Reform Michigan NOW Proposal hits snag

A controversial ballot proposal which would reform much of the state government (see this previous post for more information) appeared to hit a legal snag today when it cited a portion of the Michigan Constitution which does not exist and is not established under the proposal. 

From the Detroit News:

The mistake in the ballot proposal petition is contained in a section that prescribes how a new director of state elections would be selected. It calls for procedures “as provided for in Article II, Section 11″ of the Michigan Constitution.

The problem is there is no Section 11 in either the current constitution or the proposed ballot amendment.

According to the article this type of legality stopped a previous proposal in 2002 and I am sure Republicans will jump at the chance to challenge this small error; the MI GOP has already said they will challenge the proposal.  The mistake is most likely a result of writing the proposal too quickly and not having the wording reviewed prior to circulating the petition.  The backers of the proposal have led the campaign in secrecy (one of the top reasons I am voting AGAINST the measure) and that may eventually be the downfall of the proposal.

I’ll do my best to keep you all updated on its fate.

DCCC puts aside money for MI-7 and MI-9

The AP reports:

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats have reserved millions of dollars worth of television advertising in 31 congressional races in all corners of the country, according to documentation that provides an early roadmap of the party’s drive to strengthen its majority in the fall elections.

The list includes 19 seats currently in Republican hands, from Connecticut to Alaska, with two each in Ohio and New Mexico. It also reflects a determination on the part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to protect its own first-term incumbents in Kansas, New Hampshire, Florida and elsewhere.

In all, the documentation obtained by The Associated Press shows the DCCC has reserved nearly $35 million in advertising to begin in September and October.

It is exciting to note that two of these races are in MIchigan, both attemtping to oust Bush-Republicans.  In Michigan’s 7th district Mark Schauer, the current state senate minority leader, will challenge Tim Wahlberg, a first term ultra-conservative congressman who ousted a moderate republican in the 2006 primaries. 

In Michigan’s ninth district, Gary Peters is attempting to oust Joe Knollenberg.

It sure is nice to see the DCCC really pushing the limits this year and targeting resources in competitive races in Michigan.  I sure would be nice to see a Democratic-led Michigan delegation.

Race for MI-1: The ‘Lumberjack’

I used to live in Marquette, which is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michgan and is in the first congressional district.  The area is currently represented by Bart Stupak (D) and I think he does a nice jb of balancing democratic values with a rather conservative political climate in the district – although I strongly disagree with his stance pro-life stance.

On the Republican side, he has three potential challengers:  Tom Casperson (current state legislator), Linda Goldthorpe (lawyer) and Don Hooper (crazyman).  I can confidently say that I expect Casperson to be the nominee after the August 5th primary because he has the name recognition, ‘experience’ and the establishment support; he already seems to be running his campaign as though he is in the general election.

And I sure do have some insight and thoughts to share on Mr. Casperson.