VOTE MIKE BOUCHARD FOR GOVERNOR TODAY!

VOTE MIKE BOUCHARD FOR GOVERNOR TODAY!

Click here to read Mikayla Bouchard’s top ten reasons why you should vote Mike Bouchard for Governor.

Click here to read why I believe you should vote Mike Bouchard for Governor.

Robert Laurie – from The Michigan View – reports:

On Tuesday, when I head into the booth, I’ll be pulling the lever for Mike Bouchard. My support, which was initially placed elsewhere, boiled down to three things.

1. Conservative specifics – Bouchard’s website, appearances, and interviews have all revealed a remarkable level of openness and consistency in terms of message. We live in an era where candidates love to hide their true opinions in a maze of doublespeak and vagaries. Bouchard has proven that he is willing to let you know what he thinks — clearly and concisely.

2. The Union Card – In declaring himself the “Right To Work” candidate, Bouchard has set his sights directly on the labor unions that have been bleeding the state for years. How successfully he can wage such a battle remains to be seen, but in identifying and targeting organized labor’s economic stranglehold, he’s shown remarkable moxie.

3. A willingness to fight — Make no mistake, the first two items on this list are worthless if you’re not willing to stand up for your beliefs. Bouchard has shown time and again that he is.

In past elections, “Candidate Bouchard” has ended up looking an awful lot like “Incumbent Bouchard.” Flip-flops are rare, and if the man utters an opinion, he means it, and is likely to fight for it. He’d make a great candidate for the GOP, and Michigan would be lucky to have him in the driver’s seat.

“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!” – Benjamin Franklin.

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Mike Bouchard Launches New Advertisement: ‘It’s Time’

Mike Bouchard.

Wonder what you would find if you frisked Michigan’s Republican Primary for Governor?

Answer: Mike Bouchard’s momentum is building with one week to go!

Today, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard – Republican candidate for governor – released his latest political television commercial titled, “It’s Time” after some good news:

With $846K left in the bank, Bouchard enters the final stretch with more cash than anyone else on either side, edging out businessman Rick Snyder (R) by more than $34K.

[...]

That money assures Bouchard will be able to compete on-air with the other GOPers during the closing weeks at a level he has not done throughout the campaign. He’s taken a risk by running the farthest to the right in the field, territory occupied by Cox prior to the right-to-work announcement.

However, with money now at his side and GOP voters likely starting to tune in, watch for Bouchard to make his run away from also-ran status to become a serious contender.

Mike Bouchard’s latest television commercial references an old advertisement from his 2006 U.S. Senate campaign where he plays the “overly protective” father while his daughter is on a date. This time around, Bouchard is not worried about his daughter dating anymore… He’s worried about her future and keeping his family in Michigan. In my opinion, this latest political commercial is a great move by his campaign to help build his already growing momentum with less than a week to go.

Click here to see why you should vote for Mike Bouchard on August 3rd!

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Why You Should Vote For Mike Bouchard On August 3rd

“He’s ready to change things in Lansing to get Michigan back to work. He has the knowledge, experience and backbone to make the tough choices from day one to turn our state around.”

First, let’s look at reality: Michigan is a state that has been pinned down in a recession for years and currently holds the nation’s second highest unemployment rate. Secondly, due to term limits, more than half of the lawmakers now in the state Legislature will be gone from their current seats starting in 2011. That is a lot of unexperienced newcomers entering office and Michigan’s next governor won’t have time for on-the-job training.

Mike Bouchard has been a small business owner, leader in the state legislature under Governor Engler during Michigan’s roaring 90′s, and now manages the largest sheriff’s office in the state:

He’ll be able to bring his knowledge from serving as a leader in the state Senate to develop lasting solutions. He was in the Senate when our leaders worked together to deliver balanced budgets and tax cuts every year he was there. As Assistant Senate Majority Leader, he worked closely with leaders like Governor Engler and then-Senate Majority Leader Posthumus. Mike placed a priority on helping families. He pushed for the Michigan Sex Offender Registry requiring sex offenders to register with local law enforcement agencies and making that information publicly available for concerned parents and neighbors. He also chaired the education committee where he worked to empower parents and students to make more decisions about their future.

