Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero both say they have a plan to reinvent Michigan
If there's anyone who doesn't know by now that Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder wants to reinvent Michigan, apparently they didn't get the memo.
The Ann Arbor businessman and self-professed "tough nerd" has spent millions of dollars getting that message out to Michigan voters this year, filling airwaves with news of his 10-point plan centered on creating jobs and turning around the state's economy.
But Virg Bernero, Snyder's Democratic opponent in Tuesday's election, says he also has a plan to reinvent Michigan, and it's focused on jobs and the economy, too.
"That's the one thing I agree with him on. We do need to reinvent Michigan," Bernero told AnnArbor.com in a recent interview. "My point is just that he wouldn't know the first thing about how to do it. He hasn't done it. He knows nothing about government."
The fact that Bernero, Lansing's mayor and a former state lawmaker, heads into Election Day significantly trailing in the polls is a sure sign his own message hasn't connected with voters in the same way that Snyder's has.
Rick Snyder, left, and Virg Bernero face off Tuesday in the Michigan gubernatorial race, and Snyder still leads in the polls by close to 20 percentage points.
But it also may be a reflection of how Bernero has chosen to spend his time on the campaign trail — and whether the message he's delivering is one voters want to hear.
While Snyder has stuck to a mostly positive script, Bernero has gone on the attack, repeatedly characterizing Snyder as a heartless CEO who has profited while shipping jobs overseas.
"You can't do two things at once," said Bill Nowling, a spokesman for Snyder's campaign. "You either can talk about your plan or attack your opponent, but it's hard to do both at the same time. He's been on a pretty much negative attack since the day after the primary, and I just think that voters tuned out to that. I think we're at a saturation point where voters have stopped listening to candidates who do nothing but run the other candidate down."
Bernero, who talks boisterously about corrupt Wall Street tycoons and Snyder in the same breath, appears to have no regrets about using his time to criticize Snyder's record.
"He's putting his business credentials out there and saying, 'Vote for a businessman. It's time for a businessman for governor,'" he said. "That means that we have an obligation to scrutinize his business tactics. HandyLab — I'm sure you've really dug into that: Shut down, yet he made millions. Now he says, 'Well, I can't control that.' The same thing with Gateway."
Bernero has blamed Snyder for the demise of computer maker Gateway, where Snyder was an executive from 1991 to 1997 and a board member until 2007.
Gateway grew from fewer than 1,000 employees to more than 10,000 while Snyder was an executive, but the company later began to outsource jobs. Gateway moved a substantial portion of its operations to Mexico and countries in eastern Europe and Asia, including China. The number of Gateway employees sunk from more than 20,000 in 2000 to fewer than 2,000 by 2005, and the company eventually sold to Taiwan-based Acer Inc. in 2007.
"I'm not going to penalize somebody because they have operations (overseas). That's not my thing," Bernero said. "But I do think that Rick Snyder warrants special scrutiny because he wants to be governor. He wants to lead Michigan and lead a recovery here. So the question is how will his business practices create jobs here? We know how they've created money in his pocket and money for the few at the top in the corporate board room."
Bernero spent Saturday morning in Ann Arbor, rallying supporters at the Washtenaw County Democratic Party headquarters on North Main Street. The Lansing mayor's campaign has made several stops in Ann Arbor recently as he competes for votes on Snyder's home turf.
"We're not ceding anything here," Bernero said. "This is a good solid Democratic turf. I feel good about it. There's a good operation up and running. We've spent a good amount of time here … so I expect to do well in Ann Arbor and in Washtenaw County."
Stuart Dowty, chairman of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party, said he thinks media coverage of the gubernatorial race has leaned in Snyder's favor.
"I think the media decided shortly after the primary that Rick was their boy," Dowty said. "And I have seen very little examination of what Snyder's plan would mean in terms of tax consequences, in terms of jobs, and the consequences of doing away with the Michigan Business Tax and replacing it with a flat corporate income tax."
Virg Bernero addresses a crowd at Eastern Michigan University last week.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
As Michigan Radio pointed out last week, future state budget holes will be much bigger than either candidate is talking about. And it's still unclear how the candidates will find the money to make up for the business tax cuts they propose.
