not just for income, but because it makes you part of that fabric of a community that's so important. And so when you lose your job, and when entire communities are losing thousands of jobs, that's a heavy burden, that's a heavy weight.

Now, my administration has a job to do, as well, and that job is to get this economy back on its feet. That's my job. (Applause.) And it's a job I gladly accept. I love these folks who helped get us in this mess and then suddenly say, well, this is Obama's economy. That's fine. Give it to me. (Applause.) My job is to solve problems, not to stand on the sidelines and harp and gripe. (Applause.)

So I welcome the job. I want the responsibility. And I know that -- let's just take an example. Many questioned our efforts to help save GM and Chrysler from collapse earlier this year. Their feeling was these companies were driven to the brink by poor management decisions over a long period of time, and like any business they should be held accountable for those decisions. I agree that they should be held accountable. But I also recognize the historic significance and economic prominence of these companies in communities all across Michigan and all across the country.

I thought about the hundreds of thousands of Americans whose livelihoods are still connected to the American auto industry, and the impact on an already struggling economy, especially right here in Michigan. (Applause.) So I said that if Chrysler and GM were willing to fundamentally restructure their businesses and make the hard choices necessary to become competitive now and in the future, it was a process worth supporting.

Now today, after a painful period of soul-searching and sacrifice, both GM and Chrysler have emerged from bankruptcy. Remember, folks said there was no way they could do it? They've gotten it done already, in record time -- (applause) -- far faster than anybody thought possible. They've got a leaner structure, they've got new management, and a viable vision of how to compete and win in the 21st century. Those sacrifices were shared among all the stakeholders: workers and management; creditors and shareholders; retirees and communities. And together, they've made the rebirth of Chrysler and GM possible.

It was the right thing to do.

But even with this positive news, the hard truth is, is that some of the jobs that have been lost in the auto industry and elsewhere won't be coming back. They're the casualties of a changing economy. In some cases, just increased productivity in the plants themselves means that some jobs aren't going to return. And that only underscores the importance of generating new businesses and new industries to replace the ones that we've lost, and of preparing our workers to fill the jobs they create. For even before this recession hit, we were faced with an economy that was simply not creating or sustaining enough new, well-paying jobs.

So now is the time to change all that. What we face is far more than a passing crisis. This is a transformative moment. And in this moment we must do what other generations have done. It's not the time to shrink from the challenges we face or put off tough decisions. That's what Washington has done for decades, and it's exactly why I ran for President -- to change that mindset. (Applause.) Now is the time to build a firmer, stronger foundation for growth that will not only withstand future economic storms, but that will help us thrive and compete in a global economy. To build that foundation, we have to slow the growth of health care costs that are driving us into debt. (Applause.) We're going to have to do that, and there's going to be a major debate over the next three weeks. And don't be fooled by folks trying to scare you, saying we can't change the health care system. We have no choice but to change the health care system, because right now it's broken for too many Americans. (Applause.)

We're going to have to make tough choices necessary to bring down deficits. But don't let folks fool you -- the best way to start bringing down deficits is to get control of our health care costs, which is why we need reform. (Applause.)

Now is the time to create the jobs of the future by growing industries, including a new clean energy economy. And Jennifer Granholm has been all on top of this as the governor of Michigan. She is bring cleaning [sic] energy jobs right here to Michigan, and we've got to support her in that effort. (Applause.)

I want Michigan to build windmills and wind turbines and solar panels and biofuel plants and energy-efficient light bulbs and weatherize all our -- because, Michigan, you know bad weather. (Laughter.) So you can be all on top of weatherizing. You need to weatherize. (Laughter.) I know about that in Chicago too. (Laughter.)

But we also have to ensure that we're educating and preparing our people for the new jobs of the 21st century. We've got to prepare our people with the skills they need to compete in this global economy. (Applause.) Time and again, when we placed our bet for the future on education, we have prospered as a result -- by tapping the incredible innovative and generative potential of a skilled American workforce. That's what happened when President Lincoln signed into law legislation creating the land grant colleges, which not only transformed higher education, but also our entire economy. That's what took place when President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill which helped educate a generation, and ushered in an era of unprecedented prosperity. That was the foundation for the American middle class.

And that's why, at the start of my administration I set a goal for America: By 2020, this nation will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. We used to have that. We're going to have it again. (Applause.) And we've begun to take historic steps to achieve this goal. Already we've increased Pell grants by $500. (Applause.) We've created a $2,500 tax credit for four years of college tuition. (Applause.) We've simplified student aid applications and ensured that aid is not based on the income of a job that you just lost. (Applause.) A new GI Bill of Rights for the 21st century is beginning to help soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan to begin a new life -- in a new economy. And the recovery plan has helped close state budget shortfalls -- which put enormous pressure on public universities and community colleges -- at the same time making historic investments in school libraries and classrooms and facilities all across America. So we've already taken some steps that are building the foundation for a 21st century education system here in America, one that will allow us to compete with China and India and everybody else all around the world.

But today I'm announcing the most significant down payment yet on reaching the goal of having the highest college graduation rate of any nation in the world. We're going to achieve this in the next 10 years. (Applause.) And it's called the American Graduation Initiative. It will reform and strengthen community colleges like this one from coast to coast so they get the resources that students and schools need -- and the results workers and businesses demand. Through this plan, we seek to help an additional 5 million Americans earn degrees and certificates in the next decade -- 5 million. (Applause.)

Not since the passage of the original GI Bill and the work of President Truman's Commission on Higher Education -- which helped to double the number of community colleges and increase by seven-fold enrollment in those colleges -- have we taken such a historic step on behalf of community colleges in America. And let me be clear: We pay for this plan -- this isn't adding to the deficit; we're paying for this plan -- by ending the wasteful subsidies we currently provide to banks and private lenders for student loans. (Applause.) That will save tens of billions of dollars over the next 10 years. Instead of lining the pockets of special interests, it's time this money went towards the interests of higher education in America. (Applause.) That's what my administration is committed to doing.

Now, I know that for a long time there have been politicians who have spoken of training as a silver bullet and college as a cure-all. It's not, and we know that. I can't tell you how many workers who've been laid off, you talk to them about training and they say, "Training for what?" So I understand the frustrations that a lot of people have, especially if the training is not well designed for the specific jobs that are being created out there.

But we know that in the coming years, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience. We will not fill those jobs -- or even keep those jobs here in America -- without the training offered by community colleges. That's why I want to applaud Governor Granholm for the No Worker Left Behind program. (Applause.) It's providing up to two years' worth of free tuition at community colleges and universities across the state. The rest of the country should learn from the effort.

This is training to become a medical technician, or a health IT worker, or a lab specialist, or a nurse. In fact, 59 percent of all new nurses come from community colleges. (Applause.) This is training to install solar panels and build those wind turbines we were talking about and develop a smarter electricity grid. And this is the kind of education that more and more Americans are using to improve their skills and broaden their horizons. Many young people are saving money by spending two years at community college before heading to a four-year college. And more workers who have lost their jobs -- or fear losing a job -- are seeking an edge at schools like this one.

At the same time, community colleges are under increasing pressure to cap enrollments and scrap courses and cut costs as states and municipalities face budget shortfalls. And this is in addition to the challenges you face in the best of times, as these schools receive far less funding per student than typical four-year colleges and universities. So community colleges are an undervalued asset in our country. Not only is that not right, it's not smart. That's why I've asked Dr. Jill Biden -- who happens to be a relation of the Vice President, Joe Biden, but who is also a community college educator for more than 16 years -- to promote community colleges and help us make community colleges stronger. And that's why we're putting in place this American Graduation Initiative.

