MITT-CHIGAN!

ON THE ROMNEY VICTORY IN MICHIGAN:

Your Mittiot had another press interview re: the Michigan Primary - not as the Mittiot - but as the PoliSci Instructor from the Battle Creek area. The Coldwater Record, (small town, less leading, a smidgen less liberal) wanted to know my thoughts. It was damn difficult as a staunch Romney supporter to put the pale "consensus" probables of the primary forth - but I did. Your Mittiot, a big droopy-eyed from hangin' at the victory party in Southfield, wanted to blurt - "MITT WON BECAUSE MICHIGAN LEARNED ITS LESSON!" - but I was a bit more composed. In a round about way, I let the reporter know that "organization" was the key - everyone knew it, everyone on the inside knows it - Mitt had us at "Hello." I, also, think I made the point (as I did with the BC Enquirer) that this is about GOP delegates - NOT STATES, and Mitt is the candidate best positioned to capture the majority of delegates. . . As such, we'll fight on regardless of S.C. or FL's outcome. . . and in the end we may look back and think, "Hmmmm, Wyoming. . . who knew?"

ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY:

Speaking of organization, Mitt does have a good organization in SC. I believe he can win South Carolina, as he'll get a bump from MI - and that'll pull him "close." What the Thompson supporters do to the Huckabee numbers still remains to be seen. Will there be a consensus of conformity around Huckabee by the Evangelical Conservatives? Will the "Thompson Strategy" pay off? If there is a indecision among the Evangelical GOP voters - Romney's in pretty good shape. Let's not forget, though the Media might want to spin differently, Romney is not unattractive to the pro-family voter. AND, he has done a fine job of picking up some of the Evangelical leaders in South Carolina already. So, Mittiot, what'll happen?

I believe, Romney is hedging his bets with the prediction that McCain wins (or will win) South Carolina. This is smart, as it gives a little cover and a lot of political pause for the GOP faithful. If Mitt moves up into second place behind McCain - which I predict he will - the Evangelicals with have to make a decision to what they want to do: Stick with Huckabee on principle and give McCain a win - or hedge their bets to a more palatable conservative. In any event - claiming McCain will be the winner in a close election in the Great Palmetto State - is as politically smart as pushing - DRUMMING - the rhetoric that "the race is so close in Michigan, independents and dem cross overs will decide the outcome" in hopes of enticing such an outcome. It didn't happen, BUT it was a fine strategy. There was just enough intrigue and apathy on the dem side to keep 'em battling within their own ballot - or at least keep them home all together. THANK GOD.

An open note to Saul Anuzis" COULD WE PLEASE GO BACK TO A CLOSED SYSTEM? [Which reminds me. . . an open note to Jack Lessenberry: Republican's are not "afraid of independent minded voters" (lumping "dem crossovers" as "independent thinkers" is a bit of a stretch) - we love 'em when they choose our Republican candidates come the GENERAL ELECTION - BUT for a PARTY nomination, wouldn't it make sense that the members of the PARTY choose the candidate who best represents the PARTY? ]

So, Mittiot, in SC, WHAT WILL HAPPEN? We'll McCain looks like he'll probably win South Carolina, of course - wink, wink, nod, nod.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

VICTORY IN MICHIGAN

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

We can breakdown the campaign victory tomorrow. . . as for tonight, I'm going to soak it in - tomorrow, it's back to work!

TO VICTORY!

~so sayeth the Mittiot.

MICHIGAN'S CHANCE

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN: First, dear readers, allow your Mittiot to make one last pitch for our man Mitt. Following, I've posted the official campaign's last Michigan Primary YouTube vid (which I hope you'll view and consider). Lastly, I had to comment on the latest piece of "Straight Talk" literature your Mittiot got from our "Maverick" Senator. Then our fate is in the hands of the voters. . .

ON MICHIGAN'S PRIMARY TOMORROW: No need to try and spin the polls, they are what they are (neck and neck), BUT, there is a reason to think long and hard about the facts:

MICHIGAN IS HURTING

Fact: No one in Washington - NO ONE - has shown the leadership to right Michigan's woes.

Fact: No one in Washington - NO ONE - has had the intelligence to end illegal immigration.

Fact: No one in Washington - NO ONE - has the foresight to level the playing field of trade.

WASHINGTON IS BROKEN

Fact: Only one candidate - ONE - understands Michigan's Manufacturing woes.

Fact: Only one candidate - ONE - has a plan to end the defacto amnesty of illegal immigrants.

Fact: Only one candidate - ONE - has the experience to level the playing field of trade.