Both candidates promise to look for efficiencies in state government and say workers will have to face pay and benefit cuts. Bernero told AnnArbor.com he would consult employees on the front lines. Meanwhile, Snyder proposes applying “value for money" budgeting.
"Let’s move from a government that’s been historically based on spending money on lots of activities without any real results or outcome measures to actually get a budget that’s tied into showing real results and being efficient," said Snyder, who started his career as an accountant. "I was a tax partner at Coopers & Lybrand, so in terms of understanding tax policy, I’ve got a significantly greater background than almost probably anybody in the Legislature today."
Bernero said Snyder's economic plan is short on details, though. He claims his own plan offers more specifics, like his proposal to create a state bank that would partner with community banks and credit unions to make loans to businesses. Bernero also proposes a program called Make It In Michigan For Free, which essentially would offer zero taxes for up to 12 years for companies wishing to set up advanced manufacturing facilities in distressed urban areas in Michigan.
"This is a specific idea, a bold idea, arguably risky," Bernero said. "But see, this is the kind of guy I am. I do real things. I offer a real plan with substantive proposals."
Bernero and Snyder differ on using tax incentives, such as the state's film tax credits, to lure business to Michigan. Bernero believes in using "every tool in the toolbox," while Snyder says a significant reduction in taxes would eliminate the need for huge incentives.
"You’re essentially buying someone into the state to make up for the fact that you have a broken tax and regulatory system," Snyder said. "Again, there may still be some strategic need for incentives, but not at that scale. If you fix the underlying tax and regulatory environment, they should be able to dramatically be scaled back."
Bernero, who earned the title of "America's angriest mayor" while fighting for federal bridge loans for the U.S. auto industry, said his plan puts hope in manufacturing. He said he thinks there's "a magic about manufacturing" and Snyder doesn't seem to get that.
Rick Snyder announces his running mate Brian Calley at a town hall meeting back in August.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Since Bernero spoke with AnnArbor.com, General Motors has announced plans to invest $190 million in its Lansing Grand River assembly plant, creating 600 new jobs. The city offered GM about $9.8 million in tax breaks to entice the company to make the investment, paving the way for Cadillac's new ATS compact sedan to be built at the plant.
Snyder said claims he's "written off" manufacturing are untrue.
"That’s from people from the other side that are, again, making up untrue allegations and bad things," he said. "The most ironic part of that, when you look at it, is the Michigan Manufacturers Association has endorsed me. So if there’s any group that I would use as a bellwether to say who’s the biggest supporter of manufacturing, I think that would probably be the highest and best place to look."
Mark Boonstra, chairman of the Washtenaw County Republican Committee, said it's obvious Snyder has the better economic plan.
"Michigan is in a big hole. We've been in it for eight years," said the Ann Arbor attorney. "It's time for something new. It's time for somebody with some business sense and some common sense, and Rick Snyder brings that, and he's our one chance."
Dowty offers a different take, saying Snyder's plan leaves working-class people behind.
"Snyder's economic plan is good for people like Snyder: the top 1 percent of the population," he said. "Bernero's plan has a different perspective, and it's for the average person and trying to protect what's left of the middle class here in the state. I wish there were more time to examine and really reveal what Snyder's policies would mean for the people of Michigan."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
stunhsif
Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.
@Dan H, I agree with what you are saying but hope it won't be as bad as you say. Inflation will take off and I agree, we will be headed back into an even bigger recession, perhaps depression. That is why we need to have a strong third party that is driven by sticking to the constitution and not beholden to special interests. Dems and Repubs are both for big government, they just spend it differently. I call them Republicrats. I would vote Libertarian but at this point it is a wasted vote and a vote for the Democrats. Gotta go with the lesser of two evils and vote Repub.
Dan H
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:48 p.m.