Let me describe for you the specifics of what we're going to do. Number one, we will offer competitive grants, challenging community colleges to pursue innovative, results-oriented strategies in exchange for federal funding. We'll fund programs that connect students looking for jobs with businesses that are looking to hire. We'll challenge these schools to find new and better ways to help students catch up on the basics, like math and science, that are essential to our competitiveness. We'll put colleges and employers together to create programs that match curricula in the classroom with the needs of the boardroom.

These are all kinds of -- there are all kinds of examples of what's possible. We've seen Cisco, for example, working with community colleges to prepare students and workers for jobs ranging from work in broadband to health IT. We know that the most successful community colleges are those that partner with the private sector. So we want to encourage more companies to work with schools to build these type of relationships. That way, when somebody goes through a training program, they know that there's a job at the end of that training. (Applause.)

We'll also create a new research center with a simple mission: to measure what works and what doesn't. All too often, we don't know what happens when somebody walks out of a classroom and onto the factory floor or into the library or -- the laboratory or the office. And that means businesses often can't be sure what a degree is really worth. And schools themselves don't have the facts to make informed choices about which programs receive -- achieve results and which programs don't. And this is important, not just for businesses and colleges, but for students and workers, as well. If a parent is going to spend time in the classroom and away from his or her family -- especially after a long day at work -- that degree really has to mean something. They have to know that when they get that degree, this is going to help advance their goals. If a worker is going to spend two years training to enter into a whole new profession, that certificate has to mean that he or she is ready, and that businesses are ready to hire.

In addition, we want to propose new funding for innovative strategies that promote not just enrollment in a community college program, but completion of that program. See, more than half -- (applause) -- more than half of all students who enter community college to earn an associate degree, or transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor's degree, unfortunately fail to reach their goal. That's not just a waste of a valuable resource, that's a tragedy for these students. Oftentimes they've taken out debt and they don't get the degree, but they still have to pay back the debt. And it's a disaster for our economy.

So we'll fund programs that track student progress inside and outside the classroom. Let's figure out what's keeping students from crossing that finish line, and then put in place reforms that will remove those barriers. Maybe it becomes too difficult for a parent to be away from home, or too expensive for a waiter or a nurse to miss a shift. Maybe a young student just isn't sure if her education will lead to employment. The point is, we need to figure out solutions for these kinds of challenges -- because facing these impediments shouldn't prevent you from reaching your potential.

All right, so that's a big chunk of this first part of this initiative. The second part: We're going to back $10 billion in loans to renovate and rebuild college classrooms and buildings all across the country. (Applause.) All too often, community colleges are treated like the stepchild of the higher education system; they're an afterthought, if they're thought of at all. And that means schools are often years behind in the facilities they provide, which means, in a 21st century economy, they're years behind in the education they can offer. That's a mistake and it's one that we'll help to correct. Through this fund, schools will have the chance to borrow at a more affordable rate to modernize facilities, and they'll be building on the funds in the recovery plan that are already helping to renovate schools, including community colleges all across the country. And by the way, not only does this improve the schools and the training that they're providing, guess what? You also have to hire some workers and some tradesmen and women to do the work on those schools. So it means it's putting people to work in Michigan right here right now. (Applause.)

Number three: Even as we repair bricks and mortar, we have an opportunity to build a new virtual infrastructure to complement the education and training community colleges can offer. So we're going to support the creation of a new online, open-source clearinghouse of courses so that community colleges across the country can offer more classes without building more classrooms. And this will make a big difference especially for rural campuses that a lot of times have struggled -- attract -- have to struggle to attract students and faculty. And this will make it possible for a professor to complement his lecture with an online exercise, or for a student who can't be away from her family to still keep up with her coursework. We don't know where this kind of experiment will lead, but that's exactly why we ought to try it because I think there's a possibility that online education can provide especially for people who are already in the workforce and want to retrain the chance to upgrade their skills without having to quit their job. (Applause.)

So let me say this more: The road to recovery, the road to prosperity, is going to be hard. It was never going to be easy. When I was sworn in, we were seeing 700 [thousand] jobs lost that month. Then we had the same amount lost for two more consecutive months. Now we've got an average of about 400,000 jobs lost -- but we're still losing too many jobs. We will get to the point where we're not losing jobs, but then we've got to start getting to the point where we're actually creating jobs.

And it's going to take time. There are going to be false starts and there are going to be setbacks. But I am confident that we can meet the challenges we face, because that's what we've always done. That's what America does. We hit some challenges, we fuss and argue about it, and then we go ahead and go about the business of solving our problems. That's what we see on display right here at Macomb Community College. That's what I've seen at colleges and universities all across this country. At every juncture in our history when we've been challenged, we have summoned the resilience and the industriousness -- that can-do American spirit -- that has allowed us to succeed in the face of even the toughest odds.

That's what we can and must do now, not just to overcome this crisis, but to leave something better behind, to lay a foundation on which our children and our grandchildren can prosper and take responsibility for their future -- just as the students at this school, at this difficult moment, are taking responsibility for theirs.

I am absolutely confident that if I've got your help, that we can make it happen, and we are going to see a stronger, more prosperous Michigan in the years to come. (Applause.)

Thank you very much, Warren. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

Stabenow backs public option on CNN State of the Union

bfealk — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:29:50 GMT

Well, hopefully, Senator Stabenow can be counted on to stand tall for a good public option. She was on State of the Union on Sunday with John King and had this to say.

STABENOW: Well, my first choice and very strong choice is a public option. And I have to say, Wolf, that what my friends are saying, Senator Gregg and Senator Alexander really are scare tactics that have been put forward by folks that don't want to change the system because they make a lot of money off the current system right now.

The reality for families today is if there's an insurance company bureaucrat between you and your doctor telling your doctor what they're allowed to do because of what they'll pay for, telling you what they'll pay for, putting you through all kinds of bureaucracy to try to figure out if you can get care, assuming you're not dropped if you get sick or can't get insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. So what we're talking about is putting somebody on your side, being able to make sure that the insurance company, the for profit insurance company won't provide you with a low cost insurance policy for your family that you have another choice.

Dennis Lennox flubs budget for job he says is unnecessary

Eric B. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:46:01 GMT

It's not been a good week for Dennis Lennox. First, he becomes the target of a defamation lawsuit over cowardly Wikipedia comments. Second, it is made public that the office he holds, and made media waves by going to the county commission and asking that it be eliminated as unnecessary, is running out of money.

Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox has almost used up his entire budget allotment for 2009, with six months left in the year.
Lennox, who gained state and national attention earlier this year by asking the commissioners to approve a resolution asking the Michigan Legislature to legally eliminate his office, is serving his first term as Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner. The Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners briefly discussed the Lennox budget issue at its June 23 meeting.

If you look down in comments, you'll find that, according to himself and his friends, there are no money problems, the money problems are all the fault of his predecessor, his predecessor did something even worse, and finally -- and predictably -- they's a-out to git him. Perhaps if he'd spent more time as a student -- you know -- studying rather than chasing people around with a video camera he could have avoided this embarrassing situation.

The naturally raises questions of whether those same media outlets that were so quick to give what was a campaign stunt publicity well beyond what was warranted will point out that when it actually came time for him to do the job he said was no longer necessary that he bolloxed it.

UPDATED: President Obama in Warren Today: $12B for Community Colleges

PerfectStormer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:56:36 GMT

The Scrappy Hopemonger makes a pit stop at Macomb Community College in Warren this afternoon. Early word from the Freep says he's unveiling a $12 billion shot in the arm for the country's community colleges.

