Folks, I don't know ANYONE planning on voting for Granholm

[IdaBriggs]

outside of a Democratic Party Meeting. :shrug:

Her message is *NOT* getting out, and DeVos is NOT being tied to Bush.

Any suggestions? I don't mean to be stupid here, but I'm very much getting worried that there is some "mind melding" happening at the high levels of the campaign, which is causing SOMEONE to miss the fact that Michigan is NOT HAPPY with the status quo.

I said this two months ago -- the only thing that DeVos has to keep saying is, "We Need A Change," and DAMMIT! That's what he's doing!

[omenapoint]

1. I have not seen a sign, or seen a sticker, or heard her name!

In Leelanau County.

[IdaBriggs]

2. Are you kidding me? That's TERRIBLE! Especially with summer tourists

visiting the area lately -- what the heck is going on??? ARGH!!! :argh:

[omenapoint]

3. Well, the summer tourists are mostly wealthy.

And largely from Ohio (where I'm from and live part-time) and Chicago.

[SharonRB]

4. Calm down.

The governor hasn't really gotten started yet. There's a big reception today and a rally with Kerry to celebrate volunteers and get everyone ready for the campaign on Sunday.

She knows what she's doing. Things will start getting hotter after the primary is over.

[marmar]

5. Agreed. How many people are even focused on the election right now?

I know I'm not. Things will get more serious in the fall.

[IdaBriggs]

7. See my "they are angry WITH HER" comment.

Things are not happy in Michigan-land, and reality has nothing to do with a political campaign.

Today's educational comment (from the nice lady who works the lunch counter) --

"I like her PERSONALLY, but she's doing a TERRIBLE job."

:banghead: :shrug:

[IdaBriggs]

6. Well, its not my job that is on the line.

And I hope you are right, because so far the score is about 125 pissed off citizens who are ANGRY WITH HER to one lone supporter (me) -- and we are not talking rabid Republicans here.

:shrug:

ON EDIT: And I'm not in a position to require "calming down" over this, although I am starting to feel more and more like "Cassandra" every day.

[EmmitFitzhume]

9. As has been said

it truly is early in the campaign, and I believe Governor Granholm is wise to wait a little longer before unleashing an ad blitz getting the truth out there about her record and DeVos numerous flaws.

Until the MDP and the Granholm campaign pick up we need to spread the word about her accomplishments and DeVos shortcomings. For example, a relevant issue for this week is the stem cell debate. Governor Granholm supports easing the restrictions on stem cell research at the federal level and has called for an end to Michigan’s ban on embryonic stem cell research which not only could help find cures for various diseases but attract research funds and scientists to the state. Obviously, DeVos is strongly opposed and has given lots of money to Right to Life groups to oppose stem cell research.

As with the Google announcement last week, the development of scientific research industry in MI could continue to diversify the economy away from a reliance on manufacturing and shed the "rust bet" image of the state. There is no silver bullet as Dick claims and a repeal of the ban would contribute to that end.

What are the main complaints these people have with Governor Granholm?

[livvy]

11. Hey...are you going?

I definitely plan to be there! I'm really looking forward to it.

[SharonRB]

14. I am -- another one of Nancy's volunteers and I are going to

attend the forum Nancy will be at from 11:30-12:30 right near my house and then we're going to race over to Madison Heights. We'll probably be a little late, but I saw Libby Benson a little while ago at the Granholm reception and she said if we get there by 12:45-1:00 we should be okay. We may even cut out of the forum a little early.

Watch for me.

[UrbScotty]

8. Ask people this question:

"Do you want a governor who has a plan to get this state who has a comprehensive plan to get Michigan out of the hole, or do you want a governor who personally cut jobs in Michigan and invested in Communist China, which Dick DeVos did at Amway?"

We all have a part to play in her re-election. Asking this question can't hurt.

[noonwitch]

10. Labor Day is the traditional election campaign kick-off day

The governor does not have millions of her own dollars to spend on advertisements. Devos does.

You don't have to tie Dick to Bush, all you have to do is tie him to his company's previous name-AMWAY. Then just make sure the public realizes how corrupt and dishonest that company is in making money.