RIck is going to stomp Virg tomorrow. However, although Rick is undoubtedly much better for Michigan than Virg, we're all screwed. The policies of the Federal Government and the Federal Reserve are going to pummel the entire nation into a Greater Depression within 2-3 years, mark my words. If you understand economics and what the ramifications are, protect yourself. The middle class is unfortunately going to get wiped out. And I define myself as middle class even though the Federal Government likes to claim I'm rich so they can tax me more. Liberals especially are going to be in for a world of hurt within this time frame because they tend to not understand economics and the consequences of the huge intervention going on. "Give me control over a nation's money supply and I care not who makes the laws"--study monetary history and understand what's going on if you expect to survive over the next incredibly difficult years where both the democrats and republicans keep blaming each other as things spiral downward. Prepare accordingly and don't look to Rick as the savior, even if you're voting for him like I am. Rick is simply an extremely talented private businessman. What comes out of Washington over the next few years is going to overwhelm him.
David Briegel
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:03 p.m.
bragg, you know, I wasn't going to mention this but now I will. Haley Barbour, Gov of Mississippi and former Republican Natl Chairman talks about the good ol' days of an integrated Miss. in the '60's. The '60's when Medgar Evars was murdered in his driveway in '64, three civil rights workers were lynched, in '65. You know, the good ol' days. He was obviously devious in his statement or delusional. Do you care to characterize your stance? It would be obvious to any honest person that the racist Southern Dems fled the Dem Party after Johnson had the nerve to pass the civil rights act. The modern Rep Party was born and it is NOT the party of Lincoln! Strom Thurmond, Jesse Helms, Trent Lott, and the trek to Bob Jones Univ to "feel their segregationist pain" is the face of the "new Republican party"! Ghost is 100% correct!
stunhsif
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:47 p.m.
Virg has nothing to reinvent, he will just replay the old days in black and white and under his rule, we'll have at least 4 more years of being blown away. Fortunately, most the folks in Michigan don't drink the water in Ann Arbor and Snyder will be our next governer. Gonna stay up late tommorrow night, have a few colds ones and celebrate a new beginning for this great country, one I have always been proud of despite its current leadership.
braggslaw
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:04 p.m.
Race relations in georgia tn nc are better than at any other time in history In many ways the states scarred with slavery are in better shape than the"progressive" states
Somewhat Concerned
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:02 p.m.
Murrow's Ghost (he must be rolling in his grave): you must not have lived in the South during the time period in question. Teach your history to middle schoolers who grew up outside the South. Or, at least don't accuse people of not knowing history they lived through.
David Briegel
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:52 p.m.
All this talk about the South and not one single word about the annual pilgrimage to Bob Jones Univ begun by Ronnie Reagan and every Repub Pres candidate since, to assure those Good Ole Boys that they were welcome in the modern, racist Republican Party! Virg Bernero is our only hope!
InsaneGeek
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:34 p.m.
@JohnQ Well fine then, if you want to get annoyingly nit-picky but it proves absolutely nothing.... Let's limit it to the Democrats since 1964 (when the Southern Dems flipped because of Civil Rights Act). The state with the highest poverty, Mississippi since 1964 has had only 2 years that voted in more Republicans than Democrats into Congress The state with the 2nd highest poverty, Arkansas since 1964 has never voted in more Republicans than Democrats into any session of Congress. Not quite sure how dropping off the earlier stuff changes anything... but there you go decades of continuous voting of modern-day Democrats in the 2x poorest states have shown that those modern-day Democrats haven't fixed their problems even though they've had decades to try. I can also say this: Since Southern Democrat Bill Clinton was elected in 1992 (almost 20 years ago) the Democrats voted into congress from the poorest states have outnumbered the Republicans. (that is unless you want to call President Bill Clinton a non-modern Democrat). Just a little hint: 135 years of not voting more Republicans than Democrats is pretty much the same as since 1964 of not voting more Republicans than Democrats is about the same as 20,10,5,etc years of not voting more Republicans than Democrats. So got any more nit-picky things you want to throw out there? How about in the last 30 minutes? Or how about since the last time the moon was full? Answer is the same the DEMOCRATS have controlled the representation of poorest states... well since it mattered as to a date (pick any date in the past 135 years) so if you are going to post that what's being done isn't helping in the poorest states then you have to agree that the Democrats are the ones failing.
John Q
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.
InsaneGeek, please go study some US history before you lecture us with your stats. The idea that the southern Democrats have any connection to the modern Democratic party is a joke. Likewise with the Republicans who pushed civil rights after the Civil War and the progressive politics of the early 20th century. Sarah Palin wouldn't be caught dead backing Teddy Roosevelt.