The Freep:

WASHINGTON - In Warren this afternoon, President Barack Obama will unveil a $12-billion program to improve America's community colleges over the next decade, dedicating funds to expansion and modernization and rewarding successful programs that link employers with locally offered courses. The goal is to graduate 5 million more community college students by 2020.
...
The speech is set for around 3 p.m. and marks Obama's first visit to Michigan as president. He was last in the state in October 2008, campaigning in East Lansing and Grand Rapids as the Democratic nominee.

If you have any self-respect and value your sanity you'll stay out of the comments section at the Freep article (suffice it to say that perhaps the President's next educational initiative should be teaching basic grammar and mechanics). One commenter claims we have a $10 trillion budget deficet [sic].

Skooby's not happy about it, either.

So when it was announced last week th at [sic] the new president was coming to Macomb County for a town hall meeting, it was assumed it would be 'first come, first served."
Wrong.
If you have an invite, you can come in. If you don't you can watch it on the tube.
So much for change.

S'okay, Tim...I didn't get invited either. I get to sit here in front of my computer and observe the complete lack of regard for mechanics and spelling at your blog (not to mention the insistence on bolding everything).

Meanwhile, in the reality-based community:

The President hasn't forgotten about the 30 or so community colleges he visited during the 2008 campaign. These institutions are our nation's trade schools, training 59% of our new nurses as well as cranking out wind-farm technicians and video-game designers - jobs that, despite ballooning unemployment overall, abound for adequately skilled workers. Community-college graduates earn up to 30% more than high school grads, a boon that helps state and local governments reap a 16% return on every dollar they invest in community colleges.
...
ut as record numbers of students clamor to enroll, community colleges are struggling with shrinking resources or, at best, trying to maintain the status quo. Even the school where [Jill]
Biden teaches, Northern Virginia Community College, has lost more than 10% of its funding in the past two years and has let go of dozens of full-time professors as it braces for more possible cutbacks. Elsewhere, state budget cuts have led to enrollment caps at some community colleges. And if there aren't enough seats in classrooms, students can't get certificates or degrees, and skilled jobs remain unfilled. In short, as the Center for American Progress concluded in a February report, "America's future economic success may well depend on how we invest in two-year institutions."

Anyway...

3:00 @ Macomb CC in Warren. The Freep is carrying the speech live on their website if you're so inclined.

THE OBAMA-BIDEN AGENDA FOR COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY
Today's new initiatives complement President Obama's existing agenda for higher education. At this time of economic hardship and uncertainty, the Administration's agenda will build the country's capacity, innovation and confidence to drive the nation to first place in the highly skilled workforce crucial for success in the 21st century. These initiatives include:
? Expanding Pell Grants and College Tax Credits:
The Recovery Act increased Pell Grants by $500 to $5,350 and created the $2,500 American Opportunity Tax Credit for four years of college tuition. Now, the Administration is working to make these policies permanent and ensure the Pell Grant continues to grow faster than inflation. Together, the Recovery Act and President's Budget call for nearly $200 billion in college scholarships and tax credits over the next decade.
? Reforming the Student Loan Program to Save Billions:
Guaranteed student loans earn banks and other lenders large profits set by the political process rather than won in a competitive marketplace. The Administration will replace guaranteed loans with direct loans, which are administered by private-sector companies, like Sallie Mae and Accenture, selected through a competitive process and paid based upon performance. Direct loans have essentially the same terms for students, are more reliable and efficient, and will save billions of dollars to finance these investments in community colleges as well as increase Pell Grant scholarships and other investments in college opportunity.
? Simplifying the Student Aid Application:
The application for federal student aid has as many as 153 questions, creating major obstacle in the path of aspiring college students. More than a million students fail to apply for aid because of the application's complexity. The Obama Administration is simplifying the financial aid process by modernizing the online application, seeking legislation that will eliminate unnecessary questions, and creating an easy process for students to use tax data to apply. The end result will be a modernized application that requests only easily obtainable personal information
? Helping Unemployed Workers Get New Skills:
In May, President Obama expanded opportunities for unemployed workers to go to a community college and earn new skills. The Department of Education has clarified that these workers should not be denied student aid based upon incomes they no longer earn, and the Department of Labor is working with states to allow workers to keep their unemployment benefits while receiving education and training.
? Expanding the Perkins Loan Program:
The low-cost Perkins loan program is an important option for students who need to borrow more than allowed under the larger Stafford loan program. The Administration will expand it from $1 billion a year to $6 billion a year, making loans available to 2.7 million more students and at 2,600 additional colleges and universities.
? Helping Families Save for College:
The President's Middle Class Task Force has directed the Department of the Treasury to investigate improvements to 529 savings plans to help families save for college more effectively and efficiently.

We have two more years to make fun of Tim Walberg

Eric B. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:41:52 GMT

Walberg to challenge Mark Schauer for bid to return to Congress. When the people of the 7th voted for change last year, what they really wanted was apparently for things to basically stay the same.

Walberg, of Tipton, was Michigan's 7th District House representative for one term before losing in November to Democrat Mark Schauer.
"The last election was about change," Walberg said Tuesday. "And I think the American public and the 7th District voted for change, but the changes they're seeing right now are not the changes they voted for."

How can you keep the rural Bible thumpers on the farm once they've tasted the brass ring of the Beltway?

Vote for winning Mike Cox caption

Eric B. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:52:09 GMT

The field has been narrowed to five in Progress Michigan's "Caption this" contest featuring a photo of Mike Cox. Go here to cast your vote ... voting to end tomorrow night at midnight. Here are the finalists.

*--Think, Mike, think--What Would Rush Do?
*--Memo to Self: Delete Mark Sanford Emails.
*--Maybe I can pitch this as my economic plan.
*--Hopefully my wife stands behind me at the podium at my press conference.
*--Really, Honey, It is just an article about guided trips on the Appalachian Trail......

Again, you can vote here. A winner will be announced at noon Thursday.

Blogger rips heart from disabled baby, eats it on live Tee Vee

Eric B. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:40:23 GMT

You can hear a gasp of disbelief as emptywheel says something that is undeniably true:

Seriously. Everyone knows what she said is true ... we spent millions and tied up two years in D.C. investigating a fucking blowjob, and the worst thing that can happen is that someone points this out? When will potential crimes commited by the previous administration finally appear to be serious enough that we can frankly discuss them without first worrying about whether the language involved won't tarnish the ears of children within listening range? Why is no thought given to whether normalizing things like torture and war will have a greater negative impact on tender young ears than the occasional reference to oral sexual gratification?

House Dems seek to penalize insurers that deny legitimate claims

ScottyUrb — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:01:43 GMT

From The Grand Rapids Press:

The legislation would:
• Strengthen consumer protections, punishing companies who unnecessarily delay or deny rightful claims with fines up to $1 million.
• Hold accountable corporate leaders who encourage wrongful denial of claims, making the misconduct a felony punishable by prison and hefty fines.
• Create a whistle-blower protection plan to shield employees who report an insurance company is engaging in wrongful denial.
• Require companies to repair a consumer's credit that has been harmed by wrongful denial.

The House Democrats have a lot more on this topic on their website. including a petition you can sign to make your voice heard.

With Mike Bishop & Co. in contyrol of the Senate, I'm not holding my breath waiting for this to get to the governor's desk. Nonetheless, good for the Democrats on the House side for pushing this issue, which needs a lot more attention - and is another reminder why we need healthcare reform nationally.

On matters of conscience

Eric B. — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:55:08 GMT

I'm going to kick this off by explaining how it came to be that I have a good deal of blood on my hands, and why it's there over the objections thrown up by my own conscience. Despite the fact that my conscience told me I'd be enabling something that I understood would result in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent people, I still enabled the thing to happen.