MICHIGAN NEEDS MITT ROMNEY. . .and this is the biggest "FACT"

Lastly, fellow Mittiots don't you believe for a minute that the liberal press, the Hufficrats and Hufficans are going to be able to drive Mitt from this race regardless of tomorrows vote (like I said earlier, unless MItt wins by 10 points, the media will call it a "loss"). They keep saying "Mitt doesn't connect with the voters. . . he just doesn't catch on. . ." Let me tell you something: That is MEDIA DRIVEN B.S.! (as in BULL $#!^).

Of every "Republican" (and I use the term loosely given the number of "independents" who've voted) ballot cast, Mitt has more in his column than ANY other GOP candidate. He also has more delegates to boot! This IS NOT a question of whether or not Republicans like Mitt Romney - WE LOVE HIM - this is a question of whether the LIBERAL MEDIA likes MITT. And, the answer is - THEY ARE SCARED TO DEATH OF HIM.

Take Michigan for example: The Grand Rapids Press (our most conservative major paper in the state) endorses Mitt, while the Detroit Free Press (our most liberal major paper in the state) endorses McCain. . . and goes on to all but beg dems to cross over and vote in the GOP primary. Why? Can't a Republican candidate win a Republican primary WITHOUT DEMOCRAT VOTES? Hmmmmm.

So, you take it from me - Win, lose or draw, Mitt Romney will not get out of this race for the GOP NOMINATION as long as he continues to have the support from the actual REPUBLICAN voters of the party... your Mittiot will not let him... THE "CAMPAIGN" ON ROMNEY: Please watch the video. Mitt has been here for a long time prior to last Thursday. With your help, Mitt will be here for a long time to come. . .

ON THE "STRAIGHT TALK:"

Here's some straight talk for ya': Mitt Romney has received the Pro-Life Michigan Coalition Endorsement! Really? YEP, REALLY. Really, really? YEP, REALLY, REALLY. How come I didn't hear of the endorsement? Well, that's because I just decided to endorse Mitt. You see, I'm the Pro-Life Michigan Coalition and Mitt's got my seal of approval! You can't just make up a pro-life group and endorse who you want. . . OH REALLY? Really. Really, Really? Because that's what I got from the ol' straight shooter.

If you look real closely - you'll see the endorsement IS NOT from Michigan Right To Life - it's from Jerry Zandstra's Pro-Life Federation. Who's Jerry Zandstra (though a nice enough guy) he was Michigan's Brownback for President Campaign Chair and when Brownback dropped out and got on the McCain wagon - Zandstra came with him. Jerry hasn't always been on friendly terms with the GOP - nor Right To Life of Michigan (of which, your Mittiot is a contributor via Jackson Citizens for Life)

"Right to Life, Zandstra Part Ways" - Grand Rapids Press Article

And HE created the Pro-Life Federation. . . just like your Mittiot, who's a very "anti-abortion", "life at conception", "protect those who cannot protect themselves", kinda guy, created the Michigan Pro-Life Coalition. AND, based on my grading scale (and by considering the records and ELECTABILITY and CAPABILITY) find Mitt Romney to be the best candidate for President.

MITT ROMNEY RECEIVES THE PRO-LIFE MICHIGAN COALITION ENDORSEMENT!

Bottom Line: That's not "Straight Talk," Senator, that's deception.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

ROMNEY - LOOKING GOOD!

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

First things first. I actually had "Christmas" with my in-laws yesterday and didn't find the time to post yesterday. "Why Christmas so late in the season?" you ask. Because my Michigan native, brother in-law (who I love dearly) could not get back to Michigan until this past Saturday. You see, he's living in South Carolina assisting in the building of a NEW BMW plant. . . My sister-in-law and two nieces went down to stay with him during Christmas and have since come back to get the girls back in school. . . hence, Christmas on Saturday. SOUND FAMILIAR? For some 100,000 Michiganians this has been the reality for TOO many Christmases and birthdays and anniversaries. . .

Here's what I believe the "Maverick" US Senator is failing to get: We believe Washington has been the problem - We believe Washington has been broken for too looooong - and we know the Senator has been in Washington for the duration of Michigan's one-state recession - we've needed leadership in Washington for the last 8 years. . .

Your Mittiot pulled this out of his mailbox this morning -

Michigan's question to John McCain, "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU & WASHINGTON BEEN? Michigan workers have been being displaced for the last 8 years. . ."

Bottom line: The Senator couldn't even fix his own border while the Senior Senator from Arizona. Why should Michiganians believe he can assist us in overcoming our challenges while the President of the United States?