God Loves Us All
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.
When Michiganders work together pray together respect each other and follow biblical principals like it did in its hay day than it will again be prosperous. God could turn things around today if he wished as he created everything. If you realty want things to turn around than pray for salvation and do the right thing. Even in bad times Christians are doing well and gods children do not pay attention to what happens in the world. The world makes no difference in a true Christians life only Gods word.
InsaneGeek
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
@uawisok 10 bottom states on the Census are Republican? 2010 Census Poverty rate and members of Congress 50: Mississippi = 3x Dem, 1x Repub 49: Arkansas 3x Dem, 1x Repub 48: Kentucky 2x Dem, 4x Repub 47: District of Columbia 1x Dem, 0x Repub 46: New Mexico 3x Dem, 0 Repub 45: West Virginia 2x Dem, 1x Repub Need one go on? Sure looks like maybe the Democrats are the ones getting voted into the poorest states... with the Democrats holding ~67% of the seats in the poorest states having maybe the question really should be "why should I vote Democrat" as it's obvious the Dems haven't been pulling their states up. Feel free to go out and check that the elected officials to Congress that the Democrats currently and for the most part have been holding the majority in Congress in these states for many many years if not decades. (i.e. the worst state Mississippi since 1875 the Dems have had more reps in Congress then Repubs for 133 of the 135 years, the 49th ranked Arkansas since 1875 the Republicans have *never* had more reps then Dems in Congress). To use your own words... with 133 years of control in Congress why hasn't the Democrats doctrine brought these states out of poverty? Bottom of this link has each state and the history of their Congress http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Representatives_from_Mississippi
Somewhat Concerned
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.
Factually, the South was controlled not by Republicans since the Civil Rights Act but rather, for much of the time, by Yellow Dog Democrats. They were called "Yellow Dog Democrats" because folks said "I would rather vote for a yellow dog than for a Republican." Republicans started getting elected later, when Southerners, tired of the old politicians inability to produce jobs at anything other than military bases planted all over the South, and tired of being treated like moral and mental inferiors by more liberal Democrats, gave Republicans a try. The increasing wealth of the South - as opposed to the decreasing wealth of many states - started about then, but it probably has less to do with Republicans getting more powerful than with a combination of several factors, including right-to-work status, a shift to services that didn't require industrial infrastructure, and the high costs of doing business in other states. Going back to a Governor who thinks old-fashioned big labor and high cost government is the way to produce jobs would at the very least be a retro move unlikely to be imitated in many states: Northern or Southern.
Corey
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.
@Speechless Are you living in the current world? There was a time when what you say is true about Management vs. Labor, but it is no more. In order for our economy to stay competitive in the global economy we can't let unions control everything. If there is one group in this country that keeps asking for more and more when there is less and less it is the unions. And they are popping up everywhere. We don't need unions anymore. If a company chooses to pay wages less than what you like maybe you should rethink the value of your job. If a company decides to pay wages overseas then we need to retool ourselves for a different job. People don't work like slaves overseas. In fact most people who work for American companies in other countries make more than their peers but way less than what the American lifestyle requires. The problem our country has right now is there are people out there that still think they can coast through high school and get a job at the local factory. Well I say "that is just plain stupid". Our lifestyle in this country cannot be supported by factory wages. Going out and get a better education is the only key.
robyn
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.
I'd think most people have made their mind up about who they plan to vote for - especially if they have done the research about the candidates. I, for one, will be joining the 'extremists' - if for no other reason than the fact that it annoys the other extremists... J/K. I vote for those who I think will best represent my own views and beliefs.
braggslaw
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 12:23 p.m.
uawisok, Gotta get up on my soap box. The high school kids I knew who studied hard, developed marketable skills, and then executed their career plans did well. Not rich kids but hard working smart kids with a sense of personal responsibility. The high school kids who got drunk, did not show up for class, got suspended etc. ended up in the UAW or in low wage unskilled jobs. You reap what... you already know that.
Killroy
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 12:13 p.m.
@EyeHeartA2, you are so mistaken! Michigan is in large in the mess that it is because of Engler's past policies. My goodness, study history!
uawisok
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.