As Senator, Mike led efforts that made Michigan more business and people friendly, as well as a leader on cutting taxes. He wrote the real estate transfer tax cut that has saved Michigan taxpayers billions of dollars. In fact, keeping with his record, Mike was the first candidate in the governor’s race to sign the Americans for Tax Reform’s (ATR) “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” – pledging to fight “any and all efforts to increase taxes.” Like many Michigan families, he knows that government can’t tax or spend its way to prosperity.

Just a politician? Nope. Meet Sheriff Bouchard:

Having run one of the largest sheriff departments in the country for nearly a decade, he learned how to separate “needs” from “wants”. As Oakland County Sheriff, he manages 1,200 employees with an annual budget of more than $130 million. He’s always finding innovative and creative ways to save taxpayer money while continuing to deliver on his department’s core mission to protect the community.

[...] He is also part of the Oakland County team that anticipates potential budget shortfalls by operating on a three-year rolling budget. That kind of foresight and planning has made Oakland County one of only 40 counties – out of over 3,000 – in America that has a AAA bond rating. But he’s also had to make the tough choices during these difficult economic times – including cutting back his budget by up to 20 percent over the past several years while not sacrificing community safety.

Not enough experience? How about this:

As sheriff, Bouchard has been quick to help out his comrades. He worked Ground Zero after Sept. 11 and organized one of the first convoys to respond after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast.

I think it is safe to say that Mike Bouchard is the only candidate who has the experience and backbone to be Michigan’s next successful governor and fix our great state!

Here are some highlights from Bouchard’s plan that will help fix Lansing and get Michigan back to work:

JOBS:

• Bouchard will eliminate the oppressive Michigan Business Tax.
• Michigan’s business permitting process will be reformed, with some permit mandates eliminated and the rest simplified. The review process will be expedited and timeliness set in stone.
• Create a climate where jobs can flourish again and would restore Michigan’s economic competitiveness with other states and countries.
• Bouchard is willing to make the bold, dramatic changes necessary in order to send a message to the rest of the world that Michigan is serious about competing for jobs. One such dramatic move would be making Michigan a Right-to-Work state.

ECONOMY:

• The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will be transparent and Bouchard’s administration will consolidate the present 300 pages of economic development laws into a single, coherent Michigan Economic Development Code, which will be easy to follow.
• “Michigan Construction Jobs Now” plan: For a year, this proposal will allow homeowners and businesses to renovate, remodel and expand without an increase on their property tax bill. This plan will also lead to long-term investments in Michigan by encouraging homeowners and job providers to enhance the value of their properties now.
• Pursue public-private partnerships which will reduce state spending and create jobs.

TAX REFORM:

• Besides eliminating the oppressive Michigan Business Tax, Michigan’s tax policy should not be about picking winners and losers. We must concentrate on reducing the tax burden for all Michigan companies rather than a select few.
• Bouchard was the first candidate in the governor’s race to sign the Americans for Tax Reform’s “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” – pledging to fight “any and all efforts to increase taxes”.
• EXPERIENCE: When Bouchard was a state senator, he wrote the Real Estate Transfer Tax cut, saving Michigan taxpayers $358 MILLION annually. In addition, he is opposed to all increases in the marginal tax rate for both individuals and businesses.

GOVERNMENT REFORM:

• As governor, he will mandate a two-thirds supermajority be required in each chamber to raise taxes or increase spending. This reform protects taxpayers and businesses now and in the future so they will have a stable tax environment in which to invest in Michigan and create jobs.
• Implement a part-time legislature, which gives lawmakers part-time pay and eliminates health-care benefits.
• Implement a two-year budget with a three-year financial outlook based on externally verified numbers, instead of the existing crisis-driven process which has resulted in the government nearly shutting down in two of the last three years.
• Mandate a hard May 15 budget deadline. If lawmakers miss they deadline, they will be docked a day’s pay, along with the governor and lieutenant governor, for each day the budget is late.
• Require all public service employees, on average to have wages and benefits that are within 3 percent of those comparable skills in the private sector. It is time Lansing mirrored the reality of the people it serves.