~ so asketh the Mittiot

SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. . .

ROMNEY ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

ROMNEY: "IF I'M PRESIDENT, THAT ONE-STATE RECESSION IS OVER"

Clinton, Obama Follow Granholm Toward Higher Taxes "And I recognize that when Michigan is hurting, it is a precursor of what could happen to the entire country. Because our manufacturing base, if it's threatened there, it's threatened everywhere. … Michigan is a state going through a one-state recession. … I'll mcommitment: if I'm President, that one-state recession is over." – Gov. Mitt Romney (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Understands That Higher Taxes Don't Help Michigan: Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's Answer To Fleeing Businesses And Rising Unemployment? Raise Taxes. "With the recent announcement of Comerica's relocation to Texas, the hemorrhaging of Michigan businesses continues. Astonishingly, instead of taking bold steps to make Michigan more competitive and attract investment, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's plan to end the mass exodus of employers is to raise taxes on them. … Michigan is indeed in a debilitating economic crisis, but no state has ever taxed its way into prosperity. Unfortunately, with a new, 'stand alone' tax on business services and a new gross receipts tax, the governor hopes to be the exception to the rule. I wouldn't advise anyone hold their breath." (John Williams, Op-Ed, "Michigan Can't Tax Its Way To Prosperity," The Detroit News, 3/16/07)

Gov. Romney: "[Granholm's] Taxes Are Going Up, Unemployment Rates Are High, Housing Prices Are Collapsing, The Auto Industry Is Not Thriving." GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "They've elected Jennifer Granholm, a liberal Democrat, as their governor and the laboratory experiment is out. Her taxes are going up, unemployment rates are high, housing prices are collapsing, the auto industry is not thriving." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney: "Michigan Is A State Going Through A One-State Recession." "And I recognize that when Michigan is hurting, it is a precursor of what could happen to the entire country. Because our manufacturing base, if it's threatened there, it's threatened everywhere. And so for me, Michigan is not just, oh, one state that I hope they're doing well. No, for me, Michigan is a state that has to do well. Michigan is a state going through a one-state recession." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney: "I'll Make A Commitment: If I'm President, That One-State Recession Is Over." "It ain't working and you're going to find that experiment is going to be rejected by the people of Michigan who want instead, somebody who knows, cares and loves that state and will fight very hard to help it come out of its one-state recession. I'll make a commitment: if I'm president, that one-state recession is over." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Rejects Democrats' Attempts To Raise Taxes On American Families.

Gov. Romney Believes That "We Can't Afford" The Democrats' Plans To Increase Taxes: GOV. ROMNEY: "Charlie Rangel just came out this week saying he wants to put a surcharge on taxes, largest increase in the history of America. Look, more taxes are what the Democrats have in mind to fund many of Hillary Clinton's million good ideas. We can't afford that. It would slow down the economy. It would kill job creation in this country." (CNBC's "Mad Money," 10/28/07)

Gov. Romney: "The Right Answer Is Always To Keep Taxes Down." GOV. ROMNEY: "The right answer is always to keep taxes down. Don't add new taxes, but instead allow the American people and the entrepreneurial spirit to grow our economy. That's the best way to get revenues for government and the best ways to get good jobs for our people." (CNBC's "Mad Money," 10/28/07)

Gov. Romney Opposes The Democrats' Plans To Roll Back The Bush Tax Cuts: GOV. ROMNEY: "Let me tell you what I'd do, as opposed to what Hillary Clinton would do with regard to our tax and spending policies. First of all, I would make the Bush tax cuts permanent immediately – all of them, not some of them, but all of them." (Gov. Mitt Romney, Remarks To The Club For Growth, 10/17/07)

As President, Gov. Romney Will Fight To Grow The Economy And Keep Our Jobs: Gov. Romney Will Strengthen The American Economy By Lowering Taxes, Including Making Middle Class Savings Tax-Free. "As President, Governor Romney will cut marginal tax rates across the board, allowing all Americans to save more money. … Governor Romney's plan will allow middle class Americans to save tax free by changing the tax rate on interest, capital gains and dividends to absolutely 0%." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Will Expand Free Trade And Promote U.S. Goods: "Governor Romney will seek to bring together nations committed to open markets and playing by the rules in the largest ever Free Trade Area, and go beyond traditional trade to promote high standards in areas critical to U.S. competitiveness." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Will Expand Enforcement And Competitiveness: "Governor Romney's vision for expanding trade includes stronger enforcement efforts, multilateral efforts to stop currency manipulation, action against intellectual property rights theft, negotiations to open markets for services, and building food, safety and other standards to protect Americans." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Will Streamline And Enhance Access To Worker Training And Educational Programs: "Governor Romney will initiate an audit of all existing worker training and educational programs to ensure that workers are being helped most efficiently." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

