Posted on 08/02/2004 9:34:13 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan
I'll post this tonight to get a thread started on this.
August 3 is our primary - and in most parts of the state, this is THE election to determine our reps.
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Congressional Primary Races
DISTRICT 7 - Both Parties
This is the open seat for Nick Smith's spot. There are 6 Republicans running and 3 democrats. The Republicans running are RINO Joe Schwarz(most anti-gun candidate for governor in EITHER party in 02, also pro-abort and supported higher taxes), Gene DeRossett, Paul DeWeese, Brad Smith, Clark Bisbee, and Tim Walberg.
The Dems running are Douglas Wilson, Sharon Reinier, and Drew Walker. Only Renier has run for anything before, and she lost in a Jackson County open seat race.
DISTRICT 8 dems - Here two dems, Bob Alexander and Matt Ferguson are running to take on Mike Rogers.
DISTRICT 9 dems - Bart Baron(Ex GOP) party switched to the dems to face Knollenberg. Steve Reifman is a dem also running to face Joe Knollenberg.
District 11 dems - Phillip Truan and Mario Nesr Fundarski are running to take on Thad McCotter.
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One key state rep race of interest is the 105th district in Northern Michigan. John Ramsey is in a 6 way primary against Jack Apol, Kevin Elsenheimer, Jeff Garfield, Bonnie Nothoff, and Craig Ryan. Elsenheimer was winning in one poll I read. We'll see what happens there.
If you are in Ingham County(I'm not), Norm Shinkle is running for judge. He's a good man and will not legislate from the bench, as well as solidly pro-2nd Amendment. I'd vote for him if I could.
Also in Ingham County, Frank McAlpine is a first class jerk and gun grabber. Larry Owen is a liberal democrat. I'm fairly certain Cavanaugh is a dem as well(especially if he's from the Detroit mayor's family).
In Livingston County, David Reader is running for judge. He's a good man who is conservative and pro-2a and I'm voting for him.
The judicial races are as important as anything else on the ballot and we can not forget them.
bttt
Give me some help on the District 7 race. Is Brad Smith the best alternative to Schwarz?
Best wishes from another "Dan from Michigan"
Brad Smith had the momentum according to the polls though.
If you are in Howell, don't forget to flip the ballot over and vote for the precinct delegates........
BTTT
Schwartz has been openly courting Democrats to support him including endorsements from the MEA and some unions. Smith isn't heard from as much and I don't believe he'll be a factor beyond name recognition. My fear is that the number of conservative candidates running will split the conservative vote and with the help of moderate Republicans and Democratic crossovers Schwartz will win followed by Brisbee, Smith and Walberg.
My wife and I popped in to vote at 7pm in Mt. Clemens. We were met near the door by a lady handing out flyswatters to vote for some lady running for County Commission. I asked "What does she stand for?"
"Huh?" was the reply.
"What does she stand for...what's her platform? Why should I vote for her?"
The lady says, "I don't know, I'm just an old dear friend."
Anyone what to guess what party the candidate was in? Here's a hint. She wasn't riding an elephant.
Right now Schwartz is ahead, but that's with 77 out of over 300 precincts reporting in. Tim Walberg is having a suprisingly good showing - he's now in second!
Sharon Renier is in the lead for the Dems
Walberg (R) has the lead!!!! Its less than 500 votes but this is great news!!!
Bummer.
U.S. House U.S. House - District 7 - 54%; 173 of 318 precincts reporting South Central Michigan GOP Primary Name Party Votes Pct Joe Schwarz GOP 10,119 24.6% Brad Smith GOP 9,589 23.3% Tim Walberg GOP 8,243 20.0% Clark Bisbee GOP 8,046 19.6% Gene DeRossett GOP 2,671 6.5% Paul DeWeese GOP 2,473 6.0%
Bummer is right. The endorsement games were played and everyone got burned.
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