For a lot of years earlier this decade, I worked as the desk editor for the local newspaper. I edited stories, laid out news pages, wrote headlines. Some of them were pretty good. Most of the time we stuck to local content on the front. As use of the Internet increased, in fact, I came to regard wire content as filler material around the advertising. You could get it anyplace and no one was about to pay 50 cents for the privilege of learning something they could get for free online.

We made exceptions, however, and the biggest one of all was the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The reasons for this are probably obvious, and if you really want one that is concrete it is that some stories are so big they can't help but be local. The front page was filled until the fall of Baghdad of coverage from Iraq. Stories about local things went where there was space for non-Iraq coverage.

Most of us remember the media coverage from that time as just plain terrible. The media failed to fully vet the reasons for war, and the coverage of the invasion wasn't really any better. The AP's coverage of the invasion was hopelessly slanted. You might remember the "spontaneous" street protest of "regular" Iraqis in which a statue of Saddam was pulled down and beaten with shoes. At the time, I half-jokingly suggested to a colleague that it was probably a P.R. rig job. It turns out that my hunch was correct, that a Marine Corps crane had knocked over the statue and that the spontaneous riot was just a handful of people rounded up for a photo op. The AP reporter, who was there and knew that it was a con job on the American people, still filed the story. I laid it out, despite my suspicions (based on the lack of available evidence, unfounded though they were). The paper's readers woke up the next morning to a front page that was part of a concerted campaign to manufacture public opinion.

Probably no one will be surprised to learn that I opposed the war from the get-go. During my time in the military, which had ended just four years before, I was privy to intelligence reports that laid out that Saddam was a paper tiger with no ties to terrorists and who'd only use his dwindling, aging stocks of unconventional weapons if forced to preserve his regime. I marched against it, I objected to it on the editorial page, and then I enabled it on the front page. This is where the blood on my hands comes from, and it will be there for the rest of my life.

Right now, you're probably wondering why I'd do such a thing. The answer is that I was being paid to. It was my job. Actually, that tells part of the story, the obvious part. It was my job, but also part of what I considered to be my obligation to the public.

Most everyone who works for a newspaper understands that there is a time for your personal beliefs and there is a time to set those aside and do the god damn job you are being paid to do. It's not due to a lack of convictions; it's because the job carries with it certain responsibilities to the community the newspaper serves. That is, an individual's personal convictions are not more important than providing people a source of information they can trust is not shaped by them. When you cannot make the two jibe, it is time to find a new line of work. Most people I have ever known in the journalism business understand this; most people who whine endlessly about bias do not.

more...

I bring this up because there is now a package of bills in the state Legislature meant to expand coverage for birth control and contraceptives. One of the provisions requires pharmacists to dispense them.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last decade, you understand why this provision is part of this bill. We hear endlessly from conservatives that government bureaucrats shouldn't interfere in health care decisions made between doctors and patients. This apparently has its limits when it comes to infringing on the beliefs of conservative Christian pharmacists who refuse to dispense contraceptives. I give you Gary Glenn:

Pharmacists should not have to put aside religious beliefs to provide any type of contraception, said Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan.
“Anything that would compel a pharmacist to violate his own religious conscience we would oppose,” he said.

I really have next to no sympathy for pharmacists who feel unduly infringed upon because someone is asking them to do their job. I mean, I don't have anything special against people with strong religious convictions (although I am an atheist). If you are incapable of executing the duties of your job on religious grounds, however, you have come to a point where you are no longer capable of rendering the public service that comes with your job. You should find a new line of work just the same that if you can't put together a front page without injecting her personal political opinions it's time for a career change.

Freep backs climate change bill

Eric B. — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:26:18 GMT

The Freep's editorial page continues to offer what in my opinion is the state's best journalism today, with a good look at Waxman-Markey (or ACES, depending on how you roll), incorporating evidence that its writers actually read reports and other important stuff produced at public expense.

For a price that reaches about $14.50 per month per household by 2020, it certainly seems worthwhile to insure against being damned by future generations.
Even in the unlikely event that the scientific consensus about global warming emissions were to prove wildly wrong, there still would be honor in having taken action to protect as yet unknown offspring. And even if the first U.S. plan to ratchet back on global warming gases looks sadly weak, it nonetheless marks a commitment that Americans have dodged until now.

At the end of the day, this legislation shouldn't be about jobs. I realize jobs are important. I realize people like to work (or, more importantly, they like to have money). But, there is no point whatsoever in creating jobs if to do it we need to perpetuate a way of life to drastically changes the world in which our children and grandchildren live. It's a short-sighted, incredibly selfish way to live, and frankly indicative of a people who take a lot more seriously the benefits of saying they care about their offspring than the actual commitment itself.

Waxman-Markey is pretty weak. James Hansen, the world's most prominent climate scientist (because he's the guy most out front with it), thinks cap-and-trade is a scam (counterpoint here). Politically speaking, it's the best anyone is going to get right now, in part because people remain a great deal more deeply confused about the science than the scientists themselves. (I personally am not at all optimistic that the American public will sign on to what is necessary in time to prevent serious climate-related catastrophes, most of which will hurt people and living things in other parts of the world).

Beyond the position of Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow (someone told me last week that Harry Reid says he has 60 votes for cap-and-trade), the question remains ... what do Michigan's political leaders plan to do with this information? Will they take it into account when looking at things like reforming state government and/or additional energy bills (the costs for cap-and-trade will get passed from Consumers and DTE right down to you, sunshine), or will this disappear into the great, unformed void that is the Lansing political scene?

An Early Look at 2010 State Senate Races

Menhen — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:24:36 GMT

We all know how important it is that Democrats re-capture the Michigan State Senate next year. If they take the Senate and hold the Governorship, they will have complete control over the redistricting process. Bill Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan Politics, says "Democrats look poised to pick up at least 3 seats" next year. To take control, we only need to win 4 Republican seats. Democrats have not controlled the State Senate since 1982. Below I have all 38 Senate seats listed, with the name of its Senator, the party, whether or not it will be OPEN next year, and a brief description of the district. I also give a brief preliminary paragraph handicapping the race.

Then I give the 2008 Presidential Result in that District. Remember that the 2008 resutl is sort of a "High Water Mark" here. Note that I didn't calculate the Presidential Vote for the 5 Detroit districts because this would require going precinct by precinct which would have taken days. They are all at least 80% Obama, many are more than 90% Obama.

I then included all of the announced candidates for the races, with links to their websites or sources. I then list potential candidates for each race, usually State Representatives or other local officeholders. Finally, I offer a Charlie Cook style rating: Safe, Likely, Leans or Tossup. The Senator's name links to their website, where you can find a map of his or her district.

I'd appreciate any input that anyone here at Michigan Liberal has, whether I missed an announced candidate, or a potential candidate, or you disagree with my analysis, post it in the comments and I'll update my diary to reflect that.

I realize that this is a lot of text, so for those who don't want to read the entire thing, I added all my ratings seperately at the bottom of the diary.
District 1- Hansen Clarke (D) OPEN Easten Detroit; Downtown

Hansen Clarke (AKA "The man who kicked Ann Coulter's Ass") is term limited next year. It's a shame, because Clark has been one of my favorite Senators, and even one of my favorite politicians. He recently donated his hair to a nine year old burn victim http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dp... and is a tireless advocate for under-represented and underpriveledged Americans.

Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Coleman Young II (D), State Rep. (2006- ) 2009 Candidate for Detroit Mayor
Fred Durhal, Jr. (D) State Rep. (2002-2003, 2008- )
Betty Cook Scott (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 2 Martha G. Scott (D) OPEN North Detroit, Hamtrack, Grosse Cities.