"And I want to do a better job for the American worker. And by the way, this is key for Michigan. And for me, Michigan is personal. I'm going to go to work to help Michigan." – Gov. Mitt Romney (CNBC, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Dearborn, MI, 10/9/07)

~ so sayeth the Mitt

ROMNEY ON TASK - UPDATE (1/11)

ON THE FOX S.C. DEBATE:

"I have received more votes for President than any other candidate on the Republican side." - Mitt Romney

AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, GOVERNOR! - The Mittiot

Governor Romney was on task tonight. He was sharp with a great command of the economic, social, and security issues this country faces. . . In short, Mitt Romney continues to prove himself as the multifaceted candidate we need to address ALL the challenges this country faces. And, it is a FACT, that so far the Republicans who have voted in this nomination process have given Mitt the lead in votes AND DELEGATES. Allow me to continue to post the "After 3 Events Results:"

The vote numbers, by the way, have gone up as more precincts have reported. . . Romney is still up by some 1500 votes - and this doesn't include the Wyoming victory (not because your Mittiot is discounting the Big Sky voters, but because I couldn't find a vote number on the web . . . feel free to email it to me).

But for all the good points Mitt made tonight - especially about Michigan manufacturing jobs NOT being lost forever (ie. Free-Trade v. STUPID-Trade) - your Mittiot knows this debate in South Carolina is going to end up being a study of how well Fred out "aw shucks-ed" Huckabee. Which, by all accounts, he did.

Your Mittiot has said in past blogs that I do not have anything personal against Mike Huckabee - he IS a likable guy. However, I do believe he is too liberal a candidate to right the wrongs of Washington. . . For instance, how would the former Gov. of Arkansas have voted on the S-CHIP fiasco. Would that step towards socialized medicine (that goes way beyond insuring poor-children) have been signed into law - "to raise hope" - by a Huckabee administration? What if, God help us, the dems keep control of the legislature? Would this be Huckabee (or McCain, for that matter) style "bi-partisanship"?

And, again, your Mittiot isn't here to try and dust Mike Huckabee - true, I have a clear dog in this fight, I'm a Romney guy - but this issue of possibly nominating a liberal candidate for office, makes me wonder why the heck I fight for the Republican party so vehemently. This is a conflict of ideology and party versus this particular presidential race, and if the party has to keep changing to get elected, then what are we "conserving?"

"But, Mittiot, that's just one example of Mike being 'sort of liberal' and that was from a while ago. You can't. . ." I can already hear it, but here's my second case in point:

While watching the Fox debate - I flipped through the channels during the commercial (or maybe when Campaign Carl was smirking another loaded question) and I just happened to catch Anderson Cooper on CNN interviewing former dem candidate, Bill Richardson. Seems Kerry has endorsed Obama, and Cooper was looking to see if Richardson was endorsing anyone. Richardson replied: "Sure, I gotta a call from President Clinton. . . I also got a call from Sen. Obama, and John Edwards. . . I EVEN GOT A CALL FROM MIKE HUCKABEE. Really? "I got a call from Mike Huckabee. . ."

[UPDATE: 1/11 - Transcript from AC360: GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D-NM), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I am ending my campaign for president of the United States. CROWLEY: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Latino, dropped out of the race today. It's just over a week before the Nevada caucuses, where the Latino vote may play a major role. Raise your hand if you think it's a coincidence Bill Clinton has been in touch. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "THE SITUATION ROOM") RICHARDSON: Well, yes, he called me quite a bit in the last couple of days. We talked. I talked to Senator Clinton. So did Senator Obama and Edwards called. You know, I even had a nice call from Mike Huckabee, who is an old pal of mine. (END VIDEO CLIP) ....... To be fair, this may have been just a "sorry to see you get out, ol' pal" call from Huckabee. . . but the context was in "courting endorsements" - The Mittiot] Governor Huckabee is looking for the endorsement of LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, Bill Richardson? As your Mittiot is fond of saying, "What the?" This is no way to win a GOP nomination.