"People who work hard hold special privileges over the far left...because they earned their money." Oh you must mean share croppers, textile workers, farmers, garment workers...are these the hard workers of whom you speak Braggslaw?? Probably not...you are probably speaking of buisness owners, bankers and the like because we all know they are really the hardest working.
braggslaw
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.
People who work hard hold special privileges over the far left...because they earned their money. If people want to be professional protestors... have at it, just don't make me pay to take care of you.
Speechless
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:42 a.m.
"... If we continue the class warfare (Management vs Labor), the street warfare (Main Street vs Wall Street) and the spectrum warfare (Liberal vs Conservative)...." Management declared war on Labor a generation ago, upon ascendancy of Ronald Reagan to the White House. The opening salvo was the crushing of the air traffic controllers union, soon followed by the removal of blue-collar union jobs to near-slave labor conditions found in Mexico and overseas. This economic and political dynamic has continued unabated ever since. Corporate interests all but openly wish to ruin the middle class, as they strive to relieve themselves of the financial burden of paying living wages. The modern-era robber barons have been winning over the last generation. Wall Street is no longer at war with Main Street because it has already achieved near-total victory. With banking deregulation and the end of New Deal-era controls under Clinton a decade ago, followed later by the huge Bush bank bailouts of 2008, Main Street has by now been routed. It's as if Mr. Potter, the aspiring bank tycoon, has finally won after all, while George Bailey slinks off into defeat and insolvency, consoled by Clarence the Angel. Conservatives and tea party allies hold special privileges over the Liberals and the left due to corporate 'personhood' under American law. Today, business interests can use vast sums of cash, skimmed from the work of their employees, to purchase the most loyal candidates money can buy. Or, the more wealthy can use personal fortunes in an overt effort to convince the public to let them make a direct purchase of elected office — which will be the case tomorrow in races for governor in both Michigan and California. Tuesday could be a day when a modest majority — among the minority of American adults who still vote — will rally at the polls to Keep Fear Alive.
pearlgirl
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:36 a.m.
Interesting that Rick Snyder is endorsed by the Michigan Manufacturing Association, especially after firms he is associated with have exported US technology and job to Asia. There are currently investigations into espionage by Congress related to the MEMS technology Snyder is actively exporting overseas. Rick insists that as a CPA he has more knowledge about taxes than any other candidate, but he has not responded to inquiries about developing a new income tax code to make it more advantageous to produce profits in Michigan or other US states rather than overseas. Additionally interesting is that the Michigan Manufacturing Association is connected to the National Association of Manufacturers whose President is former Michigan governor John Engler. Engler is reported to have begun plans to challenge Senator Debbie Stabenow in the next senatorial election.
David Briegel
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
Those Southerners are still waiting for that trickle down! Cutting taxes for the top 2% who have already been the winners of that "class warfare" makes NO sense whatsoever!
uawisok
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.
The 2010 census has the top 10 poorest states in the union as being all southern states. These states have been in republican control since the 1964 civil rights act. With 46 years of control why hasn't the republican doctrine brought these states out of poverty? With this example why would I vote Republican????
JSA
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:25 a.m.
@Ghost, Salem witch trials? A little hyperbole to start the day eh? All Virg has done if attack Snyder and promise us more of the same old junk while pandering up to the MEA and AFSCME and other unions in exchange for money. It's time to throw the Democrats out and if in 4 years the Republicans aren't making progress then throw them out.
Booradley
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Anyone who thinks one politician has all the answers is foolish. We as the people of Michigan need to come together to work make sure our elected officials not only listen to us, but also take action that brings jobs and helps the economy. Special interest groups need to butt out, and every citizen of this state needs to stay on top of the issues and what our legislators do even after the election. After November 2nd, we are not done.
Forever27
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.
How soon people forget what type of leadership brought our country to its knees. Apparently the damage done all took place within the last two years. Sadly, the average American voter has the attention span of a gnat.
braggslaw
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:03 a.m.
