Edwards at the DNC Meeting Today in Washington

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The Democratic Primary is Dead! Long Live the Caucus!

From the Detoit News:

Senate Republicans have decided not to take up the presidential primary bill passed Monday by the House, meaning New York Sen. Hillary Clinton likely will be the only top Democratic candidate on the [meaningless, delegateless] Jan. 15 ballot.

From the MLive blog:

The state Senate today refused to take up legislation that would have restored the names of four Democratic presidential candidates to Michigan's Jan. 15 primary ballot.

Thank you Democratic Senate Caucus and our brave 35 NAYs in the State House.

Now, contact the Michigan Democratic Party and tell them you want the caucus to be scheduled for the DNC-sanctioned 9 February date.

Contact the Michigan Democratic Party and ask them to go back to a 9 February DNC-sanctioned caucus date so that Michigan Democrats can have candidates, campaigns, delegates and a voice.

Call the MDP: (517) 371-5410
Email the MDP: midemparty@michigandems.com

A sample email:

I want Chairman Brewer to opt-out of the 15 January beauty contest and go to a DNC-sanctioned primary where candidates will campaign, Michigan Democrats can vote for who they want to vote for, and our votes can actually choose delegates to the National Convention. I want a DNC-sanctioned caucus on or after 5 February so there can be campaigning in Michigan, so the candidates will address Michigan issues, so that all the candidates will be on the ballot, so that we'll be choosing delegates and not having a mere beauty contest, and so that the DNC will be in a position of power to enforce primary calendar reforms for 2012. And I want it now, since we're losing valuable time when the candidates could be coming to Michigan this month.

We're almost there folks, keep working!

Act Now for a Real Campaign in Michigan

Things are moving fast since the Republicans on the Supreme Court overruled both the Circuit Court and the Appeals Court and stated the Republican Senate Leader Bishop's 15 January "primary" bill was constitutional. Now there is word that House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford) may have changed his mind and might be preparing to vote on House Bill 4507 that will force Edwards (and Obama, Biden and Richardson) back on the ballot but still leave us with no campaign, no candidates, no delegates, and no Michigan issues being addressed since the date will continue to be in violation of the rules of the Democratic National Committee.

There is still time to stop the 15 January "primary" and have a caucus on 9 February that John Edwards wants to campaign for and believes he can win.

But we need you to do the following things right now.

1. Contact your Michigan State Representative

Tell them you don't want candidates forced onto a meaningless ballot, but instead you want a real delegate-selecting caucus.

To find your House Representative: http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp

Also email the Democratic Caucus leadership in the House:
House Speaker Andy Dillon: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Speaker Prom Tem Michael Sak: speakerprotemsak@house.mi.gov
and
Martin Griffin who put forward anti-15 January Primary legislation (Bill 5353): martingriffin@house.mi.gov
If you're represented by a Republican, contact the nearest Democrats as well as the leadership.

Ask them:

Please, publicly and vocally oppose and vote NO on any bill that gives Michigan a 15 January Primary. I don't want such a "primary" that gives Michigan no voice, no campaigns, no candidate visits, no delegates, and one candidate. Such a one-candidate and no delegate primary endangers Michigan Democrats in future elections, splits our Party, angers voters, and leads to unenthusiastic activists. Finally, an unsanctioned "primary" leads to a chaotic situation where future primary calendar reform will fail since it weakens the DNC referee.

Specifically, this week, vote no on HB 4507 and its Immediate Effect.

And encourage the MDP Executive Committee to set a caucus for 9 February as sanctioned by the DNC.

Since this bill may be brought up in the morning, call Speaker Dillon now at: (517) 373-0857 or (888) REP-DILLON.

2. Contact the Michigan Democratic Party and ask them to go back to a 9 February DNC-sanctioned caucus date so that Michigan Democrats can have candidates, campaigns, delegates and a voice.

Call the MDP: (517) 371-5410
Email the MDP: midemparty@michigandems.com

A sample email:

I want Chairman Brewer to opt-out of the 15 January beauty contest and go to a DNC-sanctioned primary where candidates will campaign, Michigan Democrats can vote for who they want to vote for, and our votes can actually choose delegates to the National Convention.

I want a DNC-sanctioned caucus on or after 5 February so there can be campaigning in Michigan, so the candidates will address Michigan issues, so that all the candidates will be on the ballot, so that we'll be choosing delegates and not having a mere beauty contest, and so that the DNC will be in a position of power to enforce primary calendar reforms for 2012. And I want it now, since we're losing valuable time when the candidates could be coming to Michigan this month.

Sincerely,
Name
Phone Number
Email address
MDP Party ID

If that is too long, just say "I'm against the 15 January primary/beauty contest and for a DNC-sanctioned 9 February Caucus."

Chairman Brewer is listening so keep the calls and emails coming. The Free Press reported:

...in a statement Thursday, [Brewer] asserted that "many local Democratic parties and thousands of grassroots activists want a caucus" and that it's his job to listen to them as well as elected Democratic leaders who favor an open primary.

And it is interesting that Chairman Brewer has made no public pronouncements on the primary/caucus date issue for over a week.

3. Join us in our Implementation Challenge before the MDP and DNC.
We believe the possible move by the MDP to select delegates at a 15 January primary violates Party rules and we have recourse to prevent the implementation of a 15 January primary with the MDP and the DNC. Basically, the 15 January primary prevents us from voting for the candidates of our choice (a violation of 20.C.1.b of the Delegates Selection Rules) and weakens the influence of Michigan Democrats at the National Convention since 1/2 of our delegates will be stripped if the MDP violates DNC rules (a violation of 20.C.1.a of the Delegates Selection Rules).
We are organizing an Implementation Challenge today and Tuesday and will submit it on Wednesday.

We need 15 Michigan Democrats to sign up to join us and sign a challenge.