Ponder this, we had a dem congressional candidate who ran against our now congressman, Cong. Tim Walberg (MI7), come to one of our local county GOP meetings. She came in to tout the need to support Ron Paul. Well, let me tell you something, that went over like a lead balloon. Dems have "No Cred" within the GOP - and they shouldn't. That's why we are "we" and they are "they." The fact that Mike Huckabee is courting democrats for endorsements (the fact that ANY candidate would seek such an endorsement) during a GOP nomination - leaves one to wonder who's voting for this guy. . .

Which brings me to McCain. Your Mittiot's been a little critical of Senator McCain, but again, I'm a Romney guy. And, "Friends" let me tell you - here in Michigan - the Senator has been attackin' as much as he's been attacked - more so. I'm doing my best to hold to Reagan's 11th, but some days. . .

In case you missed it (now, this comes from the debate tonight, so I'm not pulling out-of-date statements together to convolve some some anti-McCain message. BUT, in case you missed it. . .), I was left scratchin' my head - and this time it wasn't because of the Ron Paul non-protectionism, protectionist plan. Senator McCain said something to the effect of "I've never takin' special project money for my state. . ." [UPDATE: 1/10 - Youtube clip 7 of the debate, @3:45] and then he goes on to repeatedly tell America that his state is a major part of the illegal immigration problem [UPDATE: 1/10 - Youtube clip 8 of the debate, @7:39]. In his words, he's worried noting the pork and ignoring the problem. More illegals come through his state then any other. . . Has the senator at least asked for an appropriation to fix the fence? And, if so, where's the "leadership" been in getting it?

Call me "silly" but why the heck do I send a stack of tax dollars to DC if the people we - America - sends there aren't going to take care of the NATIONAL problems. I'm pretty sure, most Americans would not consider it as "pork" to seek an appropriation to fix the Arizona/Mexico border - YOUR BORDER, Senator. In fact, if the federal government did it's job and there was some leadership on this issue, I don't think the approval ratings of the US legislature would be in the low 20's. AND, I, for one, wouldn't have to wince every time I eyeballed my paycheck.

The bottom line: I believe this is what Governor Romney is speaking about when he says, "WASHINGTON IS BROKEN."

MITT ROMNEY IS THE MAN WHO WILL FIX THE PROBLEMS IN DC. And that, "my friends" is what MICHIGAN needs.

~ so "ranteth" the Mittiot.

ROMNEY ON TOP!

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

After three "GOP" events, ROMNEY LEADS THE PACK IN DELEGATES AND VOTES!

ON TO MICHIGAN!

Your Mittiot shouldn't have to remind individuals that these contests send delegates to the National Convention - this isn't the Electoral College. The delegates sent will chose the nominee.

Now, I'd be a liar if I didn't spill that I was disappointed in the N.H. results - not because we lost, per se, but because we had a chance to conclude the inevitable Romney nomination in the Granite State. . . now we have to wait another week.

There's no doubt the Michigan election will be tight - and with the Media's lips puckered tight to McCain's 71 year old tushy - anything other than a 10 point win will be considered a "loss" for the Romney campaign. So, we're in a tough spot. . . but ROMNEY WILL WIN MICHIGAN.

Why and how? Yes, McCain won Michigan in 2000 - but it was NOT a primary where independents (or democrats for that matter) had to choose one or the other ballots. In fact, the dems chose their candidates by closed caucus, while the GOP held an open primary. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID! Dems voted for their candidates and ours! And, wouldn't you know it - McCain the "Maverick" won. That shouldn't happen this time around.

Why not? A couple of things - the dems (though feebly) are choosing their candidates via the same primary as the GOP - and you can only vote on one ballot. So, again I ask, "For whom will the Indys vote?" Well, here's the 10 cent analysis:

In NH Indys were supposed to break for Obama - they didn't. Why? The Media had Obama up by 10 and "unbeatable" - and the Media had the McCain Romney race "tight." Well, if I could vote in either race as an Indy - I'd vote in the race that would have an impact, too. And that's what we got. Not that your Mittiot was certain we were going to win (you see, while we were actually campaigning in Iowa, McCain was cherry-picking his "most likely". . . don't forget, Romney beat McCain in Iowa 2 to 1) but I did believe we'd be within 2% - turns out it was 5. And wouldn't that 3% have made all the difference to the Obama team? Frickin' Media. . . but I digress.

Secondly, had Hillary lost by 10, she' d be done. BUT, she won, and now Michigan DOES matter for the momentum. It is very likely that Clinton - though the only candidate on the Michigan Ballot - could LOSE the Spartan State. Why? Because dems can vote "Uncommitted" and if they want to stop Clinton's MO, they better... and I believe they will. So, dems vote for dems. . . and so do the Indys.