Martha Scott, who was one of Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick's 2008 primary challengers, is term limited.

Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
LaMar Lemmons (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Bill McConico (D) State Rep. (2000-2006), 2006 Candidate
Virgil Smith (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Bert Johnson (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 3 Irma Clark-Coleman (D) OPEN Central Detroit, Dearborn

This district includes Dearborn, so there is the potential for this district to elect an Arab-American to the Senate.

Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Morris Hood, Jr. State Rep. (2002-2008)
Keith Williams (D) Wayne County Commission (2003- )
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 4 Buzz Thomas (D) OPEN North and Central Detroit

Another very good legislator who is term limited this year, although I'm keeping my fingers crossed that John Conyers will retire so that Thomas can replace him in Congress.

Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
George Cushingberry (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Virgil Smith (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Keith Williams (D) Wayne County Commission (2003- )
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 5 Tupac Hunter (D) West Detroit, Dearborn Heights, Inkster

Hunter will be fine in this majority black district, however term limited State Rep. Gabe Leland may challenge Hunter. Leland's father, Burt, represented this district prior to Hunter for decades.

Rating: Safe Democrat

District 6 Glenn Anderson (D) Livonia, Westland, Redford, Garden City

Senator Anderson won this historically Republican suburban Wayne County district in 2006, defeating Republican Sen. Laura Toy. He is favored to win re election, but former Rep. John Pastor (R) of Livonia could make it competitive.

Presidential Results: 57.8 - 40.4 Obama
Rating: Likely Democrat

District 7 Bruce Patterson (R) OPEN Canton, Northville, Plymouth, Trenton

Republican Pruce Patterson barely held on in 2006 against Democrat Mark Slavens in 2006 in this L-shaped suburban Wayne County district. Democrats now hold every State House District that is wholly or partially in this district. Mark Slaven's wife Dian won the last remaining Republican held district last year, and Obama won this district comfortably. This district will be one of the most competitive and expensive districts in the state. If Democrats want to retake the Senate, this is a district that they almost have to win.

Presidential Results: 54.7 - 43.7 Obama
Announced Candidates: John Stewart (D) Former Republican State Rep. (2000-2006) now running as a Democrat
Potential Candidates:
Marc Corriveau (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Kathleen Law (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Mark Slavens (D) 2006 Candidate
Phillip LaJoy (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Tossup

District 8 Ray Basham (D) OPEN
Romulus, Taylor, Lincoln Park, Allen Park, Riverview, Wyandotte

The Democrat will be strongly favored in this suburban Wayne County district that is located south of Detroit.

Presidential Results: 64.6 - 33.4 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Hoon Yung-Hopgood (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Barbarah Farrah (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Ed Clemente (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Rating: Safe Dem

District 9 Dennis Olshove (D) OPEN Warren, Eastpointe, Fraser, St. Clair Shores

This district is Democratic but mostly socially conservative one located in southern Macomb County. It is, along with the 10th District, the home of the "Reagan Democrats," who also voted strongly for Obama. The Democrat is favored here.

Presidential Results: 58.3 - 39.6 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates: Lisa Wojno (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Frank Accavitti (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Jack Brandenburg (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Safe Dem

District 10 Mickey Switalksi (D) OPEN
Sterling Heights, Utica, Roseville, Clinton, Mount Clemens

Although slightly less Democratic than the 9th, this district still favors Democrats. And like the 9th, a conservative Democrat should have no problem winning this district. Switalski announced earlier this year that he would challenge Rep. Sandy Levin in the 12th Congressional district.

Presidential Results: 55.5 - 42.7 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Fred Miller (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Tory Rocca (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Rating: Leans Democrat

District 11 Alan Sanborn (R) OPEN
Northern Macomb County

This district is very conservative, but if nutjob crazy Leon Drolet gets the Republican nomination, a Democrat would have a chance here. Still, the Republican should be favored.

Presidential Results: 50.6 - 47.7 McCain
Announced Candidates: Leon Drolet
Potential Candidates:
Kim Meltzer (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Brian Palmer (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Likely Republican

District 12 Mike Bishop (R) OPEN
Pontiac, Rochester, Auburn Hills, North East Oakland County

Majority leader Bishop is term limited in this swing district in Oakland County. Although President Obama won this district, I'm not extremely optimistic about picking this one up because Obama's margin of victory was almost entirely from majority black Pontiac, where turnout won't be as high next year.

Presidential Results: 52.5 - 46.0 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Tim Melton (D) State Rep. (2006 - )
Tom McMillan (R) State Rep. (2008- )
Rating: Leans Republican

District 13 John Pappageorge (R)
Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Berkley, Troy, Bloomfield, Birmingham

In 2006, State Rep. John Pappageorge beat Andy Levin (son of Sandy Levin) by less than 1,000 votes. Many Democrats blamed Levin's loss on Kyle McBee, the Green Party candidate who took 3,129 votes, more than 3 times Pappageorge's margin of victory. Democrats will challenge Pappageorge again, although it isn't clear whether Levin will try again, or a State Representative like Marie Donigan will give it a shot.

Presidential Results: 53.7 - 44.8 Obama
Announced Challengers:
Potential Challengers:
Dave Woodward (D) Fmr. State Rep. (1998-2004) and current Oakland County Commissioner
Andy Levin (D) 2006 nominee
Marie Donigan (D) State Rep. (2002- )
Rating: Tossup

District 14 Gilda Jacobs (D) OPEN
Farmington Hills, Southfield, Huntington Woods, Oak Park, Ferndale

This district is probably the most liberal district in Michigan, although not the most Democratic. Rep. Gilda Jacobs is term limited, and while the all three of the State Reps. in the district are freshmen, whoever wins the Dem nomination will win.

Presidential Results: 74.6 - 24.3 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton (D) (2008- )
David Coulter (D) Oakland County Commission (2002- )
Helaine Zack (D) Oakland County Commission (2002- )
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 15 Nancy Cassis (R) OPEN
Novi, South Lyon, West Bloomfield Township, Northville

I was shocked when I calculated the results for this district. A decade ago, this was at least one of, if not the most Republican area in Michigan. Western Oakland County being so Republican is the reason that we have Thad McCotter and Craig DeRoche, and yet this district voted for Barack Obama. Even the city of Novi voted for him. And better yet, he won by more than 3,000 votes! Still, locally we have a while to go before a Democrat can represent Western Oakland County in the State Legislature. I'm not very keen on this district as a possible pickup in '10.

Presidential Results: 50.3 - 48.2 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Craig DeRoche (R) State Rep. (2000-2006)
David Law (R) State Rep. (2004-2008)
Rating: Likely Republican

District 16 Cameron Brown (R) OPEN, Lenawee, Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph Counties

I doubt this district will be competitive, unless State Rep. Dudley Spade (D) runs, but even then a Republican like Bruce Caswell starts off with an advantage.

Presidential Results: 49.8 - 48.3 McCain
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Dudley Spade (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Bruce Caswell (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rick Schaffer (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Likely Republican

District 17 Randy Richardville (R) Monroe County, South Washtenaw, East Jackson

Not only the most gerrymandered, but also one of the most closely divided districts in Michigan, this one will likely be home to another competitive race in 2010. The Washtenaw County portion of this district favors Dems, while the Jackson county portion favors Republicans and Monroe county is a swing region. In fact, the Presidential results here are almost exactly what President Obama got nationwide, giving it a 2008 PVI of EVEN. Unfortunately, our bench in this district isn't the greatest, with our strongest possible candidate running for Secretary of State. Still, State Rep. Kate Ebli might be able to beat Richardville.