EDUCATION:

• Continue supporting charter schools and school competition. Charters and schools of choice empower parents to make the educational decisions that best suits their children.
• Teacher merit pay also falls along these lines. Nothing demoralizes an excellent educator more than seeing other teachers retaining positions and obtaining more pay because they’ve been in the system another year.  Teaching is not a job but a calling and we must motivate, support, encourage and reward.
• Put every available dollar into the classroom and have every school district competitively bid out secondary services, such as busing, janitorial and food service, on an intermediate school district level.

PUBLIC SAFETY:

• Under a Bouchard administration instead of releasing Michigan’s career criminals from prison to save money, we will find reforms and tighten budgets to better protect the public.
• EXPERIENCE: In Oakland County, Bouchard privatized the jail food service, saving taxpayers over $1.6 million a year. If our leaders in Lansing took the same approach, according to a 2008 audit by the non-partisan Auditor General, a statewide implementation would save Michigan taxpayers $38 MILLION or more annually. Those savings would help us keep the criminals behind bars, not on our streets. Michigan leads the Midwest in violent crime, has the least police officers per capita and dumping another 1,700 career criminals back into the streets of the state with the highest unemployment rate will lead to disastrous results.

HEALTHCARE:

• Look at withholding federal tax revenues generated in Michigan to force the federal government to abandon all unfunded and unconstitutional mandates.
• With $700 million from the unfunded healthcare mandate we could create a system to help the uninsured receive treatment in a more cost effective preventative manner that does not destroy the health care system and still have money for other priorities.
• Bouchard will put the federal government on notice.  Any additional unfunded mandates on Michigan will be met with a tough fight under a Bouchard administration.
• Government should focus on making healthcare more affordable, available and patient centered. They should not be forcing the public to purchase a product.

OUTDOORS/HUNTING:

• Bouchard will protect the rights of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, and ensure they have a say in discussions about land and water use.
• Under a Bouchard administration, outdoors enthusiasts will know they will have no stronger advocate. Hunters and anglers will have a seat at the table when decisions about land and water use are made.  Additionally, I will preserve Michigan’s hunting and fishing traditions and its incredible natural resources for future generations.
• We need more emphasis on getting young people into outdoor activities by offering more free fishing weekends and a two-for-one hunting license for parents and their children.
• Bouchard would appoint members to the state’s Natural Resources Commission who share my commitment to preserving Michigan’s hunting and fishing traditions, and safeguarding our state’s natural resources.
• EXPERIENCE: Bouchard has always been a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment.  He’s a long-time NRA member, a gun owner, and an avid hunter.  He believes in the U.S. Constitution and the protection of our individual rights. He has received “A” ratings and endorsements from the NRA and the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners in each of my previous elections. He will continue to fight for sportsmen’s rights across the state.

To read more about Mike Bouchard’s plan, click below:

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• Republican Mike Bouchard touts his experience for Michigan governor (Kalamazoo Gazette – 7/27/2010)
• Q. and A. with gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard (The Detroit News – 7/27/2010)
• Bouchard Campaign’s Ladies Stop By Local GOP Headquarters (WHMI – 7/27/2010)
• Bouchard: Sleep in MI GOV? (National Journal – 7/26/2010)
• Bouchard determined conservative (The Detroit News – 7/22/2010)
• “Joe the Plumber” endorses Bouchard (The Detroit Free Press – 7/22/2010)
• Gov Candidate, Mike Bouchard (My Fox Detroit – 7/21/2010)
• Tim Skubick: Candidates campaign, but still have their other jobs (The Morning Sun – 7/19/2010)
• Governor Hopeful Bouchard Hopes to Have Last Laugh (Eyewitness News 9 – 7/18/2010)
• Mike Bouchard says right-to-work key to bringing jobs to Michigan (The Grand Rapids Press – 7/14/2010)
• Mike Bouchard renews calls for Arizona-style immigration law, will speak at Tea Party forum (MLive.com – 7/14/2010)
• Mike Bouchard and Right-to-Work Legislation (Mackinac Center for Public Policy – 7/14/2010)
• Bouchard announces increased screening of immigrants in Oakland County (The Michigan Messenger – 7/7/2010)
• Mike Bouchard (Wood TV 8 – 7/7/2010)
• Profile: Republican Mike Bouchard is a cop first, but believes politics can fix problems (Flint Journal – 6/20/2010)
• Mike Bouchard touts conservative traits to Republicans (Daily Telegram – 4/10/2010)
• Mike Bouchard Runs as Straight-Shooting Voice of Experience (Dome – 2/16/2010)