Third, if it were an Obama/Clinton race, Michigan would be a lock (voting "Uncommitted" is a little tough to get excited about, AND in a tight race Hillary's being the only name on the ballot - doesn't leave much chance for Obama). BUT, Edwards is not going to get out - even though he took third in Iowa. Why? He has enough money to last until Michigan, he understands that he and Obama will both draw voters to vote "uncommitted", he can "share" a victory in Michigan (giving him a second, third and "first" place finish), but mostly, his national chairman is David Bonier - the former Michigan Congressman. There's no way Edwards will drop out before Michigan. So no dems for McCain, either.

Lastly, the MIGOP have been tweaked about the 2000 shenanigans for the past 8 years. Many believe, including your Mittiot, that because of McCain's underhanded win in Michigan, we've been ignored by Bush for the better part of his administration (Hey, I love the guy - and appreciate the tough love of DC - it'd be a lot easier to handle, though, if we weren't in a "one state recession.") and the MIGOP won't - MUST NOT - be fooled again.

And lastly, lastly, Mitt is a Michiganian. . . and a car guy. . . and has been plowing the primary field here for a longggggg time now.

We will take Michigan - Huckabee will get NO BOUNCE from NH - and McCain will run into "real republicans" in Michigan. . . which by the way, Iowa and NH, you have proven to be "unrepresentative" in the primary process - you taint the wishes of the party - and you should not be "first in the nation." In short, you blew it.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

UPDATE: PRIMARY ON?

ON THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY:

Turns out the dems have voted to support the ballot "as is". . . without Biden, Richardson, Obama, or Edwards on the ballot. See below from our GOP Chair, Saul Anuzis:

MORNING UPDATE: January 15th primary settled…AV applications have been mailed, ballots are being printed…let the games begin!

Republicans are negotiating for a second debate…discussions are on their way with two major networks to hold a debate following the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries. Keep your fingers crossed!

The Democrats foiled a last minute attempt to insure all their candidates would be on the ballot. Senator Clinton is the only major candidate on the Michigan ballot, now the question is will the Obama and Edwards people play in the Democrat primary to embarrass Hillary?

Michigan Democrats Executive Committee then voted last night to go with the January 15th primary as is. So we’ll all make the best of what we have…boy are the Dems screwed up!

So the dems will allow their delegate support to be chosen by primary - without any of the other top-tier candidates on the ballot, AND - because of the DNC rules will only get half the allotted delegates as "punishment" for going early. I just cannot see this going forward. . . but, hey, I'm a Republican. . . we do things a bit differently.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

HOLD ON - PRIMARY IN FLUX

ON THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY:

CORRECTION: I found out today (well late last night) that the Senate has not - NOT - voted for immediate effect to ad the names of the four dems who filed the paperwork necessary to take their names off the dem ballot (Biden, Richardson, Obama, and Edwards). Without those individuals on the ballot, the dems will have a choice between Hillary. . . and. . . well, that's about it. Your Mittiot cannot see how the state dems will sign off on this - look for a caucus declaration by the end of this week.

If the dems go caucus, the GOP will, MUST, go to a nominating convention.

Michigan weather and Michigan politics. . . never predictable.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

MICHIGAN PRIMARY TO BE HELD

ON THE MICHIGAN "JOINT" PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY:

Alright. Alright. Your Mittiot knows when he's spittin' into the wind and must admit, begrudgingly, that it looks like the joint Michigan Primary will go - as planned - January 15th. In my humble lil' opinion, there is still a slight chance that another court battle may be brought up in terms of "who's" paying for the re-printing of ballots (explained below) now that the legislature has passed the "primary fix" putting the four dem candidates back on the ballot. However, though anything can happen - as most noted that the chances of the MI Supreme Court reversing both the initial court ruling and the appellate court ruling on the "constitutionality" of original primary legislation were very slim - it appears now all but certain the January 15th primary will go forward. Your Mittiot lost a few bets on this one, as I was certain the dems would prefer to caucus behind closed doors to choose their candidate, while enjoying the privilege of voting in the GOP primary to "help us" choose our candidate. BUT, I believe we will get a true, competitive, primary election. . . which is a good thing.