Union voters need to understand that he is anti-union. Not just tired of unions, the way Engler was, but would like to see all unions demolished. Amway treats their factory employees fairly well, which is why they don't have a union. They are able to do this by bilking potential distributors. That's how they make their money, because their products are shit. My dad made a lot of money selling janitor supplies to Amway to use in their factories and hotel, because their own products are crap. They also have a plant in China, contrary to the claims he is making in his ads about his commitment to doing business in Michigan.

[jeanarrett]

21. No kidding--almost the original "Ponzi" schemers. n/t

[livvy]

12. I met the Gov this past Monday, and had a chance to speak to her briefly.

We talked about DeVos, and she agreed there is no lack of info to choose from to discredit him. It is a matter of timing and choosing what info to share. Like someone mentioned, she doesn't have the war chest that DeVos has, so she has to carefully time her ads, etc. so that he doesn't have time to respond. One really interesting thing she said was that she has spoken to people who actually are not aware that DeVos is a Republican! That floored me, but it just goes to show how little people know about him. That should change soon.
She told the group of volunteers to relax, that they did have a plan for the campaign, and things would get started soon.
She is really depending on the volunteers to get the word out, and really work hard to help get her re-elected. So volunteer and recruit everyone you can think of! Contribute to her campaign, if you are able. Even if it is a small sum, it all adds up.
She stressed the point that her success goes deeper than just the governorship. If she loses, that pushes Michigan that much closer to turning red (Rep. governor, legislature, Sec. of State), and that is something the Repugs would definitely like to happen before '08.
She said to look for visits from all the '08 Repug presidential wannabes between now and November.
My impression of her is a very warm, personable, intelligent, and sincere lady. I plan to work my tail off for her, and I hope many, many others do as well. I think most of the local campaign offices are open now, so check out her website, and volunteer!
I'm glad Kerry is going to be with her this Sunday. I would love to meet him!

[Scout]

13. thanks for the information, I needed that...

I too was starting to worry.

[SharonRB]

15. You were so lucky to get a chance to speak to her

I was up really close when she spoke today, but I didn't get to meet her face to face and talk to her at all. She is even prettier in person (it's the first time I've been in the same room with her) and such a dynamic speaker. She was great! Ellen Malcom from Emily's List introduced her, and she was great, too. I'm hoping to get a chance to actually talk to the Gov on Sunday. I did get to shake Kerry's hand during the '04 campaign.

She knows people are panicing, but, as I've said here, too, she said to "calm down," she's got things under control. She said people don't really know who Dick DeVos is, and she'll make sure they do before it's all over. I have faith that she knows what she's doing.

[livvy]

16. Yes, she is very pretty, and so petite!

She was very easy to talk to, very down to earth, and obviously very bright.
I don't think people realize or appreciate how much she actually has accomplished. It's hard for people to see it when the pretzelnut and his malicious troop have got things so screwed up.
I'll look for you on Sunday!

[SharonRB]

17. LOL -- Funny, I noticed that, too

She's much more petite than I thought she was. And even prettier in person. I hope I get a chance to talk to her Sunday. It would be a real thrill for me. First Randi, then Jennifer!

[maddogesq]

18. She kept this state from bankruptsy.

Yeah, even my significant others mom (a Democrat) says she ain't voting for her, but I got time to work on that one.

These polls just don't hit Wayne County accurately: They never have in the last several years.

And yes, I do call her Gov. Pretty Eyes, and having hugged her I know she is very petite. First Gentleman is one lucky dude because he gets to look into those every every day. Dang!

More inprotantly, this woman has brains and savvy I could only dream about having.

[livvy]

19. He's not a real big guy. Nice looking. They make a nice looking couple!

[jeanarrett]

20. Well, I know she needs money and needs it now.

He has apparently already spent millions and has plenty more where that came from. Donate if you can and soon!

[livvy]

22. Ten million. It's a record for this particular race.

Can you imagine having that kind of money at your disposal? I really have to question his motives. Why does he want to be the governor so badly? It has to be tied to a larger plan. I wonder if he has his thoughts trending toward running for president in the future, and sees this as a stepping stone to that end. The Repuglican party has to be tied in here somewhere, since they have so many ties to it.