Presidential Results: 52.7 - 45.6 Obama
Announced Challengers:
Potential Challengers:
Kate Ebli (D) State Rep. (2005- )
Rating: Leans Republican

District 18 Liz Brater (D) Open Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor

One of the most Democratic districts in Michigan and the home of the University of Michigan. The Democratic bench in this district is quite deep. Any Democrat is safe here.

Presidential Results: 73.7 - 26.2 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
John Hieftje (D) Mayor of Ann Arbor
Rebekah Warren (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Pam Byrnes (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Chris Kolb (D) State Rep. (2000-2006)
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 19 VACANT (D) Calhoun County (Battle Creek) and most of Jackson County

This is the Senate seat that Mark Schauer left vacant when he moved up to Congress last year. It is usually a swing district, although President Obama won it with votes to spare. Because this seat is vacant, there will be a special election to fill it later this year. The Primary will be August 4th and the General on November 9th.

The Democratic candidates are State Rep. Martin Griffin of Jackson, and Sharon Reiner, who ran for congress in 2006 and 2008, narrowly losing to Tim Walberg and then losing badly in the primary to Mark Schauer. Griffin is backed by the State Democratic Party and should win the Primary. The Republican candidates are State Rep. Mike Nofs of Battle Creek and Sandstone Township Supervisor C. James Wellman. Nofs, who is a moderate and popular in the Battle Creek area, should win the primary.

The fact that 1. Nofs is very moderate 2. He's very well known and liked in the Battle Creek area and 3. This will be a low turnout special election makes this a tough race for us. Both parties with certainly spend a lot of money here. Martin Griffin is from the Jackson area, which is an advantage, as Mark Schauer lost Jackson County in 2002 when he first ran for the State Senate. If we lose this race it will make it that much more difficult to retake the Senate, so in some ways, whether or not Democrats can gain the trifecta and control redistricting depends on this race.

Presidential Results: 52.7 - 45.6 Obama
Candidates:
Martin Griffin (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Sharon Reiner (D)
Mike Nofs (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
C. James Wellman (R) Sandstone Township Board Memeber
Rating: Tossup

District 20 Thomas George (R) OPEN Kalamazoo County, part of Van Buren County

Tom George, who is running for Governor, will be vacating the 2nd most Democratic seat currently held by a Republican, going by Obama's winning percentage. The Republican field is already starting to shape up, with former State Rep. Lawrence Wenke, who's district included part of Western Kalamazoo County, and current State Rep. Tonya Schuitamaker are both running. Schuitamaker's base is Van Buren County, which she represents. This district only includes two townships in Van Buren, so she would probably be at a disadvantage against Wenke in the primary. Still, Republicans would do well to nominate someone from the city of Kalamazoo or it's suburbs, and both Wenke and Schuitamaker are from the rural parts of the district.

Democrats have a few good potential candidates. Former state Rep. and 2006 candidate Alex Lipsey, State Rep. Robert Jones, or Kalamazoo County Commission Chairman David Buskirk.

Presidential Results: 58.6 - 39.7 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Lawrence Wenke (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Tonya Schuitamaker (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Potential Candidates:
Alex Lipsey (D) State Rep. (2000-2006)
Robert Jones (D) State Rep. (2006- )
David Buskirk (D) Kalamazoo County Commissioner; Chairman
Rating: Tossup

District 21 Ron Jelinek (R) OPEN Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties

A historically Republican area, President Obama did very well here. This area is home to a lot of moderate Republicans (Fred Upton is from this area), and Berrien County is home to a lot of African-Americans. Democrats have a very weak bench here, so don't expect a win here.

Presidential Results: 52.1 - 46.3 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Judy Truesdell (D) 2006 and 2008 Candidate for State House
John Proos (R) State Rep. (2002- )
Rating: Likely Republican

District 22 Valde Garcia (R) OPEN Livingston, Shiawassee, and Southern Ingham Counties

Livingston County is one of the most Republican Counties in Michigan. You can be sure that another conservative "family values" Republican will be elected to replace Senator Garcia.

Presidential Results: 52.4 - 45.8 McCain
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Joe Hune (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Chris Ward (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Safe Republican

District 23 Gretchen Whitmer (D) Ingham County (Lansing)

Gretchen Whitmer will be safe if she runs for re-election. If she runs for Attorney General, as many expect her to, there is a strong bench of Democrats in the lansing area to take her place.

Presidential Results: 67.2 - 31.3 Obama
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 24 Patricia Birkholz (R) OPEN Allegan, Barry, and Eaton Counties

Although Eaton county showed an impressive swing towards President Obama, the rest of this district, especially heavily Dutch Allegan, is still strongly Republican.

Presidential Results: 50.5 - 47.6 McCain
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Brian Calley (R) State Rep. (2006- )
Rick Jones (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Fulton Sheen (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Safe Republican

District 25 Judson Gilbert (R) OPEN Lapeer and St. Clair Counties

Lapeer and St. Clair Counties are mostly suburban/exurban areas north of Detroit. There is also quite a bit of rural farmland and the medium sized city of Port Huron. A democrat could win here, expecially moderate like John Espinoza, although he doesn't actually live in the district. The Republicans have a deep bench here, and I'm not sure whether or not the State Democratic party will decide to put money here.

Presidential Results: 49.2 - 48.6
Announced Candidates:
Phillip Pavlov (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Potential Candidates:
John Espinoza (D) State Rep. (2004- )
John Stahl (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Leans Republican

District 26 Deb Cherry (D) OPEN North and East Genesee County, Central Oakland County, Waterford

I don't know why, but for some reason Republicans gave this suburban Flint area district an arm that reaches into central Oakland County, and they actually used touch-point contiguity to connect it to Waterford Township. Maybe it was to make this district more Republican, although Waterford voted easily for Obama. This district was held by Lt. Gov. John Cherry, and is now held by his sister, Deb. It's comfortably Democratic, but rising star, moderate African-American Republican Paul Scott could concievably give a Democrat a run for their money.

Presidential Results: 55.8 - 42.4 Obama
Announced Candidates: David Robertson (R) Fmr. State Rep. (2002-2008)
Potential Candidates:
Richard Hammel (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Jim Slezak (D) State Rep. (2008- )
Ted Hammon (D) State Rep. (2006-2008)
Fran Amos (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Paul Scott (R) State Rep. (2008- )
Rating: Tossup

District 27 John Gleason (D) Flint, South-West Genesee County

The other Genessee County District, this one is much more Democratic. It includes the city of Flint and other very Democratic areas west of the city. If Gleason primaries Dale Kildee, there is a big Democratic bench here.

Presidential Results: 68.8 - 29.7 Obama
Rating: Safe Democrat

District 28 Mark Jansen (R) Kent County, suburban Grand Rapids

The 28th District is very strangely shaped. It skirts around the city of Grand Rapids but includes conservative suburbs like Wyoming. Mark Jansen should have not trouble winning re-election.

Presidential Results: 55.9 - 42.5 McCain
Rating: Safe Republican

District 29 Bill Hardiman (R) OPEN Grand Rapids, Kentwood

This is another district that we almost must win if we want to retake the senate. It is the most Democratic district currently held by a Republican, going by Barack Obama's winning margin. It is basically all of the city of Grand Rapids plus a few suburbs. Both Republicans and Democrats have decent benches here, but Democrats have been making gains lately (we won a state house seat in 2006). I think that at the end of the day, the Democrat will win this district.

