U.S. Senate Race Gains New Face On GOP Side

Cornerstone Schools founder Clark Durant is expected to officially enter the race for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination and the privilege of taking on incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing). The pending announcement certainly makes the race a little more interesting as former U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra had previously, although briefly, been riding easy street to the nomination.

The unsuccessfully 1990 U.S. Senate candidate’s decision to enter the race would not have seemed a huge surprise, nor a significant challenge to Mr. Hoekstra, on its surface; however, Mr. Durant’s campaign already has some significant GOP power behind it.

Former U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham, Republican National Committeeman and former Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis and GOP heavyweight Betsy DeVos have all endorsed Mr. Durant’s campaign.

The early backing of these three GOP powerbrokers may make significant waves in the Republican ranks. Mr. Abraham is the only Republican from Michigan to win a seat in the U.S. Senate in more than thirty years, while Ms. DeVos will certainly increase Mr. Durant’s (a Grosse Point resident) presence on Michigan’s west-side.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 12, 2011 10:43 AM
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President Obama Comes To Holland

U.S. President Barack Obama visited an advanced battery manufacturing facility at Johnson Controls in Holland this week. The President’s remarks were dominated by his views on the current political climate in Washington, specifically in Congress.

The trip came on the heels of a tumultuous few days for the President as Standard and Poor’s lowered the United State’s credit rating from AAA for the first time in history following the deal to increase the country’s debt ceiling. The market reaction had been significant, with the Dow Jones closing after the largest single day falls since 2008.

The Holland plant and the issue of clean energy seemed to take second stage to the President’s attacks on political agendas and partisan bickering. Interestingly enough, Republican U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland), who represents the district where the visit took place, was not invited by the White House.

posted by PAA Online , 10:42 AM
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More Democrats Facing Potential Recall

As previously reported by PAAdvisory, former Michigan Republican Party Interim Executive Director Stu Sandler is leading a charge to target Democratic lawmakers for possible recall on the February 2012 ballot – an effort that is viewed as having potential for success given the anticipated high Republican turnout in February as it is the GOP Presidential Primary election.

Clarity hearings for language filed with local election commissions have been scheduled for State Representative Charles Brunner (D-Bay City), State Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) and Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing). In additional language has been or is expected to be filed in an attempt to recall State Representatives Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe), Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Philip Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Harold Haugh (D-Roseville), Marilyn Lane (D-Fraser), Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing), Dian Slavens (D-Canton Township), and Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak), as well as State Senators Glenn Anderson (D-Westland), Steven Bieda (D-Warren), and Vincent Gregory (D-Southfield).

posted by PAA Online , 10:41 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

National Debt Task Force Includes Camp and Upton

The new, 12 member committee created by the debt ceiling deal and charged with identifying $1.2 trillion in potential cuts will include two of Michigan’s GOP members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Dave Camp (R-Midland) and Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph). Mr. Camp is Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, while Mr. Upton Chairs the House Committee on Energy and Technology – both powerful House panels.

Earley Departing DTE for California

DTE Energy Executive Chairman Anthony Earley, Jr. will become the President & CEO of PG&E Corporation (California based Pacific Gas & Electric) when he departs next month. Mr. Earley’s announcement came early this week. Gerard Anderson, currently DTE’s President & CEO, will also become Chairman.

Focus: HOPE Founder Eleanor Josaitis Passes at 79

After nearly a 9-month batter with cancer, Focus: HOPE founder Eleanor Josaitis died early Tuesday morning at 79. The inspirational leader, loved by all with whom she had contact, founded Focus: HOPE with the late Father William Cunningham in 1968 on the heels of Detroit’s race riots.

posted by PAA Online , 10:40 AM
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