If you are in Michigan and are a Democrat and would be willing to sign a statement in opposition to the MDP taking part in the 15 January "Primary", email us at: giveusavoice2008@gmail.com and we'll pass on all the information to you. We have just two days to get this out so contact us RIGHT NOW and we'll send you a copy of the challenge to sign, notarize and return.

4. And if you still want to do more to protect your right to vote, contact the House members who have co-sponsored Martin Griffin's anti-15 January Bill and encourage them to stick with their support and vote against an 15 January Primary bill including:

Martin Griffin (D-Jackson) martingriffin@house.mi.gov
Marc Corriveau (D-20, Wayne County) marccorriveau@house.mi.gov
Barb Byrum (D-67, Ingham County) barbbyrum@house.mi.gov
Mary Valentine (D-91, Muskegon County) maryvalentine@house.mi.gov
Kate Ebli (D-56, Monroe County) KateEbli@house.mi.gov
Ed Clemente (D-14, Wayne County) edclemente@house.mi.gov
Terry Brown (D-48, Huron and Tuscola Counties) terrybrown@house.mi.gov
Mark Meadows (D-69, Ingham County) markmeadows@house.mi.gov
Paul Condino (D-35, Oakland County) paulcondino@house.mi.gov
Steven Lindberg (D-109, Alger, Luce and Marquette Counties) stevenlindberg@house.mi.gov
Marie Donigan (D-26, Oakland County) mariedonigan@house.mi.gov
Mike Simpson (D-65, Eaton, Jackson and Lenawee Counties) mikesimpson@house.mi.gov
Bert Johnson (D-5, Wayne County) bertjohnson@house.mi.gov
Coleman Young Jr. (D-4, Wayne County) colemanayoungii@house.mi.gov
Richard LeBlanc (D-18, Wayne County) richardleblanc@house.mi.gov
Doug Bennett (D-92, Muskegon County) dougbennett@house.mi.gov
Fred Miller (D-31, Macomb County) fredmiller@house.mi.gov
Steve Tobocman (D-12, Wayne County) stevetobocman@house.mi.gov
Robert Dean (D-75, Kent County) robertdean@house.mi.gov

A quick email address list to copy and paste: martingriffin@house.mi.gov; marccorriveau@house.mi.gov; barbbyrum@house.mi.gov; maryvalentine@house.mi.gov; KateEbli@house.mi.gov; edclemente@house.mi.gov; terrybrown@house.mi.gov; markmeadows@house.mi.gov; paulcondino@house.mi.gov; stevenlindberg@house.mi.gov; mariedonigan@house.mi.gov; mikesimpson@house.mi.gov; bertjohnson@house.mi.gov; colemanayoungii@house.mi.gov; richardleblanc@house.mi.gov; dougbennett@house.mi.gov; fredmiller@house.mi.gov; stevetobocman@house.mi.gov; robertdean@house.mi.gov

More information: A month ago, on 24 October, State Representative Martin Griffin (D-Jackson, District 64) but forward a bill -- House Bill 5353 -- in the Michigan House to scrap the 15 January "primary."

Mlive's report of the Griffin bill:

State Rep. Martin Griffin, D-Jackson, is pushing legislation that would effectively cancel the state's 2008 presidential primary.He says the state can't afford a $10 million primary that no longer makes Michigan relevant in the Democratic process. ..."In these tough economic times, taxpayers can ill afford to bear the cost of a presidential primary," he said. "The benefit to holding the primary is lost."

Griffin's bill has been co-sponsored by 19 out of 58 House Democrats as of 25 October.

And you can email DNC Chairman Howard Dean and tell him to strongly encourage the MDP to adhere to the rules and have a DNC-sanctioned 9 February caucus: deanh@dnc.org

Thanks.

For more information on why the 15 January Primary is a terrible idea for Michigan Democrats, see the "For a 9 February Caucus" Facebook Group and this MichiganLiberal diary.

Happy Thanksgiving

Lloyd Retires

Thanks for all you've done for the University Coach Carr!

Go Blue!

Detroit News and Free Press

Carr leaves a legacy of success and consistency during his 13 years as head coach, highlighted by a national title in 1997. He won five Big Ten championships (1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2004) and guided the Wolverines to a bowl every season. Against top-10 teams, Carr was 17-9. Carr will retire as the third-winningest coach (121-40) in the school's history, trailing only Bo Schembechler and Fielding H. Yost.

Edwards at UAW Regional Conference

Chicago Tribune
By Rick Pearson, Tribune political reporter

DUBUQUE, Iowa, November 14, 2007 -- Former Sen. John Edwards today linked presidential rival Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, to a "crowd of corporate Democrats" who Edwards said have no more interest in changing Washington's culture than Republicans.

Edwards criticized Hillary Clinton's acceptance of donations from special-interest lobbyists and pointedly reminded a regional conference of the United Auto Workers [Region 4: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming with 64,000 active members] that it was a Democratic White House under Bill Clinton that failed to advance universal health care but delivered what he said were job-jeopardizing trade agreements.

"That's what I mean when I say it's not going to change anything if we trade a crowd of corporate Democrats for corporate Republicans," Edwards said.

According to UAW International representative Red Platz, the UAW Region 4 delegates will caucus Thursday to see whether there is a consensus to back one candidate. A consensus vote would go to UAW International leaders, who would decide whether to issue a union-wide endorsement, offer no endorsement or allow regional groups to endorse their own candidates.

I'll update when more news reports come out.

Road Trip to Iowa I

Michiganders for Edwards,

Some of us are heading to Iowa to work this weekend canvassing neighborhoods for Edwards.
November 17th is an Edwards campaign statewide Day of Mobilization in Iowa and you're invited! To continue the work being done to organize caucus-goers at the grassroots, we'll have a chance to work on the precinct-level with local leaders to make sure we turn out people in Dubuque for John Edwards.