[blue4barb]

23. I think DeVos is looking at favors down the road--

perhaps some lucrative business deals in his future, courtesy of the b*sh, cheney and the repuke party. Sort of a Haliburton thing.

[EmmitFitzhume]

24. you got it . .

he already bought the domain name devosforpresident.org and I'm sure he's tired of playing CEO and wants to try Governor. I would guess he either wants to run for President or the US Senate after his planned term as governor, although we all know none of that is going to happen. We have seen his dedication to public service with his brief stint on the State Board of Education, serving only 2 of 8 years.

He won't even support the anti-abortion ballot initiative and that is supposed to be the bread and butter for his base. We all know he has given a ton of money to Right to Life groups and is strongly opposed to stem cell research so I wonder why more conservatives aren't on his case about this?

[TheModernTerrorist]

25. it's what I call the "Executive Effect"

where you blame EVERYTHING on whomever is in the executive office. Now, it is all of our jobs to educate ourselves, in order to help educate others as to the truth behind it all. School budgets got cut because MI was millions in debt, so Granholm did the tough cuts, and now has invested more into education than ever before. GM and Ford are leaving the state NOT because of the business tax (which is one of the 10 LOWEST IN THE COUNTRY), but because of the culture of exploitation that free trade has created. High gas prices are all across the country. Granholm was the one that talked to the oil companies during Katrina and got them to put a cap on prices.

There's so many things we need to tell the voters from now until November, and I'm confident we can do that.

[Lefty48197]

26. I'm sick of these posts Ida

"Granholm is going to lose... the sky is falling". You keep posting the same damn thing with different words. We get it. You think Dick DeVos is going to be the next Governor of Michigan, in spite of his ties to Jack Abramoff. It was Ralph Reed's ties to Abramoff that lost an election for him, but that means nothing to you. We get it. DeVos has worked overtime to shut down Michigan's public schools, but you don't think that is an issue that will 'play' with voters next November. We get it. DeVos and his wife have worked to make Michigan a 'right to work'/anti-union state. You don't think the voters of Michigan will remember that on election day. We get it.

[IdaBriggs]

28. Good. Call me Cassandra! I want to be wrong.

I *like* Governor Granholm. But I'm not going to play Pollyanna.

You have now mentioned THREE THINGS about Dick DeVos that should matter: Jack Abromoff, support for "school vouchers" (I think), and being anti-Union.

As a better than average informed voter, YOUR POST IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE HEARD ANY OF THOSE THINGS ANYWHERE.

So, the question isn't really "will the voters of Michigan remember this stuff on election day" but rather, is ANYONE going to tell them???

[skipos]

29. DeVos did't just support vouchers, he spearheaded it.

Check out the link in my signature.

[IdaBriggs]

30. I have signatures "turned off" in my profile, so could I ask you to share?

Thank you! :)

[skipos]

32. .

whatyoudontknowaboutdick.com

[pwreid]

31. Check out Off The Record for July 21 (Emily's List)

If you don't watch "Off The Record" http://wkar.org/offtherecord/ very often, you might be interested in the program aired last Friday.

Emily's List, according to the journalists featured in the program, has targeted Michigan and Gov. Granholm for support and resources, both financial and with people.

I think you will also recognize some of the points you have made.

[SharonRB]

33. I was at a reception last week for the governor hosted by

Ellen Malcolm from Emily's List. She was a very dynamic speaker and a good one to have in our court. I was very impressed with her.

[European Socialist]

27. Don't' worry--Everybody is getting sick of seeing his ugly mug on tv.

[FILAM23]

34. I no longer live in MI,

but my sisters do, both lifelong Dems and they both
are talking about not voting for Gov this year as they
are so upset with Granholm.

[skipos]

35. I'll never understand that "logic"

"I am upset with Democrat So and So, so I'll risk subjecting my district/city/state/country to a far worse Republican!" It is unfortunate that the lives of so many people get to be ruined by that nonsensical approach.

If your sister are into vouchers, making abortion illegal, Bush economics and all that, then they shouldn't vote for Granholm. My guess is that they haven't spent 1 mimute looking into the damage that DeVos has in store for MI.

