G4G talking points for 10/6

[SharonRB]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 (32 Days until Victory 2006)

One year ago today, Governor Granholm announced that her Buy Michigan First initiative was bringing a state call center back to Michigan after it was sent to India during the Engler administration,
The call center is located in Oscoda, Michigan. In addition to creating jobs, it is saving taxpayers $25.3 million to work with a company in Michigan. Governor Granholm calls it “in-sourcing” and it is part of her comprehensive jobs plan that is putting Michigan first.
Rich DeVos, the father of Dick DeVos, revealed yesterday that he was present when Dick DeVos was briefed about the problems at Alterra while the family owned a stake in the company.
The briefing, according to the elder DeVos, came directly from Jerry Tubergen who was then chairman of the Alterra board, and who is a longtime DeVos family friend and confidant.
In the debate on Monday, Dick DeVos claimed that he had “just recently” learned about the Alterra scandal, despite several articles about it in national publications, and legal action in a number of different states. Either Rich DeVos or Dick DeVos is not telling the truth…

Headlines from Around the State

Detroit News Letter from Granholm Press Secretary: Granholm pursues more AT&T jobs
In March 2005, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced a deal with SBC Michigan that saved more than 2,000 jobs in Detroit and Southfield. Since the announced merger between SBC and AT&T, discussions between the state's economic development team and company officials about more potential jobs for Michigan have been ongoing. To suggest Granholm does not have an open dialogue with the company or its representatives is off the mark. Granholm has personally met with SBC Chief Executive Edward Whitacre and has had numerous meetings with SBC Michigan President Gail Torreano since January 2003. It is also wrong to suggest Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is outworking Granholm in bringing jobs to their respective states. A head-to-head match up by Site Selection magazine for 2003 to 2005 shows Michigan had 1,606 business expansions and new corporate facilities compared with 824 in Indiana. AT&T knows of Michigan's willingness to help it expand in Michigan because of behind-the-scenes negotiations rather than a flurry of press releases. Ultimately, the company will make a business decision, but not without the direct attention and involvement of Granholm and the strongest possible offer from Michigan.
Click here to read the full letter... http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061006/OPINION01/610060305/1008

Lansing State Journal: Show money, DeVos
I recently read Dick DeVos wants to get tough on lobbyists, if elected. I find that very interesting, considering his past association with lobbyists. Dick and Betsy DeVos held a huge fundraiser in 2004 on one of the family yachts. The guest list included lobbyist extraordinaire Jack Abramoff of and indicted Congressman Tom DeLay. The DeVos family gave more than $600,000 to the Bush re-election campaign and contributed often to DeLay and his PAC. I wonder if the reason DeVos won't disclose his tax returns like other candidates is he doesn't want the public to see the money trail.
Click here to read more letters...http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061006/OPINION02/610060301/1087/opinion