People get too wrapped up in the hot-button issues and give less focus to the real issues that effect most people in every day life. -for those of us who have children-allow school vouchers and break the teacher's unions which will lead to a concomittant improvement in public education. -shrink the size of govt. to fit what we have to spend. -do not raise taxes in a recession -attract businesses to michigan,as private industry is the wealth generation machine... not public works projects. People get very emotional about gay marriage and abortion (for the record I think gay people should be able to get married and I believe women have the right to choose). For a small number of people, these are very important issues, but the vast majority of of the people in Washtenaw county are affected by the economy and that is where the focus should be.
David Briegel
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
It seems too ironic that we would completely forget what happened from 2001-2009 and only remember the last two years. The obvious anger will get us nowhere. I see the exact same scenario in two years when the buyers remorse will really set in. GreekGod and Veracity are so correct. And DonBee, isn't it sad that the party of NO could not bring itself to be Americans and Michiganders first and foremost as you wish for Dems to be on Wed? I can't wait to see how Snyder will manage the 3 billion that he will cut from the budget and who will get to pay the resulting tax increases that he hasn't told you about. And worse, nobody has even asked.
DagnyJ
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:35 a.m.
I am so sick of GOP robocalls. They are running 6 GOP to 1 Dem. Ouimet tops the call count so I will NOT vote for him. No calls from Snyder or Bernero. But overall, a lot of fearmongering.
Ralph
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
Snyder's ideas are the same old lame "cut taxes" and "regulations." Is that it?
81wolverine
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:01 a.m.
I agree with DonBee. Whoever is elected, one of Michigan's biggest problem's is the inability of it's two parties to work together to solve Michigan's challenges. The new governor MUST be able to forge a middle ground of some sort that will allow change to happen. Personally, I'll put my trust in Rick Snyder rather than the angry mayor to do this.
Top Cat
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.
I didn't know the Left would trot out the sour grapes so early. "Salem Witchcraft Trials"? "further allow corporations and private agencies to pollute our environment and heavily tax the middle class"? The Left had its chance to govern and blew it. The wreckage is for all to see. Their empty chant of "who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?" didn't work.
Veracity
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.
If you want to know what someone will do in the future look at what they did in the past: Virg Bernero has balanced the last FIVE Lansing city budgets and without increasing taxes or layoffs. He has also saved or created over 6000 jobs in Lansing as well as obtaining over $340 million from the federal government for cleanup and construction jobs in Michigan. With this effort, Lansing has reduced its unemployment to 10.3%, second lowest of all municipalities in Michigan. These are the facts that are on record and have not been attacked by Republicans. What he has done well for Lansing so far he can do for the state of Michigan if given the chance as governor. Meanwhile, Rick Snyder has experience as an executive of a large private enterprise, Gateway Incorporated, for which credit for job creation remains uncertain. What is certain is that Rick Snyder was CEO for months prior to Gateway's decline and final sale to a foreign company. His venture capitalist efforts financed new companies whose executives created over 1300 jobs but only 420 in Michigan. Some the latter jobs have disappeared due, in part, to outsourcing overseas. Voters have the choice of buying into Rick Snyder's multi-million dollar advertising effort that exaggerates his accomplishments in private business or to recognize what Virg Bernero has accomplished for Michigan so far as a government servant and what he likely can do if elected governor.
Killroy
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.
As we head into the midterm elections, please remember which party has tried to repeal social security, gives giant corporations more and more tax breaks, repeals safety regulations that further allow corporations and private agencies to pollute our environment and heavily tax the middle class. Please remember. This is no laughing matter.
Somewhat Concerned
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:54 a.m.
Unless he has had a last-minute, "the polls tell me I had better change my life-long philosophy experience," Bornero's history and his speeches to big labor indicate that his real idea of reinventing Michigan in 2010 is to try to build a Michigan of 1961. It might be nice if he could do it, but the world has changed.
DonBee
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:49 a.m.
Win or lose, Michigan will only win if we all work together. If we continue the class warfare (Management vs Labor), the street warfare (Main Street vs Wall Street) and the spectrum warfare (Liberal vs Conservative). The end result is we will ALL lose. Go and vote and afterwards, shake hands with your opponent and figure out how to work together.
Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:26 a.m.
As Politico reports 'Grim Dems await huge House losses' - the same will help Michigan get back on it's feet. The Republican Landslide this Tuesday is more about confidence, and listening to the voters. It is not about a particular government program that will save you, or the State. That type of mentality does more damage than you know.