Election thoughts.

Election thoughts.

It’s now election weekend, and here’s the last minute post for 2006. Due to law school stuff, I won’t be able to update the site until late Monday at the earliest, so here goes.

Governor – DeVos has my vote hands down. We have the Matt Millen of governors and that needs to change. I expect a typical very close race within 3% either way. DeVos has the business background, right values, and right leadership to get the state back in the right direction.

Senate – Bouchard. While there were some gun questions related to Bouchard, he earned GOA and SAFR’s endorsement. Those two are more reliable and less “internal political” IMO than NRA when it comes to this. He’ll be alright there. We can have a do-nothing obstructionist (who voted for outsourcing in the past BTW – Most Favored Nation trade status with China) who is to the left of Chairman Mao. We can have someone with mainstream Michigan values. I’m going with Bouchard. I think this race will be close as all strongly contested races tend to be. Stabenow is a weak incumbent and weaker senator. I think this could be the upset special of the election.

Attorney General – Anyone who supports the 2nd amendment needs to vote for Mike Cox. He’s has been above and beyond for us gun owners. He promised to improve reciprocity agreements for concealed carry holders and he kept his promise. He did not promise to improve NFA clarifications in this state, but he delivered there. I have high expectations, but they were exceeded. Amos Williams is the “Butch Hollowell” of 2006 – a sacrificial token black man the democrats need to bring to the ticket. While that’s harsh, he certainly hasn’t gotten a lot of real support from the party, and could have been a strong candidate if he had some help. I don’t expect this to be close, about an 7% win, which is a landslide by Michigan standards.

Sec of State – Terri Land won easily in 2002 against Butch Hollowell. She’s improved the system quite a bit and is working on election reform measures. I was impressed at the quick update of the election precinct results from the 04 races. Her opponent (Sarbaugh?) brings Macomb to the table, but I doubt it will be enough as it is a non-existant campaign. I expect Land to win by 10%.

Unfortunately, the University Board of Trustee decisions are often decided on straight ticket decisions. The politics here is more internal than partisan and only in rare circumstances are “cultural wars” fought at the trustee level.

Michigan State Trustees – Dave Porteous needs to stay. He’s IMO the best member on that board. Dee Cook is the other incumbent and received my vote. Academics are getting stronger there, and MSU seems to be moving in the right direction.

Former AD and football coach George Perles is challenging them. He needs to lose. Perles put MSU Football on probation when he was doing double duty as AD and coach. For that reason, I don’t want him meddling with the new football hire. I wish Joel Ferguson was up for election so I could vote him down too for running his mouth and meddling in the football affairs.

UM and Wayne St. Trustees/Regents – I didn’t go to those schools, so I won’t comment on them.


Congress – Mike’s a good guy and should win big. Marcinkowski has a lot of bluster, but no substance whatsoever beyond “You suck” and “I’m Joe Wilson’s hanger-on, vote for me.” Marcinkowski has temperament issues, and loses by at least 15%.

State Senate – Valde Garcia has done a good job for us. He is probably the most active rep in our community. I see him everywhere.

State Representative – Joe Hune’s one of the most practical reps I’ve ever worked with. He’s not a guy who caves when the pressure hits. Chris Ward is a strong leader who simply gets things done. Don’t take my word for it, go to the michiganlegislature.org site and see for yourself what Chris (and Joe for that matter) has gotten through. On school funding, Chris and Joe did their parts and got bills through the house. On a voter ID law, Chris is working hard there to get it passed to clean up the vote fraud. On life and second amendment issues, both are solid. I’ve been disappointed in Chris Ward’s opponent and his all-negative campaign. I think he took some bad advice from kevins/Communications Guru. This reminds me of the old saying about “the company one keeps.” If you go to McGonegal’s blog, 99% of it is saying that the other person sucks.

County Commission – While I personally like most of our commissioners, I’ll be honest. Our commissioners need some close races to wake them up when it comes to spending and tax issues. I have not been impressed over the past two years from a fiscal conservative standpoint. We need more David Hamilton types there. His watchdog role on the board is sorely missed. He’s going to kill me for saying this, but I wish Bill Johnston would run…..

Judges
Supreme Court – I voted for Maura Corrigan and Kerry Morgan. Corrigan is one of the best on the Court. Morgan could be the next Alex Kozinski. http://revivetherepublic.com/ With this much, I am taking a chance on the Libertarian here.

4th Appeals – Both unopposed. I left O’Connell blank over his anti-gun ruling on conceal carry back in 01 as a symbolic protest. Not that it matters.

Circuit – LaTrielle and Russell both seem like good people, but I went with LaTrielle. He’s shown himself to be a straight shooter, especially over the Island Lake firing range. He deserves one more term.

District – I’m going to copout and say I think McCririe and Reader both would be excellent judges. I like both of them. While I made my personal decision here, I’m keeping this one quiet.

Probate – Between Carol Garagiola and Bob Parker, I went with Garagiola. I’ve been impressed with Garagiola’s work ethic on her campaign. I am still troubled with Mr. Parker over his 2004 campaign against Dave Reader.

District – Last but not least, Jay Drick. Jay would be an excellent judge with his calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and strict constitutionism. He’ll follow the law and not legislate from the bench, and is second to none in his knowledge of district court issues.