Here's the run down if your head is spinning. Both the state dems and GOP wanted to move Michigan up to have a little more prominence in the process of bumping candidates forward in the election process. This brings not only political advantages to the state, but also some economic plums. Iowa and NH, of course, wish to retain their prominence - which I can't blame them for - and applied pressure to the RNC and the DNC to reconcile the leap frogging, encroachment. On top of that - in an effort to appease the "first in the nation" states - Democrats (unwisely) promised to not campaign in Michigan (or Florida) as punishment. On top of this, four candidates (Biden, Richards, Obama, and Edwards) went as far as to file paperwork to have their names removed from the Michigan primary ballot all together - which left Clinton as the only top-tier candidate on the ballot.

earlier this month, as noted in previous blogs, a dem operative and data broker named Mark Grebner filed a lawsuit questioning the legality of the original January 15th primary legislation which gave the ballot preference data only to the dem party and the GOP. In other words, when a voter requests either a GOP ballot or a dem ballot - that recorded info would only be handed over to the respective parties.

Grebner was successful in persuading the lower court that the law was unconstitutional and the primary was off. On behalf of the SOS, the AG asked for an emergency appeal and the appellate court took a gander at the case. The MI Court of Appeals concurred with the lower court finding that the January 15th primary was, indeed, unconstitutional. An appeal was made to the state Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, legislation was already working its way through Lansing to put the four candidates back on the ballot - so a full, competitive slate of candidates appeared on the dem ballot. The legislation passed the Senate, but failed to get the necessary votes for "immediate effect" - which meant the names would be put back on the ballot (given the House concurred) but AFTER the election took place. Regardless, the vehicle was in place to legislatively address the issues noted by the court regarding the ballot preference data. However, the dems refused to take up the legislation. And this is where we sat just prior to Thanksgiving.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I got email after email noting the the MI Supreme Court reviewed the case and reversed the decisions of the two lower courts. The primary was back on. . . BUT, we still have the dem names off the ballot, the need for the state party to sign off on the plan, AND, now we were getting some grumblings from the MI Clerks Association that there was not enough time to get the ballots printed and out to - among others - the military absentee voters.

On Monday, the legislation adding the four dems back to the ballot was taken up and passed - but, again, DEMOCRATS would not give the bill immediate affect. So on Monday, I was holding my bet that the primary would not go on. Among the things listed above as road bumps, I was also certain, the REPUBLICANS would not allow a defacto repeat of 2000 (dems caucus, GOP holds "open" primary - only this time, dems only have Hillary on the ballot and the GOP holds an "open" primary).

Today, I got word that the legislature has put the four candidates back on the ballot - with immediate effect - and ballots will be printed this weekend (if not sooner). The primary appears to be on. AND, thanks to a late showing by Obama in Iowa, the election could actually be competitive - meaning the dems will stay on the dem side. . .

What might derail the process? The dems may still conclude that they're going to caucus to decide whom their candidate will be (though at this point, I doubt it). Someone may file a lawsuit that stops the process again, on the grounds that the primary will disenfranchise the absentee voters. OR, the cost of reprinting ballots with the four names will become a point of contention. Possibly, one of the candidates whose name was added back on the ballot might sue, though I'm not sure why you'd want to do that - other than to get a boost in Iowa or NH (look for Obama to sniff that one). But all in all, weighing the possible outcomes, I am ready to pay my dollar to my good friend whom I bet regarding the viability of the MI January primary. . . I hate you, Steve.

And, that's where we're at. . . though - like the Michigan weather - if you don't like it, wait a minute. . . it'll change.

ON THE HUCKABEE "SURGE":

Yeah, right. . . .

~so sayeth the Mitiot.

PS. Kudos to Megyn Kelly for refusing to allow Billy O the ability to drop the very, very, poor decision of a Mass. judge at the feet of former governor Mitt Romney. That's BS Bill, and you know it.

AWOL

ON BEING ABSENT THE LAST 2 WEEKS:

Howdy fellow Mittiots - for those readers (and there can't be many of you) that have been twitchin' for your daily dose of the Mittiot - well, mia culpa.

As you may or may not be aware, as reported again , and again, and again. . . by your Mittiot, Michigan is looking more and more like the Dems will screw up the joint primary scheduled for the 15th of January. The latest: A judge in Ingham county declared the law that structured the joint primary UNCONSTITUTIONAL in deference to a "list broker (and dem operative)" named Mark Grebner. The suit had to deal with whether or not the parties could have sole access to the "open" primary voters ballot choices. To be truthful, that kinda struck me as odd when the legislation was proposed, too, BUT the timing of all this is very suspect. We have less than a week until the deadline for pulling out of the primary passes. IF the corrective legislation does not make it to the gov's desk ASAP, I guarantee the dems will use the cover to caucus. Once again, the dem's have the ball in their court. We'll see if they back the/their gov, or back their party bosses who seem to prefer the caucus model. . . time will tell - SOON.