Presidential Results: 59.1 - 39.3 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Steve Petska (D) Fmr. State Rep. (1998-2003), Fmr. Kent County Circuit Judge, and 2002 Candidate
Michael Sak (D) State Rep. (2002-2008)
David LaGrand (D) Grand Rapids City Commissioner and 2006 Candidate
Robert Dean (D) State Rep. (2006- )
George Heartwell (D) Grand Rapids Mayor
Carol Hennessy (D) Minority Vice-Chair, Kent County Commission
Dave Hildenbrand (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Glenn Steil (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Justin Amash (R) State Rep. (2008- )
Rating: Tossup

District 30 Wayne Kuipers (R) OPEN Ottawa County

This district is home to Ottawa County, one of the fastest growing and most Republican counties in Michigan. Although, like with the South, as the population grows, so does the Democratic performance. I'd estimate we may start winning this district by the 2020's, but until then it will remain safely in Republican hands.

Presidential Results: 61.0 - 37.4 McCain
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
David Agema (R) State Rep. (2006- )
Arlan Meekhof (R) State Rep. (2006- )
Rating: Safe Republican

District 31 James Barcia (D) OPEN Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Bay, and Arenac Counties

Former Congressman James Barcia is term limited in this big district which includes the "Thumb" region and wraps around Saginaw Bay, including Bay City. It's relatively Democratic, although not overwhelmingly. Democrats have a good bench, and State Rep. Jeff Mayes would be a big improvement over the moderate to conservative Barcia.

Presidential Results: 51.8 - 46.3 Obama
Announced Candidates: John Espinoza (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Potential Candidates:
Jeff Mayes (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Terry Brown (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Rating: Leans Democrat

District 32 Roger Kahn (R) Saginaw and Gratiot Counties

In 2006, Roger Kahn (AKA Kaaahn!!) won this seat by only 450 votes. He's had sort of a rough first term, alledgedly getting into a physical altercation with a 72 year old female Senator Irma Clark-Coleman (D) of Detroit. The incident was so bizarre that I think that I should post here excerpts from Clark-Coleman's letter to Majority leader Bishop:

I submit this letter as a formal complaint against the State Senator
from the 32nd District who is a menace to the state legislature. He
perpetrated petulant and violent behavior toward me following a Senate
Appropriation committee meeting yesterday afternoon in the Capitol
building. I ask that you sanction him for conduct unbecoming of an
elected official. I am fearful that given the opportunity, this
legislator would continue to use physical intimidation to reinforce his
policy positions.
He accosted me inside of the main elevator. He rushed at me as if he
were going to strike me in the face after I expressed my great
displeasure with the committee's approval of the Senate substitute for
HB 4436, which decimates Wayne County's and Detroit's ability to provide
mental and medical treatment for poor and uninsured residents...
The Senator from Saginaw charged at me like a bull while we were both
confined in a 6 x 6 elevator. His hysterical behavior startled
citizens who like me were simply trying to leave the Capitol building.
Everyone looked on in horror until the good Senator from the 13th
District blocked his advance to my side of the elevator car.
As the doors opened on the ground floor, the Senator from Troy took me
by the elbow and escorted me out of harm's way. Despite my exit, the
legislator from the 32nd District continued his verbal assault. His
bellowing startled the Kentwood Senator and the state Budget Director
who were conversing at the visitor's desk. Both gentlemen looked up in
utter amazement.
Never, in my twelve years as a state legislator, seven years as a member
of the Detroit Board of Education, and thirty years as a Wayne County
employee have I been attacked for my policy positions. I commend Troy's
best for his quick action to shield me from my aggressor who had lost
control of his temper and his ability to reason.

Senator Kahn denies this, although it's pretty crazy if true. That, plus the Democratic nature of this district means he should be in for a tough race next year.

Presidential Results: 56.9 - 41.5 Obama
Announced Challengers:
Potential Challengers:
Andy Colouris (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Carl Williams (D) State Rep. (2000-2006) and 2006 Candidate
Rating: Tossup

District 33 Alan Cropsey (R) OPEN Clinton, Montcalm, Isabella, and Ionia Counties

Cropsey, who has always been to conservative for his district, is term limited. Based mostly on his strength in Isabella County (home to CMU), Barack Obama won this district. We also picked up a State House seat within this district last year, and we will probably pick up another one next year. Still, our bench is not very strong here. Democratic turnout may not be a strong next year, either, so I'm cautious about this district.

Presidential Results: 50.7 - 47.4 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Mike Huckleberry (D) State Rep. (2008- ), 2004 and 2006 candidate for Congress
Bill Caul (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Paul Opsommer (R) State Rep. (2006- )
Rating: Leans Republican

District 34 Gerald VanWoerkom (R) OPEN Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, and Mason Counties

It's difficult to tell this far out, but I think that if we win any seats next year, this is our best shot. Moderate Muskegon Republican Gerald VanWoerkom is retiring, and the Republican candidate to replace him looks to be State Rep. Geoff Hansen, although former State Rep. David Farhat it "thinking about it."

Either way, we start out with an advantage. Unlike VanWoerkom, who represented Muskegon County in the House, Hansen hails from the rural Northern portion of the district. David Farhat, on the other hand, represented the same district as VanWoerkom. That is, until he was spanked in 2006 by Dem Mary Valentine (he lost 56-44). Mary Valentine is running. Her popularity in the more suburban and rural part of the district and the fact that Farhat is thought to be somewhat corrupt, and Hansen has no base in Muskegon tells me that this one looks like a pickup.

Presidential Results: 58.3 - 40.0 Obama
Announced Candidates: Geoff Hansen (R) State Rep. (2004- )
Mary Valentine (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Potential Candidates:
Doug Bennett (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Julie Dennis (D) State Rep. (1998-2004) and 2006 Candidate
David Farhat (R) State Rep. (2002-2006)
Rating: Leans Democrat

District 35 Michelle McManus (R) OPEN Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Kalkaska, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Lake, Osceola, Clare, and Mecosta Counties

I consider Michelle McManus to be Michigan's version of Michelle Bachmann. She's crazy, loud, and extremely conservative. Luckily, she's term limited. Unluckily, she's running for Secretary of State. I doubt, however, that she'll make it out of the Primary. Obama won her district, and we picked up a State House seat, but our bench is weak in the North-Western Lower Peninsula area.

Presidential Results: 49.3 - 49.0 Obama
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Darwin Booher (R) State Rep. (2004- )
David Palsrok (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Leans Republican

District 36 Tony Stamas (R) OPEN Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Ogemaw, Midland, Gladwin, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego Counties

Although Republican leaning nationally, this is a swing district in local in statewide races. The southernmost county, Midland, favors Republicans. In fact, the Republicans intetionally drew the Democratic northern Counties, especially Alpena, with Midland to create a Republican district. In 2002, Alpena Democrat Andy Neumann ran against Midland Republican Tony Stamas, with Stamas prevailing narrowly. Stamas in now term limited and Neumann, who is a State Representative, is "Strongly Leaning Towards running," also likely to run is State Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D), who is more moderate than Neumann, and also not from the Alpena area, but Iosco County in the center of the district. I think that Sheltrown would be a stronger candidate, but the primary will be nasty. The Republican candidate will probably be former State Rep. John Moolenaar of Midland.

Presidential Results: 49.9 - 48.1 McCain
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Andy Neumann (D) State Rep. (1998-2002, 2008- )
Joel Sheltrown (D) State Rep. (2004- )
John Moolenaar (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Tossup

District 37 Jason Allen (R) OPEN Grand Traverse, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmett, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Mackinac, and Chippewa Counties

This is the most Republican Northern Michigan District. I starts at Traverse City, then jumps the Straits of Mackinac and takes in Mackinac and Chippewa Counties in the U.P., including Sault Ste. Marie. The Traverse City area has quite a few Republicans to replace Senator Allen, but Emmett, Mackinac, and Chippewa Counties, also a Republican area, are represented by State Rep. Gary McDowell (D). McDowell is term limited and I could concievably see him winning this district, although it would be an uphill climb.