Over the course of this Saturday and Sunday, we'll knock on the doors of all the likely caucus-goers in the Dubuque area. And if we win there, we can win the state for John Edwards ... and you know what that means.

Come help build One America in the finest of grassroots traditions, the face-to-face voter contact that wins elections. We'll work with the on-the-ground precinct leaders to make sure that their caucus votes are wired up for success come January.

Training will be provided on the day of the event, so don't worry if you've never done this before.

Michiganders are doing this with our friends from Wisconsin who have a relationship with the Dubuque HQ and have been there before (this'll be their seventh time!). We're not sending you there naked. You'll have help and your work will be very useful (it'll be worth the trip)

We'll be meeting up with the Madison crew (led by my friend Peter Rickman) and Iowans in Dubuque at the Iowa for Edwards office at 12:00 noon on Saturday.

Some of us are leaving Grand Rapids on Friday night, others can drive out early Saturday morning. Dubuque is 360 miles from Kalamazoo, so about 5-6 hours drive time (plus they're on Central Time, so you gain an hour -- so, anyone meeting up in Kalamazoo on Saturday should meet around 6:30 am.

If you are interested in going, contact Earl at greee2002@yahoo.com. He'll be able to organize rides, carpools and caravans.

In your RSVP, please indicate if you need a ride or can give a ride and when you plan to leave.
We're well within the final 60 days of the race in Iowa for this day of mobilization, so let's make sure that we turn out for John Edwards!

It'll be a great time and one to remember. It's in Iowa where we can do the most good.
If you can't make this roadtrip, we will be organizing another in mid-December and possibly a third on the day before and the day of the caucus (2-3 January).

Edwards Dubuque Headquarters:
1169 Iowa St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-582-5981

PS: On the Michigan Primary issue: The Michigan Court of Appeals will hold a hearing on Thursday. What happens after that? I don't know. Keep calling and emailing the Michigan Democratic Party and asking for a "DNC-sanctioned caucus date."

As ohio Goes

Look, there's nobody who hates ohio more than I do, but the sad fact of the matter is that Democrats need to win there if we're going to win this vitally important election.

So, here's the latest polling from ohio (defeat be upon you):

In Ohio Edwards is the only candidate leading beyond the margin of error vs. Giuliani in today's Quinnipac Ohio general election poll:

Vs. Rudy Giuliani
Edwards - 46% Giuliani - 40%
Clinton - 44% Giuliani - 43%
Obama - 41% Giuliani - 41%
Clinton leads by 1%, Obama is tied, Edwards lead by 6%

And while they didn't poll Obama and Edwards vs. the other candidates, its pretty baffling to me how Clinton can be losing to McCain there.

Clinton - 42% McCain - 46%
Clinton trails by 4%

Michael has much more polling information at his diary.

Here's what a leading buckeye republican (could there be a worse thing) has to say about the 2008 election:

During a June 2007 interview, Scott Borgemenke, chief of staff for the Republican-controlled Ohio House of Representatives, predicted that Edwards was the Democratic presidential candidate most likely to carry Ohio in a general election. "I think if John Edwards wins Iowa and gets some steam and ends up being the candidate, Ohio could go with an Edwards type of Democrat, or an Edwards-looking Democrat, meaning he looks like every other Ohioan," Borgemenke said. "I think Ohio is very much in play for the Republicans if Hillary or Obama is the candidate." [OhioPols.com, Borgemenke Interview, 6/8/07]

Shockingly, the NYTimes poll from today stated that most Iowans think Hillary is the most electable Democrat. Wake up and smell the coffee hawkeyes!

We Need 15 Michigan Democratic Party Members (updated)

to volunteer to have their names placed on an Implementation Challenge to the Party's decision to go with a 15 January Primary (if the bill is held to be constitutional).

greee (our attorney) has an update in this new MichiganLiberal Diary, January 15 Primary Challenge-Request for Volunteers.

You will not have to do anything but give us your name and address.

To volunteer or for more information, email greee at: giveusavoice2008@gmail.com

Everyone should continue to email and call the MDP and ask for a DNC-sanctioned caucus.
MDP: (517) 371-5410 and midemparty@michigandems.com

Reports came out today around 5:00 pm that Brewer intends to have the MDP support a no campaign, no delegates, one candidate beauty contest/"primary" on 15 January:

From MIRS:

Michigan Democratic Chair Mark BREWER this afternoon informed Secretary of State Terri Lynn LAND's office that the party will use the presidential primary on Jan. 15 under certain conditions.

The conditions include: if Judge William Collette's decision declaring the primary law unconstitutional is overturned and if the Michigan Republican Party uses the Jan. 15 primary to select their delegates.

Today was the deadline under the law by which the party's would have to pull out of the primary.

From the MLive:

Michigan Democrats said Wednesday they're sticking with the Jan. 15 presidential primary - for now.

Democrats sent in their own letter to Land on Wednesday saying they'll go with the Jan. 15 primary, but added a sentence saying they're reserving all their rights so they can keep their options open for a possible caucus.

A circuit court last week ruled the law setting up the primary is unconstitutional, possibly derailing the election. The Michigan Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in that case Thursday. State officials [AG Cox] have asked that the ruling be overturned.

Edwards Third TV Ad: America's Jobs and America's Wokers

This is a new TV spot up in South Carolina:
John Edwards is the first Democratic candidate to launch a South Carolina TV ad in the 2008 cycle. The ad, "American Jobs and America's Workers," began airing statewide on November 13, 2007 and highlights Senator Edwards' experience growing up in rural Carolina mill towns.

TomP has a diary up on it at DailyKos.

Edwards Highlights Proposals To Rebuild The Middle Class Through 21st Century Manufacturing

Edwards Opposes NAFTA Expansion to Peru; Clinton and Obama Suport It

Senators Hillary Clinton (D) and Barack Obama (D) have both come out for the Peru Free Trade Agreement - the controversial bill that expands the NAFTA trade model.

Edwards opposes Peru FTA:
Edwards Statement On Senator Clinton’s Support For The Peru Trade Deal (8 November)Edwards Statement On Peru Trade Deal Vote (7 November)Edwards Announces Opposition to Peru Trade Deal (27 October)

I don’t have a ton of time, but let me give you some good links:

LaEscapee, Peru FTA, Senators Clinton, Obama, vs. Senator Edwards David Sirota, THE HILL: Dems Face Revolt Over Free Trade In Advance of Vote (5 November) and Bad News: NAFTA Expansion Passes; Good News: Majority of Dems Vote No (8 November) and Edwards Move Makes Trade ‘08 Centerpiece (29 October).

So, who is more likely to listen to Labor when they’re in the White House?

Crossposted at Labor-Netroots Coalition for Edwards Blog.

Prominent Gay Michigan Democrat Endorses Edwards

Sean Kososfsky, editor of PrideSource has endorsed John Edwards for President at PrideSource and in Between the Lines News.

Kososfsky writes:

John Edwards is the only viable candidate in the Democratic primary that makes me proud. He campaigns hard on progressive platform issues like ensuring health care for all Americans and ending poverty....

The interesting thing about Edwards is that he seems to enjoy more support below the surface than he does in the polls. After multiple surveys of my different circles of friends I have found that nearly everyone is either publicly supporting Clinton or privately rooting for Edwards, but not necessarily in that order. Whenever I tell people that Edwards is my favorite the response I get is usually one of quiet relief. Eighty percent of the time, supporters will say, "He's my favorite too, but I haven't told anyone that." As if supporting him were like admitting you belong to a coven or something. My goal with endorsing Edwards now is to bring those folks out from hiding.

Most GLBT leaders in Michigan have been relatively quiet about their favorite candidate. In order for healthy debate to occur it needs to happen sooner than later. Please write in with your thoughts about the Democratic primary.

November West Michigan Meetup

Our regular monthly meetup to do some grassroots action focused on West Michigan and just share a social event with other Edwards supporters.

We'll plan on having a campaign briefing, discuss the roadtrips to Iowa, plan our campaign in West Michigan, organize letters-to-the-editor, and have time for discussion and other things.

In November, we'll be under the two month mark before the first votes are cast in the primary -- so make sure to plan on being here for this meetup. In crunch time, we need everyone we can, everywhere we can.

Thursday, November 15th, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wealthy Street Bakery (610 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids -- near Cherry and College).

Edwards Meetup Site, Sign Up: http://johnedwards.meetup.com/381/
Please RSVP at the OneCorps Site: http://blog.johnedwards.com/event/3360

Remember folks on the other side of the state -- let me know about your events and I'll pass them along.

Cate Edwards in New Hampshire

A nice story of Cate campaigning solo in New Hampshire -- a college-age perspective.

As you can see, I'm doing some blogging tonight, stuff I haven't done in a while here as most of my energy has been on defeating the 15 January Beauty Pageant (more on that ASAP).

Your Time Is Now!

From the campaign's Iowa Blog

Tonight at John Mellencamp's several-thousand-person concert at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, the famous guitarist stopped about halfway through a rocking rendition of his hit song "Small town" and said:

"You know, I've got a friend that I've had for about the last seven or eight years. This guy's from a small town. And he just so happens to be running for President of the United States...Ladies and gentleman John Edwards has come to see the show."

Just then, the one and only John Edwards walked out -- making a surprise stop at the end of the first day of his three day trip throughout Iowa.

Big cheers:

Edwards at the Iowa DP Jeff-Jack Dinner

Wow, it's a heck of a lot more crazy at their Jeff-Jack!

Here's the Edwards speech from yesterday evening:



The report from Iowa Politics

John Edwards...reinvigorated supporters with a fiery speech that included a spirited list of Democratic party principles. He was passionate and emotional as he promised to give America hope and give entrenched interests "hell.'' Edwards urged the crowd to "stand up to change this system" and work on delivering a better country to the next generation. He highlighted his work as a lawyer, saying he had repeatedly beaten special interests in court and that he would do it again as president.

Here's the video slideshow the campaign made for the Jefferson Jackson Dinner:

Edwards Unveils Campaign Booklet

As he did in 2004, Edwards has compiled his campaign proposals into a booklet -- The Plan to Build One America.

The pdf link is here.

Read it and print it up.

It's o-state Week!

The pre-season is over, it's time for the One Game Season for the Big Ten Championship!

College football’s greatest rivalry game will be played this Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Death to the Lakeless Flatlanders!

HBO Sports will present its first college football documentary, Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry, which debuts Tuesday, November 13 (10:30-11:30 pm ET).

Go Blue!

Remembering Our Veterans

RenaRF has a nice diary over at DailyKos on the meaning of today.

Thanks to all those who have done the ultimate virtuous service for our country.

Edwards Veterans Day Speech today.

Update on the Primary Crisis: Renewed Action Needed!

Ingham County Circuit Court Judge William Collette ruled yesterday that the 15 January Primary Act is unconstitutional since it gave the Democratic and Republican parties exclusive access to lists of who voted in their party's primary even though it was a state-run, public event.

AP: Court ruling could derail Jan. 15 Michigan presidential primary.
The ruling was discussed at Michigan Liberal yesterday.

But, it's not over, the forces of Hillary and Coronation and their Republican allies in the State Senate are still going to push for a new state-primary bill that returns us to 15 January and doesn't even get the MDP the voter rolls it wanted:

Debbie Dingell, a Democratic power broker who helped lead the push for a Jan. 15
primary [and is the biggest Hillary Clinton supporter in the state], said late Wednesday she was cautiously optimistic it could be salvaged and that extraordinary efforts to do so would be undertaken.

Indeed, I've just gotten word that such legislation is going to be introduced to the State Senate today at 3:00 pm.

But with a cleaned up 15 January Bill we'd be in the same mess again. A caucus or primary before 5 February would not be DNC-sanctioned and we'd be back in a position of no campaigning, one candidate and no delegates.

There is a good chance that many in the House and Senate are sick of these machinations and are ready to vote NO on a second 15 January Primary bill (and then we'll have to fight attempts to have a party-caucus before the 5 February date).

Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer has made no public comments.

So, I need you to do a few things:

1. Call and Email the MDP

We don't know when the MDP Executive Committee will decide, but it could be during a conference call at any time. So, call the MDP back and say:

"I want a DNC-sanctioned caucus on or after 5 February so there can be campaigning in Michigan, so the candidates will address Michigan issues, so that all the candidates will be on the ballot, so that we'll be choosing delegates and not having a mere beauty contest, and so that the DNC will be in a position of power to enforce primary calendar reforms for 2012. And I want it now, since we're losing valuable time when the candidates could be coming to Michigan this month. Opt-out of the 15 January beauty contest and set a DNC-sanctioned date for a caucus as soon as possible."

Call the MDP: (517) 371-5410

Email the MDP: midemparty@michigandems.com

2. Contact the Michigan State House

And, now that some of this may be decided in the House and Senate, it's time to call and email your representatives. Ask them to publicly and vocally oppose and vote NO on the bill returning to a 15 January Primary.

A Sample Email:

Please, publicly and vocally oppose and vote NO on any bill that gives Michigan a 15 January Primary. I don't want such a "primary" that gives Michigan no voice, no campaigns, no delegates, no voter roles, one candidate, and leads to a chaotic situation where primary calendar reform will fail and leads to angry activists and Democratic voters. Such a primary endangers Michigan Democrats in future elections.

To find a House Representative: http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp

Also email:
House Speaker Andy Dillon: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Speaker Prom Tem Michael Sak: speakerprotemsak@house.mi.gov
and
Martin Griffin who put forward anti-15 January Primary legislation (Bill ): martingriffin@house.mi.gov
If you're represented by a Republican, contact the nearest Democrat as well.

3. Contact the Michigan State Senate

If this foolishness is stopped it will probably be in the House (where Democrats are in the majority), but you should also contact your Senator (a problem is that the Senate Democratic Minority Leader Mark Schauer in the Senate has endorsed Hillary). Still, stranger things have happened and this needs to be a close vote carried mostly by Republicans.

Contact your Senator and the Democratic leadership and ask that they publicly and vocally oppose and vote NO on the Republican bill to return to a 15 January primary.

A Sample Email:

Please, publicly and vocally oppose and vote NO on any bill that gives Michigan a 15 January Primary. I don't want such a "primary" that gives Michigan no voice, no campaigns, no delegates, no voter roles, one candidate, and leads to a chaotic situation where primary calendar reform will fail and leads to angry activists and Democratic voters. Such a primary endangers Michigan Democrats in future elections.

To Find Your State Senator: http://senate.michigan.gov/ then click on "Senators" on the top bar, then click on "Find Your Senator" on the left bar.
If you have a Democratic Senator try here: http://www.senate.mi.gov/dem/index.php

Mark Schauer, Democratic/Minority Leader: http://www.senate.mi.gov/schauer/contact.html
Gilda Jacobs, Democratic Caucus Leader: http://www.senate.mi.gov/jacobs/contact.html

Thanks.

Fight for Your Right to Vote!

If You Want an Election and Not a Coronation You Must Act Today

No matter what happened in an Ingham County Circuit Court, the decision for a 15 January "Primary" and a 9 February Caucus will still be made tonight at 7:00 pm during the Michigan Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting in Lansing.

Let's face it, this farce should be stopped by Democrats, not by journalist and a list broker in court.

And make no mistake about it the Hillary-backers that have hijacked the attempt to move up still want to trade your right to vote so that Hillary can make some national news with a "win in a Michigan primary" after a loss in Iowa. That's all this is about, them sacrificing Michigan Democrats for a news story for Hillary Clinton.

The Michigan Democratic Party Executive Board is meeting TONIGHT Wednesday, 7 November at 7:00 p.m to discuss and possibly vote on the 15 January primary opt-out (going back to a DNC-sanctioned primary where Edwards will happily campaign in Michigan and be on the ballot).

If you want to be heard, you must call now. The receptionist at the MDP is taking a tally.

Call the MDP: (517) 371-5410

Tell them:

"I want Chairman Brewer to opt-out of the 15 January beauty contest
and go to a DNC-sanctioned primary where candidates will campaign, Michigan
Democrats can vote for who they want to vote for, and our votes can actually
choose delegates to the National Convention. Please tell him and the
entire Executive Committee that I want to vote for who I want to vote for, I
want to vote for actual delegates, I want to have an election where the
candidates actually campaign here so Michigan's issues can be heard, I want a
9 February caucus."

If that is too long, just say

"I'm against the 15 January primary/beauty contest. I'm for a 9
February caucus with all the candidates. Please tell Chairman Brewer and
the Executive Committee. Thanks, bye."

CALL RIGHT NOW! It'll only take 30 seconds and it will protect your right to vote in a meaningful primary.

I've talked with the powers that be and John Edwards Wants To Campaign In and Win Michigan.

If you want John to be President, you need to call the MDP NOW (it'll just take 30 seconds -- don't put it off any longer).

If you wish to email: midemparty@michigandems.com

Hi, my name is _____________ and I (live in _______________. I am writing
this email because I am concerned that I will not be able to vote for my
candidate of choice in the 2008 Michigan Primary, currently scheduled for
January 15, 2008. Many Democratic voters of Michigan are not being given the
choice to vote for the candidate they prefer in this very important nominating
process. Due to this, we are feeling disenfranchised.

A February 9th caucus not only conforms with the rules set forth by the
Democratic National Committee, it will allow Michigan?s issues to be
confronted by all of the candidates and will give all of the citizens of
Michigan a fair say in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee. For
a democracy to work, all citizens must be included.

I am hoping that the Michigan Democratic Party will see the importance of a
ballot comprised of all of the candidates and reinstate our caucus for
February 9, 2008.

Sincerely,
Name
Phone Number
Email address

But, a quick phone call to the MDP is better: (517) 371-5410

You can also go out in front of the building and demonstrate.

The MDP Headquarters
606 Townsend, Lansing, MI 48933 (map)

My favorite homemade signs:

No to the 15 January Beauty Contest!
Don't Play Around with My Right to Vote
Follow the Rules -- 9 February Caucus!
We Want a Real Election, Not a Fake Coronation
Yes to a 9 February DNC-Sanctioned Caucus
I Want to Vote for Who I Want to Vote

Here's more information on the Primary/Caucus Issue:

The Legal Remedy

Mark Brewer can simply "opt-out" of the 15 January "primary" and take us back to a caucus on a DNC-sanctioned date:'

According to the Michigan Election Law

168.613a (2) Not later than 4 p.m. on November 14, 2007, the chairperson of
each participating political party shall notify the secretary of state if his
or her political party will be using a method other than the results of the
January 15, 2008 presidential primary to select delegates to his or her
respective national convention to nominate a candidate for president of the
United States in 2008.

Please, Chairman Brewer, take the reins and save our beloved Michigan
Democratic Party, allow Michigan Democrats to vote for who they want.
Allow Michigan Democrats the ability to choose real delegates. Don't allow
the farce which will have terrible consequences for our Party -- disgruntled
activists, angry and confused voters, and Republicans who can say national
Democrats don't care about Michigan.

The Anti-15 January Coronation Movement Is Growing

In the State Capital

Two weeks ago State Representative Martin Griffin (D-Jackson, District 64) but forward a bill -- House Bill 5353 -- in the Michigan House to scrap the 15 January "primary."

Mlive's report of the Griffin bill:

State Rep. Martin Griffin, D-Jackson, is pushing legislation that would effectively cancel the state's 2008 presidential primary.

He says the state can't afford a $10 million primary that no longer makes Michigan relevant in the Democratic process. ...

"In these tough economic times, taxpayers can ill afford to bear the cost of a presidential primary," he said. "The benefit to holding the primary is lost."

Griffin's bill has been co-sponsored by out of 58 Democrats as co-sponsors as of 25 October.

Marc Corriveau (D-20, Wayne County)
Barb Byrum (D-67, Ingham County)
Mary Valentine (D-91, Muskegon County)
Kate Ebli (D-56, Monroe County)
Ed Clemente (D-14, WayneCounty)
Terry Brown (D-48, Huron and Tuscola Counties)
Mark Meadows (D-69, Ingham County)
Paul Condino (D-35, Oakland County)
Steven Lindberg (D-109, Alger, Luce and Marquette Counties)
Marie Donigan (D-26, Oakland County)
Mike Simpson (D-65, Eaton, Jackson and Lenawee Counties)
Bert Johnson (D-5, Wayne County)
Coleman Young Jr. (D-4, Wayne County)
Richard LeBlanc (D-18, Wayne County)
Doug Bennett (D-92, Muskegon County)
Fred Miller (D-31, Macomb County)
Steve Tobocman (D-12, Wayne County)
Robert Dean (D-75, Kent County)

In the Counties

Several County Democratic Parties have passed resolutions against the 15
January Primary, those include key Democratic counties like Kent (Grand Rapids),
Macomb and Washtenaw (Ann Arbor):

Kent County Democratic Party

Resolved: The Kent County Democratic Party believes that a 15 January
primary that chooses no National Convention delegates and gives Michigan
voters a very limited choice from the Democratic presidential field is not in
the interest of Michigan or the Michigan Democratic Party.

Therefore, the Kent County Democratic Party strongly encourages the
Michigan Democratic Party and its Chair Mark Brewer to opt out of the 15
January primary and return to a DNC-sanctioned Caucus on or after 5 February
2008.

Washtenaw County Democratic Party

We applaud the efforts of our state Democratic leaders, particularly Debbie
Dingell, Sen. Levin, and Gov. Granholm, to seek more balanced and
representative participation by all states in the process of primaries and
selection of the Democratic Party's candidate for president. However, in
view of the limited number of choices now to be available to voters on the
proposed January 15 Democratic primary ballot, and unless all eligible
candidates can be put on the January 15th primary ballot, and because of
our commitment to an equal-opportunity democratic process, we the officers'
board of the Washtenaw Democratic Party wish to inform MDP Chair Mark
Brewer, the MDP executive committee, and the other party leaders of our strong
support for a return to the use of caucuses, either on February 9 or on one of
the earlier dates (December 8, 2007; December 15, 2007; January 5, 2008,
or January 12, 2008) previously listed by Party leaders to challenge any move
by New Hampshire to schedule its primary earlier than January 22, 2008.
Further, we will communicate to all county Democratic chairs and Congressional
district chairs throughout Michigan, urging them to express support for this
resolution.

I don't have a copy of the Macomb resolution. I've heard of resolutions passed at the 10th and 12th District Parties, but haven't seen them. I've heard of other resolutions, but haven't seen them, if you know of any, add them to the list. I know similar resolutions failed in Ingham and Kalamazoo, but due to "let the leadership decide" arguments rather than support for the 15 January "primary." I know of no resolutions passed by county parties supporting the 15 January "primary."

A History Lesson

My friend greee, has written an excellent, point by point history and legal study of the Michigan primary debates:

1. The 2004 Democratic National Convention passed a resolution calling for the creation of the Commission on Presidential Nomination and Scheduling. This Resolution was co-sponsored by Senator Carl Levin and Michigan Democratic National Committeewoman Debbie Dingell.

2. The Commission was tasked with the responsibility of studying the timing of Democratic presidential primaries and caucuses and developing appropriate recommendations for the 2008 nominating cycle.

3. The Commission began work in March of 2005. It held five hearings on this matter, and received significant input from various state parties.

4. In its Executive Summary, the Commission acknowledged that one of
its purposes was to address the role played by Iowa and New Hampshire in the
process of selecting the Democratic Part's nominee for President. The
report acknowledged the "valuable" roles played by Iowa and New
Hampshire in the nomination process. In particular, the Commission
identified the as positive "the personal engagement and involvement of the
voters who participate in these contests."

5. The Commission recognized the existence of reform efforts "over
the last three decades" that have attempted to broaden participation in the
delegate selection process."

6. The Commission report also related the concern of various state
parties that expressed "significant concerns" about the
"disproportionate influence" of the Iowa and New Hampshire nominating
caucus and primary. One of the states expressing such concern was
Michigan.

7. One of the stated goals of the Commission was a reaffirmation of the
Democratic Party's commitment to a nominating process that [would] produce the
best and strongest candidate as a nominee for the office of President of the
United States.

8. One of the stated goals of the Commission was to receive and
consider a broad input on the process of selecting a Democratic nominee from a
wide range of interested and knowledgeable individuals and organizations.

9. To this end, the Commission met with 31 individuals including
Senator Carl Levin and Michigan Democratic National Committeewoman Debbie
Dingell. Also, the Commission took written testimony from an additional 14
individuals or organizations well familiar with the presidential primary
process.

10. The Commission also noted the more current involvement of Michigan
in the efforts to reform the nomination process:

"When the DNC adopted its 2004 Delegate Selection Rules in January 2002,
Michigan Democratic leaders voiced their opposition, as they had in the past, to
the exceptions provided in the rules for Iowa and New Hampshire. Later in 2003,
the Michigan State Party indicated that it was its intention to submit a
delegate selection plan that scheduled its contest for the same day as the New
Hampshire primary. This proposed action engendered a not unexpected reaction
from Iowa and New Hampshire and generated intense media attention. Ultimately,
following serious discussions between the DNC and Democratic leaders in
Michigan, Michigan agreed to hold its 2004 contest inside the window. For its
part, the DNC agreed to form a commission to review the rules and make
recommendations with respect to the 2008 calendar. Accordingly, then DNC
Chairman McAuliffe, Senator Levin, and Ms. Dingell jointly co-sponsored a
resolution adopted by the 2004 Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2004
establishing a "Commission on Presidential Nomination Timing and
Scheduling."

11. Senator Levin and Debbie Dingell appeared at the May 14, 2005
meeting of the Commission held in Chicago, Illinois. According to the
Commission report:

"The comments by the Party leaders from Michigan centered on what they
described as the dominating role and privileged position of Iowa and New
Hampshire at the start of the nominating process. The leaders asserted that
these early contests have a disproportionate impact on the nominating process
rendering contests in later states less meaningful or altogether irrelevant.
They suggested that the retail politics espoused by Iowa and New Hampshire can
be duplicated in other states. It was suggested that both states are able to
keep their coveted status based on a strategy of commitments and pledges that
the states have exerted on past potential presidential candidates. The actions
by other states to move their contests closer to those held in Iowa and New
Hampshire suggest that voters in other states are anxious to also have their
issues addressed and their voices heard. The Michigan presenters stated that
ending the Iowa and New Hampshire exemptions would allow the Party to fulfill
its promise and commitment to treat voters and states equally, and would prevent
any state from having and exerting a disproportionate influence over the
process."

12. In its written report, the Commission states:

"The rules that govern this process are not abstractions unrelated to
broader goals. Rather, they are designed, if somewhat imperfectly, to help
ensure that the Democratic Party selects its nominees through a fair, open,
inclusive and representative process."

13. In its written report, the Commission stated its concern about the
negative impact of "front loading" the nomination process.

14. As a part of Findings and Recommendations, the Commission
recommended that there be one or two first-tier caucuses between the Iowa caucus
and the New Hampshire primary.

15. The recommendation of the Commission was adopted by the Rules and
Bylaws Committee and incorporated into the Delegate Selection Rules (hereinafter
"DSR") for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

16. On April 14, 2006 Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer
submitted an application for a "pre-window" caucus slot.
However, this application was rejected. Instead, two
"pre-window" slots were awarded to Nevada and South Carolina.

In other words, Michigan democrats Levin and Dingell sponsored a process,
participated in the process, but did not like the results. So they are
taking there toys and going to play elsewhere.

For other diaries on the topic:

David Boyle, MDP *CLOSED-TO-PUBLIC* meeting on 11/7; demand a Feb. caucus & enfranchisement (FURTHER updated)
My earlier: On the Primary Crisis: What's Next
sndowty, Washtenaw Dems Resolution on Jan. 15th Primary

As David said in his diary:

It's YOUR Party. Do you want your vote to count, and the right to vote for all the 2008 candidates; or do you want some "beauty contest" that even Hillary said doesn't matter, and with most of the major candidates absent?
Your Party, your choice.
Let your voice be heard!!

The Democracy for America Poll in Michigan

From Michigan:

Dennis Kucinich: 35%
Al Gore: 26%
John Edwards: 14%
Barack Obama: 12%

Clinton: 4%
Richardson: 2%
Other: 2%
Dodd: 2%
Gravel: 1%
Biden: 1%


Kucinich really made the DFA strawpoll a priority -- he repeatedly asked his supporters to vote in the DFA poll, he issued press releases, shot videos, and met with local DFA leaders and members all over the country to try and get your vote. And it worked. But, it's not a real reflection of where the activists in Michigan are at, nor does it tell you much about where DFA is at (for the first week, when it was just folks that responded to their national DFA email and thus mostly actual DFA members, Edwards had a large first-place lead, it was only when the Obama and Kucinich campaigns made huge deals out of this that there numbers rose -- the Edwards campaign never used its email list or website to encourage folks to vote in the DFA poll).

So, honestly, I think this shows that Edwards actually has the most support among Michigan netroot and grassroots activists.



The national DFA poll:

Kucinich: 32%
Gore: 25%
Edwards: 16%
Obama: 14%

Clinton: 4%
Richardson: 4%
Other: 2%
Dodd: 2%
Biden: 1%
Gravel: 1%


So, among the three leading candidates, Edwards has the most grassroots support nationwide. And given Edwards' lead for the first week, a good argument can be made that among DFA members, Edwards is the leader.

Priority Action Alert: Call the MDP Now!

The Michigan Democratic Party Executive Board is meeting Wednesday, 7 November at 7:00 p.m to discuss and possibly vote on the 15 January primary opt-out (going back to a DNC-sanctioned primary where Edwards will happily campaign in Michigan and be on the ballot).

If you want to be heard, you must call now. The receptionist at the MDP is taking a tally.

Call the MDP: (517) 371-5410

Tell them that you want Chairman Brewer to opt-out of the 15 January beauty contest and go to a DNC-sanctioned primary where candidates will campaign, Michigan Democrats can vote for who they want to vote for, and our votes can actually choose delegates to the National Convention.

If that is too long, just say "I'm against the 15 January primary/beauty contest."

CALL RIGHT NOW!

I've talked with the powers that be and John Edwards Wants To Campaign In and Win Michigan.
If you want John to be President, you need to call the MDP NOW (it'll just take 30 seconds -- don't put it off any longer).

If you wish to email: midemparty@michigandems.com

Hi, my name is _____________ and I (live in _______________. I am writing this email because I am concerned that I will not be able to vote for my candidate of choice in the 2008 Michigan Primary, currently scheduled for January 15, 2008. Many Democratic voters of Michigan are not being given the choice to vote for the candidate they prefer in this very important nominating process. Due to this, we are feeling disenfranchised.

A February 9th caucus not only conforms with the rules set forth by the Democratic National Committee, it will allow Michigan’s issues to be confronted by all of the candidates and will give all of the citizens of Michigan a fair say in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee. For a democracy to work, all citizens must be included.

I am hoping that the Michigan Democratic Party will see the importance of a ballot comprised of all of the candidates and reinstate our caucus for February 9, 2008.

Sincerely,

Name
Phone Number
Email address

But, a quick phone call to the MDP is better: (517) 371-5410

Go Blue!

Update: 28 -24.
It's the Curse of Spartan Bob!

A must watch video

and see cosbo's and kos' diaries at The Big Orange.

John Edwards First Major TV Ad Up in Iowa Today

John Edwards' first major television ad, a 60-second piece entitled "Heroes," begins airing in Iowa today.

In the ad, Edwards reaffirms his commitment to honoring and fighting for America’s true heroes – the working men and women of our country.

My transcript:

If you're looking for heroes, don't look to me, don't look to Elizaeth. We have support, we have healthcare, we have the AMerican people behind us.

If you're looking to heroes look to them. They are the ones we stand up for.

When Elizabeth and I decided, in the quiet of a hopspital room, after twelve hours of test and after getting very bad news, what we were going to spend our lives doing for all those that have no voice.

We're not going to quietly go away,instead we're going to go out and fight for what it is we believe in.

It is time for our party -- The Democratic Party -- to show a little backbone, to have a little guts, to stand up for the working men and women.

If we are not there voice, they will never have a voice.

Hillary has spent something like $1.5 million in ads in Iowa, Obama has spent something around $2.3 million, and Richardson close to that as well. Even Dodd, has spent $450,000 on TV ads in Iowa.

Edwards spent $25,000 back trying to prevent the May Capitulation bill and has been off the air since then. No more.

From the AP story:

Edwards spokesman Dan Leistikow declined to say how much the ad cost, but said it was "a significant, statewide buy."

Asked about the role of TV advertising in Iowa, Edwards said:

"I think it's much more important to Iowa caucus-goers to see you in the flesh — see you stand before them, look them in the eye and answer their hard questions"....

Edwards has lived up to that belief. Last weekend, Edwards announced he had visited all 99 Iowa counties (from what I remember David Bonior telling m e a month ago, Hillary had only been to 55 counties, and Obama to 45 -- though that's based on memory and may have changed over the past month).

So, what do you think? Let the critiques of Trippi et al begin.

And this isn't the only media that Edwards is getting out to Iowans:

Here's the cover of the new, glossy pamphlet the Edwards campaign has mailed out to Democrats in Iowa earlier this week (apparently it arrived at homes on 30 October). Politco has jpegs of all 12 pages. (thanks okamichan13 to for the tip)



The mailing should remind Iowa voters that they once fell in love with the "optimistic son of a mill worker" and should also make sure they understand that Edwards' populism comes out of his personal story in the small-towns of the Carolinas where he was the son of a union member and saw the hard work and troubles of the American people close up.

I'm actually quite happy with where Edwards is in Iowa (it's clear that a win will be seen as an upset and not something that was expected, as other campaigns had hoped earlier). I do think that this entrance into the air-war, combined with targeted mailings, and the tireless campaigning at fairs, union halls, private houses, lumber yards, etc, will eventually help Edwards win on 3 January 2008 (now just two months away).

Update 10:52 am: I just got an email from fellow Michigander David Bonior and the campaign is asking for contributions to help keep the ad on the air:

Over the past two weeks, thousands of people took up our challenge of raising $500,000 online by October 31 — and because of their support, we can start airing this spot in Iowa today.

Now, we're asking you to help us keep it running. Your contribution today will allow us to keep this ad on the air for an extended period — and to air it in other critical key states. A contribution of just $50 will help us meet this goal.

So please consider helping us extend the run of this powerful spot, and spread John's message of big, bold change to voters in key early states.

Donate Here.