Interesting week, both McCain and Ann Romney found their way to the "Birthplace of the Republican Party" - JACKSON. As a good Republican, I made sure to verbally support the John McCain event which had a pretty good turnout (though his appearance was up in the air until the day of the event). As a good Republican Mittiot, however, I spent a lot of time and effort in assistance to ensure the Ann Romney/Jackson Coffee House Event was a success - which it was!

Mrs. Romney arrived on a Friday morning (8 am) and spent a couple of hours with a strong Jackson cross section. By the by, everything positive you believe of Mrs. Romney is absolutely true. She was/is the epitome of what a first lady should be: Kind, honest, approachable, self assured. . . in short a true "Lady." We hope she finds her way back to Jackson as often as possible (she might even want to bring her husband by. . .)

A Saturday prior, we had the Michigan v. Michigan State game - and Mitt was there, surrounded by some 400 of his closest "tailgating" (coffee donuts and soda pop) friends. Great game - crappy outcome. . .

Throw on top of those major events the duties of a husband, father, instructor, political operative (local elections) and community supporter (we're working on securing a SmartZone designation) - and AWOL is the outcome. . . Hey, I'm trying.

Lastly, for those who were never AWOL (I'm speaking of our military vets) WE HONOR YOU ON VETERANS DAY. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU. My family and I appreciate your sacrifice for our freedoms EVERYDAY.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

WE'LL COVER THE DEBATE TOMORROW

ON THE DEARBORN DEBATE:

"I was afraid Granholm was going to tax the debate. . ." - Mitt Romney. Priceless.

We'll hit the debate tomorrow. Your Mittiot was on the road from ol' Jack-town to Dearborn during most of it to join Mitt and Ann in Dearborn after the debate and missed everything but Mitt's opener. I'm hoping CNBC replays it late night. By the by, don't get the wrong impression, your Mittiot was with about 200 of "his closest friends" waiting to cheer Gov. & Mrs. Romney as they came to a local eatery - not just hanging out at the Ford estate sipping tea with our next president. . . At any rate, we'll do a breakdown of the debate tomorrow. If I had to sum up what I've read, heard, and pretty much know: "This is becoming a Rudy/Romney Race."

ON THE RUDY/ROMNEY RACE:

Speaking of that, did anyone out there in the Zone catch Hannity and Combs last night? I'm speaking specifically of the Dr. James Dobson interview.

"HANNITY: Let me run through this a different way, because I think if we believe the polls — and sometimes they can be wrong — but I think right as of now the candidate for the Republicans will either be Rudy Giuliani, Senator Fred Thompson, or Mitt Romney — Governor Romney. And in the case of John McCain, he's still doing fairly well in the polls. You have now said publicly you will not support Rudy, you will not support Fred Thompson, you will not support John McCain. . ."

Which leaves "Governor Romney" as the only top-tier candidate "supportable" by Focus on the Family. . . COME ON SEAN, JOIN THE ROMNEY TRAIN. Hmmmmmmm, why won't the Media, Hufficrats and Hufficans acknowledge Mitt is the guy the GOP can/must support? [Read transcript - Watch video]

ON THE DEMOCRATS PULLING OUT OF THE MICHIGAN PRIMARY:

THIS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE. Chairman Anuzis, we cannot - WILL NOT - have a repeat of 2000. The result was detrimental to our state and to our party. We have, quite frankly, been ignored by Washington ever since. Saul, call the Convention - forget the Primary ASAP (which means as soon as we know Hillary will be the only top tier candidate on the ballot - oh, it looks like we know this already). See story below:

Five Democrats Withdraw From Michigan Primary Tuesday , October 09, 2007

Five Democratic presidential candidates said Tuesday they would remove their names from primary ballots in Michigan, hoping to deal a blow to those who are pushing to elevate their home state's heft in the election process by front-loading the primary calendar.

Barack Obama and John Edwards, who trail only Hillary Clinton in the polls, as well as Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich filed paperwork to officially withdraw from the Jan. 15 contest, and Joe Biden said he would be following suit shortly.

Clinton's campaign said Tuesday she would remain in the Michigan race as did Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd. In the most recent national polls, Clinton is leading her closest opponent — Obama — by 20 points or more, and could be breaking the three-way dead heat in Iowa among her, Obama and Edwards.

[See Complete Story Here]

It may be too early for I told you so. . . but I'm erasing the pencil and inking in the January 29th date - I recommend you do the same. Stay tuned Mittiots.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot