Patrick Flynn challenging Congressman Mike Rogers

Mike Rogers will be having a challenger in the primary for the first time since maybe 1994 when he first ran for state senate.

From the Argus

Lawmaker faces election challenge — House hopeful questions GOP congressman's conservative credentials
By Dan Meisler
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

The business manager of a Green Oak Township church plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, in the August 2006 Republican primary election.
Patrick Flynn, 46, said Rogers has joined moderate Republicans and embraced the philosophy of attracting social liberals to the party, threatening the GOP's platform of traditional moral values.

"Their goal is to bring social liberals into the party," Flynn said. "That's not pro-life or pro-family."


Flynn's proof for that allegation is Rogers' participation in helping bring Christine Todd Whitman to Michigan for a speech in May. Whitman, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency under President George W. Bush, was promoting a book calling on moderates to exert more influence in the GOP.

I've met Patrick Flynn twice, and he seems like a good guy. He's an Irish Catholic like I am. He also has a good grasp of the issues, and isn't a "typical politician". I certainly can not question Patrick's guts, since he is going to take a lot of initial heat from this.

I also happen to know Mike Rogers. While like Patrick I disagree with him having the event with Whitman, his voting record is good on most of the issues that matter to me. I'm pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, support lower taxes, and oppose McCain/Feingold. Congressman Mike's been very good on those issues voting wise. When push comes to shove, I can count on him. Mike's also given me a straight answer on questions every time I've asked him something.

On a competency level, Mike's staff in Michigan does an excellent job. There is very little turnover at his office, and most of them have been there for years. That says a lot about a congressman. It will hurt our county and our state losing that. Unless things change dramatically and Mike turns pro-abortion, anti-gun, or pro-tax, my vote stays with Mike.

That said, while I disagree with Patrick's decision to primary Congressman Mike, I'm glad he's active, and I hope he stays active. I know Patrick has posted here before, and I invite him to respond to my comments here.