[livvy]

36. Or the accomplishments of Granholm, or her plans.

Download and print this to give to them or pass along the site address. Copies of this may be available in the campaign offices also. (pdf)
http://www.granholmforgov.com/site/DocServer/GFuturePlan_160459_7.pdf?docID=861

[Lefty48197]

37. Please ask them to explain why they are "so upset with Granholm"

I'd like to hear any Democrat explain why they are "so upset" with her.

[Upfront]

38. I am.

Stickers on both truck and car. I think she has done a fine job.

[Mich Otter]

39. What happens if....?

What happens if 10% of the people who voted Republican in the '04 elections choose the straight Democratic ticket this time around? Not all the people who voted Republican consider themselves to be Republican, many say Independent, Libertarian or Democrat if asked.
Is it possible that there are that many, (approximately 5% of the total voters, since the country is almost half and half, Republicans and Democrats, with a lot of Independents also)?
Would it be enough to regain the House and the Senate?
I am guessing most of the people who call themselves Independent will be going Democratic for the next few elections.

[Ibleedgreen]

40. Yeah, it's definitely worrisome

how many people I've talked who say that she has done anything that considering voting for DeVos. But it's still very early and Granholm hasn't gone on the attack; that warm fuzzy feeling some have now will disappear when things like his wife's comments about Michigan workers being overpaid come out.

[newyawker99]

44. Hi Ibleedgreen!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[LuckyTheDog]

41. My elevator speech

Ya know what, even if you are not 100% happy with Granholm, voting for Amway Dick would mean voting to punish the whole state for what you perceive as Granholm's weaknesses.

DeVos is no leader and has no real plan. His only "qualification" is that he inherited enough money to finance his own campaign. He is otherwise a total zero.

Granholm's plan is to invest in new industries and jobs. It won't work miracles over night. But it's already paying off. Google's plans are is one example. There's also ePrize, which is creating 500 more jobs. Check it out. We're becoming a high-tech state.

[SharonRB]

42. Good elevator speech.

I was talking to my print vendor today, who voted for * and is more or less a Republican, but not on the far right. We were talking about Granholm. He really likes her and actually wishes she could run for president. He's met her in person a few times, which I think helps. He doesn't think DeVos is good for the state at all.That's at least one Repub in our court on this one. I have to believe there are more. We laughed about Amway. As soon as you know that about DeVos, it's a done deal for the Gov. Amway is a joke for most people.

People are wising up to what DeVos really is.

[warbustdotcom]

43. they could be waiting

Well it is only August. They could be waiting until people really pay attention. Keep in mind, the average voter is basically mentally impaired, and not as informed as us folks. As long as Jennifer has better hair than Devos, and drives a better car, all the cool kids will vote for her. Don't worry.

[smoke2006]

45. Voting for Granholm

Anyone with any brains at all will NOT vote for DEVOS. " WE NEED A CHANGE", yes, we need to dump all the rep. in the Mississippi River and let them float out to the ocean with all the other polluted things.}(

[TahitiNut]

46. Welcome to DU, smoke2006!

I wouldn't want to put toxic waste in the Mississippi River. :hi:

Perhaps they could be sent where we put the imported Canadian garbage? :evilgrin:

[smoke2006]

48. Thanks for the Welcome

Been lurking here a very long time and decided I have got to express my feelings.
I am 3/4 Canadian. Lets just dump them all in Bush's front yard and consider it toxic waste.

[etherealtruth]

50. Oh come on ...

We in Macomb County suffer enough.

[Pierre.Suave]

47. I talked to people today

that did not even know there was a primary election today...

I just shook my head in shock and disbelief and walked away.

[HeardOnTheHill]

49. Granholm Ad Campaign

With Granholm's TV ad campaign now underway, I think her message will get out quickly. The poll numbers have been consistently close, despite DeVos' spending over $10 million on TV ads, and I think that Granholm will pull ahead as her message continues to spread. In case you haven't seen them, you can find some of her ads on YouTube here and here. Be sure to send the links to friends, and while you're there, give the videos some good ratings!