More articles coming soon…

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Other ‘Mike Bouchard for Governor’ political ads:

• “Guess” | “Look” | “Bad Machine” | “It’s Time to Solve Michigan’s Budget”

Debate Videos:

• Final Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Debate | Closing statement at the 2nd Michigan GOP Gubernatorial Debate

Interviews:

• Bouchard’s Interview with Jo Anne Paul | To The Point: Mike Bouchard | Talking Michigan Politics Podcast | Interview with Detroit News

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Sizes Available:

• 1152 x 864 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600 | iPhone | Blackberry Tour/Curve

*I designed these wallpapers myself. If you need a certain size that isn’t posted above, just leave a comment and I will add it later.

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FINAL REMINDER:

I LOVE MICHIGAN AND WANT TO GIVE HER THE BEST I CAN… MAKE SURE YOU HEAD OUT TO THE VOTING BOOTH ON AUGUST 3, 2010 AND VOTE FOR MIKE BOUCHARD!

FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

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Mike Bouchard Proves He’s Ready To Lead Michigan After Final GOP Debate

Wonder what you would find if you frisked the last GOP gubernatorial debate that occurred last night at Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan?

Answer: Republican candidates explaining their stance on issues ranging from immigration and jobs to right-to-work.

Well Michiganders… We have 2 weeks and 6 days left until we are able to vote for which Republican candidate (or Democrat) we want to lead our state into prosperity. The Detroit Free Press reports:

On stage were Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra and state Sen. Tom George. None threw a knockout punch at Oakland University in Auburn Hills; each hit familiar themes.

Bouchard emphasized an economic recovery that keeps Michigan’s children in the state.

Cox reminded TV viewers of his endorsements (Right to Life and Michigan Chamber of Commerce) and that he was a Marine and prosecutor.

Hoekstra offered his experience with a west Michigan furniture maker to tout his understanding of the issues.

George said the others aren’t realistic in suggesting deep tax cuts as revenues have shrunk.

I agree with the Detroit Free Press’ assessment that there wasn’t any knockout punches thrown in last night’s debate, but we were reminded of which candidate exceeds the rest: Mike Bouchard.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know some of you will comment on this post just to point out my bias, but there is a reason why I have endorsed him to be Michigan’s next governor. Last night, Mike Bouchard seemed like the only candidate that is ready to lead our great state of Michigan into prosperity. He was absolutely flawless during the debate as he stayed poised, articulate, and laid out his plan that will fix Lansing and get Michigan back to work. On top of all that, he has been a small business owner, leader in the state legislature under Governor Engler during Michigan’s roaring 90′s, and now manages the largest sheriff’s office in the state. Like he said during the debate last night: There’s A LOT of new-comers entering the state legislature after the November election due to term-limits, and our state cannot handle another governor who needs on-the-job training. Mike Bouchard is clearly the only candidate who has the experience and backbone needed to fix our great state!

As for the other candidates in last night’s debate:

State Senator Tom George was back to his typical “we must have a constitutional convention” the entire time, which I don’t entirely disagree with. Unfortunately, it will cause special interests groups to flood into the process and cost our state $40-50 million dollars. In other words, that’s crucial money the state of Michigan doesn’t have. Overall, he was energetic and made some good points on a few of the key-issues, but he will just get ignored.

Mike Cox basically repeated himself the entire time. At the beginning of every question he would thank the debate moderator, remind the crowd that he was endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and then plugged his website at the end of each question. In my opinion, it seemed like he lacked the knowledge and substance to answer the tough questions thrown his way. Not to mention, Tom George just went to town and picked apart the many flaws found in Cox’s Putting Michigan Back to Work plan. In the end, Mike Cox showed his true colors when he didn’t know the difference between a “tax-cut” and a “tax-credit”. Looking around at the crowd after he said it, I was clearly not the only one who was absolutely shocked and astonished by his remarks. Overall, he has been a good Attorney General, but he’s definitely not fit for governor. Sorry.

Personally, I kind of like Pete Hoekstra but once again he came off like he was a deer stuck in the headlights and displayed NO enthusiasm at all while answering the questions. Not to mention, he did jump off subject time-to-time and addressed some federal government issues which left me scratching my head. In the end, Hoekstra is definitely the “establishment” candidate and if he received the Republican nomination I would be worried about whether or not he could keep the Republican momentum going into November. After all, Michigan’s last two GOP candidates that ran against Governor Granholm were dry and unenthusiastic and we do not want to make the same mistake.

As for Rick Snyder… Well, he decided not to show up and instead held town hall meetings in Grand Rapids and Grand Ledge. It’s a strategy that his campaign chose to go with after participating in the Detroit Regional Chamber debate on Mackinac Island in early June. Personally, I find it odd that he could not take one day off during his two-month long town hall tour to show Michigan that he can stand his ground with the rest of the field. If a candidate cannot support his plan during a simple debate, how can he expect to know how to wrangle with state government in order to put a struggling state on the path towards prosperity and economic growth? …And please don’t give me the quick one-liner “sound bite” that he was once a CEO. Remember, he disagrees with “sound bites and fireworks”.

Overall, it was a good debate and I had a great time attending.

*UPDATE* July 14, 2010 – 12:50 pm.

Click here to watch last night’s debate.

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Mike Bouchard Launches New Advertisement: ‘Look’

Mike Bouchard for Michigan.

Wonder what you would find if you frisked your local television commercials after Tuesday (June 8, 2010)?

Answer: You might see Republican Gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard’s latest political advertisement!

Bouchard for Governor reports:

Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor, launches his 2nd gubernatorial ad summing up Michigan’s frustration with the Granholm administration and the state’s record high unemployment rate.

[...]

“At a time when Michigan is crying out for leadership, the Governor has turned her back on our state,” said Bouchard. “We lead the nation in unemployment and the status quo behavior in Lansing is unacceptable. Families are struggling to hold on to their homes as others on the block lose their grip on the American Dream. As those losses continue to pile up, parents across the state, including my wife and I, are scared our children will be forced to leave Michigan to find jobs and opportunity.

“Each of these families represents a thread that makes up the fabric of our communities. When one thread is ripped out, it affects us all. It is time to make real systemic change to the way our government is run. The next governor will not have a second to lose to make up for the sad legacy of Governor Granholm. I will act with a sense of urgency because it is time we focus on the next generation and not the next election.”

Props to Mike Bouchard! It is good to see a Republican gubernatorial candidate take an approach that doesn’t attack the Republican competition, but instead puts the focus on Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm and her failed policies.

If you would like more information on Mike Bouchard or donate to his campaign, please click the image below:

Also, don’t forget to…

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New Wallpaper! Mike Bouchard For Governor

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR WALLPAPER TODAY!

Sizes available:

1152 x 864 | 1024 x 768 | 800 x 600 | iPhone | Blackberry Tour/Curve

I posted these new wallpapers to show my support for Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard’s candidacy for Michigan’s next governor. Click here if you would like to contribute to his campaign and take back Michigan!

Reminder: These wallpapers are not official designs for Mike Bouchard’s campaign.

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Poll: Michigan Republican Primary for Governor

Wonder what you would find if you frisked the latest Rasmussen Report poll regarding the Michigan GOP Primary for governor?

Answer: U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra continues to lead the group of Republican gubernatorial hopefuls in Michigan.

Rasmussen reports:

Source: Rasmussen Report.

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey in the state shows nearly one-out-of-three primary voters (32%) still undecided.

Businessman Rick Snyder has 14% support this month, down four points from a month ago, while state Attorney General Mike Cox again earns 13% of the vote. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard edges up to nine percent (9%). Five percent (5%) of primary voters prefer some other candidate.

Thirty-six percent (36%) of GOP conservatives in the state favor Hoekstra, while 38% of self-designated liberals in the party prefer Snyder. Moderates have no clear favorite.

The GOP may benefit from the fact that a Democrat is currently Governor of the state at a time when just 6% rate the economy as good or excellent. According to a recent Associated Press report, Michigan has had the highest unemployment rate in the country for the past four years, with a 14.1 percent rate in March. Most Michigan voters also want to repeal the recently-passed national health care plan.

According to the latest Rasmussen Report survey (above) of 481 likely Republican Primary voters, it is clear that U.S. Rep. Hoekstra is currently the GOP favorite, but will his momentum carry into the month of August? It will be interesting to see since the U.S. Congress has an approval rating of 23% and – thanks to Democrats – many Americans seem skeptical about national politicians.

After finally making an appearance in the poll numbers in March – thanks to his ‘One Tough Nerd‘ Super Bowl advertisement – Businessman Rick Snyder‘s numbers appear to be falling back toward the rest of the Republican candidates (Mike Bouchard and Mike Cox).

Mike Bouchard – who Frisk A Liberal.com endorses – just released his first state-wide television advertisement last Thursday (April 22, 2010), so it will be interesting to see how it will affect his numbers in next month’s poll. Will it give him a boost of political momentum similar to Rick Snyder’s? I guess only time will tell. In the meantime, you can donate to his campaign by clicking here.

Overall, at the end of the day it will not be about the poll numbers… It will be about which candidate can grab the enthusiasm of Michiganders to get them out and vote in the August 3rd Primary?

As for Republicans versus Democrats though? Republicans still maintain a slight edge over Democrats according to the latest Rasmussen Report:

Source: Rasmussen Report.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Michigan finds an unnamed generic Republican candidate for governor picking up 41% of the vote, while an unnamed generic Democratic candidate earns 36% support. Five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while 18% of likely voters in the state remain undecided.

[...]

Male voters favor the Republican candidate by 13 points, while the candidates break even among female voters.

Voters not affiliated with either of the major parties prefer the Republican by a 36% to 16% margin, but over one-third (35%) of these voters are still undecided.

Although the Republican Party still maintains the lead in Michigan, we cannot start slacking now. 2010 is the year to turn Michigan back into a red-state!

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The First Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Debate

GOP Gubernatorial Debate.

Wonder what you would find if you frisked the first Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Debate?

Answer: Great discourse about cutting Michigan’s budget and taxes mixed with some political fireworks.

The State News reports:

The early focus of the debate was fostering a better business climate in Michigan, which Bouchard said revolved around lowering and simplifying taxes for citizens and companies.

“Our taxpayers, our citizens have left,” Bouchard said. “We cannot ask them for more because they cannot give it. We’re sending them across the border every time we ask.”

Cox, the Michigan Attorney General since 2002, said the state needs to expand tax breaks similar to the system devised in 2008 to bring more film businesses to Michigan.

[...]

When the debate shifted to the recently passed health care legislation and its impact on Michigan, the candidates found a common ground.

Hoekstra, a vocal opponent in Washington, D.C., said “Obamacare” needed to be scrapped.

Cox, who championed his lawsuit against the federal government challenging the constitutionality of a federal health care mandate, said he would “undo the lack of focus on cost.”

Snyder also agreed that health care needs to be reformed, but added he’s not sure if suing the federal government is the best course of action.

[...]

The debate often shifted back to Michigan’s economy, which all agreed needed an emphasis on building more jobs and encouraging college graduates to stay in the state.

“When I graduated, I knew there’d be a quality job waiting for me,” said Bouchard, an MSU alumnus.
“That is not the case today. Every day these problems aren’t fixed, another family, another child leaves this state, and that’s not acceptable. I will fix that. This must be about the next generation and not the next election.”

Overall, I thought it was an informative first debate and I had a great attending the event. Unfortunately, I was unable to find the debate posted on the internet, but I will keep looking and hopefully I will have it up on the blog for you within the near future.

Here’s my opinion on who won last night’s debate:

• Winner: Mike Bouchard – You could tell that he was well-versed on the issues, because he did not slip up, mumble, or stutter once throughout the intense debate. Also, he was able to relate to the viewers and quickly propose solutions – stemming from his past experience – that will eventually rebuild Michigan.
• 2nd: Tom George – He came into the debate as the underdog and I must admit that I underestimated him. When the moderator listed off the first question, he quickly jumped to his points using a lot of enthusiasm that made the other candidates seem quiet. Overall, he did a great job, but all his talks about having a Michigan Constitutional Convention tuned me out.
• 3rd: Pete Hoekstra/Rick Snyder - Going into the debate, I thought Hoekstra was going to do a great job, but he came across – in my opinion – as a so-so candidate. Perhaps it was just the debate setting, but he seemed dual and appeared to be a deer in the highlights as he gathered his thoughts at certain points during the debate. As for Snyder, I got really annoyed with his repetitive “career politicians” tagline. Granted, it was great to start off with that argument, but it got odd pretty quickly. Although he’s a successful businessman, it takes an experienced knowledge in government to work with both parties in order to get legislation passed. Also, the last two Republican candidates Michigan had running for governor against Jennifer Granholm were successful businessmen. Part of me cautiously asks: If Snyder wins the Republican Primary, will a third time be the charm?
• 4th: Mike Cox – Unfortunately there is something about Mike Cox that just radiates a negative vibe. He started off the debate doing quite well, but his constant reference back to his “62 page plan” got old. Personally, when I am at a debate, I want to get a sense of what each candidate is about. I do not want to go read a book online – using my free time – to find out if I ‘like’ a candidate or not. Overall, it was the constant attacks on the other candidates during the second half of the debate that put Cox into last place. Blogger evidence: Let’s not tear down the Republican Party before the primaries, because the Democrats will try to do plenty of that this fall.

Great debate! I cannot wait until the next one!

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Mike Bouchard Launches New Advertisement: ‘Bad Machine’

Mike Bouchard for Michigan.

Wonder what you would find if you frisked your local television commercials after Thursday (April 22, 2010)?

Answer: You might see Republican Gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard’s latest political advertisement!

Hoping to grab on to an early lead, Bouchard’s latest commercial – titled Bad Machine – does an excellent job at summing up some of Michigan’s biggest flaws experienced under Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her loyal Democratic colleagues’ leadership.

Major props to the Bouchard campaign for putting together this advertisement and releasing it this week! Unfortunately for Bouchard, he is currently trailing in the latest polls, but this commercial will definitely inject some name recognition into the Michigan public and political arena.

So far, Rick Snyder and Mike Bouchard are the only Republican candidates to release a television campaign ad. Personally, I do not think this commercial will create the same buzz that Rick Synder’s One Tough Nerd Super-Bowl advertisement did, but it should provide Bouchard’s campaign with an enormous boost toward the top of the GOP gubernatorial hopefuls.

Keep up the good work!

If you would like more information on Mike Bouchard or donate to his campaign, please click the image below:

Also, please don’t forget to…

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Michigan GOP Gubernatorial Debate Tonight!

Wonder what you would find if you frisked the Fairchild Theatre on the campus of Michigan State University on April 21, 2010 at 7pm?

Answer: The first Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Debate!

…And you know your’s truly – Mac from FriskAliberal.com – will be there!

The Detroit News reports:

Five GOP candidates for governor — Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Attorney General Mike Cox, state Sen. Tom George of Kalamazoo, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder — will participate.

“This is a critical election and it is important residents across the state have a clear understanding of the vision and ideas each candidate has as they prepare to vote in August and November,” said Ron Weiser, chair of the Michigan Republican Party.

The candidates will respond to questions from a panel of reporters.

According to a document I received from the Michigan GOP, the debate will begin at 7pm and run to 8pm. It will also be broadcast live on WLNS (Lansing CBS affiliate). The moderators for the debate will be Dave Ackerly (from WLNS) and Kathy Barks Hoffman (from the Associated Press).

REMINDER: The debate is a ticketed event, and you must have a ticket for admission to the Theatre. If you didn’t receive your ticket in advance, you may pick it up at the MRP Ticket Will Call located in the lobby of the Theatre. Tickets are not transferable.

Updates will show up on Frisk A Liberal.com after the event!

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