Presidential Results: 50.8 - 47.5
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Gary McDowell (D) State Rep. (2004- )
Howard Walker (R) State Rep. (2002-2008)
Rating: Leans Republican

District 38 Mike Prusi (D) OPEN Keweenaw, Houghton, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Baraga, Iron, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, and Luce Counties.

My home district! I'll be sad to see Prusi go, but it's more important that we get a progressive Dem like him to take his place. The Democratic bench is deep, the Republican one, not so much. The Presidential results are a bit misleading, as the Democratic baseline here is far higher than President Obama's total (which was still a comfortable win). The most likely candidate is probably former State Rep. Tom Casperson, although the spanking he received at the Hands of Bart Stupak last year make keep him out of politics forever. If he doesn't run, it's likely Dem. If he does, it's leans Dem. Democrats hold every house seat in this district, and other than Casperson, we have for years, so we've got a very strong bench. The two progressive Dems, Steve Lindberg and fmr. Rep. Steve Adamini are from Marquette, while the more conservative Reps are Mike Lahti of Houghton County and Judy Nerat of Menominee County.

Presidential Results: 52.5 - 45.5
Announced Candidates:
Potential Candidates:
Steve Lindberg (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Mike Lahti (D) State Rep. (2006- )
Steve Adamini (D) State Rep. (2000-2006), 2008 Candidate for Marquette County Prosecutor, Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees
Judy Nerat (D) State Rep. (2008- )
Tom Casperson (R) State Rep. (2002-2008) and 2008 Candidate for Congress
Joel Westrom (R) First District GOP chairman and 2006 Candidate for State House
Rating: Leans Democrat

And for those who skipped some of that, here's my summary. Republican seats are bold and italic

Safe Democrat Seats
District 1 (OPEN)
District 2 (OPEN)
District 3 (OPEN)
District 4 (OPEN)
District 5 Hunter
District 8 (OPEN)
District 9 (OPEN)
District 14 (OPEN)
District 18 (OPEN)
District 23 (OPEN)
District 27 Gleason

Likely Democrat Seats
District 6 Anderson

Leans Democrat Seats
District 10 (OPEN)
District 26 (OPEN)
District 31 (OPEN)
District 34 (OPEN)
District 38 (OPEN)

Tossup Seats
District 7 (OPEN)
District 13 Pappageorge
District 19 VACANT
District 20 (OPEN)
District 29 (OPEN)
District 32 Kahn
District 36 (OPEN)

Lean Republican Seats
District 12 (OPEN)
District 17 Richardville
District 21 (OPEN)
District 25 (OPEN)
District 33 (OPEN)
District 35 (OPEN)
District 37 (OPEN)

Likely Republican Seats
District 11 (OPEN)
District 15 (OPEN)
District 16 (OPEN)

Safe Republican Seats
District 22 (OPEN)
District 24 (OPEN)
District 28 Jansen
District 30 (OPEN)

GOP Gubernatorial Circus Pitches Another Tent

PerfectStormer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:52:42 GMT

The GOP gubernatorial circus gained another ring this morning as former Huron County Commissioner Tim Rujan formally announced his run for governor. And here I thought the Democrats were the party of the Big Tent...

Sadly, it appears the same act is playing in all of the GOP's tents: loosening regulations that keep you and I safe, lowering taxes that pay for vital emergency services (this is the part where I point out that Rujan is an EMT), and jobs jobs jobs.

Via the AP:

Forty-year-old Tim Rujan grew up in Wayne County's Redford Township and was a metal finish leader for Tower Automotive before he began working as an EMT for Scheurer Healthcare Network in Pigeon.
He said Wednesday in a news release that he would restore Michigan's economy by loosening regulations on industries and entrepreneurs, reining in taxes and aggressively competing for jobs.

Tim, welcome to the circus. I suggest you hire yourself a ~~lion tamer~~ proofreader.

Caption a photo, win a $30 gift card

Eric B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:15:25 GMT

Progress Michigan wants to know how you'd caption this photo of Mike Cox, taken at ~~last weekend's~~ a recent tea bagger party.

If you ... well, I'll let Progress Michigan explain:

Now what could Michigan's Attorney General be reading?
What could he be doing? You be the judge and put your creativity and political savvy to work in Progress Michigan's Creepy Cox Photo Caption Contest.
Enter and you might win a $30 Visa Gift Card from Progress Michigan!
It didn't seem like Mike Cox was having much fun when I captured his image at the recent Tea Party Convention.
Maybe he was upset because the tea baggers didn't have his size for one of the groovy t-shirts they were selling. T-shirts that said, Right Wing Extremist and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Kill Yourself.

So have a little fun. Send us your photo captions (as many as you'd like). They'll all be up on our Web site http://progressmichigan.org/.

We'll pick five finalists and then let you vote on the winner.

Deadline for entries is Friday, July 10 at midnight.

Go leave your witty captions with Progress Michigan. It could earn you $30.

Grebner sues Dennis Lennox, two others for Wiki-based defamation

Eric B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:23:48 GMT

I certainly hope the state's newspapers (i.e. the "Liberal Media") give Dennis Lennox as much free exposure for this as they did when he called for his job as drain commissioner to be eliminated to save taxpayer money ... without also pointing out that the day before he'd announced his candidacy for the state House. Call it balance.

Longtime Ingham County Commissioner and Michigan political consultant Mark Grebner has filed a defamation lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court against three men for allegedly editing false and defamatory information into his biographical entry on Wikipedia.
The three defendants are Dennis Lennox, a Central Michigan University student who received a great deal of attention over the last few years for a string of politically-charged incidents on that campus and was elected Cheboygan County drain Commissioner last year; Bradley Dennis, a member of the Michigan State University College Republicans who ran an unsuccessful campaign against Grebner for the Ingham County Commission last fall; and MSU sophomore Anthony Giammarinaro.

Lennox allegedly inserted language into Grebner's Wiki page calling him a homosexual, Dennis allegedly ascribed a false political statement about taxation to him there, and Giammarinaro allegedly altered his Wiki page to say that Grebner had been convicted of molesting children. In short, the three are being sued on the grounds of being incredibly childish.

For Lennox, this itself would be part of a long and storied career engaging in extra-political game playing. Most of us are familiar with his campaign to get Gary Peters fired, which failed in every respect except to create a squabble at CMU that prompted the permanent suspension of the Griffin Endowed Chair (that is, Lennox helped ruin what was an otherwise valuable program). He also filed numerous frivilous complaints against CMU officials and professors, including Nancy White, who was running for the state House against incumbent Bill Caul. He is also said to have FOIA'd personnel records of various politically active CMU employees, including White and Garnet Lewis. (Information about an incident involving a press report that said Gary Glenn has been accused of being an anti-Semite has been removed; the portions as they related to Dennis Lennox were accurate, although there appears to be no evidence that anyone has ever accused Gary Glenn of anti-Semitism.~Eric B.) This is on top of generating free publicity for his current campaign for the state House not just by calling for the termination of his own job, but also denouncing a Genesee County plan to draw more water from Lake Huron (why this is newsworthy is anyone's guess).

There would be great irony here if Lennox did indeed alter Grebner's Wiki page to impugn his reputation by calling him a homosexual. I'm not talking about the rumors that Lennox himself is a homosexual (rumors I've heard not just from political sources, but campus sources with no special axe to grind against him). Last year, someone left a comment and link to an off-site page in which the same was said about him, which prompted him to ask me to turn over the IP address of the person who created the thing.