McCotter Ends Presidential Bid

Amid rumors regarding the possible end of U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter’s (R-Livonia) campaign for President of the United States, the campaign continued to deny any change. That came to an end Thursday when Mr. McCotter announced to media sources that he would not be continuing the ill-fated campaign.

After not being allowed a spot on stage by Fox News during the GOP Presidential Debate from Florida, Mr. McCotter instead decided to lend his support to Michigan native son and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

The news certainly provides for the potential of an interesting Republican Primary in 2012 for the Congressional seat currently held by Mr. McCotter. While mounting his campaign for U.S. President, candidates to potentially replace him in the U.S. House began surfacing – and one rose above the rest. Current State Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) has announced his candidacy and will be taking his campaign to Mackinac Island this weekend for the Mackinac Republican Conference.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 23, 2011 10:00 AM
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Partial Birth Abortion Ban Measures Clear Both House And Senate

Legislation passed both the House and Senate Wednesday banning the procedure commonly known as partial birth abortion, currently banned under Federal Law. Under the legislation, which includes an exemption if the life of the mother is in jeopardy, doctors or other individuals would be guilty of a felony for performing the procedure. Punishment would be up to two years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $50,000.

Amendments to include exemptions in the case of a pregnancy caused by incest or rape, among others, were defeated during significant debate in both chambers.

House Bills 4109 and 4110, sponsored by Representatives Kevin Daley (R-Lum) and Ben Glardon (R-Owosso), respectively, passed the House of Representatives 75-33 with 12 Democrats voting in favor of the measures. Senate Bills 160 and 161, sponsored by Senators Arlan Meekof (R-West Olive) and Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), passed the Senate 29-8 with 3 Democrats joining the Senate Republicans.

Similar legislation was passed in 1996 and signed by former Governor John Engler; however, was subsequently reversed by the court system.

posted by PAA Online , 9:59 AM
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29th House District Candidates Plentiful

Several candidates have announced intentions to run in the 29^th House District special election being held because of the resignation of former State Representative Tim Melton (D-Auburn Hills). Governor Snyder has called the special election with a primary scheduled for November 8^th and a general on February 28^th.

Democratic Oakland County Commissioner Tim Greimel and Democratic Pontiac City Council member Randy Carter have announced their candidacies, as well as one of Melton’s former staff members, Sam Scott.

Republican David Lonier has also filed the appropriate paperwork to run in the heavily Democratic district.

posted by PAA Online , 9:58 AM
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Tax Changes Rifle Through House, Senate Committee

The House of Representatives acted Wednesday to pass 16 measures intended to correct technical issues in the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in May. Identical legislative packages were introduced in the House and Senate, with the Chambers both addressing a portion.

The Senate Committee on Finance acted in similar fashion, passing all 32 bills to the floor. History may have been made, however, as the panel approved all measures in a single vote – adjourning after less than 20 minutes.

Democrats and some interest groups have voiced concern over the measures and the quick pace in which the bills have moved. All votes were largely along partisan lines.

posted by PAA Online , 9:57 AM
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$641 Million Supplemental Passes Senate

On a 30-6 vote Thursday, the Senate passed a $641 million fiscal year 2011 budget supplemental. The six “no” votes came from Republican Senators Darwin Booher (R-Evart), Jim Marleau (R-Lake Orion), Arlan Meekof (R-West Olive), Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair), Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc) and Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton).

The most significant portion of the measure is a nearly $360 million federal high speed rail provision largely funded by the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program and federal stimulus dollars.

Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) increases funding for four departments while decreasing allotments for two. The Department of Human Services and Michigan State Police received the reductions while the Departments of Community Health, Military and Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs realized the increases.

Just over $38 million was included to assist in paying the $106 million owed in interest on unemployment insurance loans from the federal government.

posted by PAA Online , 9:57 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

State Chamber Endorses NITC

After lengthy internal deliberations, the state’s leading fiscal conservative business advocacy organization, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, has endorsed the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project joining others such as the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Grand Rapids Chamber, and Business Leaders for Michigan.

Melton Resignation Results in Committee Shuffle

Former State Representative Tim Melton’s resignation has resulted in the following shuffle on House committees: Representatives Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City) and Charles Smiley (D-Burton) will now serve on Agriculture; Representative Jim Townsend (R-Royal Oak) will join the Committee on Commerce; Representative David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti) will now serve on Regulatory Reform and Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville) will serve as Minority Vice Chair of the panel; Representative Thomas Stallworth III (D-Detroit) has been added to the Committee on Energy and Technology.

Former Rep. Slezak Switches Party for Congressional Bid

Former State Representative Jim Slezak, who ran for the State Senate as a Democrat less than a year ago, has switched parties and will run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 5^th House District as a Republican.

Governor Receives Liquor Price-Reducing Measure

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has received legislation, Senate Bill 331 sponsored by Senator Joe Hune (R-Hamburg), eliminating the 1.85 percent tax on liquor sold in convenience and grocery stores. Proponents of the measure argue it will aid in leveling the playing field as bars and restaurants do not currently pay the tax.

Scott Recall Continues, Gains NOW Endorsement

State Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) failed at another attempt to derail the recall efforts against him, this time in Ingham County Circuit Court. The Genesee County Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court had previously upheld the recall. Additionally, the Michigan National Organization for Women PAC announced their support of the recall effort.

posted by PAA Online , 9:56 AM
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